I read 98 books last year… yes 98! Despite my best intentions to slow down, savour each page, and read more mindfully; old habits are hard to break. I averaged about 8 books a month - a worthwhile habit but certainly not the norm!
Reading somewhat excessively has led me to discover some incredible books, some I will never forget and has enabled me to share my top 25 with you. Hopefully, they will inspire your reading habits in 2025. If a reading resolution is on your agenda this year, you’re in the perfect place. Whether you’ve set a goal to read more or are simply on the lookout for your next great read, I’ve got you covered. These 25 books will captivate you and keep you turning the pages throughout the year. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
The Goldfinch by Donna TarttÂ
Synopsis:
We follow the life of Theo Decker, a young boy who survives a devastating bombing at a New York museum. In the chaos, he inadvertently steals a priceless painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes both a symbol of his trauma and a source of obsession throughout his life. As Theo grows into adulthood, he grapples with grief, guilt, and the consequences of his actions, all while navigating a world of art, crime, and personal loss. Richly atmospheric and deeply emotional, The Goldfinch explores themes of love, fate, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.Â
My Thoughts: Despite being set in modern-day New York, this book feels almost Dickensian. It took me on a journey I will never forget. For my full review Click Here. On further reflection, I think this is the perfect popular fiction book for literature fans and the perfect literature for popular fiction fans.Â
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Synopsis:Â
In 1914, as WWI ravages Europe, Henry Gaunt and his classmates are shielded from the violence at their peaceful English boarding school. Gaunt, half-German, secretly loves his best friend, Sidney Ellwood, who also harbours feelings for him. When Gaunt’s family pressures him to enlist to avoid anti-German backlash, he hopes leaving will help him to escape his feelings for Ellwood. But Ellwood soon follows him to the front along with their classmates. Surrounded by death and uncertainty, the novel delves into the themes of love, loss, and the devastating impact of war on both the heart and the soul.Â
My Thoughts: A hauntingly epic and captivatingly tragic love story that will stay with you long after you put it down. It is vivid, poetic and unforgettable. A masterfully executed debut, with lush prose and riveting plot.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Synopsis:
William Waters grew up in a home marked by tragedy and subsequent neglect. When he meets Julia Padavano, a spirited young woman with a plan, she values his quiet, steadfast nature, and he is drawn into her close-knit family, including her three sisters: Sylvie, the dreamer, Cecelia, the artist, and Emeline, the caretaker. However, when a dark secret from William's past emerges, it threatens not only his future with Julia but the sisters' deep bond. This results in a rift that alters their lives for generations. The story explores whether love is enough to heal a broken person and reunite a fractured family.
My Thoughts: A poignant exploration of the complexities of family, love, and the ties that bind. The story vibrates with tenderness, a gorgeous and profoundly moving portrait of a family that questions what is possible when we choose to love someone - not despite who they are, but because of it.Â
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif ShafakÂ
Synopsis:
This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives - all connected by a single drop of water. In the ruins of Nineveh, an ancient city of Mesopotamia, there lies, hidden in the sand, fragments of a long-forgotten poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh.
In Victorian London, an extraordinary child is born at the edge of the dirt-black River Thames. Arthur's only chance of escaping poverty is his brilliant memory. When his gift earns him a spot as an apprentice at a printing press, Arthur's world opens up far beyond the slums, with one book sending him across the seas: Nineveh and Its Remains.
In Turkey in 2014, Narin, a Yazidi girl living by the River Tigris, waits to be baptised with water brought from the holy Lalish in Iraq. The ceremony is cruelly interrupted, and soon Narin and her grandmother must journey across war-torn lands in the hope of reaching the sacred valley of their people.
In London in 2018, broken-hearted Zaleekhah, a hydrologist, moves to a houseboat on the Thames to escape the wreckage of her marriage. Zaleekhah foresees a life drained of all love and meaning; until an unexpected connection to her homeland changes everything.
A dazzling feat of storytelling from one of the greatest writers of our time, Elif Shafak's There are Rivers in the Sky is a rich, sweeping novel that spans centuries, continents and cultures, entwined by rivers, rains and waterdrops.
My Thoughts: A highly informative, delicately layered and deeply moving plot unfolds alongside the journey of a single drop of water. Elif Shafak’s exploratory and spiritual storytelling blends historical fiction and magical realism with remarkable skill. To see my full review Click Here.
I Capture the Castle by Dodi SmithÂ
Synopsis:
Cassandra Mortmain, 17, records a year in her life and that of her quirky family in this heartwarming coming-of-age story. She describes her eccentric father, suffering from writer's block, her clever younger brother Tom, her beautiful but marriage-obsessed sister Rose, their exotic stepmother Topaz, and sweet Stephen, the family friend and employee, who is deeply in love with her. When two young American men, Simon and Neil, move nearby, their lives are set to change for good.Â
My Thoughts - An accessible and endearing children's classic worth celebrating. Full of astute observation, tender wit and delightful characters, it is a moving, heartfelt and sensitive exploration of the passage from innocence to experience. For those looking to read more classics this year, this one should be top of the list.
Soldier, Sailor by Claire KilroyÂ
Synopsis:
In her first novel for over a decade, Claire Kilroy takes us deep into the trenches of the early days of motherhood. Exploring the clash of fierce love for a new life with a seismic shift in identity, she vividly realises the raw, tumultuous emotions of a new mother, as her marriage strains and she struggles with questions of love, autonomy and creativity. As she smiles at her baby, Sailor, while mentally composing her suicide note, an old friend makes a welcome return, but can he offer a lifeline to the woman she used to be?
My Thoughts: A raw and visceral stream of consciousness that is deeply personal and profoundly relatable. Kilroy bears all, a mother's capacity for love and devotion juxtaposed with suffocating pressure and despair. This powerful novel will resonate with those who have survived those early years of parenthood and will leave its mark.Â
Close to Home by Micheal MageeÂ
Synopsis:
Growing up in West Belfast, Sean does everything expected of him—working hard, studying, and staying out of trouble. The thirty-year conflict in Ireland has ended, but he returns home from university to find little has changed: the same friends, the same struggles, and no opportunities. With his degree worthless and no one offering him a chance, Sean’s frustration boils over when he assaults a stranger at a party, setting off a chain of events that unravels his life. Close to Home is a raw, debut novel about working-class Ireland, trauma, secrecy, and the desperate struggle to break free from the past.
My Thoughts: A unique exploration of generational trauma and working-class masculinity, this novel is deeply impactful. It powerfully captures the complexities of poverty, class systems, and how personal experiences intersect with socio-political shifts. This is an immersive, important and brilliantly executed story.
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I Love You, I Love You, I Love You by Laura Dockrill Â
Synopsis:
Ella and Lowe meet as teenagers, and for Ella, it’s love at first sight, though she keeps her feelings hidden, staying safely in the friend zone. Over the next fifteen years, they share laughter, grief, and moments of intimacy, but Ella never dares to ask if Lowe feels the same. Can you truly be just friends with the love of your life, and what happens when the truth becomes impossible to keep?
My Thoughts: A heartwarmingly nostalgic emotional rollercoaster. This novel is an engaging, funny, feel-good romance, perfect for anyone who grew up in the 90's. Ella is delightfully relatable, taking us back to the painful yet familiar days of teen insecurity and unrequited love. It’s an unforgettable story based on the author's life; highlighting the importance of staying true to yourself, surrounding yourself with good friends, and cherishing those rare, meaningful connections.
Notes on an Execution by Danya KukafkaÂ
Synopsis:
Ansel Packer is scheduled to die in twelve hours. But this is not his story.
Ansel doesn't want to die; he wants to be celebrated and understood. Yet now he awaits the same fate he forced on those girls, years ago.
This is the story of the women who survive.
Told from the perspectives of a serial killer on death row, his mother, his sister-in-law, and a detective who grew up with him in the same care home, Notes on an Execution deconstructs his narrative. As Ansel’s execution day approaches, we learn about his past through the women connected to him. The novel explores guilt, redemption, and the causes of violence while questioning justice, punishment, and the possibility of redemption. With sharp, layered prose, Kukafka offers an evocative exploration of the consequences of a life lost and a life taken.
My Thoughts: Poignant, insightful, and at times tragically disturbing. Kukafka crafts an eloquent, gripping, and impeccably paced narrative, blending suspense with empathy seamlessly. She offers a sharp exploration of the American justice system, particularly concerning race and gender, while also examining society's cultural obsession with crime stories. This novel would make an excellent Book Club choice, as it will spark a great variation of discussion.Â
Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley
Synopsis:
Flo, stuck in a rut in Tokyo with a fading relationship and stalled career, discovers a mysterious book left on the subway. Transfixed by its story, she feels compelled to translate it, which leads her on a transformative journey. The story follows Ayako, a strict old woman running a coffee shop in Onomichi, and her grandson Kyo, both scarred by past tragedies and struggling to connect. As Flo immerses herself in their evolving relationship, she realizes the characters’ struggles mirror her own, and is soon prompted to track down the book’s elusive author. The lines between her life and the story she has found, begin to blur as her journey unfolds.
My Thoughts: A richly woven tale within a tale, this novel feels like a love letter to Japan. It’s an engaging, comforting read that you wont want to end—transporting and quietly captivating. The perfect cosy read for Western fans of Japanese fiction.
After You’d Gone by Maggie O’FarrellÂ
Synopsis:
Alice Raikes travels from London to Scotland to visit her family, but after witnessing something shocking, she returns to London, only to be found in a coma following an accident that may have been a suicide attempt. As her family gathers at her bedside, old tensions resurface, revealing more secrets than they wish to share. Alice, slipping in and out of consciousness, reflects on her past and a recent love affair. Through a series of flashbacks, the novel reveals her closest relationships, delving into themes of grief, guilt, and the unpredictable paths life can take.
My Thoughts: This book is a suspenseful and powerful reflection on how the past shapes us and the heartache that can accompany living and letting go. It is a riveting and emotionally charged story that skips through time and interweaves multiple points of view. O'Farrell’s signature lyrical prose, psychological depth, and keen exploration of memory and identity, you will not want to put this one down.Â
Penance by Eliza ClarkÂ
Synopsis:
It's been nearly a decade since the horrifying murder of sixteen-year-old Joan Wilson rocked Crow-on-Sea, and the events of that terrible night are now being published for the first time.
That story is Penance, a dizzying feat of masterful storytelling, where Eliza Clark manoeuvres us through accounts from the inhabitants of this small seaside town. Placing us in the capable hands of journalist Alec Z. Carelli, Clark allows him to construct what he claims is the 'definitive account' of the murder - and what led up to it. Built on hours of interviews with witnesses and family members, painstaking historical research, and most notably, correspondence with the killers themselves, the result is a riveting snapshot of lives rocked by tragedy, and a town left in turmoil.
The only question is: How much of it is true?
My Thoughts: A dark, devastatingly clever and dismally atmospheric read. Clark keeps you on the end of your seat, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. It is a reading experience similar to a true-crime documentary and seething commentary on the state of humanity.
An uncomfortable but completely mesmerising must-read.Â
My Name is Maame by Jessica GeorgeÂ
Synopsis:
Maddie’s life in London is far from fulfilling. Struggling with being a carer for her father suffering from Parkinson’s, disappointing a distant (yet overbearing) mother in Ghana, while dealing with a nightmare boss and being the only Black person in her workplace. So when her mother returns, Maddie seizes the opportunity to start living for herself and experience some important "firsts." However, when tragedy strikes, it forces her to confront her unconventional family as well as the risks and rewards of accepting help. Maame is a smart, funny, and deeply moving exploration of familial duty, racism, love, female pleasure, and friendship.  Most importantly, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures, and ultimately celebrates the journey of finding where you truly belong.
My Thoughts: A triumphant debut novel that speaks to an entire generation. Emotive, compelling and deeply personal. Perfect pacing, dialogue, and prose. Interestingly, what will seem hugely relatable to some, will be eye-opening for others. You will be recommending this book to everyone.
Sugar by Bernice L. McFaddenÂ
Synopsis:
The novel begins when a young prostitute, seeking a fresh start, arrives in Bigelow, Arkansas, escaping her troubled past. She moves next door to Pearl, a woman still mourning her daughter murdered fifteen years earlier. Over sweet potato pie, an unlikely friendship forms, changing both women’s lives—and the lives of the entire town. Sugar brings a Southern African-American community to life, filled with magnolia trees, jasmine, and white picket fences that shield the town from outsiders. The novel takes readers on a journey through loss, suffering, forgiveness and grace.
My Thoughts:Â I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It disturbed me, transported me and seduced me. A richly descriptive writing style that pulls you into the novel and envelopes your senses. Rebellious, violent and yet so heartwarming at the same time. This story has it all.
Evenings and Weekends by Oisin MckennaÂ
Synopsis:
It’s June 2019 in London, a whale is beached in the Thames, and everyone has converged on the parks, beer gardens and street corners to revel in the collective joys of being alive.
Everyone but Maggie. She’s 30, pregnant and broke. Faced with moving back to the town she fought to escape, she’s wondering if having a baby with boyfriend Ed will be the last spontaneous act of her life.
Ed, meanwhile, is trying to run from his past with Maggie’s best friend Phil and harbouring secret dreams of his own.
Phil hates his office job and is living for the weekend, while falling for his housemate, Keith. But there’s a problem: Keith has a boyfriend and there might not be room for three people in the relationship.
Then there’s Rosaleen, Phil’s mother, who’s tired of feeling like a side character in her own life. She’s just been diagnosed with cancer and is travelling to London to tell Phil, if she can ever get hold of him.
As the Saturday night party approaches, all their lives are set to change forever. It’s the hottest summer on record and the weekend is about to begin…
My Thoughts: An atmospheric and meditative story about growing up, confonting your past, your desires and making the decisions that change everything. With insightful multi-generational points of view, sensitive queer rep and a superbly strong sense of setting, this novel is brilliantly written. Engaging and empathetic. A must-read for all Sally Rooney fans.Â
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh
Synopsis:
A young woman seeking to escape the ills of the world through a year of hibernation, aided by a disastrous psychiatrist and a dangerous cocktail of medications. Despite a seemingly perfect life; youth, beauty, a Columbia degree, a job at an art gallery, and an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, (funded by her inheritance) she feels a deep emptiness. The loss of her parents, her toxic relationship with her boyfriend, and her sadomasochistic bond with her best friend Reva aren’t the only reasons for her despair. This novel explores the necessity of isolation and the extreme measures taken to escape dissatisfaction with the world.
My Thoughts: A highly unusual concept and style. Far-fetched, frustrating and mundane but so strangely alluring, unexpectedly tender and darkly witty. It is genius and somehow both merciless and compassionate. It is a strangely conflicting book that will make you want to go to bed and stay there. Be warned.Â
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
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Synopsis:
This sharp exploration of adolescence, identity, and family dynamics follows Giovanna, a young girl on the verge of adulthood. After overhearing a conversation that shatters her view of her parents, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to her estranged aunt, whose life challenges everything Giovanna believes about love, truth, and betrayal. Ferrante’s raw prose examines the fragility of relationships, the tension between innocence and experience, and the painful awakening to hidden family truths, offering a poignant look at how the lies we tell shape our lives.
My Thoughts: A captivating coming-of-age story. Ferrante writes in Italian, but the translations are excellent. She is a literary genius. This story was brilliantly told, Ferrante’s character leap from the page and everything feels so real you could reach out and touch it.
Hag-seed by Margaret AtwoodÂ
Synopsis:
After being ousted as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival, Felix retreats to rural Ontario, heartbroken and accompanied only by the (ghost) fantasy of his deceased daughter, Miranda. Seeking revenge, and biding his time, he takes a job teaching literacy through theatre to prisoners at Burgess Correctional Institution. When his enemies unexpectedly come into his orbit, Felix enlists the inmates to create a video production of The Tempest. Felix sets the stage for a revenge-filled, illusion-laden version of the play that will dramatically alter the lives of his enemies.Â
My Thoughts: A standout Shakespeare reimagining of the year. Atwood brought the story of The Tempest alive. It is heartfelt, playful and clever; If you want to brush up on your Shakespeare, the highly accessible Hogarth Shakespeare series would be a wonderful place to start.Â
The Great Alone by Kristin HannahÂ
Synopsis:
Alaska, 1974.
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.
After Ernt Allbright, a former POW, returns home from Vietnam a changed man, he moves his family to remote Alaska in search of a fresh start. Thirteen-year-old Leni hopes the new land will offer her family a better future, while her mother, Cora, follows Ernt blindly out of love. Initially, Alaska offers hope, with a welcoming community and abundant resources. But as winter and darkness settle in, Ernt’s mental state deteriorates, and the family begins to unravel. Trapped in their cabin, Leni and Cora must face the horrifying truth: they are alone, with no one to save them but themselves. The story explores human frailty, resilience, and survival in a dangerous, untamed landscape.
My Thoughts: Kristin Hannah's writing is well-paced, gripping and thoroughly entertaining. She will have you by the heartstrings and unable to book the down. This is an excellent piece of informative, inspirational and emotionally charged storytelling. It's easy to see why she is such a favourite.Â
Almond by Sohn Won PyungÂ
Synopsis:
This story is, in short, about a monster meeting another monster. One of the monsters is me.
Yunjae, born with a brain condition that makes it difficult to feel or register emotions, grows up in a peaceful home with his devoted mother and grandmother. His life is marked by routine, aided by colourful Post-it notes to guide his social interactions. But on his sixteenth birthday, a shocking act of violence changes everything, leaving Yunjae isolated in grief. When a troubled teen named Gon begins bullying him, the two unexpectedly form a bond. As Yunjae opens up to others, including a girl at school, he begins to see a change. When Gon’s life is suddenly at risk, it is who Yunjae steps outside his comfort zone to become an unlikely hero.
My Thoughts: This is an emotional book, do not be fooled by the lack of emotion in the main character. It is tragic, uplifting and everything in between. It’s weird and wonderful and very clever. I highly recommend to translated fiction fans.Â
Days at the Morisake Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Synopsis:
In Tokyo's Jimbocho district, the Morisaki bookshop is a hidden gem, filled with hundreds of second-hand books. Twenty-five-year-old Takako, who has never enjoyed reading, reluctantly moves into the shop's tiny room after her boyfriend leaves her for someone else. Her uncle, Satoru, who has devoted his life to the shop since his wife left him, offers her a place to stay. As Takako navigates her heartbreak, she begins to discover the transformative power of books. Together, Takako and Satoru find unexpected healing and connection through the world of literature.
My Thoughts: Another great translated fiction choice. This book is warm, endearing and enveloping. It’s the book equivalent of a hug. Booklovers will especially enjoy this one. It is the ultimate comfort read about new beginnings, human connection, and the joy of reading.
The Poppy War Trilogy by R. F Kuang
Synopsis:
This historical military fantasy trilogy - The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, and The Burning God - draws from the bloody history of China’s twentieth century, blending treachery and magic.
In The Poppy War, war orphan Rin earns a place at Nikan's elite military school and discovers her powerful shamanic abilities, awakening long-forgotten gods.
In The Dragon Republic, after committing a battlefield atrocity, Rin battles guilt, opium addiction, and the Phoenix god’s destructive influence, as her thirst for vengeance grows.
In The Burning God, following a brutal civil war, Rin realises the true power lies with the people who revere her as a goddess. As she vows to protect the shamanic arts, her growing power risks succumbing to the Phoenix’s fiery call to destroy everything.
My Thoughts: This graphically violent and deeply disturbing trilogy will shake the core of the most hard-hearted reader. Tackling themes of war, power politics and colonialism along with addiction, betrayal and revenge. The well-drawn characters are as flawed as they are vivid and the world-building is exquisite. This is not my usual genre of choice, and far from light reading, but I could read R.F.Kuang’s shopping list and be happy.Â
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Synopsis:
I am a Weyward and wild inside.
2019, Kate flees her abusive partner and seeks refuge in Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely knew. As she settles into the cottage, she uncovers hints of her aunt's secret, linked to the witch-hunts of the 17th century.
1619, Altha is accused of murder after a local farmer is killed by his herd. Having been taught natural magic by her mother, Altha must use all her knowledge to fight the charges of witchcraft against her.
1942, Violet is confined to her family's estate during World War II, longing for the education her brother receives and for answers about her mother's mysterious death. Her only clues, a locket and the word "weyward" scratched into her bedroom baseboard.
Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel about female resilience, the power of connection and the natural world.
My Thoughts: This is for those of us who love a good Witch story. It's easy to read, dark and gripping. A celebration of feminine bonds and intuition against patriarchal adversity and a tribute to the women who came before us and fought battles we can only imagine. Sounds good, doesn’t it?Â
A Woman is No Man by Etaf RumÂ
Synopsis:
In Brooklyn, eighteen-year-old Deya is pressured into meeting suitors by her grandparents, despite not wanting to marry. As she learns more about her mother's tragic past, Deya uncovers hidden secrets that challenge everything she has been told about her family. The story alternates between Deya’s life and the experiences of her mother, Isra, and grandmother, Fareeda. Each woman struggles to navigate her own identity within the constraints of tradition and societal expectations. As Deya uncovers the complexities of her family’s history, she grapples with her desires and the quest for freedom.
My Thoughts: A powerful and evocative story about family, culture, displacement and the challenges faced by Palestinian-American women. Tender and heartbreaking, Rum examines the pressures of arranged marriage, generational trauma, and the loss of agency in a patriarchal society and religion. Capturing the struggles of women caught between honouring their heritage and forging new paths with emotional depth and cultural nuance. A story about identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to challenge the roles that others try to impose on you.
After That Night by Karin SlaughterÂ
Synopsis:
Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton's life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her.
Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who's been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper's assault is uncannily linked to Sara's.
And it seems the past isn't going to stay buried forever.
My Thoughts: This is one for crime/thriller lovers, I didn’t read many this year, but this one had all the features of a twisty crime suspense novel. Gripping, fast-paced and unpredictable. There are some dark themes, but most Karin Slaughter novels will have you hooked if you’re looking for something unnerving and utterly absorbing.Â
And there you have it - 25 book recommendations to accompany you through every chapter of 2025. I’ve tried to curate a diverse mix of fiction titles, voices, and perspectives, ensuring that there’s something for every reader.  I hope this list encourages you to explore new genres, discover voices you’ve never encountered, and find stories that resonate with you in unexpected ways.
I truly believe that books have a unique power to transport us to new places, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and offer fresh insights into our own lives.
Thank you so much for being here, and for your continued passion for reading. Your support means the world to me, and I am so excited for all the stories that await us in 2025. Wishing you a bright, fulfilling year ahead, filled with adventure, learning, and, of course, plenty of page-turners! Happy New Year!