MY TOP 25 OF '25
Ahoy! I was going to start this with some babble about my entire effing year but I am going to bother you with that in another post so stay tuned!
I read about 85ish books this year (not counting books I DNF'd, beta read, or forgot to log somewhere as I'm prone to do) and it was TOUGH narrowing it down to just 25 favs.
The first five books I think are probably most definitely my TOP 5 reads. Everything after the top 5 are in no particular order because it was agonizing to try and organize the list and I really need to stop finding excuses to not work on my novel revisions.
So, here they are! If you haven't read some of these, obviously, I highly recommend you check them out.
HOW TO FALL IN LOVE IN A TIME OF UNNAMEABLE DIASTER by Muriel Leung - I know, I already posted about this one but I read it very early in the year and it stuck with me. It's hands down one of my all time favorite novels and I will cherish it forever. I also met one of my new favorite characters, Shin, who is the most delightful cockroach ever.
BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG by Kylie Lee Baker - I was beyond blown away by this book. It's been a while since I've read a horror novel that I feel was as damn near flawless as this one. It's terrifying, gut wrenching, and beautifully written. I had no notes. Will read again.
THE BOOK OF THE MOST PRECIOUS SUBSTANCE by Sara Gran - This was such a surprise! I love slutty little books about slutty little books and this did not disappoint. I was SOOOOO engrossed in the characters, the writing is fabulous, just...chef's kiss. I'm seriously so happy I found this book.
BEAUTYLAND by Marie-Helene Bertino - This one kept me company on a long drive and I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. Head over heels. It's hilarious, the voice is stunning and stays consistent, our main character is too pure for this world, I can't even stand how much I loved this book. I can't recommend this one enough.
LISTEN TO YOUR SISTER by Neena Viel - This book had me laughing out loud about four times in the first few pages. Neena Viel's voice is so strong, it's full of sharp sarcasm and doesn't hold back. The sibling relationships were SO REAL omg it was so refreshing, and when you find out what's really going on in this story, it's not just terrifying but devastating and beautiful. Hands down one of the best horror novels in recent years.
BLOB by Maggie Su - This book wouldn't have ever NOT made it on my radar, I mean, it's about a woman who finds a blob with eyes and takes it home. It's sad, has some really hilarious moments, and I love the writing and cast of characters. Any book that uses a wonky premise to explore something really deep, I'm in.
THE BOOK CENSOR'S LIBRARY by Bothayna Al-Essa - What a treat. This one is stunning and feels like a modern fairy tale. It's a love letter to the imagination and literature, and the fight to preserve history and culture. Like all great books, the whimsy is in addition to some real tough subject matter. It's timely and beautifully written and translated.
GLIFF by Ali Smith - Sometimes I buy a book and sit on it long enough to forget what it's about so I can go in with as little information as possible. Can confirm that was a solid choice here. I appreciate books that don't really provide any hand holding, just drop you into some weird shit and you figure it out as you go along, and this did not disappoint. Felt a little too close to home given these TRYING TIMES but once I started I couldn't put it down.
JACKAL by Erin E. Adams - The author does something in this book that I don't see very often, where the reader gets to know the characters/backstories/relationships well enough to understand when their behavior is sus because it's out of character for them, which really amps up the tension IMO. This book is incredibly smart and I'm annoyed that I didn't pick it up sooner.
CORPSING by Sophie White - I love Sophie White's range and read literally everything she writes, but I've learned so much about my own writing because of this essay collection. She doesn't shy away from talking about deeply uncomfortable and personal experiences, and she manages to seamlessly weave in her sharp humor. It's a stunning collection packed with heavy emotions. Real cathartic read.
SKY DADDY by Kate Folk - I laughed my ass off through this entire book, and it's all because the author was SO committed to the voice and character work. It was so refreshing to see a female main character who was unashamedly herself. She knows that being sexually obsessed with airplanes (yes) is weird, but SHE doesn't feel bad about it, she just knows other people won't get it, and that's okay. I LOVED IT. There were too many one liners in here to share.
HOLE IN THE SKY by Daniel H. Wilson - I've been waiting a LONG time for a book like this. I love alien horror, and IMO there's just not enough of it. This one's an Indigenous first contact story that's highly creative, gets super weird, and the pacing makes it impossible to put down. I really really loved the phenomenal cast of characters, particularly Mikayla.
THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DIAZ by Isabel Cañas - SWOOOOOOON! I love this book so much. THE ATMOSPHERE. THE ANGST. Also, the love interest Elias is my new book boyfriend. I mean, he's a hot gentleman with a troubled past who dabbles in the occult. Yes plz. I was so on the edge of my seat through this book that I texted someone out of panic and provided no context and actually kind of scared them so, yeah. No notes. Will read again.
ONE DAY EVERYONE WILL HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AGAINST THIS by Omar El Akkad - This is short and timely and necessary and honestly there's no reason to not read this book. I kept wanting to post a quote or something and I could have highlighted the entire thing. Every single word and sentence is to the point, gut wrenching, honest, and provides crucial information. Please read it.
BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER by Stephen Graham Jones - It goes without saying that SGJ knows how to tell a fucking story. Like, this blew me away. It's so immersive and well written, it's the kind of book that pushes me to be a better writer. The story is lush and intense, the pacing is incredible. PHENOMENAL.
THE END OF MR. Y by Scarlett Thomas - This is the slutty little book about slutty little books that started my obsession with slutty little books about slutty little books. I don't know how it took me so long to read this since it's been out for almost 20 years but I LOVE IT. I'm a sucker for a sexy philosophical romp down a rabbit hole of science/faith/death/time/space. Let's gooooooo.
PLAY NICE by Rachel Harrison - Give me a book about a demon any day, especially when said demon lives in a house that looks shockingly similar to my previous house. Rachel does a phenomenal job of weaving past and present, and conveying the complicated ways that people tend to process and remember things differently within their own family. It struck a bit of a personal chord with me, and I really really loved it.
PORTALMANIA by Debbie Urbanski - I LOVE PORTALS so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered a whole ass short story collection about them. The stories are so clever, and I love the way the author used portals as a way to explore different themes and how they'd manifest in those situations to those characters. The worlds and relationships felt soooo grounded which was such a lovely contrast to the fantastical premise.
MIDNIGHT ROOMS by Donyae Coles - As a huge fan of The Labyrinth and Crimson Peak, this book checked all my boxes. It felt like an adult love letter to everything I adore in fantasy and horror, and pushed some of those fantastical elements to be a little weirder, which always gets a thumbs up from me. I loved the author's perspective here, the writing is incredibly atmospheric and stunning, and whatever she writes next will be an auto buy for me.
THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO EMBER by Danica Nava - I fucking love this book so much. Normally in romance I have a favorite between the MC and the love interest, and this time I loved them both so much. Ember is hysterical, and every lie she tells I'm SO with her. Like, YES, LIE ABOUT THIS, PERFECT. And her relationship with Danuwoa is so cute I can't stand it. This book is so funny and the characters so so lovable.
OF MONSTERS AND MAINFRAMES by Barbara Truelove - This is another one that kept me company on a long drive and it was an exceptional choice. It has everything: Monsters, queer romance, space, a perfect blend of horror and sci fi, spider drones...it's such a fun read full of twists and adventure. One of the most enjoyable reading experiences of the year.
ENAMOURED: A TRIPTYCH by Shelley Lavigne - It's kinky! It's queer! It's creepy! It's erotic and kinda grotesque and hot as hell, like, this book is phenomenal. Shelley's prose is top tier, and if you're looking for a book where characters get to be complicated AND sexy, this is the book for you.
THE DROWNING MACHINE AND OTHER OBSESSIONS by Emma E. Murray - Some short story collections can be hit or miss, but not with Emma's work. Every single short story she writes is a banger. This collection is no exception. Her writing style is gorgeous, and she somehow manages to pull of some really fucked up shit in a way that leaves you kinda breathless. 10/10
THESE LETTERS END IN TEARS by Musih Tedji Xaviere - It should come as no surprise that the title is a dead giveaway. I was practically in tears and 100% invested in the characters by the end of chapter two. It bounces between a present timeline and past memories, and does so pretty flawlessly. It's heartbreaking and love comes pouring out of the pages.
THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT by Pauelette Kennedy - Last but certainly not least! Several people recommended this to me and I can see why. It's terrifying because of the real world horror the poor main character is experiencing, on top of all the other shit happening around her. If you've ever felt confused about how abusive relationships start and how anyone struggles to find their way out of one, Paulette handles the topic brilliantly, and tells this story in a way that's really emotional to read but also difficult to put down. Can't recommend it enough.
AND THAT'S IT! I THINK! If you made it this far, thanks! I hope you let me know if there's something here you also enjoyed, or if I've convinced you to pick up any of my favs. Please keep me posted if you do! I'd love to know what you think.
I hope you made it through 2025 okay, and have a very happy New Year!
