For 2025 I decided to focus on books related to the topic of Life Stories in Literature. As usual, I read mostly fiction, but I also fit in a few nonfiction resources (about various aspects of storytelling) for Nonfiction November.
Here, then, is the list, arranged alphabetically by author’s last name: 10 Best Books I Read in 2025 and 5 Honorable Mentions.
Best
Baldacci, David. Strangers in Time
Bradley, Kaliane. The Ministry of Time
Connelly, Michael. The Proving Ground
Fagan, Kate. The Three Lives of Cate Kay
Harvey, Samantha. Orbital
Hawkins, Paula. The Blue Hour
Kuang, R.F.. Yellowface
Loesch, Kristen. The Last Russian Doll
Newitz, Annalee. Stories Are Weapons
Ryan, Patrick. Buckeye
Honorable Mention
Coben, Harlan. Nobody’s Fool
Connelly, Michael. Nightshade
de Kretser, Michelle. Theory & Practice
Fielding, Joy. Jenny Cooper Has a Secret
Taylor, Austin. Notes on Infinity
© 2025 by Mary Daniels Brown
