Hey guys! It’s been a while…
My reading this year hasn’t been that great. I managed to read four books overall 😭
I think that sums up my 2025 pretty well lol. It was a good year but I spent a lot of the year going out of my comfort zone and only having time for one hobby (playing video games).
But by some miracle (or maybe the pushy nature of Libby), I managed to finish some books.
So, here are my best reads of 2025:
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama - 5⭐️ : This was a book I didn’t expect to enjoy so much. Ironically, I felt like I could relate to a situation that a character was in, so I guess what I was looking for was in this book too lol. I love that no matter what situation you’re in, this book offers you advice and comfort when you need it. It’s a perfect book to go to when you’re feeling down or unmotivated. I love that it also went into different character’s POVs too.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells - 5⭐️ - I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved how human the MC was, even though they used to be a murderous android lol. I related so hard to wanting to sit and watch shows all day long. Wish I could consume 35,000 hours of media as easily as the MC. The concept was fun and it’s interesting the direction it’s going in. I need to continue this series!
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher - 5⭐️ - I literally finished this book two days ago. I have to say, I think this was my favourite book of the year! It was sweet, funny, cosy, slice of life, and had a unique fantasy world! I freaking loved Halla and her mind. I snorted with laughter most of the time. Sarkis and Zale were also badass characters too!
Honourable mention - Book Lovers by Emily Henry - 4⭐️- I was really hoping to love this book as much as the others. I loved the writing style which made for fast reading. I liked the characters, but I felt like I couldn’t root for them. It sounded all good on paper. Yes they had the “sexual tension”, but I just wasn’t invested in them. For me, there has to be an emotional connection but this was more physical, if you get what I mean. Also, the dilemma? Wasn’t really as serious as the book was trying to make it. I didn’t really see it as a valid reason why they couldn’t be together, but that’s just me. The optimistic lol.
Watched some great anime this year, so I wanted to share those too!
Frieren - I freaking loved this anime! I didn’t expect to get choked up on the first episode. This is my kind of vibes. Cosy, great fantasy, deep friendships and relationships. I loved the concept of Frieren trying to understand what it means to live and die as a human, even though she’s immortal. Beautiful anime.
The Apothecary Diaries - Another favourite of mine! I loved the mystery aspect of it and how much knowledge you get from it too lol. Maomao and Jinshi’s chemistry is 🔥. I loved the plot and the way it goes into the other character’s stories. Not to mention that the intros were really catchy. I need the movie and the new season now!
The Ancient Magus’ Bride - I’m so glad I checked it out! Another cosy fantasy with a fascinating world. Dragons turning into trees when they pass. Sleigh baggies having an unlimited source of power. I love Chise and Elias and how respectful and layered their relationship is considering how they met and all. I did prefer the first season over the second season, but the second season introduced some great characters like Lucy.
I’m probably missing some more but that’s what I can remember off the top of my head.
Next year, I want to try and note down everything I’ve watched and read. I missed journaling about them, so maybe that’ll make a comeback.
(Maybe next time, I might include some video games I played too but let me know if you’re curious about what I played in 2025.)
I hope 2025 was a great reading year for you! What did you guys read? What did you watch? 🥰
