Books that helped me rekindle my love of reading
As 2025 draws to a close and I reflect on the year, one of the things that strikes me is the amount of time I spent reading. I really found my love of books again, after a few years of being a more passive reader.
Growing up I almost went through a book a day. I consumed words so fast and did little else! This love stayed with me, but at times felt more like an unimportant hobby. As life got busy and chaotic and sometimes sad, I no longer had the time and energy to read as much. But this year I made a commitment to myself to find my reading spark again and I think I’ve succeeded! I surpassed my book goal and had a ton of fun doing it. Here are five of my five-star reads from 2025!
1. FOURTH WING BY REBECCA YARROS
There’s no way I can not start my list with this book. As one of the first books I read this year, it drew me into another world in a way that’s hard to find. Though I usually read romance and realistic novels, my all time favorite series is Sarah J Maas’ Throne of Glass. Ever since I read those books five years ago, I’ve been looking for a fantasy that could capture me in the same way. I achieved that with Fourth Wing! I really enjoyed the little worldbuilding quotes at the end of each chapter and I was quickly entranced by the fast-paced action and romantic tension. The first book was my favorite, but the whole series was great and I’m finding it difficult to wait for book four!
2. BETTER THAN THE MOVIES BY LYNN PAINTER
If Throne of Glass is my favorite book and Fourth Wing has arguably cemented itself as runner-up, this sweet story by Lynn Painter would have to be number three. It was on my radar for a while, but I felt like I was past the YA romance hype already. But, oh my gosh, was I wrong. Never have I been so in love with just the vibe of a book! The sweetness and sentimentality and banter really brought the characters to life. I went into this book expecting it to be a run-of-the-mill fake dating situation (and I’m sure some would argue that it is), but it ended up being very meaningful. I had Spotify playlists based off the book playing non-stop for weeks after finishing it!
3. THE ROSE BARGAIN BY SASHA PEYTON SMITH
After unexpectedly loving Lynn Painter’s YA novels, I realized that it’s okay to read books written for younger audiences. And it’s okay to enjoy them! This new fantasy novel reminded me a lot of The Selection series by Kiera Cass if it were written in 2025. It was a very quick, easy read about a competition for a prince’s heart, but with twists I definitely didn’t see coming. My sister also loved this book and we’re eagerly awaiting its upcoming sequel.
4. Normal People by SALLY ROONEY
For years I have avidly stayed away from what I like to call “smart people books.” This is not to say that I’m not smart or that the books I tend to read aren’t valuable, but just that I was scared to read books that felt heavy, meaningful or commentative. I picked up Sally Rooney’s hit novel from the library simply because a few of my friends liked it and I wanted to be able to relate. I expected to have to drag myself through the story, maybe not even finishing. But no, I finished this book in less than thirty-six hours. It was a little depressing for sure, but also sweet and touching. Sally Rooney’s writing style really spoke to me and helped me make sense of the complex characters she was creating. This book helped me realize that I do not need to box myself into “easier” books, and that it’s always okay to take a chance on something new!
5. READY OR NOT BY CARA BASTONE
Oftentimes, when I visit the library I have a plan of what I’m looking for. Sure, I browse around, but only to round out my collection of pre-approved books. This gem of a romance novel, however, was not on my radar. I found it sitting on a display at the Madison Public Library and felt drawn to the soft, colorful cover. Usually I despise people on the cover of books, but Ready or Not’s gorgeous illustration was different. And the inside was just as sweet. The story follows a woman in New York who unexpectedly gets pregnant and navigates her changing life and relationships. It was unique, witty and sentimental and I could not recommend this book more – especially for a cozy, nostalgic fall day.
Each of these five novels impacted me in different ways, but they all helped bring the joy of reading back into my life. Whether they were hard-hitting or cozy romance novels, these books rekindled my passion. Reading has again become something I wake up excited about, not just something I try to squeeze in. One of the best parts of my year was experiencing the magic of good books and the comfort of a fulfilling hobby!