My Favorite Books of 2024
My top 5 books of the year plus 4 I'm looking forward to in 2025
What a great year for books! I’ve read 38 books so far this year1 and today I’ll share my top 5 books, plus honorable mentions, in the categories of Faith, Parenting, Memoir, and General Non-Fiction2. I’ll also share four books I’m looking forward to reading in 2025! Happy reading!
Best Faith Book
Field Notes for the Wilderness by
There is no more gentle and wise guide through the wilderness of an evolving faith than Sarah Bessey. I read a lot of deconstruction books, but Sarah provides the voice of an experienced teacher, decades after her own deconstruction. She tenderly takes our hand and presses into them the tools and practices that have aided her through the wilderness.
HONORABLE MENTION: Othered by
Beautifully written and powerfully convicting, Othered doesn't hold back from revealing the sin and pain of abuses of power. But then through stories in Scripture, it also shows the beauty of God's pursuit of the marginalized and broken-hearted. This book will be a comforting balm and a soothing companion to anyone who feels less than and left out by the church. You can watch my IG Live with Jenai discussing her book here.
Best Memoir
A Well-Trained Wife by
I was riveted by the author’s story and also felt such compassion and sympathy for the trauma she endured. Readers who are quick to say, "why didn't she just leave?" or "why didn't she tell someone?" will see first-hand the bind domestic violence survivors, especially mothers, are put in. And her story convicts the Church and other Christians--we cannot let this abuse continue to happen to innocent children and disempowered women.
HONORABLE MENTION: Even After Everything by
Beautifully written, a masterclass on memoir from one of the best editors (she was my editor) and now writers. Duncan Smith's memoir takes you through her journey of pregnancy, loss, birth, and postpartum as she makes the case that "even after everything", loving is still worth the risk. I do not usually read memoir, but when I do I want to be moved, inspired, and awed by the writing and this book did not disappoint.
Best Parenting Book
The Flourishing Family by Dr. David and Amanda Erickson
Finally a parenting resource that is research-based and biblically sound. The Ericksons pair neuroscience with theology (David is a theologian) to offer a “Jesus-centered guide to parenting with peace and purpose.” Make this your go-to recommendation for Christian parents. You can watch my IG Live with the Ericksons discussing our books here.
Best General Non-Fiction Book
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Ph.D.
I can’t stop talking about this book. The research on how social media and phone usage causes mental health problems in kids was compelling and disturbing. I’ve been thinking a lot about the phone-based childhood vs. play-based childhood, the importance of outdoor, physically challenging play for my kids, and how I can postpone phone and social media as long as possible for them. Part of Haidt’s argument is that we have to make a collective change to repair the harmful effects of phones, so this is a book every parent and educator needs to read.
HONORABLE MENTION: Done by Daryl Van Tongeren, Ph.D.
I love a book that translates psychological research and concepts into practical knowledge for a general audience. The research on why people leave and how religion sticks to us explains so much. The second half of the book addresses ways to flourish after religion, such as tackling existential questions, identity, relationships, and spirituality. Less prescriptive than descriptive, this book will give language to your experience and help you rebuild a meaningful life with or without religion.
Best Book I Wrote
Recovering from Purity Culture by Dr. Camden Morgante
I can’t have a list of the best books of 2024 without mentioning mine, which I obviously have a special place in my heart for! Recovering from Purity Culture released October 15 and has received great reviews on Amazon and GoodReads! Here’s what readers said:
“A compassionate, researched, and informed look into how purity culture's use of shame to control and coerce has harmed generations.” -Carolyn, 5 stars
“I liked the author’s nonjudgmental attitude. Rather than proscribing a certain sexual ethic or theological outlook, she gives readers the tools they need to clarify their own beliefs.” -Jillian, 4 stars
“This book made me feel seen in a way that I hadn’t before, especially when it comes to the impact of purity culture…” -Eliza, 5 stars
“What I loved most is how the author encourages critical thinking and offers practical guidance for rebuilding sexual ethics based on personal values, not fear or shame. This book gave me so much hope…” -Ludi, 5 stars
“Dr. Camden…[encourages] readers to explore their own values —a gift of autonomy fundamentalism failed to give them. And she gives them the evidence-based tools to do so.” -Kim, 5 stars
Right now my book is on sale for $12.49 on Amazon! Grab a copy for yourself or Christmas gifts today!
Most Anticipated Books in 2025
Safe Church by Dr. Andrew Bauman (Jan. 21)
I read a very early copy of this book to provide my endorsement:
“In Safe Church, Dr. Andrew Bauman serves as both a champion of women and a wise and challenging leader to men. Weaving together theology, his own research, and the voices of women who worked in ministry positions, Bauman exposes the epidemic of abuse in the church. With humility and conviction, he challenges the sexist teachings and practices in the church and then offers suggestions for personal healing and solutions for a more trauma-informed spiritual community for both men and women.” -Dr. Camden
On March 7-8, 2025, I’ll be joining Dr. Bauman along with Jay Stringer, Sarah McDugal, and other speakers at the Safe Church Conference in Brevard, NC. Register here by Dec. 31 for the early bird discount. Virtual livestream tickets to the keynote speeches are also available.
The Marriage You Want by Sheila Wray Gregoire and Dr. Keith Gregoire (March 11)
Finally a healthy Christian marriage book we can actually recommend—from an egalitarian perspective! My husband and I participated in the research for this book and I can’t wait to see what Sheila and Keith say about how to have the marriage you want.
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife by Dr. (March 18)
Dr. Barr has described this as finishing what she started in The Making of Biblical Womanhood. Honestly, Sheila and Beth are two of my role models and I respect both of them and their work so much. I’m hopeful I can get my hands on some early copies of these books!
Holy Hurt by Dr. Hillary McBride (April 15)
I LOVED Hillary’s podcast on spiritual abuse so I know this book will be a healing resource to help us better understand what spiritual trauma is and how to heal.
What are your favorite books of 2024? What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
Want to do a book club with me in the spring?
In 2025, paid Substack subscribers will not only get exclusive essays per month, but also quarterly live meetings. We’ll meet each season for either a book club discussion or a topical workshop/Q&A with me! This was inspired by my launch team book club which was so healing and connecting that they encouraged me to keep having meetings! In the spring, I’m thinking we’ll discuss Sheila or Beth’s books—what do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts and feedback!
Not a subscriber yet? Subscribe for free for monthly posts like this one, or upgrade to a paid subscriber for $5 per month to get exclusive content each month plus the quarterly virtual meetings!
Now through January 3, you can subscribe to the annual plan for $40 per year (20% off the regular price of $50). Get Walking the Middle Path for 2025 for just $40!
The cost isn’t meant to be a barrier or to be a huge money-maker for me. It’s merely to provide me a little more privacy so I can share essays without everyone on the internet having access to them. It also helps fund the costs of running an online business (website, email service, Zoom, calendar, etc.). Thanks for your interest in my writing and supporting me if you can! And if the subscription cost isn’t in your budget, no problem. Email or DM me and I’m happy to give you an annual subscription for free.
Warmly, Dr. Camden
Order my book from Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Books a Million | Book Shop | Target
Check out my Website | Follow me on Instagram | Threads | Facebook
Amazon affiliate links used
Oh my stars, thank you so much! 🙏🏼🥹