Show Notes:Chase Replogle: My Favorite Books from 2024
As we close out the year and finish our Christmas shopping amidst a flurry of holiday parties, I took a moment to reflect on my reading over the past twelve months. Each year, I enjoy compiling a list of my reads, as it helps me appreciate the work and thoughts that have shaped my year. I reviewed the shelves in my office, scrolled through my Audible purchases, and checked my Amazon cart history.
It’s fascinating how the books I’ve read encapsulate my growth and development over the year.
This year was particularly focused on completing and releasing my second book, A Sharp Compassion. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has purchased the book since its release in September. If you’ve read it, I would love to hear your thoughts—perhaps you might consider leaving an Amazon review.
Additionally, I completed my final year of the Doctor of Ministry program in the Art of Sacred Writing in 2024. This program involved extensive reading over the past three years, alongside my work on a novel. I’m still figuring out what will come of that work, so stay tuned for updates.
Toward the end of this year, I’ve also been working on an exciting new YouTube project that I look forward to sharing with you soon. All this to say, it’s been a uniquely busy year. Despite the hustle and bustle, I’ve discovered some remarkable books that I want to share in my annual list of best reads.
Best Reads of 2024
1. O Jerusalem, Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
This beautifully written work of creative non-fiction recounts Israel’s war for independence from 1947-1948. My recent reading on Israel, particularly concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls—another book I’m slowly working on—has made O Jerusalem one of the standout books of my year. It captures the complex history and cultures that collided in Israel during this tumultuous period, providing both heroic moments and disturbing truths. It’s a compelling read that I couldn’t put down.
2. Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
My congregation might roll their eyes at this one; I’ve mentioned it before! However, rereading it this year revealed new insights into Christian community. Bonhoeffer’s reflections challenge many clichés about church life, emphasizing that disillusionment with our idealized notions of community can lead us to embrace the authentic community Christ calls us into. This book remains essential reading now more than ever.
3. Gather the Olives, Bret Lott
I had the privilege of attending a writers’ retreat hosted by the Wedgwood Circle in August, where Bret Lott was our featured guest writer. Having lived in Israel, Gather the Olives is a collection of essays reflecting on his experiences with both Israeli and Palestinian people. Lott’s keen eye for detail captures the essence of being in Israel without resorting to generalities or abstract concepts. This book is not only enjoyable but also instructive for aspiring writers.
4. History of France, John Julius Norwich
Please forgive this moment of self-indulgence! This past year has seen a French theme for me—not just due to the Olympics or Notre Dame’s reopening but also because my family visited Paris for the first time in 2023. Norwich’s History of France is not comprehensive but serves as an excellent introduction to medieval European history. Traveling often inspires me to delve into local literature, and I’ve enjoyed exploring French history.
5. Pimsleur French Audio Course
Alongside history, I’ve been attempting to learn French—a challenge for someone who has struggled with language learning in the past (Greek and Hebrew were particularly tough for me). While I’ve utilized various tools like grammar books and apps, Pimsleur’s audio courses have proven most effective for me. My wife and I are planning a trip to Normandy and Brittany next year, so learning French will continue to be a hobby over the coming years.
6. De-sizing the Church, Karl Vaters
Karl Vaters is a valuable resource for small church pastors, advocating for dignity in serving these congregations. His new book, De-sizing the Church, critiques our obsession with numbers and growth at the expense of true health indicators within church communities. Vaters provides both challenges to conventional thinking and pathways toward understanding what success really means for pastors and congregations alike.
7. Deceit, Desire & the Novel, René Girard
If you’ve read A Sharp Compassion, you may have noticed frequent references to René Girard’s work. While I don’t agree with all his views—particularly regarding his interpretation of the cross—his concept of mimetic desire continues to resonate with me personally and professionally. His earlier work, Deceit, Desire & The Novel, explores this theory through classic literature; it’s a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in human nature explored through fiction.
8. The Mishnah
Although it might seem like an unusual recommendation, much of my reading has either involved or related to The Mishnah. This collection of rabbinical oral traditions was compiled around 200 AD and provides insights into conversations from Jesus’ time. My focus on literature from the Second Temple Period has made The Mishnah, along with other texts like Josephus and Philo, invaluable for understanding biblical narratives.
9. Van Gogh: The Life, Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith
Van Gogh’s life is tragic yet fascinating—a reminder that understanding an artist often enhances our appreciation of their work. This biography is well-researched yet accessible; it offers profound insights into Van Gogh’s struggles as an artist. Listening to it as an audiobook while commuting or doing chores makes it even more engaging.
10. T.S. Eliot: Complete Collection
Last year I recommended Eliot’s Four Quartets, but this year I’ve delved deeper into his poetry while also exploring his biography. Recently, I’ve been reading his Christmas poems to my kids; it’s intriguing how children grasp poetry differently than adults do. Eliot’s poetry can be complex but is filled with magical language that evokes deep emotions.
I would love to hear about your reading experiences this year and what titles are on your list for 2025!
