Christian Living

List of Books I Read In 2025

by Brother Carlton 
01/02/26
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The Power of Reading and Lifelong Learning

It has been said that you will be the same person five years from now as you are today—except for the people you meet and the books you read.

The late Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is often credited with this quote, though its origin may predate him. Regardless, the truth behind it remains powerful.

You may have also heard the saying that reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. There is much truth in that statement.

We become what we think about most of the time. That is why it is vital to read good books—books filled with sound ideas, wisdom, and principles that align with biblical truth.

Books, when read carefully and thoughtfully, can truly change your life. They place you in the company of some of the greatest thinkers who have ever lived. Frankly, I struggle to understand the mindset of those who do not read at all. Do they believe they already know everything?

Many people waste countless hours on mindless entertainment, sports, and distractions that do little to strengthen the mind or character. Far too often, these influences pull people toward worldly thinking rather than wisdom and truth.

Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”
Well said.

Below is a list of books I recommend. I have personally benefited from many of them.

For an investment of roughly $100–$500 (or even less if purchased used), you can build a personal library that will serve you for a lifetime. Mark them up. Underline them. Study them. Let them shape your thinking.

You can also borrow many of these from a library, but whatever you do, read.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

Last year I read about 50 books—fewer than the year before—but still a worthwhile goal. Charlie Kirk, head of TPUSA,  was known to read roughly 50 books a year or at least that is what I was told through the grapevine. That’s an excellent target, but don’t be discouraged if you read fewer. Even one book a month adds up to twelve powerful influences per year.

Read carefully. Think critically. Accept what is true, reject what is false, and apply what is useful. That approach shaped my thinking, helped me grow personally, and contributed to my success in life.

Now, here is the reading list.

Jim Rohn Series

1.  The Jim Rohn Guide to Personal Development
2.  The Jim Rohn Guide to Goal Setting
3.  The Jim Rohn Guide to Time Management

Personal Development & Mindset

4.  Believe! – Richard DeVos
5.  The Power of One (Workbook & Audio) – Scott Hallman
6.  Do Hard Things – Alex & Brett Harris
7.  The Teen’s Guide to World Domination – Josh Shipp
8.  As a Man Thinketh – James Allen
9.  The Keys to Success – Jim Rohn
10.  The Greatest Thing in the World – Henry Drummond

Business, Marketing & Strategy

11.  Reality in Advertising – Rosser Reeves
12.  Learn from the $4 Billion Man – Jay Abraham
13.  Building the Ultimate Business Advantage – Dudek Group
14.  Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson
15.  Choices – Roland Hughes
16.  Basic Investing & Resource Stocks – Robert Moriarty
17.  The Love of God – Charlie “Tremendous” Jones
18.  The New Common Denominator of Success – Albert E. N. Gray
19.  Maxims of Life and Business – John Wanamaker
20.  Magnetic Marketing – Dan S. Kennedy

Growth, Communication & Influence

21.  The Power of Maturity – Louis Benstock
22.  Raving Fans – Ken Blanchard
23.  How to Be a Great Communicator – Nido Qubein
24.  Business War Room (audio only) – Jay Abraham
25.  Magic Words That Bring You Riches – Ted Nicholas
26.  The Psychology of Achievement (audio) Brian Tracy
27.  How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be (audio & transcripts)– Jay Abraham
28.  Tough Shift – Kevin W. McCarthy
29.  The New Common Denominator of Success – Albert E. N. Gray
30.  Be Wise: Commentary on 1 Corinthians – Warren W. Wiersbe

Character, Wisdom & Leadership

31.  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens – Sean Covey
32.  The Power of Concentration (audio & book) – Theron Q. Dumont
33.  Read for Your Life – Pat Williams
34.  Get Through to People – Jesse Nirenberg
35.  The Ultimate No-Holds-Barred, Take-No-Prisoners Direct Marketing – Dan Kennedy
36.  Your Secret Wealth (audio & transcripts) – Jay Abraham
37.  The Magic of Thinking Big (audio & book) – David J. Schwartz
38.  Web Magnetism – Nathaniel C. Hawthorne
39.  The Ultimate Sales Machine – Chet Holmes
40.  You’ve Got to Be Hungry – Les Brown

Theology & Spiritual Growth

41.  Man’s Search for Meaning (audio & book) – Viktor Frankl
42.  Be Joyful: Commentary on Philippians – Warren W. Wiersbe
43.  Succeeding with What You Have – Charles Schwab
44.  Separation from Sin and Worldliness – Robert L. Sumner
45.  Free Will or Free Grace – Charles Spurgeon
46.  God’s Sovereignty and Salvation – Stephen Houck
47.  The Family: Foundations Are Shaking – Barry Gritters

Biblical Works

48.  The New Testament (King James Version)
49.  Book of Proverbs (KJV)
50.  Book of Jeremiah (KJV)

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel and writes on faith, purpose, and practical Christian living. A former U.S. Marine, Hollywood actor, and entrepreneur, he now devotes his time to studying Scripture while advising select small business owners on ethical growth and effective marketing strategy.
Ministry, speaking, or business inquiries: [email protected] (HELP in subject line).