My favorite reads of 2025 spring.

Here are my favorite reads this spring, from pretty good to the most liked by me. (Book blurbs are from Amazon.com)

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Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hasten

This is the untold story of the people, the books, the lectures, and ultimately the God who formed and shaped the late Timothy Keller's life.

Tragically, we lost Tim Keller to cancer; he was a wonderful pastor and public theologian. Mr. Hasten wrote the first, and I bet not the last, word about his life. It was insightful and gave us the historical context for his ministry. wonderful read (4 stars)

Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart
Nicholas Carr

"From the telegraph and telephone in the 1800s to the internet and social media in our day, the public has welcomed new communication systems. The assumption goes that society prospers whenever people gain more power to share information. Superbloom tells a startlingly different story. As communication becomes more mechanized and efficient, it breeds confusion more than understanding, strife more than harmony. Media technologies all too often bring out the worst in the USA."

I thought this book was very biting. If you liked Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, this book has a similar vibe. If you have seen " The Social Dilemma, you will likely enjoy this book. This book is more anti-big tech than minimalist lifestyle, which is fine.I enjoyed this book ( 4 stars).

Star Wars: Reign of the Empire #1
The Mask of Fear, Alexander Freed

"With one speech and thunderous applause, Chancellor Palpatine brought the era of the Republic crashing down. In its place rose the Galactic Empire. Across the galaxy, people rejoiced and celebrated the end of war—and the promises of tomorrow. But that tomorrow was a lie. Instead, the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule. Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa face the encroaching darkness during that terrifying first year of tyranny. One day, they will be three architects of the Rebel Alliance. But first, each must find purpose and direction in a changing galaxy, while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come unless they act.

Oh boy, this was a blast to read. If you like the Disney+ show Andor, you

might love this book. It's peak political Star Wars. It is intense and fun, but there is so much buzz about this book and Star Wars goodness. ( 4 stars)

Science and Faith in Harmony: Contemplations on a Distilled Doxology

 

In Science and Faith in Harmony, Garte examines modern scientific concepts and what they can teach us about theological truths, such as the dual nature of Christ. He explores the ways in which the terminology and language of science and faith consistently match each other. Despite his deep dives into theology and science, Garte does not get overly technical in his writing. Instead, he is personal and passionate, speaking directly to readers with a tone of joy and wonder, inviting them to join the chorus of praise to the Lord.

This audiobook was really good. It's about Science and Faith from an evolutionary creationist point of view. And a bit of biography  about him growing up in a secular family and coming to faith as an adult, (4 stars)

A Short Guide to Islam: A Biblical Response to the Faith of Our Muslim Neighbors by  Beth Peltola

Beth Peltola grew up in Southern Africa, and then moved to London to begin her career in missions serving a Turkish-speaking church for refugees and immigrants. She has spent her life training Christians in the tenets of Islam and Christian mission to Muslims. This accessible book will help Christians understand the beliefs of their Muslim neighbors so that they may love them and engage them in gospel conversations.If you are a Christian or a Muslim and are wondering about interfaith dialogue, this one is for you. It is so readable and respectful that I completed it in a single sitting. (4 stars)

Lincoln's Battle with God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America by Stephen Mansfield 

Join New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield as he dives into the incredible story of Abraham Lincoln's spiritual life and draws from it a deeper meaning that's sure to inspire us all. 

Abraham Lincoln is, undoubtedly, among the most beloved of all U.S. presidents. He helped to abolish slavery, gave the world some of its most memorable speeches, and redefined the meaning of America. He did all of this with endless wisdom, compassion, and wit. Yet, throughout his life, Lincoln fought with God.

Abe Lincoln's journey of faith is intriguing. The book also discusses his struggles with mental health, including times when he faced deep Depression and even thought about ending his life. Understanding these challenges makes you empathize with him even more. (4 stars)

Plato's Revenge: The New Science of the Immaterial Genome by David Klinghoffer

"First, there was the genetic discovery that physical structures in the cell, including DNA and RNA, shape every organism. Now, says evolutionary biologist Richard Sternberg, we are overdue for another and more profound revolution. Recent findings reveal that genetic and even epigenetic sources alone cannot account for the rich dynamism of life, even closely. Some other informational source is required." It's a strong Intelligent Design book. I liked it a lot, although it's more intermediate. And   I read it quickly    (4 stars.)

New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis: Advances in the Origins Debate

"For over a decade, John Walton's books The Lost World of Genesis One and The Lost World of Adam and Eve have shaped readers' understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world and its implications for modern scientific origins debates. But more than simply engaging the creation/evolution debate, these works explored questions related to the interpretation of Genesis through ancient eyes, the theological purpose of a seven-day creation account, the historicity of Adam and Eve, and the history of interpreting the creative narratives.

I like John Walton's take on Genesis as an old-earth creationist; it challenged my views quite a bit. (4  stars)

The Marriage You Want: Moving Beyond Stereotypes for a Relationship Built on Scripture, New Data, and Emotional Health 

We all want a marriage that feels like home. We long for a partner who is there for us through all of life's challenges and griefs, who is in on all our inside jokes, who delights in the family we've built together, who looks with hope toward the future with a shared faith and an arm firmly around our shoulders. But how do we get there? What actually works in the real world and honors the picture of marriage found in Scripture?

If you want to get married one day ( like I do), this is a great audiobook to learn from (5 stars)

Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever

In Opposable Thumbs, award-winning editor and film critic Matt Singer eavesdrops on their iconic balcony set, detailing their rise from making a few hundred dollars a week on local Chicago PBS to securing multimillion-dollar contracts for a syndicated series (a move that convinced a young local host named Oprah Winfrey to do the same). Their partnership was cut short when Gene Siskel passed away in February of 1999 after a battle with brain cancer that he’d kept secret from everyone outside his immediate family—including Roger Ebert, who never got to say goodbye to his longtime partner. But their influence on in the way we talk about (and think about) movies continues to this day. 

This book was terrific. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the Siskel and Ebert show. I really learned a lot about their show and Ebert's life, which makes me want to read "Life Itself." Ebert's autobiography. if you are a fan of film criticism and or movies, you'll like this book, if not love it (5 stars)

Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection

John Green, the #1 bestselling author of The Anthropocene Reviewed and a passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the world’s deadliest disease.

Having loved John and Hank Green's work for a long time, I listened to this one read by John himself, and it was a truly moving human story. In this book, you learn about how TB works in the body, you learn about its history, and then you'll discover Henry Rider's story of survival. And you gain a fondness for him like I did. There is also a strong focus on social justice in this book  (5 stars)

That's all my favorite reads this spring!

Thanks for reading!