It is invigorating that 2025 marks the start of new beginnings. With new beginnings come new books. Books have taken a backseat to other forms of entertainment in this generation, a trend that is hopefully going to change. Reading feeds both the soul and mind. From 15 minutes a day to 2 hours, pick up the book, flip to the first page, and enter into a different world. Through reading, you can live a hundred different lives in a hundred different places. Here are five picks for books to read in 2025.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a book that readers struggle to put down. It enters into the world of main character Nora Seed, who is unsatisfied with her life. One unfathomable night leads her to the Midnight Library. The books in the library let Nora live as if she had done things differently. Each story holds a different path in her life that she can take and how each outcome would happen. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But as Nora lives through each story, she discovers that things are always better in her original life story. This book is extremely popular among fans of science fiction, magical realism, and mental health themes.
For all the young adult readers who are a fan of historical fiction, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a fantastic book. This story follows Lily Owens and her journey to South Carolina with Rosaleen. The book is set in 1964 and deals with racism, coming of age, and feminine self-discovery. In South Carolina, Lily discovers her mother’s past while finding her family in the present. They are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters and are introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, as well as the Black Madonna.
The next book on this list is the first of an eight-book series and dabbles in the fantasy world of literature. This series by Sarah J. Maas will stick with readers long after they finish the last book; it is a story of pain, determination, and love. Throne of Glass follows the story of Celaena Sardothien as she is picked to fight against 23 other contestants (all killers, thieves, and warriors) to be the King’s champion. However, during the tournament, strange things creak and crawl through the dark corridors of the castle, and Celena has to watch out. She finds a friend in Nehmeia, Choal, and sometimes the prince Dorian. To avoid spoiling any of this book, I will leave it at that, but for those who are fans of strong, witty female characters, this book is for you.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and moving novel that outlines the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century South. She faces immense challenges, including oppression. Through a series of letters to God and her sister, Celie’s journey from a life of suffering to one of empowerment and self-discovery unfolds. The book delves into themes of resilience, sisterhood, and the powers of love. The Color Purple is a must-read for those looking for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
For those who are fans of thrilling mysteries set in 1950s London where a secret detective agency operates beneath the streets, Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T. A. Willberg is a splendid read. The story follows Marion Lane, a young apprentice investigator, who becomes embroiled in a sinister plot when a colleague is found murdered. As she dives into the investigation, she uncovers hidden secrets and must navigate a web of intrigue and danger. If readers enjoy a blend of historical fiction and suspenseful mystery, this book will keep them on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
To conclude, 2025 offers a fresh start and an opportunity to rediscover the joy of reading. Whether drawn to the magical realism of The Midnight Library or the historical richness of The Secret Life of Bees, these books promise to transport you to different worlds and experiences. So, take the plunge this January, pick up a book, and embark on a new literary adventure. Happy reading!
