What books grabbed me the most this year? These 10 fascinated me, entertained me, taught me, gripped me. I laughed, I cried, I was touched, I got angry. My picks reflect fiction, nonfiction and young adult options, as well as varied genres (including romance, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and historical fiction). Eight were published in 2025, one was last year, and one came out the year before.Â
Click on each for the full review and detailed content information.
Fiction
The Impossible Fortune, by Richard Osman — rated mild
I will always love the octogenarian sleuths of the Thursday Murder Club.
Thus with a Kiss I Die, by Christina Dodd — rated moderate
A cozy mystery narrated by the independent, sardonic daughter of (yes, they lived) Romeo and Juliet.
What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan — rated moderate
An excellent novel by a veteran writer; it would make a great discussion for a book club.
The Will of the Many and The Strength of the Few, by James Islington — rated moderate
Probably my favorite of the year. This sci-fi/fantasy series is a new classic.
Young Adult
Den of Liars, by Jessica S. Olson — rated mild
If you loved Caraval, as I did, this book has a similar vibe: fantasy, romance, and magic – plus heists!
Dispatches from Parts Unknown, by Bryan Bliss — rated moderate
This book about grief (and healing) is poignant, laugh-out-loud funny, and FULL of pro wrestling references.
The Otherwhere Post, by Emily J. Taylor — rated mild
In this world, some people can use writing to harness different types of magic. The book features a mystery and warm, slowly blossoming relationships.
Nonfiction
Careless People, by Sarah Wynn-Williams — rated high
This insider’s look at the things done by top leadership at Facebook in search of ever more users is horrifying but a must-read.
Medicine River, by Mary Annette Pember — rated moderate
This investigation into the atrocities perpetrated on Native children at boarding schools in the US and Canada is sobering.
