Since 2010, I’ve been sharing a list of the books I especially enjoyed during the past year. The 2025 list features mostly newish novels (including some surprisingly dark stories), plus a smattering of older favorites—and even some non-fiction (mostly related to writing).
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Fiction
Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje
Set on the Croatian coastline and structured as a series of flashbacks interspersed with “now” (though the exact year is unspecified), the narrator is still in love with her ex-husband—which makes us wonder why she initiated the divorce.
Little Great Island by Kate Woodworth
Set on an island in Penobscot Bay, author and friend Kate Woodworth has created a tiny independent community that also somehow serves as a metaphor for the entire world. Through a very specific and optimistic lens, she shows us realistic approaches to development, climate change—and cults.
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Driving two giraffes across the USA during the Depression allows the author to delve into a larger theme: animal grace, and how it can change and improve humans.
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
A dystopian novel with a surprisingly hopeful ending.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt
One of my favorite books of all time, narrated by an octopus! (And also included in What Makes a Strong Opening Chapter?, which compares its first words to those of Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore and My Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabelle Allende.)
Playground by Richard Powers
I’ve read this book twice and I still don’t completely understand it, but the descriptions of ocean life are worth every bit of confusion.
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
Historical fiction set in a British seaside town about a group of young women adjusting to life after the Great War.
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
Three strangers deal with the aftermath of a Brooklyn snowstorm.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
A beach read about family.
The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay
Two very different women in the 1920s work as waitresses in America’s first chain restaurants.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A love story set within the 1980s space program.
Letters from the Dead by Isabella Valeri
A debut novel, darker than my usual read, about an heiress who must contend with the enemies of her family—including those within.
Tilda Is Visible by Jane Tara
When middle-aged Tilda begins to disappear, she has to rediscover herself.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
A dark fantasy that I couldn’t stop listening to. Warning: Contains vampires.
Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin
An unlikely friendship between a 21-year-old care giver and her almost 100 year old patient develops as they tell each other their stories.
Non-Fiction
Return to Blue Water by Pam Rorke Levy
The Design of Books: An Explainer for Authors, Editors, Agents, and Other Curious Readers, by Debbie Berne
Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso, the Show That Kicked Its Way into Our Hearts by Jeremy Egner
The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America by Sara B. Franklin
Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen by Mary Norris
Add your favorites from 2025 in the comments below, or drop them into an email. Thanks for reading, and see you next Thursday!
Great list, Carol! West With Giraffes is one of my all-time favorites. I’m glad you enjoyed it, too! Reading about octopus’ and giraffes — i will never look at them the same again!
Agreed, thanks Lynne!