Top 23 Books of 2025: My Personal Favorites

The Battle of Midway by Craig L. Symonds

My grandfather and my wife’s grandfather were both in the Navy during WWII and both were in the Pacific Theatre. So, I have always been interested in this area of the war. Her grandfather was actually at Midway a couple of weeks before this battle. This books explains in great detail the Battle of Midway and the time leading up to it from both the American and Japanese perspectives. Excellent Read!

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

This is a fascinating, wild, and tragic true story of Christopher McCandless and his search for meaning in life. He did what every boy/young man dreams of: hitching rides, living in the wild, and exploring the world. Was he running toward something or from something (hint: the next book gives us an answer)? Although I wish it would have ended differently for his sake, I thoroughly enjoyed following his life and spirit. Excellent Read!

The Wild Truth by Carine McCandless

If you read Into the Wild (above) you can’t help but wonder if there’s more to the story behind Chris’ wanderlust and adventurous spirit. In this book his sister, Carine, reveals another side of the McCandless family. Like so many other books I’ve read, it shows how weak men can destroy lives, even generations. A Heartbreaking but Excellent Read.

We Who Wrestle with God: Perceptions of the Divine by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson

I’m a huge fan of Dr. Peterson. I had the privledge of seeing him in person in Columbus in 2023 before this book was published.

Think of this book as a combination Bible Study – World History Lesson – Human Psychology Study. His insights into Scripture and human nature are profound.

Excellent Read!

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Think of this as stoicism for beginners. I listened to this book and did get a lot out of it. Her idea of “let them” still comes into play in my daily life. For that I am thankful.

If you aren’t familiar with stoicism and how it can help you improve your life, you may want a more substantial book (see review below). However, the basic premise behind “let them” is extremely helpful. Overall, a Good Read.

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know by Malcom Galdwell

Absolutely fascinating. I really liked this book and its format (book/podcast in the audio version. It was extremely thought provoking and helped me to grow tremendously in my empathy. It also helped me to learn to temper my judgement of others based on what I think I know.

It’s an Excellent Read and dare I sat a Must Read (for everyone!)

The Temperament God Gave You: The Classic Key to Knowing Yourself, Getting Along with Others, and Growing Closer to the Lord

If you want deeper insights into why you behave the way you do and why others behave the way they do, this is the book for you. God created us “this way” for a reason, this book is very helpful for navigating personal relationships as well as growing closer to God. Excellent Read.

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield

If you’ve read my blog for any number of years, you’ll know that this is probably my 3rd favorite book of all time. It could be argued that it is my favorite because I reread it ever summer and have done so for years.

It’s well researched, well written, and contains so many different life lessons for all of us.

Excellent Read, Must Read.

The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

Most certainly an outlier for me. I read this book as research for a book I wanted to write. It is an interesting look at a culture very foreign to me. There are many things I still do not understand but also many things that I think, if adopted, would greatly benefit American culture. The book is really a text book and can be very dry at times.

Good Read

Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy

I love WWII books, especially if it’s a true story. This book kept me on the edge of me seat the entire time. This extraordinary true story of Odette Sansom is filled with all the stuff of spy novels and more.

I must admit, however, that I was less than thrilled with many of her choices morally, but it was a world plunged in war.

Good Read!

Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind 

Nate Bargatze is a comedic rockstar. My family loves his simple, situational humor, and I’m very comfortable with all of my kids watching him.

The book, I didn’t care for so much. I’ll give him a break because I listened to the book on Audible. It may have been more funnier if I had read it instead. The stories are great for the most part but I’ll stick to his specials from now on.

The Kite Runner

I had heard about this book for years and never took the time to read it. I’m so glad I did. It’s an excellent story of friendship, betrayal, and redemption.

This fictional story, set in a real place, during a real time makes the story extremely readable and moving.

Excellent Read, Must Read.

The Fall of Rome: And the End of Civilization

Here is another book that I picked up for research. The question I had was, “what was life like during the fall of the Roman Empire?” This book answered that question and more. This carefully researched book shows that Rome didn’t fall in a day but it was a traumatic, destructive fall with tremors that still echo unto today.

Good Read.

On The Beach by Nevil Shute

What would you do if you only had a few months to live, if everyone only had a few months to live?

This novel examines that book in detail from many different points of view through different characters and personalities. A heartbreaking, tragic, yet thrilling novel that has stood the test of time because it dives into the heart of man and woman.

Excellent Read.

The 21 Undeniable Secrets of Marriage: Taking Your Relationship to the Next Level (New Edition)

I’m always on the hunt for conferences, retreats, and books to help strengthen our marriage.

This wonderful book has the power to do just that. Easy to read chapters and easy to do activities with your spouse will help you grow closer to God, closer to one another, and strengthen your marriage!

Excellent Read.

No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model

Internal Family Systems Model is a wonderful help for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other “interior” struggle. I’ve enjoyed reading this book and listening to countless podcasts featuring Dr. Schwartz.

Note: I did/do struggle with some parts of the book and method as they border on New Age ideology. Good Read.

The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism: Tools for Emotional Resilience and Positivity

I don’t often take notes while reading books but for this one I did. There is so many positive aspects of Stoicism for mental, physical, and emotional health. In my note taking, I was always able to match a Catholic/Christian parallel to what was being taught. It’s a great book for learning new and better ways to look at the world and life.

Excellent Read.

Anxiety: A Catholic Guide to Freedom from Worry and Fear 

I loved this book and feel like the price was worth it for the prayers at the beginning of the book alone.

It has become an extremely useful tool for me to overcome some anxiety issues.

Excellent Read

McCracken and the Lost Island (The McCracken Adventures (2nd Series))

I received this book from the folks over at Sword & Spade. It’s a quick, fun read suitable for all ages.

If you or your children love adventure books, this Catholic Indiana Jones type adventure will be just the ticket.

The author has other books which I hope to read soon.

Excellent Read.

The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy by Padraic Colum

I can’t count the number of times I have started The Iliad & the Odyssey…and never finished.

This book, another gift from Sword & Spade, was just what I needed. It’s a user/reader friendly introduction to the overall story and it gave me the courage to start again. Hopefully I can give a review in 2026!

Excellent Read