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Top books to read in 2025
Hey book lovers! If you're like me, your heart races at the sight of a good bookstore, and your to-be-read pile grows faster than you can turn the pages. But there are some books that leave an unforgettable mark—stories that stay with you long after you’ve read the last sentence. So, I’ve rounded up 16 books that, in my opinion, everyone should read at least once. Whether you’re looking for romance, heartache, or magic, there’s something here for every mood. Let’s dive in!
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Powerless
by Lauren Roberts
This book is an emotional whirlwind. Powerless pulls you in with its deeply human characters and poignant storytelling. It’s about strength in the face of overwhelming challenges and finding your voice when the world seems determined to silence you. It’s one of those books where you reflect on your own life, feeling empowered by the characters’ journey.
Pages: 495
Language: English
Year: 2023
Let That Sh*t Go
by Nina Purewal and Kate Petriw
The title says it all. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by stress, anxiety, or just life’s everyday chaos, this book is a breath of fresh air. With practical advice on mindfulness, it’s both witty and insightful, making it perfect for when you need a reminder to let go of the things that don’t serve you.
Pages: 352
Language: English
Year: 2021
Everything I Know About Love
by Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton’s memoir is raw, relatable, and brimming with the bittersweet reality of growing up and navigating relationships. It’s funny, heart-wrenching, and full of truths about love, friendships, and the sometimes-messy path of adulthood. I laughed, I cried, and I highlighted way too many quotes.
Pages: 300
Language: English
Year: 2021
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Love and Other Words
by Christina Lauren
This one is for the hopeless romantics. Love and Other Words is a second-chance romance that hits all the right notes. The love story is sweet, tender, and beautifully written, exploring how our first loves shape us and the weight of words left unsaid.
Pages: 432
Language: English
Year: 2018
Almond
by Won-pyung Sohn
I can’t recommend Almond enough. This book, originally from South Korea, tells the story of a boy born without the ability to feel emotions like fear or anger. It’s a beautifully written exploration of empathy, connection, and what it means to be human. It made me think deeply about how we process our emotions and interact with others.
Pages: 272
Language: English
Year: 2020
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
If you love fantasy, adventure, and a dash of romance, this is a must-read. Maas builds an incredible world filled with danger, magic, and characters you can't help but fall in love with. A Court of Thorns and Roses will leave you breathless with its gripping plot and swoon-worthy romance.
Pages: 432
Language: English
Year: 2020
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Cleopatra and Frankenstein
by Coco Mellors
If you’re into complex relationships and the tangled webs people weave, you’ll love this. Cleopatra and Frankenstein explores the messiness of love, art, and life. It’s a story about two people who meet at the wrong time and how their lives become forever intertwined in unexpected ways.
Pages: 384
Language: English
Year: 2022
Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Stephanie Garber
I was captivated by Garber’s whimsical, fairy-tale-like storytelling. This book transports you to a magical realm filled with unpredictable twists and a spellbinding love story. It’s perfect for when you want to escape reality and dive into something fantastical.
Pages: 416
Language: English
Year: 2021
The Things We Leave Unfinished
by Rebecca Yarros
Prepare for all the feels. This dual-timeline romance blends heartbreak and hope, with WWII letters that tug at your heartstrings. Yarros expertly weaves past and present, showing us that love—whether found or lost—leaves an indelible mark on our lives.
Pages: 448
Language: English
Year: 2021
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Love Redesigned
by Lauren Asher
If you’re in the mood for something fun, flirty, and heartwarming, Love Redesigned delivers. Asher crafts a feel-good romance with characters you’ll root for. It’s a reminder that love can surprise you in the most unexpected ways, and sometimes, all you need is a fresh start.
Pages: 528
Language: English
Year: 2023
The Lonely Stories: 22 Celebrated Writers on the Joys & Struggles of Being Alone
by Natalie Eve Garrett
This anthology is a beautiful meditation on solitude, featuring essays from 22 brilliant writers. It offers a diverse range of perspectives on loneliness, isolation, and the beauty of being alone. It’s comforting, especially if you’ve ever felt the quiet ache of solitude.
Pages: 272
Language: English
Year: 2022
Shatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi
This dystopian series starts with a bang. Shatter Me is a thrilling ride with a protagonist whose touch is lethal. It’s packed with action, emotion, and an unforgettable love triangle that will leave you torn between characters. If you’re looking for a fast-paced story with a lot of heart, this one’s for you.
Pages: 368
Language: English
Year: 2018
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Daisy Jones and The Six
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Written as an oral history, this book is a masterpiece in storytelling. It follows the rise and fall of a fictional 70s rock band and feels so real, you’ll forget it’s fiction. The characters are so vivid and flawed, you’ll feel like you’re reading about real people. Plus, the behind-the-scenes drama and love stories make it unputdownable.
Pages: 368
Language: English
Year: 2019
If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Oh, this one is a tear-jerker. If He Had Been with Me tells the heartbreaking story of missed opportunities and what-ifs in love and life. It’s beautifully written, and the emotional depth will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the final page.
Pages: 416
Language: English
Year: 2019
Twisted Love
by Ana Huang
Dark, steamy, and full of drama, Twisted Love is for those who love a sizzling romance with a twist. Huang’s writing pulls you into a world of secrets, passion, and intense chemistry. It’s the kind of book you devour in one sitting.
Pages: 352
Language: English
Year: 2022
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Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
The latest sensation in the fantasy genre, Fourth Wing is pure magic. Yarros creates a vivid world where dragons, danger, and romance collide. The characters are complex, and the plot twists will leave you gasping. If you’re a fantasy lover, don’t sleep on this one!
Pages: 528
Language: English
Year: 2023
So, there you have it! Sixteen books that I truly believe should be on everyone’s reading list. From fantasy worlds to heart-wrenching romances, each one offers something special. I hope you find your next favorite read here—and when you do, let me know what you think! Happy reading!
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