Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Retirement doesn’t have to mean just sitting around and watching the world go by. I still challenge myself in various ways. This year, I’ve put together a list of books that I’m eager to dive into. While this serves as my main reading list, I plan to explore additional titles as well. Here’s my lineup to kick off the year!
- Mere Christianity
- Churchill’s Citadel
- Paul
- Mellon vs Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasure Titans at War
- The Measure of Progress: Counting What really matters
- Severe Mercy
- A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court
- Sister Europe
- The Gathering (Anne Enright – read before Ireland trip)
- Outline Trilogy
- Secrets of the Sommeliers
- The Wild Bunch: Great Wine from Small Producers
Exploring Faith and Philosophy
I’ve recently picked up Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis for a re-read, and immersing myself in his thoughts is always revitalizing; I truly admire his writing. This past Advent season, I was introduced to A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken, and I can’t wait to explore this poignant memoir that delves into themes of love, faith, loss, and meaningful conversations with C.S. Lewis. Rounding out this section of my reading list is N.T. Wright’s Paul: A Biography, which I’m equally eager to dive into. A side note, I’ve read through the Bible a few times in my life, but this year I’m doing it a little different because I’m including the Catholic’s Deuterocanonical books.
Churchill
I developed a passion for Winston Churchill after my first visit to the Churchill War Rooms in London back in 1992. It’s always enjoyable and rewarding to explore different perspectives and delve into the details. This year, I’ve added two new books to my collection: Churchill’s Citadel by Katherine Carter and Mellon vs. Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasure Titans at War by Jill Eicher.
Literary Journeys
Anne Enright’s novel, The Gathering, is the perfect companion for my upcoming trip to Ireland. Although we’ve visited a few times before, I’m looking forward to seeing how Enright captures the dynamics of an Irish family.
On the other hand, Rachel Cusk’s Outline Trilogy presents a captivating dive into contemporary literature. I’m excited to delve into Cusk’s distinctive narrative style and her insightful exploration of human relationships and self-identity.
Finally, Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court offers a delightful mix of humor and social commentary. This classic not only promises entertainment but also invites thoughtful reflections on society and progress.
Broadening Perspectives
The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters intrigues me as a book that likely challenges conventional metrics of societal advancement. I’m keen to explore alternative ways of measuring progress and how they might reshape our understanding of development.
Sister Europe is an upcoming novel by acclaimed author Nell Zink, set to be published on April 24, 2025. This highly anticipated work promises to be a sophisticated, sexy, and exquisitely moving tale that unfolds over the course of one wild, exhilarating night in Berlin. Which is a city that I’ve yet to visit.
Wine
How could I possibly skip readings about wine? As a huge fan of SOMM III, I believe that Secrets of the Sommeliers by Rajat Parr and Jordan Mackay is an absolute must-read. In addition, following up on Kermit Lynch’s Adventures on the Wine Route, which I enjoyed last year, I’ve now added The Wild Bunch: Great Wine from Small Producers by Patrick Matthews to my list.
If I find myself feeling like I’m nothing at all, one thing is certain: I refuse to be dull. This reading list is packed with intriguing titles that will keep me thoroughly engaged throughout the year 2025. With so many pages to turn and stories to explore, I can hardly wait to dive in. So, what exciting books are you delving into this year?
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