September 2025 Reading Wrap-Up
September was a lighter reading month than August, but the quality certainly didn’t suffer. With only four books, I found myself spending more time reflecting on each one. This month’s reading covered branding, presidential leadership, theology, and biblical scholarship. It was a diverse mix that ultimately centered on how people influence others through ideas, communication, and example.
Brand It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant ★★★★☆
After enjoying Sell It Like Serhant, I had high expectations for Ryan Serhant’s follow-up, and it largely delivered.
Serhant isn’t exactly subtle. His personality is flashy, larger than life, and admittedly a bit full of itself. But beneath all the bravado is someone who genuinely understands how to build a recognizable brand.
The book goes beyond selling products or services; it’s about selling yourself, your story, and your reputation. Whether you’re launching a business, starting a podcast, building a personal brand, or working in marketing or advertising, there’s plenty of practical advice here.
Even if Serhant’s style isn’t naturally my own, it’s hard to argue with his results. If there’s one thing he knows better than selling, it’s branding.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama ★★★★★
This ended up being one of my biggest surprises of the year.
Politically, I disagree with Barack Obama on a number of significant issues. His administration’s record on foreign policy and deportations makes it difficult for me to fully embrace his legacy.
That said, this memoir isn’t simply a defense of his presidency. It’s a thoughtful reflection on leadership, decision-making, and the weight of governing. Obama is an excellent writer, and regardless of where you fall politically, it’s easy to appreciate the care he puts into explaining both his convictions and his doubts.
One thing that stood out was how “presidential” he often came across, both during his time in office and in his memoir. Even when I disagreed with his conclusions, I found many of his speeches, reflections, and writing genuinely inspiring.
It’s possible to admire someone’s ability to communicate and lead while still disagreeing with many of their policies. A Promised Land reminded me of that, and it earned every one of its five stars.
A Little Theology of Exercise by David Mathis ★★★★☆
Sometimes a book comes along at exactly the right time.
A Little Theology of Exercise connects physical stewardship with spiritual discipleship in a way that is both practical and encouraging. Rather than promoting fitness for appearance or performance alone, David Mathis frames exercise as one way Christians can faithfully care for the bodies God has entrusted to them.
This was one of those books that I needed to read. In fact, I already know I need to read it again. Some books are worth revisiting because their message deserves to be lived out, not just understood, and this is one of them.
Lies My Preacher Told Me by Brent Strawn ★★★☆☆
I really wanted to enjoy this one more than I did.
The premise is excellent: examining common misunderstandings and misconceptions that Christians often inherit from poor teaching. There was a lot of potential here.
Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the idea. The writing wasn’t as engaging as I’d hoped, and at times the author came across as more frustrated, or even bitter, than persuasive. That tone made it harder for me to connect with the arguments, even when I agreed with parts of them.
It’s not a bad book, but I couldn’t help feeling it fell short of what it could have been.
Final Thoughts
September may have been a smaller reading month, but it offered plenty to think about. I spent time considering what it means to build a personal brand, reflected on leadership through the eyes of a former president whose policies I often disagree with, found encouragement in viewing physical fitness as an act of faithful stewardship, and wrestled with how Scripture is taught and understood.
If there was a common thread running through the month, it was influence. Whether through marketing, politics, spiritual disciplines, or biblical teaching, each author explored how ideas shape people—and how the way we communicate those ideas often matters just as much as the ideas themselves.
Books Read: 4
Average Rating: 4.0/5
