As a professional book reviewer, here are the best books I've read in 2025. Whether you're looking for an immersive novel or thoughtful essays or something in between, I got you covered. Any of these would also be perfect as gifts as you're doing you...
Sections
2
Novels
Nonfiction
Novels
Best book I've read this year!
Homeseeking (GMA Book Club Pick) by Karissa Chen, Hardcover
Heartbreaking book about grief and dealing with the past
Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel
Love letter to loving again after you've been hurt before
This Is the Only Kingdom: A Novel By Jaquira Diaz
One of R.F. Kuang's best books in terms of characters! Two Ph.D students journey to hell to rescue their thesis advisor so he can write their letters of rec.
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
The prequel that reframed the whole Hunger Games series for me. Super timely for 2025.
Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games): 9781546171461: Collins ...
Unhinged thriller with great voice
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
The rebellion is female
Ten Incarnations of Rebellion by Vaishnavi Patel
Gives “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” vibes
Meet Me at Blue Hour - Suk, Sarah: Books
Nonfiction
I wish that I was taught this in school. Must read for anyone who has a period.
The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It
Deeply researched, thoughtful, and at times, surprisingly funny
Misbehaving at the Crossroads: Essays & Writings by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Such a cool concept! Actually got me kind of emotional baking cookies.
To Die For: A Great Fall or Halloween Read
Such a raw and honest book about Alyson's experiences with fame, religion, and eating disorders.
Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir: Stoner, Alyson
Lovely memoir about a magazine writer turned seminary student working on a farm at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand
Binge-readable essay collection/memoir about femininity and pop culture
Culture Creep: Notes on the Pop Apocalypse
History of Black Americans through the color blue
Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People: Perry, Imani
