Despite being one of my busiest years to date, I read the most books I think I’ve ever read. I was just in the mood to read. I also didn’t have any big needlepoint projects and I just wasn’t as interested in television shows as I usually am. So I found myself waking up early to read every day and reading on the treadmill and reading before bed most nights. It was a year of truly joyful reading, which felt amazing.
My Favorite Books of 2025:
⭐️ Favorite Book of the Year: THE NAMES by Florence Knapp
I had a hard time choosing a favorite, but if I have to pick just one, I recommend The Names. I could not put it down and found it to be an incredibly well-written and interesting books. Totally different and a genius set up. It’s told through three separate timelines based on three potentially different choices a mom could make when naming her son… and then the subsequent lives that come from each choice. I had full body goosebumps when I finished it. I do think it’s best read as an actual book (because of how it’s written) and I think you’ll get the most out of it if you can read it in a relatively short period of time so you don’t forget the different plots.
⭐️ Favorite Memoir of the Year: THERE’S ALWAYS THIS YEAR by Hanif Abdurraqib
There’s Always This Year is a brilliant memoir. I haven’t stopped talking about it since I finished reading it and have recommended it to literally anyone who will listen, including strangers on the street Even if basketball doesn’t interest you, I implore you to read it.
⭐️ A Pleasant Surprise of a Book: HOW TO READ A BOOK by Monica Wood
I totally judged this book by its cover and almost didn’t read it. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful this story was. Anyone who likes to read should give this book a try.
⭐️ A Book More People Should Read: YOU ARE HERE by David Nicholls
Wow, this one blew me away. It’s a sweet, unexpectedly beautiful love story. It’s a lovely, cozy romance novel about two quirky individuals who find themselves paired up on a long distance walk through the English countryside. I loved it from page one– especially as an introvert, I just found myself enjoying the characters so, so much.
More five star reads:
THE GODDESS OF WARSAW by Lisa Barr
THE FAVORITES by Layne Fargo
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE by Elizabeth Strout
WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConaghy
THE ACADEMY by Elin Hilderbrand
CULPABILITY by Bruce Holsinger
WORKHORSE by Caroline Palmer
