Echoes Around the Sun

My favorite reads of 2024, the music that kept me going, and a few memories from maybe the craziest year yet.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

— Ferris Bueller

We’re 9 days from Christmas and 2-weeks to the New Year. This time of year always gives me a push-pull sensation of acceptance and denial.

For this week’s installment, we’re pausing from our regular programming to bring you 10 books to consider for 2025. While I won’t regale you with every single book I read this year, I do want to share the ones I gave four or more stars. You’ll also see a discretion rating based on thematic elements and language (where necessary). Each title is linked to Goodreads if you want to browse a synopsis.

The Reads: Genres & Titles

Novels

Note: None of the following novels are Christian fiction.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

I saw a trailer for Nickel Boys, the screen-adaption of Whitehead’s historical fiction, and immediately got the book. Though it is fiction, it’s based on the very real “Florida School for Boys,” a juvenile detention center that fronted as a reform school from 1900-2011. ~ The main character shows incredible fortitude in the face of outrageous injustice and unspeakable cruelty and violence. Learning there are many true-to-life aspects of this novel only make it more heart-wrenching. There’s a twist at the end I didn’t see coming yet it fits the narrative in a way that seems obvious after the fact. (Adults only for language, strong violence, racial slurs, etc.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

I listened to Pooley’s feel-good British friendship novel during my East Coast Tour this fall. Ironically, I never would’ve chosen this book if a friend hadn’t recommended it to me, but I’m glad I did. Novels like this one deliver a delightfully good story. Similar to my favorite Fredrik Backman’s tales — My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry and A Man Called Ove — Iona Iverson has a maddening quality about her where I couldn’t decide if I disliked her or if I wanted to be her friend. The other characters in the story are quite endearing, and I found myself rooting for them. Though there are several plot lines, each one held its own and added value to the culmination of the story. A few details could register this novel “not for everyone,” so check out the preview on Goodreads just in case. (Adults only for language and adult themes.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

I ended up with this mystery thriller by chance. Any time I happened to be on Church Street in Vienna, Virginia, I stop by a quaint little indie bookstore named Bards Alley. On one such occasion this past spring, I overheard a conversation between a patron and one of the booksellers. The customer was looking for a gift and asked for recommendations, and the bookseller gave an alluring description of What Lies in the Woods, the author’s debut adult fiction after writing several YA novels. The shopper responded unenthusiastically, “No. I think I’ll keep looking.” So I piped in, “Uh, that sounds like a great story. I’ll take it!” ~ The book kept me intrigued from the start and the ending did not disappoint. (17+ for some language, suspense, violence, and adult themes.)

Religion & Spirituality

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Asking Better Questions of the Bible: A Guide for the Wounded, Wary, and Longing for More by Marty Solomon

A friend recommended the BEMA podcast to me a couple months back. It is fascinating and I wanted a condensed version since the podcast has been running for over 8-years and it’ll take me a while to work my way through. My head is still spinning from the lights Asking Better Questions turned on, helping me view God’s Word in a fresh way. Highly recommend. (12+ with adult guidance.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do as He Did by John Mark Comer

Last year, Comer’s Ruthless Elimination of Hurry made my top 3 and dagummit if that brother hasn’t done it again. I enjoy the simplistic way he explains complex ideas, and the accessible manner in which he presents apprenticeship to Jesus. Though not a how-to book, Comer delivers tangible avenues to practice the Way. (12+ with adult guidance.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning

This was a re-read because I appreciate the message so much. Manning conveys a reverent awe and comfortability with Jesus. His writings communicate how to extend godly grace toward others — even when it might not make sense right away — and to ourselves when it feels more natural to wallow in guilt.

Musing on John 20:3-4 when Peter and John ran to Jesus’ tomb, Manning writes:

John seems to be saying that the disciples of Jesus ran to Him because they were crazy about Him; or, in the more restrained prose of Raymond Brown, “Jesus was remembered as one who exhibited love in what he did and was loved deeply by those who followed him.” The beloved disciple sends a message both to the sinner covered in shame and to the local church, tentative and slow to forgive for fear of appearing lax or liberal. The number of people who have fled the church because it is too patient or compassionate is negligible; the number who have fled because they find it too unforgiving is tragic.

Grab a copy if you don’t have one. It’s beautiful. (16+)

Psychology / Self-improvement

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us Out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode — and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber

Kolber’s book is practical, accessible, and the cheapest counseling session on the market. She covers a variety of topics which include our “windows of tolerance,” healthy boundaries, and ways to process uncomfortable situations. She explores ways we can be gentler with ourselves without slipping into victimhood when working through life’s hardships, and she shares relevant Scripture throughout. I wanted to get the companion workbook but never got around to it. Maybe one day… (18+)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Atomic Habits is worth keeping on your shelf. It offers realistic suggestions for taking small steps toward growth. The perfectionist in me was shocked yet lured by his idea of shooting to get 1% better. That feels manageable! (18+)

Memoirs

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Land of My Sojourn: The Landscape of a Faith Lost and Found by Mike Cosper

This one feels close to my heart. I was a member of Sojourn Community Church from 2004-2006 and again from 2008-2016 (as Sojourn Midtown) when we moved to Northern Virginia. I knew the Cosper family, though not well, so I didn’t expect Mike’s memoir to inform parts of my own story. Land of My Sojourn begins with expectation, seeking to build a dream that’s plagued by years of hardship and crisis. Now, Cosper looks back and shares where grace and mercy were present, where joy and grief mingled together, and how God has loved him through it all.

The memoir adds a surprising twist of holy land history, and studies the lives of Elijah, Peter, and Jesus. Cosper holds conviction and hope as he retells their stories from a different vantage point, inviting the consideration of other possible themes at play. Throughout the book, he maintains a refreshing sense of curiosity and avoids slander that could diminish its value.

This book is for anyone who has felt the sting of betrayal, the ministry worker who is disillusioned and tired, the church leader wondering “are we doing this right?” (especially the ones who haven’t asked that question), and anyone who has experienced brokenness within their church community. Cosper points to the grace God provides in moments of despair, invites us to practice vulnerable honesty with God, and encourages us with words of hope, both now and for the days to come. (16+)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told by Harrison Scott Key

This one is not for everyone — or the faint of heart. Key’s memoir is raw, riddled with dark humor, spares no detail, and possibly goes a little too far in some places. I couldn’t help but think, “Dude, you’re gonna look back at this one day and wish you’d left that part out.” Who knows; maybe he won’t. Well regardless, and F-bombs aside, I appreciate the boldness, honesty, and unfinished nature of his story. Spoiler: his wife had an affair, and they’re still married. (Adult only for language and adult themes.)

---

The Tunes

#1 song

According to Spotify, my most listened to song this year was “Quiet Places” by Jamie Pratt. You can find it on two of my playlists: Soul Strength and this is fine.

Playlists recap

I didn’t start out thinking I’d make a playlist for every Substack. That’s a lot of work!, I thought. But as it turns out, creating compilations doesn’t feel like work at all.

So if you’re getting sick of holiday music but still have a little left in you to maybe listen to a different vibe that’s still on theme, give this jolly collection a whirl … I’ve yet to make it through all 5 hours and 42 minutes, but I’m not tired of it!

The Memories

The year began with Natalie getting engaged. Soon after, I traveled to Lynchburg for a weekend of dress shopping and matching tattoos (peace doves). The spring was a blur as we prepared to move and planned for the wedding.

Jesse and Natalie Marsh married on a beautiful June afternoon. There were a few tears and lots of laughter on that happy day. Sean and I closed out our positions at our respective jobs, said farewell for now to friends, and made the trek across the country.

Sam, Lilah, and Ethan; National Gallery of Art

During our 3-week Louisville layover, I launched this Substack which continues to be a source of creativity and joy. The vast Kansas sunrises (and rainbows) make some moments feel like a dream. I’m soaking up all this sky for the time I’m here.

Ethan and I enjoyed our road trip back east visiting friends and family. I’m grateful we landed in Louisville just in time for Anna’s emergency appendectomy, and that we could be present to celebrate my grandfather’s 98th year of life. Watching Ethan walk the beach with his favorite lady in SC made my heart swell.

Emily Jones Counseling launched in August and I’m curious to see how God will bless that venture and where it might go. Lord willing, my friend Trina and I will be co-leading a Bible study starting next month. We were both on the fence, but the Holy Spirit did that thing where He makes it really clear He’s the One calling you to do something. Why is it only like that when you’re not asking for clarity and have already made up your mind? (That’s rhetorical, of course.)

The Menu

I’ll leave you with my aunt’s famous taco dip recipe. I was in the single digits when I first tasted this silky Mexican dip at her home in PA, so you won’t find it on the internet. I guess after today, it will be. 😏

Taco Dip

• 8oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

• 16oz Daisy Sour Cream

• 1 packet Taco Seasoning (I use Ortega or Old El Paso)

• 1/2 cup Ortega Taco Sauce (I use mild; go spicier if you like)

• 1/2 head Iceberg Lettuce, finely chopped/shredded

• 5+ Green Onions, sliced in thin discs, green parts only

• 1-2 cups Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese (some like more or less)

• Sliced Black Olives (optional)

Beat the cream cheese by itself for 2 minutes or until it looks creamy. Add in the sour cream and taco seasoning and blend till fully combined. Spread into a large, shallow container like a jelly roll pan or another decorative dish; cover and refrigerate for 2-hours. Once the base is chilled, spread remaining ingredients in layers beginning with taco sauce and ending with black olives if using. Frito Scoops are super yummy, but any tortilla chip will be a worthy vehicle. Enjoy!