October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up
October was a fantastic reading month. Ten books covered everything from Christian theology and community to environmental corruption, historical adventure, science fiction, and public health. Looking back, a lot of these books pushed me to think about what it means to live faithfully in a complicated world. Some challenged my theology, some challenged my politics, and others simply reminded me to care more deeply about the people around me.
Created to Dream by Rick Warren ★★★★☆
Rick Warren has never been on my personal list of favorite Christian writers. His books have always struck me as accessible, but not especially deep theologically or intellectually. He’s also not exactly the kind of writer who pushes boundaries. That said, there’s no denying the impact The Purpose Driven Life has had on millions of people.
Created to Dream was good, but not great. It’s an encouraging book about pursuing the dreams God places in our lives, but I’ve read other books on calling and purpose that challenged me more. I don’t regret reading it, but I don’t think it’ll be the first book I recommend on the subject.
Together Is a Beautiful Place by Bailey T. Hurley ★★★★☆
This book really resonated with me.
I’ve become increasingly interested in the theology of gathering together in small groups and small spaces. Sharing meals, spending time around a table, having honest conversations, and simply doing life together all seem central to what the Church is supposed to be.
Too often we reduce church to a building or a Sunday morning service. I think community is much bigger than that, and Hurley captures that idea well. This book was very clearly targeted to a female audience. I rated it accordingly. If you are a Christian woman, read it. If you’re a Christian man, there may be a better alternative.
Evangelism as Exiles by Eliot Clark ★★★★★
This was one of my favorite books of 2025.
Clark reminds Christians that we’re exiles first. We aren’t called to conquer culture or chase political power. We’re called to faithfully represent Christ wherever we find ourselves.
That perspective completely changes the way we think about evangelism. Instead of seeing our neighbors as opponents to defeat, we’re invited to love them as fellow image bearers who need the same grace we’ve received.
I honestly think every Christian should read this book.
Disarming Leviathan by Caleb E. Campbell ★★★★★
This was another standout.
Campbell addresses the growing influence of Christian nationalism, but what impressed me most wasn’t simply his critique of it. His constant reminder was to love the people caught up in it.
That wasn’t always easy to hear.
Many of my friends and family would probably fall somewhere within that movement, or at least close to it (although they would deny it). They frustrate me sometimes, but they’re still people Christ loves. This book reminded me that my calling isn’t just to be right. It’s to love well.
Ultra 85 by Logic ★★★★☆
Logic isn’t a polished, A-list novelist. He still has plenty of room to grow as a writer.
Even so, I had a lot of fun with this book. It’s creative, ambitious, and full of interesting ideas. My biggest complaint was the sheer number of pop culture references. At times they felt a little forced and pulled me out of the story.
Logic is definitely a better lyricist than novelist right now, but I think he has a lot of potential. If you’re a fan of his music or enjoy science fiction, this is worth checking out. I’m looking forward to reading his other novel and his memoir in 2026.
Grace from the Cross by Kyle Idleman ★★★★☆
Kyle Idleman has a way of making familiar Christian truths feel fresh.
This was a solid book on grace and one that I enjoyed reading, but I don’t think it reached the same level as Gods at War or Not a Fan. Those books left a bigger impression on me.
Still, if you’re looking for an encouraging reminder of the grace found in Christ, this is time well spent.
They Poisoned the World by Mariah Blake ★★★★★
I loved this book.
I should probably add that it may also give you nightmares.
Reading about the damage the chemical industry has done to both the environment and public health was absolutely appalling. What frustrated me even more was seeing how often corporations simply bought the silence of elected officials or were trusted to regulate themselves.
It’s infuriating, eye-opening, and incredibly well researched. This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
The Wager by David Grann ★★★★☆
David Grann has become one of those authors I’ll happily read without needing to know much about the subject beforehand.
The Wager wasn’t my favorite of his books, but it was still an excellent read. As always, Grann takes a fascinating piece of history and tells it like an adventure novel.
If you enjoy history, this one deserves a spot on your reading list.
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green ★★★★★
Where do I even start?
I absolutely loved everything about this book.
I’ve been a fan of John Green for years, long before picking this one up. When I was teaching middle school and high school, I used Crash Course videos from John and his brother in almost every class I taught. They had a gift for making complicated subjects engaging without talking down to students.
That same gift shines here. Green takes a disease that most people rarely think about and turns it into a fascinating story about history, inequality, medicine, and humanity. It’s educational, compassionate, and somehow entertaining at the same time.
This is easily one of my favorite nonfiction books of the year.
Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright & Michael F. Bird ★★★★☆
N.T. Wright continues to be one of the most interesting theologians writing today because he refuses to fit neatly into our political categories.
Despite being fairly theologically conservative in many areas, he’s surprisingly progressive on certain social issues. I appreciate that he isn’t interested in being a predictable left or right thinker.
This is a thoughtful, well-researched book that asks important questions about Jesus, political power, and Christian allegiance. I didn’t agree with every conclusion, but I doubt I’ll ever agree completely with anyone unless I’m reading my own book. Even then, it depends on the day.
Final Thoughts
October was one of those months where I felt challenged more than entertained, and I mean that as a compliment.
Several books reminded me to hold my convictions with humility, love people I disagree with, and think more carefully about the world around me. Others reminded me that community, grace, and faithful witness are built through ordinary, everyday relationships.
On the nonfiction side, Everything Is Tuberculosis, They Poisoned the World, Evangelism as Exiles, and Disarming Leviathan were the clear standouts. They each approached very different topics, but all four left me thinking long after I turned the last page.
Books Read: 10
Average Rating: 4.4/5
