A Little Leadership, A Little Narnia, and a Surprising Amount of Time Travel

I enjoy reading. It’s something I think everyone ought to enjoy, but I also understand not everyone does. I like TV and movies too—probably more people identify with that than my enjoyment of books. But reading has become one of my favorite parts of life, and 2025 turned out to be a pretty full bookshelf year.

A quick confession: I wasn’t a strong reader in elementary or high school. Not even close. But somewhere in college something clicked, and ever since then I’ve genuinely loved books. Some years I read 10; other years I make it past 24. It just depends on life.

And yes, I consider audiobooks real reading. When you drive 180 miles a day, you either learn to appreciate audiobooks or you end up talking to yourself in the car. I’ve done both.

This year my reading list spread across more genres than usual. I read more leadership books than normal—no idea why. Someone probably recommended them, and I thought, “Why not?” I also dove into historical fiction, suspense, fantasy, and, of course, my guilty-pleasure category: sci-fi and time travel. (Another guilty pleasure is poetry, though I can’t remember the last time I read a poem on purpose.)

Before I get to the list, let me say this:
Wild Goose Chase should be on everyone’s reading list for 2026. It’s short, challenging, and one of those books that makes you think about how you’re actually living your life—not just how you wish you were living it.

The Books I Read in 2025

(Grouped so this looks like I planned it this way.)

Leadership & Faith

Wild Goose Chase — Mark Batterson

One of my favorite reads of the year. Batterson has a way of making you feel inspired and convicted in the same breath. It’s a short book, but it sticks with you.

The Unexhausted Leader – Lisa Hosler

A thoughtful reminder that leaders don’t have to run on fumes to be effective. It pushed me to look at my habits a little closer. I didn’t always like what I saw.

Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest — Ruth Haley Barton

Rebekah gave me this book because, in her words, my rhythm is “absolutely horrible.” She wasn’t hinting—she was diagnosing. And she’s always right. I’m trying to read it… but ironically, I haven’t found the rhythm for this book yet.

Family Driven Faith — Voddie Baucham

A strong call to intentional Christian parenting. It’s a book that makes you think about the long game—what really matters and what doesn’t.

Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

A leadership book that wastes no time reminding you how many things you complain about that might actually be your fault. Challenging, practical, and the kind of book that makes you want to sit up straighter.

Thriller / Suspense

The Beijing Betrayal — Joel Rosenberg

I’ve followed the Marcus Ryker series for years, and Book 6 didn’t disappoint. Rosenberg knows how to keep a plot moving without losing the heart of the story. A great companion for long drives.

Fool Me Once — Harlan Coben

This was my first Harlan Coben novel, and apparently everyone else already knew how addictive his books are. I started it thinking I’d read a chapter or two… and suddenly an hour disappeared. If the rest of his books read like this, I may have accidentally discovered a new hobby.

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Historical Fiction / WWII

The Goddess of Warsaw — Lisa Barr

A powerful story with vivid characters and strong emotional pull. Barr writes in a way that makes you feel the weight—and courage—of the era.

The Huntress — Kate Quinn

My mom recommended this one, and her track record with WWII and Holocaust-related thrillers is pretty solid. I picked it up out of curiosity and ended up fully invested before I realized it. If Mom keeps recommending books like this, I may never catch up on my reading list.

Sarah’s Key — Tatiana de Rosnay

A heartbreaking and beautifully written novel. It lingers with you long after you finish, in all the best ways.

The Frozen River — Ariel Lawhon

A beautifully crafted historical novel with enough suspense to keep me engaged on long drives. Lawhon brings the time period to life in a way that made this one of my favorite historical reads of the year.

Sci-Fi & Time Travel (the guilty pleasure section)

Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir

Absolutely loved this one. It’s smart, fun, and had me trying to remember high school science I definitely did not learn the first time. Easily a top read of the year.

Time Lost — Elyse Douglas

A lighter, time-bending story that hit the spot when I wanted something different. Proof that not everything you read has to be serious to be meaningful.

Lost in Time — A.G. Riddle

A fast-paced sci-fi adventure that kept me interested all the way through. Riddle knows how to build a world without overwhelming the reader.

Fantasy (the comfort series)

The Harry Potter Series — J.K. Rowling

My third time through the series—once in college, once with Lincoln in third grade, and now with Andrew in third grade. Apparently, third grade is when the Williams boys become wizards. At this point, I could probably teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis

Started in 2024 and finished in 2025. Lewis writes with a simplicity and depth that always feels refreshing. A good reset for the imagination.

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A Few Final Thoughts

I don’t know if I’ll do this kind of post every year. Maybe I will. Maybe next year I’ll write 6th-grade-style book reports after finishing a good one—complete with the classic “My favorite part was…” section. Or maybe I’ll just do another end-of-year roundup.

I also hope in 2026 to dig deeper into two areas that interest me:

1. Holocaust survivor stories
2. Reading curriculum and AR systems in schools

My time allows for books. Research, however… that’s another story. But maybe.

More than anything, I hope my boys grow to enjoy reading someday. Right now they don’t, and that’s completely age-appropriate. School has to teach them the mechanics of reading, and sometimes that pressure can steal a little of the joy. There’s a balance to be found. I’m still looking for it.

For now, though, these are the books that filled my year—and I’m grateful for every mile, chapter, and story along the way.

I’m in the middle of a couple of books right now that will be finished in 2026. What should I add to my list? Leave a comment with your recommendations.

Ok, that’s enough.