In 2025, I set a goal to read 60 books, focusing on a mix of personal growth and pure enjoyment. I’m happy to say I reached that goal and discovered many meaningful reads along the way. In this post, I’m sharing my best books of 2025, highlighting the most memorable fiction and nonfiction reads across different genres that inspired, challenged, and entertained me throughout the year.
Narrative Non-Fiction
The Mona Lisa Vanishes
It’s hard to believe I read this book in 2025—it feels like much longer ago. This was a genre I hadn’t really explored before, and I loved how the story was narrated. It was engaging, surprising, and completely unlike anything else I’ve read. The book recounts the greatest art heist in history, weaving in the parallel events unfolding at the same time.
Historical Fiction
Forty Autumns
This powerful true story follows a family torn apart by the Berlin Wall and spans five decades of Cold War history. Some family members are forced to remain in East Germany under Stalinist rule, while the eldest escapes to the West. The book beautifully parallels their lives on both sides of the wall and ultimately brings their stories together again.
Non-Fiction
Reconnected
In Reconnected, Carlos Whittaker conducts a personal social experiment by separating himself from his phone for seven weeks, splitting his time between a monastery and Amish country. He explores how constant screen use affects the brain, and the book naturally prompts you to reflect on your own relationship with technology.
Help! My Kid Hates Writing
If you have a child who resists writing, this book is a must-read. Julie Bogart offers practical and compassionate strategies to help children become more confident writers. As a mom supporting my kids’ writing at school, this book gave me a much-needed shift in perspective.
Parenting
More than Just the Talk
I read several books this year to prepare myself for having “the talk” with my kids, and this one stood out. It encourages ongoing, age-appropriate conversations rather than a single discussion and addresses everything from values and faith to dating and relationships. I’ll be sharing more resources for Christian parents in a separate blog post soon.
Children’s Fiction (Middle Grade)
Cookie Chronicles
I read quite a few middle-grade books this year and continue to love this genre. The standout series—one that all of my kids enjoyed, even my picky reader—was The Cookie Chronicles. When a series works for every child, it easily earns a top spot. The main character, Ben Yokoyama, is hilarious. He takes fortune cookie sayings way too seriously, in the best possible way. But my favorite character is Janet, his best friend, who is loyal, witty, and intelligent. I can assure you, this book has good intent, good characters, and so much humor.
False Prince
The False Prince follows the story of a kingdom thrown into chaos after the royal family is believed to have been murdered. A powerful nobleman secretly trains several orphaned boys, forcing them to compete to impersonate the missing prince and claim the throne. As the deception deepens, dangerous secrets emerge, and the true fate of the False Prince reveals secrets unimagined. I highly recommend the whole series. I listened to them all in 3 days.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Muhammad Najem, War Reporter
I spent some time this year exploring graphic novels for my kids, though the genre didn’t fully stick for me. One story that did stand out was Mohammed Najem, which follows the life of a Syrian reporter documenting war and survival through his own experiences.
Christmas
Christmas with the Queen
If you enjoy stories centered around the British royal family, this is a lovely seasonal read to save for next year. Set during the early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, it follows two people whose lives intersect over time—one carrying a secret that could change everything. The royal backdrop adds depth and charm to the story.
Autobiography
Be Ready When the Luck Happens
I used to watch Ina Garten’s cooking shows years ago and always admired the simplicity of her style. Pair that with my love for autobiographies, and this book was an easy pick. I truly enjoyed learning about her early life and the path that led her to build such a remarkable career.
What books have you read or would like to your TBR? Share below.
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