Ten Books That Captivated Me in 2025
A Journey Through My Favorites!
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 7 secondsI’m excited to share that, despite being a year older and facing challenges like changes in my eyesight and ongoing foot and knee issues, I exceeded my goal of reading 25 books by reaching 100 books for the second consecutive year! This achievement reflects my perseverance and love for reading, proving that passion can help overcome any obstacle. Here’s to more adventures in literature!
Choosing the top five fiction and non-fiction books is subjective, even though I wish it could be more objective. After two weeks of poor sleep, Dr. Garcia’s promised instant relief for my knee issues has given me enough mental clarity to share my favorites comfortably. In the next few weeks, I will write a fuller, more exhaustive post about the books I have enjoyed.
The lists are arranged in alphabetical order, as each item is equally significant.
- “Autocracy, Inc.” by Anne Applebaum explores the characteristics of the modern autocratic state. Read the full review.
- In his raw and unflinching memoir, “Hostage: A Memoir,” Eli Sharabi recounts his harrowing ordeal as a survivor of 491 days in Hamas captivity. Read the full review.
- “Mother Mary Comes to Me” is Arundhati Roy’s first memoir, offering an intimate and inspiring look at how she became the person and writer she is today. Read the full review.
- In “The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Heal Our Hearts and Mend Our Broken World,” Sharon Brou, a prominent American rabbi, argues that the essential spiritual work of our time—though instinctual and often countercultural—focuses on connecting through celebration, sorrow, and solidarity. Read the full review.
- “There Is No Place for Us” by Brian Goldstone provides a poignant exploration of America’s growing homelessness crisis. Goldstone sheds light on the nation’s hidden homeless—individuals often excluded from official statistics—demonstrating that overcrowded shelters and street encampments are only the most visible aspects of a much larger problem. Read the full review.
- “Flashlight” is a groundbreaking new novel by National Book Award winner Susan Choi. It spans decades and continents, offering a captivating emotional exploration of themes such as family, loss, memory, and the influence of what remains hidden. Read the full review.
- “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai is an exceptional novel that follows two young people as they navigate the forces shaping their lives, including their country, class, race, history, and the complex relationships that link generations. Read the full review.
- “The Sisters,” narrated in six parts ranging from a year to a single minute, is a vivid family saga by Jonas Hassen Khemiri. This exceptional novel is both engaging and entertaining, showcasing Khemiri’s storytelling prowess. Read the full review.
- “The Slip” is Lucas Schaefer’s debut novel, a compelling American story about a missing teenage boy. Set against the backdrop of a changing nation, “The Slip” offers a bold and daring examination of sex and race in America. Read the full review.
- “The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)” is a wonderfully unique and vibrant celebration of love. Written by Rabih Alameddine, this Lebanese tragicomic love story delves into the modern saga of family, memory, and the unbreakable bond between a son and his mother. Read the full review.
Every book I’ve read has influenced me in different ways, with some leaving a more lasting impact than others. While I recommend all the books I’ve read, choosing my top ten was quite challenging. In the coming weeks, I will provide an overview of a larger selection of books—specifically 25—that have had a significant impact on me.
What are you currently reading? Would you like a book recommendation? I have a variety of books to suggest!
Reading is Vital to My Conscientious Resilience!
