First read of 2025!

First read of 2025: Grown Women by Sarai Johnson. This book is giving me all the feels about what it truly means to grow into yourself. It’s raw, empowering, and a reminder that being ‘grown’ is about more than just age—it’s about claiming your power, making peace with your past, and walking boldly into your future.

If you’re into multigenerational sagas that tackle real-life issues with grace and authenticity, Grown Women is a must-read. Highly recommend adding it to your 2025 reading list! 📖💖

#wellreadblackgirl #good read for self improvement #self growth books #growththroughreading

2025/1/14 Edited to

... Read moreGrown Women by Sarai Johnson is a compelling narrative that resonates with those navigating their own journeys of self-realization and empowerment. Literature often serves as a powerful tool for reflection; this novel allows readers to examine personal growth through its authentic portrayal of life experiences. As readers delve into the pages, they are invited to reflect on what it truly means to be ‘grown’. This book stands out for its ability to address real-life issues with honesty and grace, making it relatable to various audiences. Moreover, the discussions surrounding multigenerational themes can foster a deeper understanding of familial relationships, bridging gaps between different age groups. The journey of growth is depicted not just through age but through the various stages of life that the characters experience, encouraging readers to find their own identity. Joining book clubs or communities like #wellreadblackgirl can enhance the reading experience, as members share insights and personal reflections stemming from the book. As we look towards 2025, including Grown Women in your reading list promises not only entertainment but also profound learning and self-discovery.

14 comments

Bougiebrand2u's images
Bougiebrand2u

I got that wall art

aleksa.'s images
aleksa.

Adding this to my list

See more comments

Related posts

First read of 2025
Let God Fight Your Battles- Joyce Meyer Half way through and I’ve learned that I have to pray in the mist of my battles, praise The Lord even before the trails I face not because of what He can do but because of Who He is. #christian #christianmotivation #booklover
Nina O

Nina O

2736 likes

First Read of 2025 ✨
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. Y’all started your new year’s reads? 👀 #2025bookgoals #blackgirlreading #blackgirlsread📚
EJAuthentic

EJAuthentic

319 likes

My First Read of 2025 📖🎉🥂
You Owe You - Eric Thomas, PhD I’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 • Finance • Luxury

Tay | Faith • Finance • Luxury

862 likes

✨First read of 2025 let’s go✨
#letthem #letthemtheory #melrobbins #theletthemtheory #selfgrowth
Cynthia

Cynthia

371 likes

First Read of 2025
📚 First Book of 2025: Heal. Grow. Love. 🌱💖 Started my year off with a powerful read that’s all about becoming the best version of myself. I purchased Heal. Grow. Love. off the TikTok shop and it’s already been a game-changer! ✨ This book is guiding me through the journey of self-love, healing, and
Ashley Polk

Ashley Polk

102 likes

First read of 2025 🖤
This book caught my attention the second I laid eyes on it, the book itself is beautiful. This was definitely one of those books once you start you CANNOT put it down! Kept me on my toes the entire time and I love that, as I get bored easily. 🤭 The ending was so good and I’m glad there’s a sequel
Cristal 🐝

Cristal 🐝

834 likes

First read of 2025
Finished my first book of 2025 3⭐️ solid money management book, great for beginners. However as the author is British it will not help you with American retirement planning/accounts (obviously) #financialliteracybooks #moneybooks #booktok #januaryreads
Liz Castillo

Liz Castillo

24 likes

First read of 2025🫶
This Delicious Death✨ Rated 3.75/4ish stars this was a pretty good, quick read! Has themes of a pandemic ✨zombie adjacent variety✨, a lot of lgbtq rep and a decent twist to it all. #readreadread #tbr #reading Georgia
Rachel

Rachel

40 likes

First Read of 2025
Starting of 2025 with Carmilla! I am very much in a (gothic) vampire mood now, especially after watching Nosferatu. So far I am loving it (plus it’s super quick and easy to read). What are you starting 2025 off reading?? #readingwrapup #lemon8bookclub #letschat #lemon8bookworms #Lem
stargirl sam 💫

stargirl sam 💫

25 likes

An illustrated woman with dark skin and hair in a bun, wearing pajamas, reads a book and smokes a cigar. Text overlay announces "Books The Girlys Must Read in 2025" with a "SWIPE" indicator, set against a bookshelf background.
A hand holds the book "Black Girl Finance" by Selina Flavius, with the subtitle "LET'S TALK MONEY How to manage your money & get excited about your financial future." The cover is peach with black text.
The book "Girl in Pieces" by Kathleen Glasgow is shown, with the title crossed out in red. The cover is light pink and features text indicating it's an international bestseller.
Girlys MustRead Booklist 2025 🌸🤍📖
• So far I’ve gotten Hood feminism & Black Girl finance , this is my current list of reads that are on my radar for 2025 all books specifically for us girlys! From help with self improvement , finances , getting past old trauma , even learning new things to apply it moving forward reading is so
One of One ✨🦋

One of One ✨🦋

1495 likes

Found my first read of 2025
I think I found what I wanted to read. When I seen this I just knew it was the book for me. If anybody has read this book please let me know in what way did it help you. #booktok
Shaniqua Babino

Shaniqua Babino

37 likes

A copy of the book 'Wicked' with a green-faced witch on the cover, a pen, and pastel sticky notes. A card reading 'Daughters are Special' is behind it, with 'first read of 2025' overlaid.
An open book with highlighted text and handwritten notes, featuring a pressed flower bookmark that says 'Daughters are Special.' A pen and sticky notes are visible on a polka-dot background.
A close-up of the 'Wicked' book cover, showing the green-faced witch, the title, and pastel sticky notes at the bottom. A date '1 10 '25' is visible on the left.
👠First Read of 2025🫧
First book of the year is Wicked 🫧👠 I saw the new movie twice, I’ve seen the play as a child, and I just rewatched the Wizard of Oz. why not read the book too? My friend got me the book for Christmas :’) I got her wicked themed nail polish so we were both on trend for the gifts lol. I’m so e
Katie 🪩🐈‍⬛

Katie 🪩🐈‍⬛

5 likes

first read of 2025!!
I am currently reading ACOTAR for the first time ☺️ halfway through it and I really like Tamlin 😭 I know i’m delusional right now but don’t spoil it for me 😂😂 my goal is 50 books this year!! #reads #books #booktok #fantasy #acotarseries
𝕄𝕒𝕕𝕚 🫶🏼

𝕄𝕒𝕕𝕚 🫶🏼

27 likes

First Read of 2025!!!
this is my first read of the year! what's yours?! what kind of books are you trying to get into this year? #theperfectmarriage #kindleunlimited #kindlegirlie #kindle #booktok
Tiffany.

Tiffany.

10 likes

First read of 2025
“Taking time to unwind with a good book is one of the best forms of self-care. It’s not just about escaping into another world, but about nourishing your mind, slowing down, and giving yourself permission to rest. Remember, self-care isn’t always face masks or bubble baths—sometimes, it’s simply al
Kayla A.

Kayla A.

19 likes

First Read of 2025
#readerlife #selfcareforblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlsread📚 #booktoker
Plus Size Bibliophile /Ashlie

Plus Size Bibliophile /Ashlie

12 likes

my first read of 2025 💜
finally finished my first read of 2025! i had never heard of this book before but my mom’s friend let me borrow it cause she knows i love historical fiction. i ended up really enjoying this book! would def recommend it if u also love historical fiction 🫶🏼 #book #bookrecommendations #bookr
sarah 🦋🌞🤍✨📖

sarah 🦋🌞🤍✨📖

7 likes

First Read of 2025
The first book I am starting this new year off with is Demon’s Dream by Elle Kayson. I just started and I’m already 20% through this book…. That’s how good it is. I wasn’t even going to start this book yet. I was going to start the year with another book because this one is kinda thick. It’s over 7
Haitia Lauryn📚💕

Haitia Lauryn📚💕

53 likes

A book cover for '25 Days' by Per Jacobsen, featuring a dark, snowy landscape with a small, illuminated house and a dripping Christmas stocking. The cover asks 'Worth it?' and includes a tagline about Christmas chilling to the bone. An orange spiral-bound notebook is visible on the left.
First read of 2025
My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: 25 Days 📄 Plot: 📖 Genre: Horror, thriller 📄 My Favorite Quotes: 💭 My Thoughts: ⭐ Star Rating:
Drshannieb

Drshannieb

3 likes

First Read of 2025
Do you know what book will be your first read of 2025? I’ve started to put together a list of books I have to get to in 2025, but still don’t know where to start! #books #reading #bookwormsoflemon8 #lemon8bookclub
MayrasBookVerse 📚

MayrasBookVerse 📚

2 likes

FIRST READ OF 2025
My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: Verity 📄 Plot: NY author meets man, meets crazy wife & family SECRETS. 📖 Genre: Thriller 💭 My Thoughts: 🤯 ⭐ Star Rating: 4
lil_erikaa

lil_erikaa

3 likes

First Read of 2025
2025 First Read 📚✨ My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget 📖 Genre: Christian Non Fiction
niquab ✨🧚🏽‍♀️

niquab ✨🧚🏽‍♀️

2 likes

My first read of 2025
Theirs To Ruin by Zoe Flynn It was most definitely a 5-Star read for me‼️ It does leave off on a cliffhanger so be ready for book two🗣️ #2025books #book reading journal #firstreadof2025 #lemon8bookclub #a book 😭
DatGirlLele

DatGirlLele

11 likes

First read of 2025✨
I have no idea what I’m getting into with this book😅📚 #kristinhannah #nightingale #firstbookoftheyear
Jaz.lozada

Jaz.lozada

152 likes

First read of 2025!
First read of 2025 did not disappoint. I cried. Three times. #BookTok #books #tiawilliams #sevendaysinjune #romance books
V

V

11 likes

The book cover for 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' by Maia Kobabe, featuring an illustrated person standing in water with their reflection. A 'Stonewall Honor Book' sticker and library labels from Anamosa Library are visible on the cover.
First Read of 2025
Gender Queer was my first read of 2025 and OMG, I could not have been more happy with a first read! It was a 5 star read and a very informative read. I was able to finish it in one day since it's written in comic/graphic novel form. A book I highly recommend reading for everyone. #bookrecc
🥀Tori Rose🥀

🥀Tori Rose🥀

8 likes

A Kindle e-reader displays 'VARIATION' by Rebecca Yarros, showing 'Back to page 373' and 'Stay here'. It rests on a white surface beside a vase with green leaves and a purple flower. A patterned curtain is in the background. The image has a 'FIRST READ OF 2025' text overlay.
First read of 2025
Rebecca Yarros is one of my favorite authors, Fourth Wing + Irong Flame are my absolute FAVORITE spicy, fantasy novels. Don’t kill me but I rank them over ACOTAR any day of the week. Rating: spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kathryn Bynum

Kathryn Bynum

2 likes

First read of 2025
Starting out the 2025 year with a book I wish I ended 2024 with. Always check triggers before reading. 📕 Darling Wildfire by: @devyn.rivers I read Red Rabbit and LOVED everything about it and now it’s time to find out about Kraven. QOTD: What is going to be your first read of the seas
CanieshiaPowell

CanieshiaPowell

13 likes

A book titled "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, with text overlays "MY FIRST READ OF 2025" and "RE-READ." The image also features the Lemon8 logo and username "@just_ambernicolereads" on a dark, marble-patterned surface.
First read of 2025
I think like most of us, I am re-reading Fourth Wing and Iron Flame in preparation for Onyx Storm. I am so glad I decided to because there’s so many little things I forgot or things that are clicking now that I know what I know! It’s been such a fun ride and the theories I’m coming up with now are
Amber Nicole 🖤📚

Amber Nicole 🖤📚

13 likes

FIRST READ OF 2025
#gettoknowme #lightsout #2025books #2025reads #2025bookgoals read and loved 5⭐️ Florida
rapid reader

rapid reader

4 likes

This image displays a 5-star book review for 'Play Along' by Liz Tomforde, a sports romance e-book from the Windy City series. It includes the cover, plot summary, personal review, favorite quotes, and a 'spice' rating of three chili peppers.
First Read of 2025!
The Windy City series will forever have my love!! At #4 in the series Play Along may just be top 2 for me. Though it’s my first completed book of 2025, I started it in 2024. Im bad on putting a good book down when I don’t quite want to finish it and it be over😂. Also Im a mood reader do with that
ShaKyra

ShaKyra

2 likes

My first cozy read of 2025 📖
I hit a bit of a reading slump since I started focusing on my health journey. It’s been hard to find a book to pull me in immediately, but this one secured my reading eyes 🥰 the prologue got me interested in the characters immediately. Lately I’ve been falling asleep to the Jamie Foxx show on Netfl
Grada 💛

Grada 💛

2 likes

First read of 2025
#nobuy2025 #lemon8challenge
jxcxlxns

jxcxlxns

2 likes

An e-reader displays the preface of the fanfiction 'All the Wrong Things' by LovesBitca8, detailing it as Draco's POV. The e-reader, in a starry case with a crane charm, rests on a sunflower-patterned fabric, with decorative flower doodles and a Lemon8 watermark.
First Read of 2025 🌸
Book: All the Wrong Things (lovesbitca8) Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was so good!! The author did a lot better in this book with matching the correct tones to characters, but the complaint for the first book that there wasn’t enough of that Harry Potter magic in this book still stands. However,
トカゲ🌸📖

トカゲ🌸📖

14 likes

first read of 2025
📖 First read of 2025: The Lost Letters From Martha’s Vineyard. A woman discovers her late grandmother was a famous (missing) starlet. The story is told from dual timelines/perspectives. Can’t wait to dig into this one! What are you reading first this year? #bookwormsoflemon8 #booksuggestions
Richelle Holnick

Richelle Holnick

5 likes

An open book rests on a cozy blanket, illuminated by warm sunlight filtering through trees. The image is captioned "First Read of 2025" and includes a date "10' 10' 2202'".
The cover of the book "Viciously Yours" by Jamie Applegate Hunter, FAE KINGS OF EDEN BOOK I, is displayed against a background of open books. The cover features a feather with a drop of blood.
A note from the book's first page states it's not a "literary masterpiece" and focuses solely on romance, with minimal world-building. This note is presented on a white card over open books.
first read of 2025 📚
we’ll see whether or not I can finish it 🥴 will post a review if I do! #readingjournal #currentlyreading #2025 #firstbook #viciouslyyours
Gabrielle Allison

Gabrielle Allison

7 likes

📚12 most read romance books of 2025
These are the 12 most read romance books of 2025... According to Goodreads👀 And honestly? I'm not surprised. Some of these are soft and comforting. Some are messy in the best way. Snd some will completely wreck you. This is the kind of list where! You start one "just to see"..
ClaraReadsRomance

ClaraReadsRomance

199 likes

first read of 2025!
desperately trying to finish this in time for the third book 🐉 I can’t put this down! 📖✨ #currentread #currentbooks #booktok #fourthwing #january
kate

kate

7 likes

✨My list of books to read in 2025✨
Leave your book recommendations in the comments 🫶🏻📚 #reading📚 #books 🫶🏼 #reading #readersoflemon8 #bookrecommemdations
𝒥. 𝐸𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒻𝒶𝓃𝒾𝒶 ♡

𝒥. 𝐸𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒻𝒶𝓃𝒾𝒶 ♡

663 likes

first read of 2025
First read of 2025! have you read this yet? what are your thoughts? . . also what is your first read of the year? #firstreadof2025 #lightsout #readinggoals #whatsyourfirstread #darkromancebooks
📚 ✿𝕜ꫀꪀ𝕫ⅈꫀ ✿

📚 ✿𝕜ꫀꪀ𝕫ⅈꫀ ✿

10 likes

A light green book titled "How We Heal" by Alexandra Elle rests on someone's lap in a car, with text overlays indicating it's the "First Read of 2025."
An open page from the book "How We Heal" displays a list of reasons for healing, such as "I am healing because I want emotional freedom." A large overlay reads "I am healing because my children are watching."
An open copy of "How We Heal" shows pages 22 and 23, discussing healing as a never-ending journey and a personal anecdote about cooking. The top overlay states "HEALING IS A NEVER-ENDING JOURNEY."
My first read of 2025 ✨📚
How We Heal - Alexandra Elle I have followed Alex Elle on instagram for quite a bit of years and would always love her post. I was so excited to see she had come out with a book. Last year around this time my friend purchased this book for me when I was having a trying time in my personal life.
Jenny

Jenny

7 likes

The book 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, the user's first read of 2025, is shown with its orange cover and black text, resting on a black quilted surface. The cover features the title and author in a distinctive black font.
First Read of 2025
4/5 ⭐️ “And maybe I can let go of the sting and resentment of the path not taken, because the path not taken isn’t just the inverse of who I am. It’s an infinitely branching system that represents all the permutations of my life…” #firstread2025 #readmorebooks
ALovecraftedHome

ALovecraftedHome

7 likes

First read of 2025 🫶
The dragons on the spine kind of give it away. But we know I had to start off with a reread of Fourth Wing to prepare for Onyx Storm! #fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #reading #books
Laurens.lifestyle

Laurens.lifestyle

10 likes

What will be your first read of 2025? 🧐🎇
Happy 2025 Readers! Whether you’ve been an avid reader for a while or are just starting your reading journey, we want to know - what book is first on your list to read (or finish!) in 2025? 🎉 I’ll go first - I’ve been in the middle of Bloodmarked for a while, and I desperately need to finish it!
Lemon8 Book Club

Lemon8 Book Club

226 likes

A sepia-toned image shows a hand holding a Kindle displaying the cover of "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros. The text "First read of 2025" is overlaid, along with a quote from Christopher Paolini. Five gold stars are visible at the bottom.
First read of 2025
My most anticipated read of the year! When I say I counted the days till this release I’m not lying. Was I confused at the first few chapters yes! Do I need to reread it for sure! But was it an exciting ride? You bet it was! I stayed up way too late for a few days to finish it but it was worth it.
AngelaVLife

AngelaVLife

3 likes

A book cover for 'The Afterlife of Holly Chase' by Cynthia Hand, featuring a dark background with red and gold decorative borders. The cover includes a tagline 'EVERY SCROOGE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE,' stylized text for the title, illustrations of a coffin, a candle, stars, and snowflakes, reflecting its supernatural/holiday genre.
First Read of 2025
#books #bookstagram #booktok #booksoflemon8 #bookwormsoflemon8 My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: The Afterlife of Holly Chase 📄 Plot: She was a failed Scrooge 📖 Genre: supernatural/holiday
Erica Sgroi-Mittica

Erica Sgroi-Mittica

8 likes

A bookshelf filled with various book series, including titles by Ana Huang, Abby Jimenez, Mia Sheridan, Elsie Silver, and Lucy Score, with a text overlay 'Series to read In 2025'.
Three books from the 'Ravenhood' series by Kate Stewart, titled 'Flock', 'Exodus', and 'The Finish Line', displayed open on a bed with a text overlay 'Currently Reads'.
Four books by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: 'Bad Blood', 'All In', 'The Naturals', and 'Killer Instinct', arranged on a light gray blanket.
Series I Plan To Read In 2025📚
I cannot wait to knockout some books on my TBR list! #2025bookreleases #books #readingaesthetic
Hannahpannell🖤

Hannahpannell🖤

11.5K likes

A copy of J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" with a white cover and green spine rests on a red and white plaid blanket. Text overlays include "It's time to Read," "Day 01," and "My current reads," indicating the start of reading this book.
First read of 2025
My Current Read 📖 Name of the Book: Franny & Zooey 📄 Plot: The short story Franny follows Franny Glass as she visits her boyfriend Lane Coutell at school and discusses her newfound fascination with spirituality. The novella Zooey follows Franny’s brother Zooey Glass, who attempts to comfort h
Hannah K.

Hannah K.

1 like

First Read of 2025
#reading📖 #readsofthisyear #5starreads #bingereadoftheweek #hellsbells
EnasReadingNook📚

EnasReadingNook📚

9 likes

The cover of 'Red Rising' by Pierce Brown, featuring a black background with prominent red wings, lying on a white textured surface. It is identified as Book I of the Red Rising Trilogy.
A hand holds open the 'Red Rising' book, revealing numerous pages marked with small red, yellow, and pink sticky tabs. The book is against a white, snowflake-patterned background.
Two books from the Red Rising series, 'Red Rising' (Book I) with red wings and 'Golden Son' (Book II) with golden wings, are displayed side-by-side on a white textured surface.
My First 5 Star Read of 2025 🫶
Red Rising - Pierce Brown 100000/10 ⭐️🧑‍🍳🤌😙💋 I am obsessed with everything about this series and I highly recommend if you have ANY interest in fantasy/Sci-fi. The world building is a little slower in the first half, but it takes off so quickly and it is SO worth it. Amazing characters, grea
✰ itsbaylayy ✰

✰ itsbaylayy ✰

31 likes

First read of 2025
I’m jumping into Anastasia by Sophie Lark for my first read of 2025. Have you read it, and what did you think? #books #booktok #bookrecommendations @
Queenkeevs

Queenkeevs

1 like

First Read of 2025
The first book on my 2025 TBR is The Wedding People by Alison Espach. After the first chapter, I am hooked and excited! Have you read this book? What did you think? 🌊 #booksoflemon8 #booktok #readingchallenge #tbr #theweddingpeople
Carol Jocelyn ☀️

Carol Jocelyn ☀️

1 like

A person holds a black book titled "GREATEST WORKS OF Edgar Allan Poe," featuring a gold gothic tree design on the cover. The text "First read of 2025" is overlaid at the top.
An open book displays its table of contents, listing various poems and stories by Edgar Allan Poe, including "Tamerlane," "The Raven," and "Eldorado."
An open book shows a black and white portrait of Edgar Allan Poe on the left page, with biographical text about his life and career on the right page.
First read of 2025
I've been obsessed with gothic literature forever, and to start my collection off, I had to have the greatest works of Edgar Allan Poe. He's one of my favorite writers, as I find his work very compelling.Edgar Allan Poe #gothic #2025reading #firstreadoftheyear #gothbooks
Danny

Danny

1 like

First read of 2025 goes to…
The Half King - Melissa Landers Highly recommend! -Magic/powers -hierarchy -betrayal 🧑‍🍳 💋 #booktok #bookreccomendation #bookish #fantasybooks #kindle
Megan | Bookish 🍄🫧

Megan | Bookish 🍄🫧

6 likes

First read of 2025 complete!
Check out on Amazon today! #blackauthor #louisiana #lemon8bookclub #blackgirlsread
RM Johnson

RM Johnson

12 likes

First read of 2025
Started this on the 1st. I’m really hoping it gets better because of all the hype it received on TikTok #books #booklemon8 #currentlyreading #booktok
Alex

Alex

5 likes

FIRST READ OF 2025
This book gave me so much emotions. I loved every bit of banter and suspense this gave me cause I truly didn’t see that twist coming! This is my first book I’ve read by her and I honestly can’t wait to read the perfect marriage and get a copy of the perfect divorce. Her writing is so good and
BxnnyZer0

BxnnyZer0

1 like

See more