Of the 45 books I read in 2025, Here are my Top 5 Picks of 2025 (and Why You Should Read Them!)
2025 was an incredible lineup of books that stirred my imagination, deepened my understanding of history, and helped me understand others more clearly. Of the 45 good books I read in 2025, here are my top five favorite of the year and why they made such an impact on me.
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The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
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David McCullough brings the legendary brothers — Orville and Wilbur Wright — to life with his signature storytelling genius. This richly researched biography follows their stubborn curiosity, mechanical genius, and unwavering dedication to solving the puzzle of human flight. McCullough weaves personal letters, historical context, and vivid scenes to show how two bicycle makers from Ohio changed the world. I loved the contrast with Langley’s government-funded failure and the brothers’ self-taught success, but this book isn’t just about aviation – it’s about perseverance, innovation, and believing in the impossible. You can’t help but root for these brothers and be amazed at the ingenuity, thriftiness, and hard work!
Read if you enjoy inspiring true stories, American history, biographies that read like novels, and books about creativity, grit, and big ideas that change the world
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The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
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My favorite book of the year was The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles. Can I be honest, I thought this was going to be a book about Abraham Lincoln. I was wrong. This book follows 18-year-old Emmett Watson, planning a fresh start with his little brother after the loss of their father and family farm. Unexpected detours and unwanted companions take them on a memorable road trip across America. The compelling characters and fantastic writing make this book easy to love and impossible to forget.
Read if you enjoy character-driven novels, nostalgic Americana, road trip stories, and books about second chances and family. This would also be an excellent book to listen to on a road trip.
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Meriwether Lewis by Janet and Geoff Benge
It was genuinely hard to choose just one Janet Benge biography as my favorite this year because her books are SO fantastic, but I decided that Meriweather Lewis deserves to be on this list. For lovers of history and real-life adventure, this book dives deep into the life of the leader of the iconic Lewis and Clark Expedition. Janet Benge brings to life both the brilliance and struggles of a man tasked with exploring the West. This is an inspiring story of courage, curiosity, ingenuity, and leadership in the face of the unknown.
Not only was Lewis a fascinating person, but so was Sacagawea. She is tasked with traveling with the expedition while pregnant. She gives birth to her baby during the expedition, then continues the journey!! What a remarkable testament to strength and resilience.
Read if you enjoy history, exploration, true adventures, strong leadership narratives, or biographies that make history come alive.
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
During my senior year of high school in 1994, I was given a list of “required reading,” and Rebecca was on that list. I dutifully worked my way through the books, and while most either left no impression or bored me to tears, Rebecca was different. I was completely enthralled.
That story has stayed with me for 31 years, until I finally re-read it this year and found that I loved it even more the second time. My life has changed completely since that naive 17-year-old was trudging through her senior year, trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do with her life. Now, a million moves, a million life events, and a million children later, this book still resonates and still leaves a lasting impression
Rebecca is a haunting, romantic, and beautifully written book. The author brings scenes to life so fully that you can smell the flowers, feel the breeze, and become a guest in their home. Du Maurier’s tale of a young bride who marries a wealthy widower only to find his estate ruled by the lingering presence of his first wife is captivating. The book is drenched in suspense. If you haven’t read this classic, 2026 is a perfect year to discover it.
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Steps by John Ortberg
Steps was my favorite NON-FICTION book of the year. It’s a hopeful, grace-filled rewrite of the 12 steps. Accessible, practical, and life-giving. A must-read for anyone seeking freedom, healing, or deeper authenticity. I took 6 pages of notes on this book but here are my top ten takeaways (which was HARD to narrow down).
10 powerful takeaways:
- A true spiritual journey begins when we admit we are not in control. God is.
- God is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Comforter. He is present and powerful.
- The essential question: Do I believe there is a Power greater than myself?
- Faith is a gift. Ask God for helpful faith, even in the presence of doubt.
- In some ways God’s biggest miracle was his smallest: He condensed all his being into a single human body and came down to earth to be with people.
- We often want God to change our circumstances, while God wants to use our circumstances to change us.
- We cannot be in a relationship of love with Jesus and continue to harm the people around us. If we aren’t willing to make amends, we don’t really want to be forgiven, we just want to avoid pain.
- Forgiveness is rarely one-and-done. It’s a lifelong maintenance practice.
- Healing matters because healed people become a force for good in the world.
- The antidote to fear is awareness of God’s presence: God is able. God is here. God is good.
From John Ortberg in Steps:
Write someone a note. Give someone a gift. Pause to serve someone. Notice a person most will overlook. Relax. Unclench your fists. Unfurrow your brow. Forgive someone. Laugh. Go outside and look up at the sky and say thank you. Be polite. Drive slower. Mention to someone that you believe in God even if it’s scary. Volunteer. Think about something noble, beautiful, good. Ask for help. Give someone a compliment. Look in the mirror and say, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made, you good-looking thing.” Take a deep breath. Smile.
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What Books Did You Love in 2025?
Those were my top five, but I want to hear from you! Drop your favorites in the comments by clicking that little icon by the title. I’m always looking for great recommendations!
Thanks for reading!
Click here for my favorite books of 2024.
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