A list of books I read and thought were worthwhile in 2025 that are (possibly) relevant to our times, from a 40something wasian american. I have nothing against romantasy, I just don't lean in that direction. Includes both fiction and nonfiction.
Sections
2
a random mix of fiction
a random mix of nonfiction
a random mix of fiction
This may possibly include a lot of sci fi and sapphic stuff. Much more relaxing than the nonfiction section.
very fun, very brain off but also very on (?)
Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb, #1) by Tamsyn Muir
tragic and heartwarming, a perspective you've probably never experienced
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line: A Novel
the most long-winded sapphic fantasy that I actually did not put down - I do have to admit to being pleasantly lost for the first 200 or so pages but the vibes were immaculate
The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos)
I am not in the business of reading YA but I do see what you all are up to, and I'm here for it. highly underrated imo
Iron Widow (Book 1)
Surreal and visceral. Very gross and very good.
Bestiary: A Novel
sci fi and personal experience blend into a masterpiece
Pluralities
a random mix of nonfiction
I don't know how to summarize this. Selected from whatever a wandering mind 40something wasian woman is interested in. A very non-relaxing selection.
the mix of memoir and short history lessons made this extremely digestable - couldn't put this one down
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong ...
a must read for any Janelle Monae fan, and also a must read for anyone who isn't (you will be)
Janelle Monáe's Queer Afrofuturism
validates my feelings of wanting to yell into the void at all times
I'm Sorry for My Loss: Reproductive Care
You don't have to feel bad for not feeling bad about your favorite childhood shows (or was it the other way around?)
Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma
Very, very relevant. Clears up your misconceptions about How Things Work in the US (well, it should).
How to Be an Antiracist
This is definitely not an intro-level book by any means, but is *worth* it anyway. The earned anger is also worth it. Don't read if you don't want to look at the American healthcare system differently forever.
Care: The Highest Stage of Capitalism
Haven't you ever wanted to learn more about dead bodies?
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
millennials being online, a dangerous prospect
Extremely Online: Untold Story of Internet Fame
how to prioritize: social impact edition
Elite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics
for anyone still going "what IS Twitch?" (I know there are tons of you out there)
Stream Big: Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch
Please read this. Everything you know is possibly wrong.
Manufacturing Consent: Political Economy of Mass Media
inspiration amongst the doom
What If We Get It Right?: Climate Futures
explains problems, offers solutions
The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It
this was so relatable and enraging, very well written
Fetishized: Reckoning with Yellow Fever & Feminism
