Favorite Books of 2025 (so far)
“Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.”
Now that we’re halfway through the year—crazy, I know—I wanted to share the books that left a mark on me. Since logging out of Instagram and getting a Kindle for Christmas, I’ve been reading a lot more than usual, and I couldn’t be happier.
In no particular order, these are my favorite books of 2025 (so far).
Join the community today ↓ to get blogs, news, and announcements delivered right to your inbox!Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton (memoir)
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I already shared a post about this book with my favorite quotes, so you know it was making this list. A friend recommended this book to me when I told her I was looking for something with Derry Girls vibes. I had recently finished the series on Netflix and was itching for a similar book. And she nailed it with this recommendation. Alderton’s memoir had me laughing out loud, nodding my head, and cringing along with her as she recounted stories from her younger years. Ultimately, the story is about the power of female friendships and how they are among the most important relationships in our lives. If you’re looking for a funny and relatable read that you and your girlfriends can laugh about at your next book club/wine tasting, this one is it.
Animal by Lisa Taddeo (fiction)
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This woman, let me tell you, I can write an entire post about her. Apart from her beautiful writing, Taddeo is the best—and I stand by that statement—at writing complex women. And I mean complex. If you haven’t read her first book, Three Women, do yourself a favor and read it. I became so obsessed with it that I wouldn’t shut up about it and got five other women at work to read it. Starz released a 10-episode mini-series based on it, and while the show is good, the book, as always, is better. Still, I recommend trying both. Taddeo’s debut novel features an ambiguous female character whose impact on the reader is uncertain. There are moments you loathe her and moments you cheer for you. In the end, you feel as though you understand her in a way that only a dear friend can. This is the power of Taddeo’s writing, and I cannot wait for her next book.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (fiction; young adult)
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The Hunger Games trilogy is a series I enjoy rereading every now and then. There’s something about this story, characters, and message that I like to remind myself of. When Collins announced that Haymitch’s book was coming, I pre-ordered it the minute we could. This was the story I wanted, apart from a Finnick/Annie stand-alone, and I was ready. While it took a while to get to the Games themselves, I loved all the Easter eggs and references to not only Snow’s story, but also the original trilogy. It was important for Collins to show us how Haymitch became the drunken, isolated loner he was when first introduced in The Hunger Games, and she did not disappoint. Haymitch, in a way, sparked the true rebellion, but Katniss was the one who would see it through. Collins alludes to this, and I feel it made the connection Haymitch has with both Katniss and Peeta all the more powerful, as it shows how the Games shaped him and the rebellion itself.
This Far by Allison Holker (memoir)
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My mom, sister, and I were avid watchers of So You Think You Can Dance in its glory days, and so we met Allison Holker and her husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, many years ago. I loved watching them return as All-Stars, fall in love, and start a family, all of which they shared on social media. Did it feel a tad stalkerish? Of course, but social media has turned us all into voyeurs. Anyway…
When Stephen’s suicide hit the news, I couldn’t believe it. How was it that this vibrant man, with an incredible family and career, do this? As we all know, we never truly know someone, and Allison’s memoir brings this concept to the spotlight. She’s not afraid to call Stephen out on this horrific act, which is something not often seen in stories about suicide. Yes, it’s good to remember who the person was and the impact they left on the world, but what Allison makes clear is how this act will forever haunt her and her children. Controversy aside, it’s a book worth reading, and I hope Allison and Stephen’s family will find peace soon.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (fiction)
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I’d seen this book a lot lately. A YouTuber I follow mentioned it, a few morning talk shows had it on their book club lists, and even a co-worker was reading it. When I finally looked into what the story was about, I thought, “This would make a great comp title for my current novel.” This book conveys a universal message, as we’ve all wondered what would have happened if we had chosen a different path. What if we studied abroad? Where would we be now? What if we took a left instead of a right? Essentially, the main character decides she doesn’t want to live anymore and ends up in a library where every book represents a life she lived based on her choices. If you’re caught up on Marvel movies, think of it like the multiverse. Throughout the book, she’s told she gets to pick a life to stay in if she finds herself completely happy in it. But the clock’s ticking. It does make you think: would you be happier if you chose a different path? Or would you find flaws in every possible life? Add this to your TBR pile if you’re looking for something thought-provoking.
Adventures in Opting Out by Cait Flanders (nonfiction)
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I’ve always loved reading books about people breaking from society’s norms and doing what lights them up. And in this book, Cait Flanders makes it clear that “opting out” is not easy, but it can lead toward a more intentional and meaningful life. I firmly believe there are many ways to live, make money, and live comfortably without the daily grind of the 9-5. The problem is that fear holds many of us back from finding and trying those means. I was self-employed from 2020 to 2023 and hope to be again in the near future. This book was the right one needed for a project I’ll be working on soon. For those avid hikers or outdoorsy folks, the hiking analogy will appeal to you, though you don’t have to be a hiker to understand her message. In the end, this book was inspiring, relatable, and encouraging. Yes, you will fail when opting out, but what matters most is taking one step at a time, just as you would when hiking.
What books have you read so far this year that really stuck with you? Have you read any of the ones listed above? If so, what did you think of them?
If this post resonated with you in any way, please consider buying me a coffee. A little caffeine goes a long way for a writer, and I will be forever grateful for the fuel. ☕️