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It’s mid July so I am a little late for a 2025 mid year reading check in, but I thought it would be fun to reflect on my reading journey.
At the time of writing this, I have completed 25 books. I am on track to read 50ish books in 2025, but I am not pressuring myself with with a numerical goal.
My reading had been all over the place this year as I’ve navigated several major life events. I have been branching out to try new genres and authors in 2025 and prioritized physical books I already owned or preordered.
Best Book I’ve Read (So Far)
This is a tough call because most of my 2025 five star ratings have been re-reads.
I originally had Sunrise on the Reaping for this answer, but I am going to go with The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley. This was a historical fiction mystery that had me hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend it, especially if you grew up watching VH1 Behind the Music.
Best Sequel I’ve Read
This was an easy pick. I am going to go with Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. I love The Hunger Games series, and this prequel was one I was anticipating from the moment it was announced. Haymitch’s story did not disappoint, and I know it will influence how I view the original trilogy when I re-read it.
New Release(s) I Haven’t Read Yet
Until May, I was doing well with keeping up with my preorders this year. I have a quite a few that have piled up over the summer though:
- With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
- What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
- Silver Elite by Dani Francis
- Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
- Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
- A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Most Anticipated Releases of the Second Half of 2025
I can’t say I have too many books on my radar for the rest of 2025. I have been working on blog posts for September and October new book releases, and so far nothing is jumping out at me.
I did write a blog post for my most anticipated book releases of 2025 if you would like to check out that list!
Related: Most Anticipated Book Releases of 2025
Surprise Books of 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by The Lightning Bottles by Marissa Stapley and The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker. Both are genres out of my usually comfort zone, so that tells me it is time to mix it up more often!
However, I was disappointed by Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L. Jensen, and Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell. Onyx Storm was a repetitive filler book. I stand by my opinion that the series should have been a trilogy, but I hope to be proven wrong with the final two books. A Curse Carved in Bone felt like a bad Marvel movie and Don’t Let Him In was such a snoozefest!
New Favorite Author(s)
I don’t think I have any new favorite this year, but I would be open to trying more books from Marissa Stapley and Karen Thompson Walker in the future.
Emotional Books
I don’t remember crying during any books in 2025 (so far).
I do, however, have books that made me happy! I continued my re-read of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. I was worried the books wouldn’t be as good, but I took my time with the re-read and enjoyed the story even more the second time!
I also enjoyed several romance books this year, including Overruled and The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson and The Lodge by Kayla Olson. I think I literally kicked my feet in happiness several times while reading these books.
Related: Book Review: Overruled by Lana Ferguson
Most Beautiful Book(s) I’ve Bought in 2025
I am a little tired of the “special” edition craze in book publishing (is it even special when every book is getting sprayed edges now?). I will admit the Barnes and Noble edition of The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig is absolutely stunning! Even if I don’t rate the book five stars, I may have to keep it on my shelves just because it’s so gorgeous.
I’m also going to cheat little here and mention my Kindle Colorsoft! I was on the fence about buying a new Kindle, but I love highlighting in color and having color covers for bookstagram pictures.
Reading Goals For the Rest of 2025
I have been in such a slump most of the year, so I really just want to prioritize books that remind me what I love reading. I did not set a number goal for 2025 because I really just wanted to have fun reading again. Unfortunately life hit hard in 2025 and I haven’t been consistently reading like I had hoped.
I do plan to slow down on my book buying since I just bought a new Kindle. I have actually not been in a bookstore since May, which is super impressive for me! I’ve perused the books at Target a few times, but I don’t ever buy books there anyway.
I would love to know about your 2025 reading, so feel free to answer any of the prompts in the comments!
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