Like last year, I will be reviewing every book I read or listened to in 2024. I greatly increased the time I dedicated to reading, as well as decided to listen to books at the gym rather than music, so this list is significantly larger than last year’s. As such I won’t be doing in-depth reviews, just short blurbs.
You’ll note that there is A LOT of Douglas Wilson on this list. He has over 75 books published, many of them are pretty short, taking an hour or less to listen to or read. I’ve discovered that even though I disagree with his theology, I’m a major fan of his voice and worldview. He has been a serious blessing to my wife and I this last year.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
6/10
Good but predictable. I listened to the audio book and the introductory chapter gave the whole thing away! The message is pertinent, but not as applicable to modern times. Still a good read but every event could be seen from a mile away.
“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
6/10
Not what I expected, and not for the faint of heart. This book was significantly darker than I have ever heard about it, often referencing free sex and children being involved in its culture. The ending is dark and hopeless. The story leading up to it is thrilling, but I feel as though Huxley wrote more out of indulgence than warning. It is a warning, but maybe not the one I’d been lead to believe it would be. It makes me wonder if any of the people who reference it so often these days have actually read it.
“The Benedict Option” by Rod Dreher
8/10
Dreher does a good but not great job of outlining a plan for Christians to retake culture by building parallel institutions of power, once they have gone through a desert period of growth and honing. I love Dreher’s prose and outlook, and wish his plan to take over Christendom.
“The Cure” by Bill Thall, John Lynch, and Bruce McNichol
7/10
Theologically challenging, spiritually and relationally enthralling. A new and unique perspective on sin grace, a practically radical one. The book can best be summarized by imagining God saying “that’s all you got?” to our sin, and insisting that we say the same to those we love. This book is best experienced when read with a large group.
“1984” by George Orwell
8/10
Also not exactly what I expected. The love story plays a much bigger role than I ever realized. I don’t think we’re that close to 1984, actually. I think patriotism is far too low for that. It’s good, but I feel like I’ve been misled by the way people talk about this book. The central lesson of language being how to control a population is invaluable, though. We should talk about that even more.
“The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis
9/10
I won’t spoil it, I’ll just say it’s quite beautiful.
“Church Music and the Other Kinds” by Douglas Wilson
9/10
Short exposition on music and the Gospel. Exceptionally packed with wisdom considering the 60-some page read.
“The Boniface Option” by Andrew Isker
7/10
This is a response to Rod Dreher’s “The Benedict Option”. Isker essentially agrees, but insists that we do so with while giving the raspberry. He is funny, punchy, and convicting. This falls squarely into the category of Serrated Edge writing (truth that doesn’t cut, but rips and tears).
“Live Not By Lies” by Rod Dreher
7/10
Dreher warns Christians of the growing threat of communism in the US, and interviews those who survived it in the USSR and how Christianity is the very thing that toppled it.
“Live No Lies” by John Mark Comer
7/10
Very similar to Live Not By Lies (even in title, and coming out the same year), Comer offers a warning that focuses on softer behaviors and internal habits rather than outward ones like Dreher. I recommend reading this and Dreher’s book in sequence. Comer actually references his affection for Dreher in this. I do strongly dislike Comer’s progressive tendencies, like his constant advocacy for pacifism. I suppose he is a pastor in Portland and that may just be how God has wired him to minister to those people. I can’t call him unorthodox, just weak on some issues.
“Flags Out Front” by Douglas Wilson
8/10
One of Wilson’s many prophetic fiction pieces, it is a funny and convicting call for stronger backbones in Christian leaders.
The Maritime series by Douglas Wilson
9/10
4 historical fictions covering a family line living in coastal America. Extremely good, would make a great gift for a teenage boy. Exciting action and adventure mixed with good dialog and many Christian ethics.
“How Dante Can Save Your Life” by Rod Dreher
7/10
One of the saddest opening pieces I’ve ever heard. This walk through the Divine Comedy takes you on Dreher’s personal journey of grief, healing from a family that has rejected him and refuses to understand him. An essential “father wound” book.
“Crunchy Cons” by Rod Dreher
7/10
I felt cool reading this, like a revolutionary , but eating organic raisins (which I am doing right now). What Dreher wrote in 2006, we see as commonplace in 2024, and though conservatism is more splintered than before, this more genuine sect has garnered major authority within it.
“Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men” by Stephen Mansfield (reread)
9/10
A book that changed my life. Mansfield’s doctrine that men become men by doing inspired me to write my own book. Does praise get higher than that?
“Ride, Sally, Ride” by Douglas Wilson
8/10
It was shocking to discover that this was written in 2016 and not in the middle of Covid. Acutely prophetic. As all Wilson is, it is funny, satirical, and places its finger right on the bruise of modern culture.
“Speechless” by Michael Knowles
5/10
Good, but Knowles is obviously a journalist before an author. I think he raises good points, but don’t totally agree with his argument that speech ought to be regulated. He won me over from being a free speech absolutist, but I’m not ready for his borderline authoritarian regulation. Smart guy, meh, the book and the ideas within it leave a little to be desired.
“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
5/10
Cool presentation and at one time these were revolutionary, but they’re pretty obvious at this point. Still, neat to read something that’s so far upstream from many other pieces of literature.
“The Serrated Edge” by Douglas Wilson (and Canon Press)
6/10
Fun, insightful, and bold. I like the idea, I like the confidence, not convinced that Canon always practices what they preach here. Love them, but they don’t always abide by their own rules. The idea is well worth learning, honing, and practicing. I read this in May and here in December I’ve noticed I’ve adopted the concept in daily life.
“Decluttering Your Marriage” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
Short and uplifting, a nice contrast to much of Wilson’s other works on marriage.
“The Covenant Household” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
The most balanced of Wilson’s writings on marriage. I distinctly feel like a better husband after reading this.
“Ploductivity” by Douglas Wilson
8/10
The joining of productivity and theology. Great to learn how people like Wilson stay on task and productive without compromising family time.
“Pomosexuality” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
Good points, but nothing new being said here about sexuality on current culture.
“European Brain Snakes” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
Great overview of postmodern thinking. Too short to be really in-depth.
“Mis-Inflation” by Douglas Wilson and David Bahnsen
5/10
Good but over my head. I have neither the capital nor opportunity to apply these ideas. I will revisit it in the future.
“Gashmu Saith It” by Douglas Wilson
10/10
Exceptional. Easily my favorite book in the category of books about how Christians should engage with modern Western culture. I’m still amillennial, but Wilson nearly won me over to postmil with this. An essential read for anyone who wants to see the Kingdom come, which should be everybody.
“Why Children Matter” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
Good, but mostly just a summary of scripture. The Q&A section at the end is the best part.
“Evangellyfish” by Douglas Wilson
8/10
Funny and a little close to home as a charismatic, this fiction is about a megachurch pastor dealing with a false accusation of sexual misconduct while trying to cover the many acts of sexual misconduct he did commit. One time while listening to this and doing sit-ups I laughed so hard that I fell off the Nordic bench and caused a huge scene at the gym. Another time I was fishing and laughed in the middle of the cast and lost an $8 lure. So yeah, it’s funny.
“How to Exasperate Your Wife” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
The first third of the book is incredibly good. The last 2/3rd are just okay, and sometimes obvious.
“Wordsmithy” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
A little dry, but good tips. I’m working on my own book and this had some truly helpful things in it.
“The Seven Deadlies” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
A practical guide to fighting temptation according to the 7 Deadly Sins. Helpful, but not exactly thrilling to read.
“Rules for Reformers” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
A refuting and reframing of an existing book for leftists, this is one of Wilson’s full-length works. There is a lot in here that I think was said much better in both “Gashmu Saith It” and “Mere Christendom” (which we’ll get to later), but it’s a decent listen.
“Confessions of a Food Catholic” by Douglas Wilson
2/10
Wilson’s first miss since I’ve started reading him. Pretty terrible take on the theology of food. He focuses on community so much that he gives literally no room for preference, or even care for one’s own body. His tone is heavy, critical, unnuanced, and sometimes downright foolish. Here is a direct quote: “If at a gathering with friends you are presented with a plate of cigarettes covered in gravy, you will eat it, and you will be thankful.” I guess I know I won’t be dining with the Wilsons anytime soon.
“The Church Impotent” by Eric Podles
10/10
A must-read for men. It outlines the feminization of the church and its history. There are a number of disturbing teachings from the 13th century onward that contribute to this. Very deep, very heavy, very good.
“Devoured by Cannabis” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
Going into this book I was morally opposed to weed, but indifferent to legislation regulating it. Wilson makes a number of strong, reasoned arguments as to why it ought to be made illegal again.
“Get the Guy: How to be the Kind of Woman the Kind of Man You Want to Marry Would Want to Marry” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
I don’t know why I listened to this. I’m a married straight man. It was good, though.
“Get the Girl: How to be the Kind of Man the Kind of Woman You Want to Marry Would Want to Marry” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
Also don’t know why I listened to this. I already married the kind of woman I would want to marry. It was also good.
“Same-Sex Mirage” by Douglas Wilson
8/10
Great ammunition for anyone who wants to defend what the word “marriage” means.
“Fidelity” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
Very heavy in tone, but a good read.
“Thoughts for Young Men” by J.C. Ryle
10/10
Frankly I’m sad that I discovered this at 30 and not much younger. Written in 1865, it 100% holds up today. I will be gifting this to many young men in my gift bundle that includes Wild at Heart, The Screwtape Letters, and The Warrior Poet Way.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
4/10
I used to read this annually. I stopped in my early 20s and picked it up again this year. Nowhere near as good as I remember. I was surprised by how shallow it is, making it clear that Bradbury is projecting his fears much of the time rather than writing a compelling story. It’s not worthless, but I recall this being much better.
“Paul: A Fresh Perspective” by N.T. Wright
6/10
Interesting ideas. The writing is little too clinical for my taste, but I suppose that’s the approach when you’re writing something controversial. Like many others before me, I reject the thesis but gladly accept Wright’s heart in the matter.
“The Lord and His Prayer” by N.T. Wright.
9/10
Wow, this is the N.T. Wright I’ve heard about. He goes line-by-line through the Lord’s Prayer and it is extremely moving.
“Who Was Jesus?” By N.T. Wright
6/10
This is an academic refutation of latent heresies affecting the West. It’s a tool for apologetics more than a book for enjoyment. Living in the Midwest, I do not encounter these claims, but those of you along the coasts may find it helpful.
“The Mystery of the Holy Spirit” by R.C. Sproul
7/10
A great introduction to Sproul himself. It is rare that a reformed preacher gives proper attention to the Holy Spirit, but here it is, and it’s very good. I’m docking a couple points for the chapter where he goes off on charismatics. Sproul and his buddy MacArthur do that often and it is a problem they need to repent of.
“All of Grace” by C.H. Spurgeon
8/10
The first of the Great British Theologians, Spurgeon lays the groundwork for Evangelical faith and reinforces the doctrine of Sola Fide that was waning in the late 19th century. His famous desperation for the lost is on display here, and it makes me want to be more evangelistic.
“Ecochondriacs” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
Not as good as his other fictions, but still good, still funny.
“Leadership and Emotional Sabotage” by Joe Rigney
10/10
Insanely good. It is about exactly what it says. If John Mark Comer got his personality all ironed out and was more masculine, this would be the result. The tone is like a velvet hammer, it hits hard in the softest way possible. I’m not in ministry, but this would be excellent required reading for church staff. My notes for this are the longest I’ve ever taken on a book.
"Mere Christendom" by Douglas Wilson
6/10
Wilson's manifesto of Christian Nationalism hits on some really thought-provoking topics, and defines Christian Nationalism as an almost impossible thing to not like. When looked at a under a microscope, it appears that what he's actually describing is Kingdom theology, but applying it to the political space, essentially rebranding Abraham Kuyper's 3 Governments with a more controversial title. Because of this, a work intended to clarify what "Christian nationalism" means has the effect of muddying the waters and antagonizing his friends. Wilson wrote the book to be a final word on the ideas that Stephen Wolfe, Andrew Isker, and Rod Dreher started. Instead, it pushed Dreher away and started a cold war between Isker and Wolfe, and made Canon Press a needlessly easy target for liberal media wanting a cheap article to get the masses all huffy. Finally, I think it just isn't as well-expressed as Comer, Isker, or Dreher on this topic. In my opinion Wilson is best when writing around politics, not directly about it.
“The Seven Desires” by Mark & Debra Laasar
7/10
Pretty good, and useful for understanding your own needs and assisting the needs of others. It wouldn’t be very effective without being able to take notes on it, and I wouldn’t recommend reading or listening in front of others as the questions at the end of each chapter are designed to make you deal with tough memories.
“Not Afraid of the Antichrist” by Michael L Brown & Craig Keener
7/10
Meaty and surprisingly funny, this is a very strong case against a pre-tribulation rapture. I know that’s quite specific, but this is designed to be baby step 1 in breaking out of the stranglehold premillennial eschatology has on our society. Though I was already Amill going in to this, I got a lot from it.
“Prophetic Integrity” by R.T. Kendall & Michael L. Brown
7/10
Good, and about exactly what it sounds like.
“Playing with Holy Fire” by Michael L. Brown
9/10
Like many of his other recent books, this is about holding other charismatics accountable for spiritual abuse and hypergrace heresies. As a charismatic who also takes scripture extremely seriously, this book felt like my own heartsong.
“Persuasions” by Douglas Wilson
5/10
Good apologetics, but very simple arguments that wouldn’t be very helpful with another metaphysically-minded person, but would work well with a very materialist person. The audio quality of the audiobook is abysmal, truly awful. Do not spend money on the audiobook.
“The Man in the Dark” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
This is actually a Christian romance novel. I listened to this with my wife over the course of our anniversary weekend and we both liked it a lot. The storytelling was compelling and engaging. I don’t feel like it earned the twist at the end, though. If you or your wife like the TV show “When Calls the Heart” then this is a good book for you.
“My Man Jeeves” by P.G. Wodehouse
9/10
Hilarious, I should’ve checked Wodehouse out sooner.
“Right Ho, Jeeves”
8/10
Also hilarious. I also embarrassed myself at the gym while listening to this one.
“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
6/10
Decent. Clever and well-balanced prose. The voice is fun. The message is very good too. As you would probably expect from Dostoevsky, it’s a bit too heady and he gets lost in his double and triple meanings sometimes. It requires the reader to have a long memory for most of the ironies to pay off.
“American Milk and Honey” by Douglas Wilson
6/10
A balanced and biblical examination of Judaism today. Not the most exhilarating, but a good tool to combat both rising antisemitism and Zionism.
“Let the Stones Cry Out” by Douglas Wilson
7/10
Now this was something different, a theological breakdown of church buildings themselves, while linking each and every piece to the Body of Christ.