2025 Book List
In 2025 I set the lofty goal of completing 75 books and shocked my self by not only reaching it, but surpassing it. As usual here's my breakdown of what was read.
Classic Literature:
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
I have now read all of the great Jane Austen's works and found this one to be quite a fun read!
The Brothers Karamazov By Fydor Dostoevsky
My first Dostoevsky has been completed! I really enjoyed the character development on this one. It was much more character driven rather than plot focused. I do very much think this could have benefited from 21st century editing but alas, it wouldn't be a great russian novel without it's hefty pages.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
I'm not entirely sure if this counts as classic literature as it is set in 1950s Naples but what a masterpiece of writing! Each character is a slightly unlikeable yet rich and nuanced.
Works of Renown
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison has been in my TBR pile for forever so I was very happy to listen to the audiobook narrated by the author herself. It was a lot grittier and graphic thank I anticipated.
A Little Life by Hanya Yangihara
Woof. This one wrote friendship and human complexities and mental health in such a nuanced way. I appreciated the unique story formatting and detailed sensations. While being extremely graphic, I would
The Dispossessed by Ursala K. Guin
A recommendation from Adriel who always keeps me cultured. I found the world and writing hard to grasp however ended up finding my stride and enjoyed the commentary about utopic society.
Non-Fiction
The Wisdom of Your Body by Hilary McBride
Beautiful philosphies and such a warm open approach to mental health.
The Year of Less by Caitlin Flanders
While this wasn't my favourite writing style, the concepts stayed with me long after the writing did. It seeped into all areas of my life!
All About Love by Bell Hooks
Such a beautiful approach to living life with a love and grace filled lens.
Modern Fiction
Beartown by Fedrick Backman
Few authors are able to capture multiple emotional landscapes as richly as he was. This story took my breath away.
Babel by R.F Kuang
R. F Kuang has a knack for exceptional magical world building. She somehow makes the story completely believable and raises you up to the highest of hopes for her characters and then systematically emotionally destroys you with their journeys.
Hello Beautiful by Anne Napolitano
Perhaps its because I have sisters, but this book struck such an emotional cord with me. Such a rich family tale. I sobbed throughout.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This book is up there for top book of my reading year. Another intensely rich character driven book. The author manages to change POVS seamlessly while also not compromising the storyline. Phenomenal.
Biographies
Tears of the Silenced by Misty Griffins
Heartbreakingly honest yet hopeful.
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci
Delightfully rich in storytelling through food. Truly a treat to hear him narrate this!
A Well Trained Life by Tia Levings
Incredibly well narrated and structured by the author herself, this was an engaging and captivating tale.
All in all one of my best reading years yet! Looking forward to another fufilling year of literature!
