11 Books to Make You Thrive: Ranking the Best Business Books I Read This Year
December 28, 2025
It's that time again - the yearly roundup of all the books I managed to read over the past 12 months.
I read slightly fewer than usual this year, largely because a big chunk of my time went into writing my third book, which is slated for release in spring 2026.
That said, I still carved out some time to dive into a few great reads. As always, my reading choices revolve around personal development, building my business, and spiritual growth.
Below is my full list. I hope it inspires you to pick up one or two that resonate with your own path!
Best Book to Help You Understand the Full Scope of AI
11. The Singularity is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
If you're serious about your professional success - no matter your industry - you can't afford to fall behind on the rapid advancements in AI. As someone who speaks professionally on the topic, I make it a priority to stay current, which is why I decided to read this book.
The Singularity is Nearer is actually a sequel to Kurzweil's The Singularity is Near (see what he did there?), a 2006 book that explored the concept of the "artificial intelligence singularity." What is the singularity? It's the future moment when human intelligence merges with AI, leading to an expansion of our minds and capabilities.
Sounds creepy and sci-fi to me, but it's not as far-fetched as you might think. Kurzweil believes this singularity will happen around 2045, while AI will become equal with human intelligence around 2029.
Again, it sounds weird, but it's a good book if you're interested in understanding how AI got to this point, how it functions, how it can improve human health and intelligence, and where it could be going in the near future. I don't view "the singularity" as positively as Kurzweil, but was still a helpful read.
Best Book for an Unconventional Perspective on Jesus
10. Jesus: The Prequel by Van Harden
My dad, an author, released a new book this year, so naturally, it was the first one I picked up.
Jesus the Prequel is built around a truly intriguing premise: exploring Jesus’s life before His birth in Bethlehem. Christians believe Jesus is fully God and has existed eternally - before time itself began - yet we seldom consider His existence prior to Bethlehem.
The book uncovers some eye-opening biblical revelations about where Jesus was and what He was doing in the time leading up to His arrival on earth as a baby. It’s a thought-provoking and fresh perspective that makes for a captivating read.
You can check out more about the book on his website.
Best Book for Understanding Ethical Wealth Creation
9. Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Thou Shall Prosper is a great book if you're looking to understand the positive value of doing business and making a profit.
The book reveals that Jewish tradition views a person’s quest for profit and wealth to be inherently moral. The only real way to achieve wealth is to attend diligently to the needs of others and to conduct oneself in an honorable way.
Sadly, many people today view business and profit with suspicion and negativity. I appreciated this book’s refreshing perspective that when conducted ethically, business and the pursuit of profit are very positive forces, all about serving and creating value for people.
The Best Book for a Unique Perspective on Leadership
8. The End of Leadership as We Know It by Steve Garcia and Dan Fisher
The End of Leadership as We Know It argues that traditional leadership approaches are borderline obsolete in today's complex workplace. It identifies ten common traps leaders fall into and new ways for leaders to overcome these challenges.
The book encourages leaders to shift from command-and-control hierarchies to more decentralized approaches that give power to the team members themselves.
If you're interested in entertaining some leadership ideas you haven't necessarily considered before, this may be a good read for you.
Best Book for Agency Owners
7. Beyond the Agency Box by Frankie Fihn
Our Leadership Team at the Blue Compass Digital Marketing Agency read this book together, and it led to some great conversations and ideas.
It shares helpful concepts like how to narrow your company niche, craft a very specific new business pitch, and fight through the challenges that plague every marketing agency. The book is targeted to owners or C-Suite members of agencies. It may not be the right fit for you, but if you fit in that category, you'll likely get great value from the read.
Best Book for Leaders Who Want to Improve Their Storytelling Skills
6. The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell by Paul Smith
I really enjoyed this book. It's a very short read but quite helpful for any leader who is interested in growing his or her ability to make an impact through stories.
Smith identifies ten essential types of narratives like founding stories, vision stories, strategy stories, personal leadership stories, etc., that leaders should master to inspire people inside and outside of their organizations. He provides step-by-step tips on how to discover, craft, and deliver these stories to communicate key ideas more memorably than data alone.
Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool that many leaders miss. If you're a leader, consider grabbing this book; I think it will greatly help you.
Best Book for Discovering the Principles of Success
5. The Magic Ladder to Success by Napoleon Hill
I seem to read at least one Napoleon Hill book each year, and with good reason - Hill is a master of the concept of success and achievement.
The Magic Ladder to Success is a distillation of his famous "Law of Success" philosophy, presenting seventeen principles that form a step-by-step pathway to personal and financial achievement. Hill emphasizes that true success comes from organized thought, ethical actions, a burning desire, and cultivating habits that empower anyone to become a leader in their field.
It's a great read if you're interested in taking a step back and considering what you can do to become a successful person overall.
Best Book for Developing Your Own Personal Mission in Life
4. Mission Possible by Tim Tebow
In this book, Tebow argues that a truly meaningful life stems not from seeking comfort, but from discovering and pursuing the unique, God-given mission you're called to fulfill.
Through his personal stories and biblical insights, Tebow guides readers to identify their purpose. He spends a lot of time encouraging a life that's lived boldly to make a lasting impact on others.
I read this book with my 14-year-old son Chase this summer, and it led to some good conversations together.
Best Book to Explain the Scientific Rationale for Immortality
3. The Physics of Immortality by Dr. Chuck Missler
This may sound like an out-of-the-box book. You're not wrong - it is! Yes, I realize this isn't exactly a business book, but it's nonetheless fascinating.
Missler uses both scientific and Biblical principles to explain how we are perfectly created to be eternal beings. He likens the body to computer hardware, the soul to software, and the spirit to the electricity that gives the whole thing life. "Software has no mass, which means it's not subject to time," he writes. "The part of us that is software is also not subject to time. The essential us, the real us, is eternal."
It's a great read with deep implications. Try something different and give it a read.
The Best Book for Biblical Leadership Ideas
2. Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Phyllis Hendry
More leaders should study the ultimate leader: Jesus.
This book explains why Jesus is the ultimate leadership role model, advocating for the servant leadership He showed us instead of traditional leadership ideas of power or self-interest.
It structures effective leadership around four domains: the heart (motives and character, avoiding pride or fear), the head (vision and purpose), the hands (practical implementation through serving others), and the habits (prayer, solitude, and Scripture application).
The book aims to help readers transform their leadership by aligning their lives with Jesus' example. It does a great job of pointing out the many moments in which Jesus led with authority and humility.
The Best Book for Hope and Answers
1. The Bible
What?!? The Bible?
Yep. It’s the standout book I reread again and again and it perfectly aligns with the core theme running through every other book on this list.
The Bible is, without question, the greatest book ever written on business, leadership, and personal growth. The book of Proverbs alone packs more practical wisdom than any other book I've read. So many of the powerful ideas in the books above trace their roots straight back to Scripture.
It truly has the power to transform your life. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Want a Few Other Ideas for Books to Read This Year?
Check out my previous annual lists:
The Best Books I Read in 2024
The Best Books I Read in 2023
The Best Books I Read in 2022
The Best Books I Read in 2021