What I Read (and Loved) in 2025!

In da (bewk) cluuuuub! (<–sorry, these things can’t be helped.)

So, four are actually missing from this stack. Two I borrowed (Flicker in the Dark and One Golden Summer), one I lent out (West with Giraffes) and another I misplaced. (Valley of the Dolls – gah!) But here’s most of my 2025 haul! (is haul the right word? am I too old to use that word?) And it’s not even remotely in order. Actually, I do hope you’ll watch my reel because that was truly not what I intended but loved the ending. 🙂

It was a reading year for the books (BA DOMP), and I’m excited to share that I somehow successfully narrowed it down to my top five favorites. I’ll also include five extra runner-up favorites. So I guess this is my top ten.

Never mind.

Top FIVE. Also not in any particular order, just thinking and gushing out loud.

Broken Country. This completely and fully and wholeheartedly wrecked me. The story is gutting, easy to follow, and will swallow you whole. And the twist at the end – please come back to me when you get there so we can pick up our jaws from our laps. Because mine is still there. 100% recommend.

The Women. I might have to say this was #1 for me. Kristin Hannah is a master at storytelling, depth, character arcs, imagery, descriptiveness, pain, the whole bit. She does it. This takes place in Vietnam and the aftermath of it among a cast of brilliant, brilliant women. If you don’t read this I’ll be upset forever.

Wild Dark Shore. My word. Still thinking about it. The characters, their fragile and odd relationships, the woman, her secret, the SETTING. The seals. The empty lab. It’s an off-kilter, atmospheric vibe, this book. A close look at family delicacies and the upheaval caused when an unexpected woman randomly washes on shore. WILD. ( . . . and dark and shorey.) (sorry) (read it)

We All Want Impossible Things. OBSESSED with Catherine Newman. Yes I read Sandwich with you all a couple of years ago. And yes I absolutely plan to hunt down Wreck as soon as I humanly can. She can do no wrong for me. She’s funny, uncomfortable, dark, raw and just brilliant. Impeccable at putting you smack-dab in the middle of all the dialogue, all the nuance. Readable and digestible, she’s a favorite. Please read this. (two best friends, one in hospice. it’s amazing and sad and wonderfully written.)

Nineteen Minutes. Ugh. Jodi is another one of those authors that takes you through the most sweeping, gut-wrenching stories. This is hard to swallow because it’s about a school shooting, so tread lightly. But it’s beyond that. It not only goes deep into the emotional aftermath, but it takes you on a legal journey between two very close friends. It’s a fascinating look at how mood, tone and precise wording can change an entire case. Highly recommend this, and I know so many love it. But be careful. Also read it.

Here are five other runner-ups for 2025 favorites! Couldn’t put them down for different reasons: mystery, intrigue, charm, humor, depth, sweetness, magic. Read all of them!

Playworld – very long, but with a slight Little Women vibe, if you feel me.

West with Giraffes – unexpectedly enchanting and what a FUN story.

First Frost – who doesn’t small town magic and intrigue! Giant fan of Sarah Addison Allen. Do a deep dive on her. You won’t turn back. (Also this part 2 in a two-book series!)

Don’t Let Him In – LOVE Lisa’s mysteries, and this one was just as quick-paced and heart-thumping as they come.

The Wedding People – LOVED. It’s funny and weird, gorgeous and odd. Get in that.

Some books that I’m hunting for this year are: The Correspondent, Heart the Lover, The Frozen River, Atmosphere, Wreck and The Names. Tell me your list!

I’d also love to know what your favorites were, what didn’t quite land, and what you’re seeking out this year. Spill iiiiiiit!

xx.