2025 - My Year in Books

Three years ago, the PopSugar Reading Challenge jump‑started my reading life. I’d always been a steady reader, but usually one book at a time, with long dry spells in between.

The challenge pushed me out of my genre comfort zone and kept me on a schedule. It also lined up with a weight‑loss resolution, so suddenly I was reading in three formats at once: audiobooks while walking, a Kindle book in my bag, and a hardcover at home. Chaotic, but effective.

The multi‑book method didn’t stick, but the reading habit did. I joined a real book club—one where people actually read and not an excuse to drink wine—and discovered books I never would’ve chosen on my own.

My goal for 2025 was 50 books; I finished 32. I’m calling it a quality‑over‑quantity win. For 2026, I’m keeping the same goal—and when I’m tempted to doom‑scroll, I’m picking up a book instead.

Of the 32 books I read, only one was a true dud (The Perfect Marriage—which I reviewed with author Amy Lilly on my podcast). The rest ranged from solid to spectacular. These were the standout reads that made the year memorable.

1. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir   I listened to this one and can’t recommend the audiobook enough. The science is easier to digest, and one character shines in audio. Fantastic story with a great ending. I’m already nervous about the 2026 movie adaptation.

2. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon   Historical fiction set in 1790s Maine with a powerhouse heroine, Martha Ballard. Vivid writing, layered characters, and her husband Ephraim is one of the most romantic heroes I’ve ever read.

3. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans   Told entirely through letters, this novel slowly reveals Sybil van Antwerp’s life and the tragedy she’s never resolved. You may not warm to her at first, but by the end, she’s unforgettable.

4. The People We Keep by Allison Larkin   A beautifully aching story about April Sawicki, a teenage musician who grows up believing she’s unlovable. Incredible character work. I cried more than once.

5. Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley   Reviewed this one with my daughter‑in‑law on the podcast. It follows Joe and Percy, college friends whose relationship evolves as they grow up. Music lovers will especially enjoy the lyric references. You may not always like the characters, but you’ll care about them.

6. Sky Daddy by Kate Folk   Yes, it’s weird. Yes, the kink is unusual. But underneath it is a thoughtful story about flawed people trying their best. A surprising, twisty ending and a memorable main character.

Honorable mentions go to Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan, Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, All the Yellow Posies by Elaine DeBohun, and The Names by Florence Knapp. All excellent reads.

If you want to see my full 2025 list, friend me on Goodreads (I’m under Jeron Hayes). I love seeing what others are reading and sharing my own picks.

I’ll leave you with this: how you read doesn’t matter—audio, e‑book, or a good old‑fashioned hardcover. The number of books doesn’t matter either. What matters is that you read. Let yourself escape for a while.

Happy Reading!