I read 97 books in 2025. That’s an average of 8 per month, and it’s close to the record (103 in 2023) since I started keeping track–a full 20 books more than I read the first year I set a reading goal. And now it’s time to review that year of reading.
Y’all know the drill. I strive to do a top-ten list, but this year there are only eight. I tend to stay away from re-reads, but I do make exceptions. And to be included in this list, the book has to have that special something that makes it not just enjoyable but memorable.
In mostly no particular order, I give you:
Smoky Mountain Magic by Horace Kephardt
You can read more about this here. What stays with me is the sense of place, the vivd descriptions, and the respect shown the Native people in the story, not perfect but still better than I would have expected for the time period.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
I first reviewed it here. This book’s backstory for Haymitch is heartbreaking and believable.
Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan
It’s espcially fun to read this one if you live in East Tennessee. I originally reviewed it here.
The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray
Y’all know I love these books but this one is set apart by the able depiction of the title characted and Mr. Collins. Read more here.
Gone South by Robert McCammon
This kind of defies description. Reading the back of the book doesn’t necessarily inspire you to read more. But you should. I explained a little more here.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The only non-fiction work to make the list! Read about it here.
And finally, for the piece de resistance, the best book I read this year:
A Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon
This book has been around a long time, and I don’t know how I missed reading it until now. You can read what I wrote about it here, but just know that I think this should be on everyone’s list.
What were the best books you read in 2025?
