Every year, we all make resolutions, big plans to transform our lives. We want to lose weight, find love, travel more, and then there’s the classic one—read more books. But let’s be real, sometimes figuring out which books to start with can feel more overwhelming than figuring out how to use your new air fryer.
You walk into a bookstore with the best intentions, ready to tackle your New Year’s goal of reading more. But then, it happens—rows upon rows of books staring back at you, each one practically begging you to pick it up. The choices are endless, the pressure is real, and before you know it, you’re back at home with another self-help book you’ll never finish.
So, what if instead of browsing aimlessly, I give you a personal recommendation? Five books that have the power to shift the way you think, operate, and—dare I say it—live. Whether you’re an avid reader or someone who has “read more” scribbled at the top of your resolution list, these are the books you need to read this year.
OUR TOP FIVE BOOKS TO READ IN 2024
1. The One Thing by Gary Keller
Sometimes, life feels like you’re chasing too many dreams—two rabbits running in opposite directions—and you can’t catch either one. Sound familiar? That was me, running from goal to goal, project to project, so inspired by the possibilityof it all that I ended up paralyzed by the sheer weight of it. Then came The One Thing. This book, my friends, is a game-changer.
It teaches you to focus. Not just focus on what’s in front of you, but focus on one thing at a time. Imagine how much lighter you’d feel if you prioritized what matters and stopped trying to catch every rabbit in the field. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your endless to-do list or frustrated at your inability to get everything done, this is the book that will save you from yourself. Trust me, it’s a must-read.
2. Personality Isn’t Permanent by Benjamin Hardy
“New year, new me” is the anthem of every January, but let’s face it—how many of us actually become new versions of ourselves? It’s not that we don’t want to; it’s that we don’t know how. Enter Personality Isn’t Permanent, the book that argues who you are now doesn’t have to dictate who you’ll be next year—or even tomorrow.
This book will force you to take a long, hard look at who you are, and then ask you to visualize the person you want to be. It’s like building a bridge between your present self and your future self, but instead of hoping for change, you’re actively creating it. It’s an easy read, but the insights? Life-changing.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Now, if I had to pick a fiction favorite, The Alchemist wins hands down. This book…where do I even begin? It’s the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a journey to find his Personal Legend—basically his life’s purpose. I read this book on a flight to Turks & Caicos, and by the time we landed, I was halfway through. It’s that good.
Though it’s fiction, the lessons feel more real than anything else. We all have dreams we’ve buried under practicality, desires we’ve pushed aside in favor of playing it safe. The Alchemist will reignite those dreams and remind you that the journey is just as important as the destination. If you’ve ever felt like you were meant for more but have lost your way, this book will call you back to yourself.
4. Kingdom Woman by Tony Evans & Chrystal Evans Hurst
For the ladies looking to live a life of purpose, Kingdom Woman is your guide. Written by Tony Evans and his daughter Chrystal Evans Hurst, this book is like a spiritual reset button. It’s all about what it means to be a woman walking in alignment with God’s purpose for her life. It’s deep, personal, and honestly, it shifted the way I approach my daily life.
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt or struggled to find meaning in your roles as a mother, daughter, or friend, this book will remind you of the grace and power you already possess. For anyone craving a life filled with more love, purpose, and connection to their faith, Kingdom Woman is a must-read.
5. Crushing by Bishop T.D. Jakes
Let’s face it—life can be hard. Sometimes, it feels like you’re being crushed by circumstances beyond your control. Enter Crushing, a book that teaches us that, like grapes being pressed into wine, our most painful moments often bring us to a place of greater value and purpose.
Bishop T.D. Jakes doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. He acknowledges the pain but helps reframe it in a way that makes it not just bearable, but meaningful. This book is filled with biblical wisdom, and while it’s heavy at times, it’s exactly what you need if you’re going through a tough season and wondering if there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Spoiler alert: there is.
So there you have it—five books that will not only fill your bookshelf but will also fill your soul. Whether you’re navigating a personal transformation, chasing after new goals, or just trying to figure out what’s next, these reads will inspire, motivate, and maybe even give you a few “aha” moments along the way.
And remember, whether it’s January or June, it’s never too late to turn the page and start your next chapter.
