Many years ago, while still in college, my friend Jon shared a quote with me—one you’ve perhaps heard as well. It’s attributed to Charlie “Tremendous” Jones:

“You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

I’ve since been through four such intervals, and I’ve concluded there’s truth in those words. Books have played a huge role in shaping the person I’ve become—especially when they’ve been read alongside fellow learners like those in this community.

With that in mind, I’m sharing the books that shaped me most in 2025 and the ones I plan to read in 2026 (with an invitation for you to do the same).

Best of 2025

1. Telling the Truth - Buechner is a “1 of 1” - gentle, searching, and quietly insistent that the sacred shows up in the most human places.

2. I Cheerfully Refuse - As I wrote about in a previous newsletter, this book is a reminder that hope is sometimes found in the darkest of places.

3. The Cost of Ambition - The Kierkegaard chapter alone (on his conception of “mere humanity”) is worth the price of admission.

4. Bandersnatch - I’m endlessly fascinated by the Inklings, and this book gave me a richer understanding of the company they kept. 

5. Surprised by Hope - Christianity’s goal isn’t escape from earth but the renewal of it. Who knew?

Coming in 2026

1. The Power Broker - Sam Presti’s recent comments have me curious about Robert Caro, and I’m told this is the place to start. 

2. Dopamine Nation - I’m interested in learning more about how our modern world is rewiring our brains. 

3. Sacred Pace - My friend Todd says this is a must-read. 

4. Theodore Rex - I loved volume one from Edmund Morris, so I’m going to keep going. 

5. Marce Catlett - The latest (and probably last) novel in Wendell Berry’s Port William series.  

Your Turn

1. What’s a book that shaped you in 2025?

2. What’s one you’re looking forward to reading in 2026?