Just read. Read. Books have so much power to uplift, help us find ourselves, discover new worlds.

It’s that time of year again! My reading in 2025 was not as extensive as in previous years, due to distraction of the current events in our world. Regardless, I experienced many books that I am happy to share with you. Some will have a note about my experience in reading, but I don’t like to add too much because all of us have differing interests in what we like to read. You need to check the books out yourself.

Just read. Read. Books have so much power to uplift, help us find ourselves, discover new worlds. Share a book with a friend. Buy a book for a child. Whatever you do, please read.

  • Say Nothing – Patrick Radden Keefe: I had quite an immersion in Ireland this year and “Say Nothing” began it all. About the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland.
  • People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks
  • Bee Sting – Paul Murray
  • The Gathering – Anne Enright: Bought years ago because I wondered if she was related! Another novel taking place in Ireland.
  • House Rules – Jodi Picault: Moving and valuable read.
  • This is Happiness – Niall Williams – This book is what I call a ‘slow burner.’ You need patience and if you have that, you will be rewarded. Williams captures the essence of Irish life…and love.
  • To Dance With the White Dog – Terry Kay: I first read this book many years ago, but it hit differently (and more powerfully) this time.  A beautiful story about aging, family, loss and life. One of my favorite reads this year.
  • See No Stranger – Valarie Kaur
  • Lone Wolf – Jodi Picault
  • Four Seasons in Rome – Anthony Doerr: Doerr is also the author of “All the Light You Cannot See,” but this a memoir of a year he spent in Rome with his wife and new twins while working on a that best selling book.
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky: A banned book and one of my favorites from this year.
  • Burial Rites – Hannah Kent
  • The Hidden Children – Secret Survivors of the Holocaust, Jane Marks: So many children went into hiding during the Holocaust. They may not have been in a concentration camp, but their experiences had a profound influence on their lives. These stories hit hard.
  • You Better Be Lightening – Andrea Gibson: Every word Andrea Gibson put to the page hit with honesty and extraordinary love. I also recommend “Come See me in the Good Light.” The film will break you apart and then put you back together.
  • History of the Rain – Niall Williams: I confess that I have yet to finish this one, but I’m not giving up. This is not a book you can put down and then pick right back up a few weeks later as I was doing.
  • Bridge to Terabithia – Katherine Patterson: This is a beautiful heartbreaking story that my daughters read in school. The book is banned so, of course, I had to see if I could understand why. I don’t.
  • The Overstory – Richard Powers:  I read this at the recommendation of many close friends. I liked it, but it’s not one of my favorites…
  • Greenlights – Matthew McConaughey (audio book): I can’t recommend this one enough–especially the audio version read by the author. Entertaining, enlightening and inspiring.
  • The Hobbit – JR Tolkein (audio book): Most are familiar with this one–I purchased the audio book for our trip to Canada this fall and it was so entertaining!
  • Time of the Child – Niall Williams: I actually sobbed at the end of this one. Read this one after “This is Happiness.” One of my year’s favorites.
  • Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
  • March – Geraldine Brooks
  • Nobody’s Girl – Virginia Guiffre: Should be required reading. Heartbreaking and infuriating. Tough to read but important in understanding the magnitude of Epstein’s crimes.
  • Bread of Angels – Patti Smith
  • Raising Hare – Chloe Dalton: A beautiful, moving true story. It was just what I needed as the year came to an end!

In addition to the books I’ve read, I have an extensive list on my nightstand so I am never without something to read. Currently on my nightstand waiting for my attention are:

And I always have poetry–some I just read over and over, especially on nights when I want to remember how beautiful our world and life is. Aside from Andrea Gibson, these two books are my go-to poets:

Whenever possible, order from your local bookstore or directly from the publisher. Make Amazon your last choice…