25 Books for 2025 Challenge Priority Reads for the New Year

photo of kathleen haagenson holding a stack of books standing in front of two bookshelves

One of my reading goals for the New Year is to participate in more reading challenges. Hence, I chose the 25 Books for 2025 challenge. In this challenge, you select 25 books you must read before the end of the year. After much thought and reflection, I’ve narrowed down the 25 books I prioritize reading this year. Let’s chat about them.

25 Books for 2025

 

book if only i had told her by laura nowlinIf Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin

In 2023 I read the first novel in this duology If He Had Been with Me and like many who it was moved to tears. The story follows childhood friends Autumn and Finn who once upon a time were close until an event puts a strain on their friendship pushing them apart. However, in the second book, we follow Finn’s perspective of events. Immediately I was intrigued. Although I failed to read it when it was released last year I’m making it my priority to read it this year because I need closure after that traumatic ending! 😩

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book wade in the water by nyani nkrumahWade in the Water by Nyani Nkrumah

The synopsis for this novel shares that this is a coming-of-age story and I’m a sucker for those! We explore the odd relationship between eleven-year-old Ella, living in a segregated town in Mississippi during the eighties, and an older white woman Ms. St. James who moves into this neighborhood causing tension especially when she develops a relationship with Ella and begins tutoring her. However, secrets abound in this story and as secrets do they come to light creating devastating consequences for all involved.

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we are all so good at smiling by amber mcbrideWe Are All So Good At Smiling by Amber McBride

At first glance, this story comes across as a poignant exploration of mental health and the friendship dynamics between Whimsy and Faerry. How they’re able to connect because of their similarities and are forced to confront their darkest fears. I’m excited about reading this book as it’s told in verse and features a Black female protagonist managing depression. We need more stories about mental health showcasing Black folks navigating these conditions. Can’t wait to read it.

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book the wife before by shanora williamsThe Wife Before by Shanora Williams

I’ve had this novel on my Goodreads Want To Read list for far too long it’s time that I finally give this a go. We follow Samira Wilder who is unsatisfied with her job and her life. However, when she meets the handsome and wealthy Roland Graham things take a turn. She’s whisked into a whirlwind romance resulting in marriage and moves back to Colorado with her new husband.  Upon discovery of his late wife Melanie’s journals, Samira begins to question if her death was an accident and sets out to uncover the truth.

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book an ember in the ashes by sabaa tahirEmber in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir

I made the mistake of reading Heir before completing the Ember in the Ashes series and I’m desperate to correct that mistake and dive into this world so I can have a better understanding and appreciation of the Heir Duology. In this Young Adult Fantasy series we follow Laia who’s reeling from her brother being arrested for treason and her narrowly escaping capture from the Martial Empire’s soliders. She’s dedicated to finding a way to free her brother even if that means becoming a spy for The Resistance and placing herself in grave danger she must do what she can to rescue her brother. Meanwhile Elias has become sickened by The Martial Empire and their barbaric, inhumane and callous regard they have for the Scholars and the ongoing punishment and poor treatment they’re subjected to. He was forced to train to become a Mask one of the elite soliders that fight and serve the Empire. But, he’s made a plan to escape which is quickly thwarted forcing him to participate in The Trials in hopes that he can find a way to free himself from the Empire’s grasp. However, both Laia and Elias are destined for something so much more than even they can imagine.

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book project hail mary by andy weirProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir

I’m super anxious to read this book because everyone has shared how much they’ve enjoyed it and how loveable a character Rocky is. Also, it’s going to be a movie starring Ryan Gosling and I would love to read it before the movie comes out. In this story we follow Ryland Grace who awakens on a spaceship to discover his crewmates are dead and he’s all alone with no recollection of his mission to save Earth and humanity. As his memory slowly returns he begins to realize that the fate of the world rests on his shoulders.

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photo of book the count of monte cristo by alexandre dumasThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

I love Classics and unfortunately I haven’t read enough of them over the years. For 2025 one of my goals is to increase the number of Classics I read and this book sounds like the perfect place to start although it’s probaly an ambitious goal considering that this book is a behemoth. It’s the epic tale of revenge as we follow Edmond Dantès who’s imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit plots the ultimate comeback determined to seek retribution on the three men who put him behind bars.

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book the night circus by erin morgensternThe Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Ever since I read The Starless Sea I’ve been capitvated by Morgenstern’s powerful storytelling ability and lyrical prose. In this story we are told of a magical circus that only appears at night. And how two magicians Celia and Marco are locked in a fierce competition where there can only be one winnger. Yet, things get complicated as the two develop feelings and fall madly in love. I can only imagine how magical and breathtaking this tale will be.

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book sky full of elephants by cebo campbellSky full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell

I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this Sci-Fi novel. And while I couldn’t fit in into my reading list last year I’m definitely going to make it a priority for this year. We follow college professor Charles Brunton a year after all the white people in America walk into the nearest body of water. He recieves an unexpected call from the daughter he didn’t beleive existed his ninteen year od daughter Sidney who was traumatized when she saw her white family walk into the lake behind their house. Desperate for help and hoping to reconnect with her family who she believes to be in Alabama Sidney and Charles embark on a journey facing the unexpected and unique nature of the new world around them.

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the lord of the rings trilogy by j.r.r.tolkeinThe Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein

Is it a shame that I’m a self-proclaimed Fantasy lover and I’ve never read this classic series? Absolutely, and it’s a wrong I’m determined to make right this year. This story starts with the Elven-smiths crafting the Rings of Power in which Sauron made a ring for himself infusing his power into it so he could rule them all. This was taken from him and fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins who bequeathed it to his cousin Frodo Baggins. So begins the epic quest of Frodo across Middle Earth to destroy the ring in the Cracks of Doom.

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Anna karenina by Leo tolstoyAnna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I have managed to select another Classic that’s a tome of a book. Regardless, I’m determined to read it this year. In this tale we follow Anna Karenina seeking purpose in her empty existence and loveless marriage with Karenin enters into a passionate love affair with Count Vronsky leading to drama and drastic consequences.

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book rebecca by Daphne du maurierRebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Another Classic steeped in gothic, atmospheric vibes which I’m eager to devour. This story follows a young woman working as a lady’s maid she becomes swept up into a all-encompassing romance with Maxim de Winter where she decides to accept his invitation to marriage moving to his country estate. It’s there that she realizes that the shadow of his late ex-wife is still present as it threatens the fabric of her new marriage.

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Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

faebound by Sara el-arifiI’m here for the upsurgence of representation from Black and Brown people in the Fantasy genre! And, this is a book that I’m eager to cross of my list this year. We follow Yeeran a warrior in the Elven army who is exiled for a terrible mistake causing her and her sister diviner Lettle to be forced into the wilderness where they encounter the Fae court. They encounter shifting allegiances as they are torn between their Elven land, their loyalty to each other and their hearts.

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book swift river by essie chambersSwift River by Essie J. Chambers

I’m nothing if not consistent because here we have another Historical Fiction set in the eighties following Diamond Newberry and her mother as they struggle to make a life for themselves following her Pop leaving them. She encounters bullying because of her weight, her Pop not being around, and being the only Black girl in town. However, her mother concocts a plan to declare Pop dead to collect his insurance money. Diamond receives a letter from a relative she’s never met and discovers information about her Pop that will change everything. This sounds like another coming-of-age story following a young Bi-racial woman unpacking her identity and uncovering who she is.

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photo of book the house of the cerulean sea by tj kluneThe House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

I’m anxious to explore the Cozy Fantasy subgenre and this novel is one that everyone mentions when on the topic of Cozy Fantasy. It looks like a delightful heartwarming book and I’ve heard endless good reviews about it. In this magical story, we follow Linus Baker a case worker in charge of monitoring orphanages housing magical children. He’s assigned to investigate the Marsyas Island Orphanage where he meets caretaker Arthur Parnassus who works tirelessly to keep his wards safe. As the two grow close secrets come to light leaving Linus with the choice of either destroying a home or watching chaos unfold in the world.

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where they last saw her by marcie r. rendonWhere They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon

Upon reading the synopsis for this book I knew I had to read it. This chilling story follows the disappearance of Indigenous women from their homes and the dogged determination of Quil a wife, mother, and friend who decides to take a stand against the evil that’s plaguing her community.

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book kindred by octavia e. butlerKindred by Octavia E. Butler

The fact that I’ve never had the pleasure of reading from this beloved and talented author is an egregious sin that I intend to atone for this year. Of all her works I chose this to be my first exploration of this author because it features a time travel element and this is one of my favorite story elements. We follow newly married Dana on her twenty-sixth birthday celebrating with her husband. Suddenly she’s transported from her home in California to the antebellum South where she’s faced with saving the life of Rufus the plantation owner’s son from drowning. This incident occurs repeatedly with each instance lasting longer and becoming more dangerous and difficult. It quickly becomes unclear whether Dana will continue forward with her blissful Californian life in the present or remain trapped in the past.

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book the fifth season by n.k. jemisinThe Fifth Season The Broken Earth Series by N.K. Jemison

Another powerhouse Black Woman author known for her powerful and evocative writing. I’m super excited to finally dive into her work and this impactful series. This story explores the depth of a mother’s love and the indomitable spirit of a woman. After Essun comes home to the tragedy of her son being murdered by her husband and daughter kidnapped simultaneous cataclysmic events occur that throw the world around her into chaos. This includes the collapse of the Sanze Empire and then there’s a great red rift that tears across the continent known as the Stillness causing the world to be shrouded in darkness from the explosion of ash that darkens the sky. Thrust into a prolonged night and forced to track down her daughter amid turmoil Essau battles against the odds determined to get her daughter back.

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book cover the lion women of Tehran by margin kamaliThe Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

This novel was put on my radar last Fall during the Goodreads Choice Nominations. And, while I was unable to read it last year I want to prioritize reading it this year as it seems like an amazing read. The story begins in 1950’s Tehran where seven-year-old Ellie lives in comfort until the death of her Grandfather which leads to her and her Mother relocating to a tiny downtown home. Lonely and struggling with a complicated mother-daughter relationship she dreams of a friend to ease her loneliness. At school she meets and befriends Homa as they share their dreams, explore their imagination, and grow together. That is until her mother receives an oppurtunity to return to the life of comfort and luxury she once knew whisking Ellie away from her dear friend and the two grow apart. Later Homa’s sudden appearance in Ellie’s life alters the trajectory of their lives.  As political tensions rise a shocking betrayal leads to disastrous consequences.

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book the message by ta-nehisi coatesThe Message by Ta-Nehisi-Coates

I’ll be honest I’m not sure how I feel about reading a book comprised of essays this is a departure from what I normally read but I’m eager to explore this author’s work as so many people have given him praise for his thought-provoking work. Coates explores the concept of how the stories and narratives we build expose and impact our reality. We follow him as he travels to Senegal, South Carolina, and Palestine searching for the answer to these deeper questions.

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book blood over bright haven by m.l. wangBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

This novel was initially released as an independent work and was picked up by a traditional publisher and has since been re-released. I’ve heard from my favorite Booktubers how much they enjoyed this novel and the deeper themes that it explores and the complex and multi-dimensional characterization. And these are things that I’m a sucker for so I’m adding this to my must-read list for 2025. Marketed as a standalone Dark Academia Fantasy we follow Sciona who was orphaned at age four and has had to work harder than everyone else to prove her worth. Her ultimate goal: To become the first woman to be admitted to the High Magistry. After becoming a highmage she finds that she still has to fight to break through sexist ideals before she’s accepted as an equal. When she’s given Thomil a janitor for a lab assistant she doesn’t know his history and how it will impact her work. Thomil is a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier. It’s been ten years since he made the perilous journey that cost him his family. But he can’t deny the oppurtunity he’s been given to work with a highmage and better understand the Tiranish power and how it destroyed his homeland and tribe. Together they uncover an ancient secret that could alter the course of magic forever.

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book this cursed house by del sandeenThis Cursed House by Del Sandeen

This is my attempt at dipping my toe into the Horror genre. This story features historical elements as it’s set in 1962 and explores colorism and a deadly curse that’s attached itself to a family. We follow Jemma Barker a clairvoyant who’s looking for a fresh start away from Chicago and the spirits she sees. When offered a job to work for the Duchon family in New Orleans leaps at the chance. However, she’s quickly faced with their shortcomings and colorist ideals that lighter skin complexions are more desirable than darker complexions. Yet, when she discovers they’re living under a curse and they need her help. Conflicted about the gift she doesn’t quite know how to make sense of and the dark secrets the Duchon family has hidden for generations and that bind Jemma to their fate if she fails.

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book knock knock open wide by Neil sharpsonKnock Knock Open Wide by Neil Sharpson

Another Horror that I’ve heard many of my favorite Bookish Content Creators share and discuss. While it’s been promoted as featuring some pretty triggering elements which may push me out of my comfort zone the fact that this comes so highly recommended makes it worth the risk of reading. As Etain Larkin is driving home one night she discovers a corpse in the Irish countryside. She takes it to a farmhouse and a night of unspeakable horror and terror ensues. That she will never speak of again. Flash forward to two decades later when Betty Fitzpatrick off at college in Dublin has discovered her love for Drama and the troubled Ashling Mallen. As their relationship grows Ashling keeps Betty away from her family and her alcoholic mother Etain. Yet, despite her efforts Betty learns of her terrifying family history and Ashling’s secret obsession. Featuring a popular children’s TV show in which Ashling blames the horrors her family experienced. While no one in Ireland can remember it the same way only Ashling remembers the black goat puppet that only came out if you were bad and he never came out. Almost never.

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book recursion by Blake crouchRecursion by Blake Crouch

After reading Dark Matter this past fall and watching the series on AppleTV I’ve become obsessed with Blake Crouch and eager to explore more of his work. I’ve heard mention of this book and how amazing it is and I’m looking forward to diving into it and experiencing Crouch’s amazing storytelling. As NYC Cop Barry Sutton is investigating the disorder where victims are plagued with memories of a life they haven’t lived known nicknamed the False Memory Syndrome by the media. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Helena Smith is working to create technology that will preserve our most valuable memories. Upon her success, anyone will be able to re-experience key memories such as a first kiss, or last moments with a dying loved one. While Barry is digging to uncover the truth he comes across a formidable foe a force that doesn’t just attack our minds but has the power to assault the past. Helena and Barry must work together as the consequences of this force begin to unmake the world and alter reality.

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book the invisible life of Addie LaRue by v.e. schwabThe Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab

My final priority read of 2025 and it’s a book that so many readers have coined as their favorite read that’s highly emotional and impactful. So, of course, I want to read it for myself! In France, 1774 Addie Laure makes a bargain for immortality but as a consequence of this gift, she will be forgotten by everyone she meets. Across centuries and continents she will lead a solitary life learning how to leave her impact on the world until one fateful day 300 years later she meets a man in a bookshop who remembers her name.

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This wraps up my 25 books for 2025. Tell me are you participating in this challenge this year? If so what books made your list? Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

 

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