Dwight’s Top Ten Books of 2025

Each December, as the days shorten and the year slows its final turning, I find myself returning to the quiet practice of naming the books that have accompanied me. Reading has has emerged as one of the ways I stay awake—attentive to the world, to the Spirit, and to the slow work of inner transformation. Some books stretch my imagination, others steady me, and a few manage to unsettle me in the best and most necessary ways.

Every year I gather ten of them. These are not the “best” books in any definitive sense, nor is this list meant as a comprehensive review of everything published in the last twelve months. Instead, it is a simple offering: the ten books that most moved me, surprised me, provoked good questions, or illuminated something real about what it means to be human in this moment.

Most of these titles were published this year, carried into the world by authors, editors, and teams who labored with great care. A couple, though, were written earlier and only found their way to me recently—books have their own timing, their own way of arriving when we need them. I try to honor that by letting the list reflect the actual contours of my year rather than the strict boundaries of a release date.

As always, I am grateful for the writers whose words have shaped my thinking and nourished my spirit, and for the conversations—both inward and communal—that each book sparked. My hope is that something here may meet you as these books met me: as companions, provocations, or invitations to live a little more deeply rooted, a little more courageously, and a little more open to wonder while expanding your imagination for G-d’s shalom for all and everything.

With that, here are my top ten books of the year… in no particular order.

Peace, dwight