My Top Reads for 2025

As we slide into the last month of the year, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my favourite books of 2025. I never expected it, but picking my top reads was much harder than I imagined. The entire time, I kept wondering how others make it look so easy. Surely some of you know what I mean—people casually say things like, “Oh, this is my favourite book this year,” or “That’s my author of the month.” I, on the other hand, find making such choices pretty challenging.

In my defence, I read only around twenty books each year—far from the hundreds some people devour. What can I say? I’m a slow reader. Another thing is that I genuinely love all the books I read—ask my wife if you don’t believe me. That doesn’t necessarily mean I like every aspect equally, but each of those twenty-something books brings something new and teaches me something.

Without further ado, here are my favourite reads of 2025.

Half of A Yellow Sun

A small reflection

I literally adored Half of a Yellow Sun, Adichie’s second novel and, in my opinion, an absolute masterpiece. I had heard about the author a long time ago as a feminist activist, but she only came onto my reading radar two years ago when I read Americanah, which made me want to discover more.

What it’s about

This is a war novel, but its protagonists have nothing to do with the army. It brings out the human side of war, telling the experiences of ordinary people—the first victims of pain, suffering, and devastation. Adichie recounts the long-forgotten Biafran War and its consequences through three perspectives:

• Ugwu, a poor village boy who becomes a university professor’s servant, which changes his life.

• Olanna, educated in England, from a wealthy family, and in love with Ugwu’s employer.

• Richard, an untypical Englishman fascinated by ancient Nigerian art and Olanna’s sister.

These three viewpoints guide us through the novel—before, during, and shortly after the war.

The Secret History — Donna Tartt

A small reflection

If one can be in love with a book, then I think I am in love with this one. Even if I can’t, in good conscience, call it my favourite book of all time (there have been others), it is a book that left me staring with a “Wow” in my mind after I read the last page.

What it’s about

The Secret History is a deeply psychological dark academia novel with elements of crime and mystery. It brilliantly tackles themes like friendship, belonging, intellectual transcendence, class, secrets, and more.

Richard, the narrator, comes from a dysfunctional lower-middle-class family but earns a scholarship to an elite college in Vermont. There, he joins an even more elite and eccentric Greek classics program taught by Professor Julian Morrow. His classmates—Henry, Francis, Bunny, and twins Charles and Camilla—appear inseparable, though their dynamic is often unsettling.

At first, Richard feels like an outsider, but as the story unfolds and he’s drawn into the group, he begins to feel he truly belongs. Inspired by Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and loosely reminiscent of Dead Poets Society, this novel is perfect for readers who enjoy stories pushing the boundaries of academia and intellectual elitism.

Rating: 5/5

Of Mice and

Men — John Steinbeck

A small reflection

When it comes to Steinbeck, I read The Grapes of Wrath as a teenager and, despite loving it, didn’t continue with his work. This year, Of Mice and Men made its way into my library and I devoured it before it even touched the shelf.

What it’s about

Steinbeck’s writing is simple and almost documentary-like. The novel follows two friends—migrant workers trying to survive during the Great Depression. They dream of owning a small farm one day, but their path is full of obstacles.

At its core, the novel explores the American Dream and offers an excellent glimpse into working-class lives in early 20th-century America.

Demon Copperhead — Barbara Kingsolver

A small reflection

I already wrote and published a full review of this amazing novel, so I won’t go into too much detail, but I still feel it deserves mention—it is definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.

What it’s about

Demon Copperhead is perfect for readers interested in the less glamorous side of the United States. If you love David Copperfield or Dickens in general, you'll appreciate the masterfully crafted story of twelve-year-old Damon Fields, a.k.a. Demon Copperhead.

He recounts his struggles with poverty, rejection, broken social services, and a failing healthcare system in Appalachia.

This book left such a strong impression on me that it feels impossible to give anything less than 5/5.

The Corrections — Jonathan Franzen

A small reflection

I heard about The Corrections from another reviewer I follow, and something about it immediately caught my attention. I enjoy books where authors explore the lives of everyday people to critique social issues—and Franzen does exactly that.

What it’s about

The Lamberts and their adult children—Chip, Gary, and Denise—are not extraordinary. They could be your neighbours, colleagues, or friends. But through their lives, Franzen critiques modern American society, especially consumerism and competition.

The novel also explores mental health, the struggle to undo parents’ mistakes, and the search for authenticity.

I’m giving it 4.7/5, only because I feel some parts are stretched out—but that’s a minor issue in an otherwise brilliant novel.

The Years — Annie Ernaux

A small reflection

I felt this list needed at least one nonfiction work. I’m saving my all-time favourite nonfiction book for another moment, so I chose this one.

What it’s about

The Years was my first Annie Ernaux book, and without exaggeration, it blew me away—even though I’m not usually fond of memoirs. But this memoir is unusual: Ernaux writes about her own life while simultaneously constructing a collective memoir of France and the world.

I loved her plain style and the way she uses the collective “we” instead of “I,” presenting a memoir of an entire generation. If you’re curious about this French Nobel laureate or about major events seen through the eyes of those who lived them, this book is for you.

There Are Rivers in the Sky — Elif Shafak

A small reflection

Another book I’ve already mentioned on this blog—and one that fully deserves a spot here.

What it’s about

Simply put, There Are Rivers in the Sky is a beautiful novel that connects lives across time and space. It includes ancient kings and legends, 19th-century London, and present-day Turkey and England.

It's a story about passion, memory, oppression, and survival, written in an extraordinary way. Following the journeys of Arthur, the King of Slums and Sewers; Narin, a Yazidi girl; and Zaleekah, a hydrologist of Middle Eastern origin, you can’t help but wonder how their stories connect—and once you understand, you’ll be left in awe of Shafak’s mastery.

Conclusion

As a new book blogger, I wasn’t entirely sure about doing this post at first. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it’s important to share a glimpse into my reading taste—even if it tends to vary.

2025 has been a great reading year, and these books truly stood out.

Now I’d love to hear from you!Have you read any of these?Which book shaped your year?

I’d really appreciate it if you dropped your thoughts in the comments so we can share recommendations.