FAVORITE BOOKS FROM 2025 (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)
The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian:
Historical Southern Noir Literature
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: based on a true story, historical novel on finding love in a dark historical time
Farewell to Mazanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston: A memoir of life in the Japanese intermittent camps during World War II and the impact on the author’s life and her community
The Orphanage on the Lake by Daniel G. Miller: a thriller about a private investigator discovering dark secrets about an orphanage
Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver: Short stories highlighting racial injustice and discrimination
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker: a thriller with magical realism during lockdown with an emphasis on racial discrimination
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner: a historical fiction thriller and mystery novel
Citrus County by John Brandon: a Florida dark humor story that really makes you think
Wavewalker: Breaking Free by Suzanne Haywood: a memoir about living on a boat from early childhood to high school and that while you may think it’s a dream life, the struggles and unfairness that a child may face
A Crooked Tree by Una Mannion: while this starts off sounding like a thriller, it’s story that reflects upon adolescence and growing up.
#2025bookreads #2025books #popularbooks #mustread #mycurrentread
This diverse selection of books for 2025 showcases a rich blend of historical fiction, thrilling mysteries, and poignant memoirs that deeply explore human experiences across different contexts. Kelly Mustian’s debut novel, The Girls in the Stilt House, is a historical Southern noir that immerses readers in a captivating narrative praised as "an astonishingly assured debut" by Elizabeth Letts. Such acclaim highlights the emotional depth and compelling storytelling that the book offers. Heather Morris’s The Tattooist of Auschwitz stands out as an international bestseller based on a true story that intertwines love and survival during the darkest times in history. This novel provides a moving and hopeful perspective within the tragic context of World War II. Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston delivers an intimate memoir recounting life in Japanese internment camps, exploring not only historical facts but also the profound personal impact on the author’s family and community. This work offers valuable insight into a critical yet often overlooked chapter of American history. For suspense and intrigue, The Orphanage on the Lake by Daniel G. Miller dives into a detective thriller unraveling dark secrets, while Sarah Penner’s The Amalfi Curse combines historical fiction with a thrilling mystery set against the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Literature tackling social issues is represented strongly by Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver and Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker. These collections highlight aspects of racial injustice and discrimination, using stirring narratives to raise awareness and foster empathy. John Brandon’s Citrus County offers a unique take with its Florida-based dark humor that provokes thoughtful reflection. Meanwhile, Suzanne Haywood’s memoir Wavewalker: Breaking Free recounts her unconventional childhood living on a boat, blending adventure with an honest portrayal of childhood struggles and resilience. Lastly, Una Mannion’s A Crooked Tree defies initial impressions as merely a thriller, instead exploring the complexities of adolescence and personal growth. This curated list for 2025 appeals to readers seeking meaningful stories enriched with emotional depth, powerful themes, and masterful storytelling. It’s ideal for book lovers interested in expanding their horizons with a mix of historical contexts, social issues, and intriguing narratives.
