FIRST 5โญ๏ธ READ OF THE YEAR!

This book is sooo good. I was hooked from page one. The writing, the characters, the storyline = perfection. I found it incredibly heartwarming, impactful and beautiful. I never wanted to stop reading but at the same time I didnโ€™t want to read it at all because then it would be over. Iโ€™m genuinely sad this book is over.

#recentbook #booktok #fivestar #BookReview #books

1/20 Edited to

... Read moreStarting a new year with a truly exceptional book sets a wonderful tone for the months ahead. When I read my first five-star book of 2026, I was completely swept away by the richness of its characters and the depth of the storyline. Books like this remind me how powerful well-crafted storytelling can beโ€”itโ€™s the kind of book that touches your heart and stays with you long after the last page is turned. Reading such an impactful and beautiful story created a bittersweet feeling; I didnโ€™t want it to end but simultaneously savored every moment I spent immersed in it. Itโ€™s amazing how a book can make you feel so connected to the characters and their journeys, making the experience feel personal and genuine. For anyone looking to start their reading year on a high note, picking a book that hooks you from the very beginning is key. The bookโ€™s ability to weave together compelling narrative with heartfelt emotions creates a reading experience thatโ€™s both fulfilling and memorable. Whether you enjoy novels that are heartwarming, thought-provoking, or entirely immersive, finding that perfect read early in the year can inspire your reading list and spark your love for new stories. I highly recommend being open to diverse genres and authors for your next five-star read. Sometimes, the book that surprises you most will become your favorite. Let this be a gentle nudge to dive into new books, explore fresh voices, and embrace stories that resonate deeply. A first five-star read can set a fantastic precedent and make your entire year of reading more enjoyable and meaningful.

Related posts

First Read of the Year!
Loved By You by Alexandrea LeChelle was my first read of the year. This is the authorโ€™s debut book and Iโ€™m excited to keep reading her work. I love a second chance romance and I liked how it intertwined therapy. Reading the snippet at the end looks like it could be an interconnected standalone seri
Jolivia โœจ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

Jolivia โœจ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

817 likes

The front cover of the book "Recovery from Gaslighting and Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency and Complex PTSD (3 in 1)" by Don Barlow, with a subtitle about emotional regulation and self-caring. The dark blue cover has white text and is resting on a colorful quilted surface.
The best book ever to read for self help
This is my first time posting on here and Iโ€™m not really tech savvy like that! But my therapist gave me this book and Iโ€™ve been reading it for over a year just because I read it at the pace that Iโ€™m going in my transition and healing! But it has a lot of good resources and stuff to help yourself me
Alanta Sheets

Alanta Sheets

14.7K likes

The exterior of a Barnes & Noble bookstore with pink text overlays reading 'LETS GO GET MY MOST ANTICIPATED READ!' and pink heart graphics, indicating a trip to purchase a book.
A close-up of the book 'Love Unwritten' by Lauren Asher, with a pink cover, surrounded by other books in a bookstore. Pink heart graphics are overlaid on the image.
A person holding the pink-covered book 'Love Unwritten' by Lauren Asher, featuring a 'Barnes & Noble Exclusive' sticker. Pink text overlays say 'SHE IS gorgeous' and 'Peep us twinning'.
my most anticipated read of the year is out! ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ’—
on love unwritten release day we were pink! ๐ŸŽ€ this is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and iโ€™m so glad itโ€™s finally out! even though i already bought a copy, i wonโ€™t get it until saturday at the book signing with the QUEEN HERSELF. so i had to snag a copy because i just could not
kalees reads

kalees reads

2857 likes

Good read to start off the year
Helps you to release toxic relationships, stop seeking approval, and focus on what truly mattersโ€”your growth, happiness, and self-worth. Itโ€™s a powerful guide to reclaiming your freedom and living authentically. #lemon8bookclub #selfhelpbooks #goodreads
Glowingly Empowered

Glowingly Empowered

706 likes

Books I Want To Read This Fall
Ahhh the weather is slowly changing and Iโ€™m trying to stockpile a good Fall TBR! ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“š -Rise of the Cinder Fae -The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel -Tales from the Dead of Night -Mrs. Sherlock Holmes -The Red Queen Series (I read the first one last year and it was so amazing!) -Iโ€™m a Therapi
Taylor

Taylor

611 likes

A person holds a decorated book and a phone, smiling. Overlaid text reads 'My first 5 star read of the year' with five stars, colorful lines, and flower graphics, indicating a positive book review.
First 5 star read of the year!
I put off reading this for song long because I get easily confused with too many POVs, but I wish I had read this much sooner!! (I also wish I could read this for the first time over and over again)!! Quick chapters with twists around every corner! (To be fair, I have decided this year I'm goi
Jules

Jules

9 likes

Books I Wish I Could Read Againโ€ฆ
These books right here have put me through the wringer emotionally and Iโ€™ve always read them when I needed the emotions when I read these. These are the romance ๐Ÿ’˜ books that 1. My auto buy authors 2. I always recommend to others when they ask what books ๐Ÿ“š they should read or need to read and 3. las
Key

Key

603 likes

A hand holds a tablet displaying the cover of the book "Whirlwind" by Kayla Grosse, featuring a couple embracing in front of a tornado. Overlays read "First Read of the Year" and "LOVE IT!" with hearts.
First Read of the Year
After struggling for โœจmonthsโœจ I finally found a full length novel that not only held my attention and got me out of my reading slump, but is now officially being added to my comfort reads shelf โค๏ธ ๐ŸŒช๏ธPlus sized FMC ๐ŸŒช๏ธAge gap ๐ŸŒช๏ธTeacher/Student (sheโ€™s a grad student though so itโ€™s not like creepy
HyrulePrincess

HyrulePrincess

10 likes

Books I plan to read this last quarter of the year
as I searched through the books in my room, I am ready for this next quarter, the last quarter of 2024, so let me make sure I am book fed. These are books Iโ€™ve started and never finished, so I plan to finish these books before the end of the year, by - Reading daily - Taking notes on importa
odeevibez

odeevibez

134 likes

A book I read so damn fast!!!
When I was initiated into the LORDS, I knew what I was getting myself into. 1. You either live or die getting in 2. You can never say no to an assignment When you finish initiations you are rewarded a chosen female for one year to do with her as you please, but instead of being handed a chosen,
shannell fisher

shannell fisher

1924 likes

A hand holds a stack of books in front of a bookshelf, with the text overlay "BOOKS THAT I WISH I COULD READ AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME."
A hand holds the book "Better Than The Movies" by Lynn Painter, featuring a yellow cover with cartoon characters. Text describes it as a cheesy romance novel that made the reader laugh and cry.
A hand holds the book "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden, which has a dark blue cover with a keyhole design. Text recommends it as a thrilling page-turner with twists.
Books i wish i could read again โœจ๐Ÿ“š
Here are 7 books that i WISH i could read again for the first time : Book 1: Better than the movies by Lynn Painter - this book made me fall in love all over again and again - the banter, vibes, characters EVERYTHING this was AMAZING Book 2:The housemaid by Freida Mcfadden - my first freida b
K โ˜๏ธโœจ

K โ˜๏ธโœจ

475 likes

First Read of 2025 โœจ
FINALLY got my hands on what I was determined to make my first read of 2025! If you know me, you know I love all things Ashley Antoinette. Yโ€™all started your new yearโ€™s reads? ๐Ÿ‘€ #2025bookgoals #blackgirlreading #blackgirlsread๐Ÿ“š
EJAuthentic

EJAuthentic

327 likes

Two copies of Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' are displayed on a patterned fabric. One book has a simple brown cover, while the other features a desert and pyramid illustration. Overlay text reads 'Destiny' and 'JOURNEY TO FIND ONE'S TRUE PURPOSE,' reflecting the book's theme.
thoughts on my first read of the year ๐Ÿ“–
My first finished book of the year is โ€œThe Alchemistโ€ by Paulo Coelho ๐Ÿช๐Ÿ๏ธ I loved it, such a quick and accessible book about finding a drive and purpose in life. The story is so beautifully written and clearly written with such care. I especially enjoyed the illustrations and art throughout the
hannah

hannah

14 likes

A book titled 'How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School' by Kathryne M. Young, resting on a white textured blanket, with text indicating it's one of five books for pre-law school reading.
The book 'How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School' on a white blanket, accompanied by text describing its practical advice and relatable stories for incoming law students.
The book 'Getting Maybe How to Excel on Law School Exams' by Richard Michael Fischl and Jeremy Paull, on a white blanket, with text about negotiation and decision-making guidance.
law school books i wanna read this year
#lawschoolbooks #lawstudentstyle #lawstudent #lawschool #lawstudentlife
abby.dua

abby.dua

38 likes

My First Read of 2025 ๐Ÿ“–๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿฅ‚
You Owe You - Eric Thomas, PhD Iโ€™ve been wanting to het my hands on this book for quite some time,and as 2025 is my year of discipline and refinement, I wanted to start of this year strong with a motivating read! Here are a few take aways from chapter 1! I definitely reccomend & if y
Tay | Faith โ€ข Finance โ€ข Luxury

Tay | Faith โ€ข Finance โ€ข Luxury

877 likes

The cover of Stephen King's novel 'Holly' features a dark, ominous house with illuminated windows against a red and dark sky. The title 'HOLLY' is prominently displayed in gold letters at the bottom, with 'A NOVEL' below it, and 'STEPHEN KING' at the top.
Next read of the year
Holly by Stephen king and already like it so far #Lemon8Diary #lemon8bookclub #stephenking #horrorbooks #kidnapped #professor
Katie Burdick

Katie Burdick

53 likes

5 books to read to your baby their 1st year๐Ÿ“šโค๏ธ
Reading to our babies from birth is so important for their develop. These are 5 of my favorite books to read to my babies their first year: ๐Ÿ“•1. Great & Small Bible Animals Book with flaps about bible verses relating to animals & the cutest part is that on each page thereโ€™s a parent &
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

80 likes

My 9th read of the year. 4/5โญ๏ธ
#reading #bookrecommendations #booktok #thrillerbooks #bookcommunity
Nikki87

Nikki87

19 likes

My most anticipated read of the year
I am playing it smart guys, meaning Iโ€™m trying to read all my books before I read this one because I already know that this one is going to put me in a slumpiest slump ever #athousandboykisses #athousandbrokenpieces #tilliecole #booksthatwillmakeyoucry #books #sadbooks #i loved the
Karmen Alexis

Karmen Alexis

19 likes

A book titled "Hassan" by Nina, featuring a black silhouette of a man's head in profile with a star earring and chain, is shown on a purple quilted surface. The text "Currently Reading" is overlaid at the top.
1st Physical Read of the year ๐Ÿ“•
Iโ€™m a Kindle Girlie but trying to actually read more of my physicals this year. First Up: Hassan by Nina and Iโ€™m already going through it ๐Ÿฅบ #blackauthors #urbanfiction #booklover
Shenaeโค๏ธ๐Ÿงš๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ“š

Shenaeโค๏ธ๐Ÿงš๐Ÿพโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ“š

6 likes

First Read of 2025
๐Ÿ“š First Book of 2025: Heal. Grow. Love. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’– Started my year off with a powerful read thatโ€™s all about becoming the best version of myself. I purchased Heal. Grow. Love. off the TikTok shop and itโ€™s already been a game-changer! โœจ This book is guiding me through the journey of self-love, healing, and
Ashley Polk

Ashley Polk

102 likes

The book cover for 'Dead Inside' by Chandler Morrison features a skeleton in a police uniform holding red flowers, surrounded by insects. A review snippet rates it 8/10, stating it's 'not for the faint of heart'.
The book cover for 'Cows' by Matthew Stokoe shows a close-up of a cow's face in a blueish tone. A handwritten note on the image rates it 4/10, saying 'was good until it wasn't'.
The book cover for 'Crank' by Ellen Hopkins features the title in large, stylized letters with the tagline 'Is the high worth the crash?'. A handwritten note rates it 9/10, expressing surprise it took so long to read.
Books Iโ€™ve read this year plus my next read
Just recently got into splatterpunk I know crank isnโ€™t in the genre but Iโ€™m a big horror fan so Iโ€™m all about them๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿฉธ #gorebooks #horrorbookcommunity #horrorbooks #splatterpunk #spookybookhaul
Avalon Wauer

Avalon Wauer

524 likes

A hand holds the front cover of Ottessa Moshfegh's book "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," featuring a painting of a woman. The image has a pink "BOOK REVIEW" overlay and a "5/5" rating, indicating a positive review on Lemon8.
A hand holds the back cover of "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," which is pink and displays a synopsis, a New York Times Book Review mention, and a quote from The New Yorker. The Lemon8 username is visible at the bottom.
A hand holds open the book "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" to a page titled "Praise for My Year of Rest and Relaxation," showing various positive reviews and quotes from publications like The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly.
the weird girl book you NEED to read this summer
another book finished this year and super excited to talk about this one. seriously I have been so lucky that I have absolutely loved all of the books iโ€™ve read lately. like most of the past few books I have ready have been ones I absolutely loved and itโ€™s going to be super hard picking my favorite
lilly

lilly

32 likes

First book of the year
Hereโ€™s to the first book Iโ€™m reading this year itโ€™s a little different than my norm but Iโ€™m so locked in!! #currentread๐Ÿ“š #newbookjourney #lemon8bookclub #bookish
AleekaReads

AleekaReads

118 likes

A bookshelf filled with various books, featuring a large yellow text overlay that reads "25 BOOKS TO READ IN 2025." Decorative hearts and stars are scattered around the text.
A collage of nine book covers, including "Rebel Witch," "Magnolia Parks," "The Veiled Kingdom," "The Love Wager," "The Flatshare," "Booked for Murder," "You Between the Lines," "The Song of Achilles," and "The God of the Woods."
A collage of nine book covers, featuring "Nora Goes Off Script," "Nothing More to Tell," "The Paradise Problem," "Nocticadia," "The Poppy War," "A Little Life," "Darling Venom," "Quicksilver," and "Icebreaker."
25 books i want to read in 2025 ๐Ÿน๐ŸŽž๏ธ
my goal is to read 100 books this year. here is my list of 25 that i have on high priority to get to this year. some of these are my most anticipated releases, and some are those that have been on my tbr for a while. โญ๏ธ anticipated reads - rebel witch by kristen ciccarelli heartless hunter i
kalees reads

kalees reads

562 likes

4 must read book to make 2025 your best year yet
2024 wasโ€ฆ a lot. ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ But 2025?ย Itโ€™s about to be DIFFERENT.ย Iโ€™m talkingย more confidence, better decisions, bigger goals, and less overthinking.ย And honestly?ย Books like these help me get there. I love starting a new year with books thatย shift my mindset, challenge how I think, and give me that โ€œw
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

417 likes

A dark background with scattered red roses features the title "5 books I've read this year" and "DARK ROMANCE EDITION" in white text, along with the Lemon8 handle.
The book cover for "BAD APPLE SELENA" features a woman with long dark hair and tattoos from behind. Overlay text describes it as a bully romance where a girl infiltrates a private school.
The book cover for "PEN PAL" shows a shirtless, tattooed man with a beard and open shirt. Overlay text praises the writing and mysterious ending of this dark romance novel.
5 books Iโ€™ve read this year !!!!SPOILERS!!!
Definitely read the trigger warnings before reading but I love dark romance and any romance but dark is superior! #darkromancerecommendations #dark romance #darkromancereads๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–ค๐Ÿ–ค #darkromanceaddict #newtolemon8
Bookclub02

Bookclub02

69 likes

What will be your first read of the year?
This will be my first book of the year ! My reading goal is 100 books this year. Thatโ€™s leas than last year but I did pick up a new hobby (crochet) and I plan to do a lot of that this year as well. Happy New Years and happy reading ! #yearlyreadinggoals #books #bookish
Brittany Rideau

Brittany Rideau

4 likes

A hand with neon green nail polish gives a thumbs-up over a stack of books, including 'Queen of Shadows,' 'Project Hail Mary,' and 'The Poppy War.' The text 'mid year reading recap' is overlaid.
A grid of books read in January, including 'Crooked Kingdom,' 'Dark Matter,' 'The Silent Patient,' 'The Cruel Prince,' 'The Wicked King,' 'The Queen of Nothing,' 'Ruthless Vows,' 'A Court of Silver Flames,' 'Project Hail Mary,' and 'The Cloisters,' each with star ratings.
A grid of books read in February, featuring 'Sharp Objects,' 'The Writing Retreat,' and multiple books from the 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas, each with star ratings.
all 42 books iโ€™ve read so far this year
I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read 50 books. Six months in and Iโ€™ve already read 42!! I have read so many FANTASTIC books this year. February and June are tied for my favorite reading monthsโ€”February because hello, Throne of Glass!! I devoured that series in a little less than th
molly

molly

31 likes

An overhead view of a bookstore aisle with shelves of books and a central display table, featuring an overlay text that reads 'BOOKS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH I WANT TO READ'.
A close-up of the book '8 Rules of Love' by Jay Shetty, with an overlay text expressing the user's excitement for the book to improve relationships.
A close-up of the book 'Quitting: A Life Strategy' by Julia Keller, PhD, on a bookshelf, accompanied by an overlay text about overcoming the fear of quitting.
read these to improve your mindset in 2024 ๐Ÿ“š
it's a new year, and I'm always looking for ways to be more efficient. I took a look around barnes and noble to see what was in store for me. Personally I love productivity books. I don't know why, but I am truly addicted to them. I love to hear how other people are thinking or organizi
meezy

meezy

789 likes

A book cover titled "Demon's Dream An Unexpected Love" by elle kayson, featuring a woman's face and a red car on a street. Overlaid text reads "Currently Reading" and "Worth the Hype".
Demons Dream ๐Ÿ“– FIRST PHYSICAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
Can you believe I had this book on my shelf for about a year or maybe two and havenโ€™t read it, ๐Ÿฅด๐Ÿฅด shame on me I know ๐Ÿ˜ฉ๐Ÿ˜ฉ๐Ÿ˜ฉ So this my first physical book for 2025 And I seen and read all the hype so I know itโ€™s goodโ€ฆ I think the thickness of it is why I keep putting it offโ€ฆ #reading๐Ÿ“–
๐Ÿ’•โœจTATIANAโœจ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿ’•โœจTATIANAโœจ๐Ÿ’•

80 likes

A flat lay shows the book "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross, featuring its black cover with gold and blue details, and a matching slipcover with a gold typewriter. The image is overlaid with "FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR."
First Book of the Year๐Ÿ“–
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross โ€”โ€”โ€” Rating: 5/5 ๐Ÿค I joined the Lemon8 book club and this was the pick of the month of January. This being my first read of the year, I really enjoyed it and I love this book so much! I am not one to read fantasy but once I started reading, I was hooked! It was
asdfgabbyy

asdfgabbyy

26 likes

See more