10 Books On My To-Read List For 2026

I have had a slow-growing list of books to read over the past year and I decided this year, it’s time to start tackling it!

While recovering from my bone marrow transplant, I thought I would read non-stop. But what they don’t tell you is that the brain fog is so bad that even if I did read, I wouldn’t remember what I read anyways. I always thought brain fog was a lousy excuse, but I’ve learned it’s a legit struggle.

Now that the brain is functioning a bit more properly these days (though my family might argue that statement), I decided to put all the books I want to read this year in a pile and have some determination to start working through it in 2026.

Here’s my top 10 list of books I want to read this year (in no particular order):

Garden City (by John Mark Comer). I have LOVED every book I have read by him. This past year I finished The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and it was one of the best books I had ever read. So when I saw Garden City came out, a book about your purpose and calling and how we are to view our work, rest, and life.

The Body Teaches The Soul (by Justin Whitmel Earley). Awhile back I read Habits of the Household, also by Earley, and again, LOVED it, once of the most grounding and influential books I had read in a long time, and when I saw this book came out, I thought it couldn’t be better timing. This book talks about the connection between our physical body and our spiritual hearts, and how our health can impact our spirituality. He offers different habits to reorient your life to the image of God, while focusing on the whole self in the process. My social work background mentality I think is going to love this book!

Enter Wild (by Carlow Whittaker). Once again, I read another one of Whittaker’s books called Reconnected, and thoroughly enjoyed his perspective on the American-hustle way of living and the influence our phones have had on our lives. I love the tagline for Enter Wild – exchange a mild and mundane faith for life with an uncontainable God. Whittaker has a great sense of humor and so I can only imagine the stories that come out in this book!

Another Gospel (by Alisa Childers). Having been in the youth ministry world for over 20 years now, it is interesting to see the different ideologies within the Christian faith and how progressive Christianity seems to be mainstream now. Childers, through her own battle and questioning, takes us on her journey of discovering truth. I’m eager to read about her journey and hopefully use it as a way to walk our own youth through their journeys as well.

If I’m Not By Your Side (by Nathan Carter). I am a HUGE college football fan (diehard Michigan fan to be exact). I recently read that MSU alum, Nathan Carter, who now plays in the NFL, wrote a book. I was intrigued and as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. Ever since being diagnosed with cancer and losing my dad, I have thought much about the word “legacy”. I love reading memoirs that are tied to the Christian faith and how that person lives out their faith, and so I think this book will be just that!

Practicing The Way (by John Mark Comer). Another book by John Mark Comer, yes. I actually started this one, but it is SO GOOD that it has taken me forever to get through. I maybe got through 40 pages and had pages of notes. Needless to say, I need to start over, let it all sink in, as this is an incredibly challenging book and put into question my thoughts of what it means to be a disciple of Christ – in a good way! Can’t wait to continue this one and HIGHLY recommend.

Toxic Empathy (by Allie Beth Stuckey). This book was recommended to me by a friend and after reading the synopsis, I think this is going to be a new favorite! The subtitle alone sold me – how progressives exploit Christian compassion. Addressing subjects such as gender, abortion, sexuality, and more. A book that again, being in youth ministry and living as a Christian in a secular world, will hopefully challenge me to stand firm in faith and beliefs.

The Legacy Life (by David Green). Who knew that the owner of Hobby Lobby wrote a few books? Yeah, I didn’t. I walked into Hobby Lobby one day and saw this book and thought YES. That’s what I want to read! Like I said, I’ve thought much about the word “legacy” and thinking about the legacy I want to leave behind, this book will challenge me to do it within the parameters of faith and family. Highly rated and can’t wait to read.

Good Energy (by Casey Means). Another book recommended to me by a friend (actually I’m borrowing it from her). I actually listened to a podcast by Joe Rogan with the Means on it and it was immensely informative, challenging, eye-opening, and had my jaw drop. I’m eager to read this book as I’m sure the podcast was just a taste of its goodness! After going through cancer, I’ve learned more than I could’ve ever imagined when it comes to our bodies, the effects of what we put in them, the healthcare system, and how many of the diseases of today are linked to some of the same root causes. This book will talk about ALL of this and I’m excited to become more knowledgeable about how God created our body to all be interconnected within.

The Bible Recap Bible (by Tara-Leigh Cobble). I started listening to the Bible Recap podcast quite a few years ago, but never finished. I thoroughly enjoy reading the Bible in chronological order, which is what this Bible is, but also appreciate and value her summaries of the given passage. For me, it helps me put it all together into one bigger story, which the Bible is anyways. Looking forward to delving into this, this year!

What’s on YOUR list? Are you a fiction or a non-fiction reader? Clearly I am a non-fiction reader, but would love to one day become more of a fiction reader. Anyways, I’d love to hear either your thoughts on these books AND/OR books on your to-read list for 2026!

I look forward to hearing from you!