2025 was my fifth year of tracking the books I read. I finished 37 new-to-me books in 2025, five less than I finished in 2024! This is a record low for me, but I think it reflects all the time I spent raising baby Delwyn and working on my own book.
Part 1 of this post merely lists the book titles, and Part 2 dives into a quick review of what I liked about each book. This post is spoiler-free so read on!
Part 1: Criteria and Overview
Any new-to-me book that I finished in 2025 was in the running for this list. Books that I reread in 2025 were not in the running. This list includes fantasy, murder mysteries, and nonfiction.
Below is the list of the Chip 10 Best Books of 2025, in alphabetical order by author’s last name:
- Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson
- No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson by Gardiner Harris
- Slow Horses by Mick Herron
- We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
- Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James
- That Librarian by Amanda Jones
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
- Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
- Writing the Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward
- The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang
Part 2: Rationale
What I liked in particular about each book!
Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson
Original Worldbuilding, Hilarious, Yummy Style
Book 5 in the Malazan Book of the Fallen fantasy series is my favorite Erikson masterpiece yet! The nonstop twists between laugh-out-loud and creeping-dread are amazing. 10/10, most immersive series I’ve ever read.
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson and Johnson by Gardiner Harris
Compelling History
The content is in this expose is terrifying and the writing is fantastic. As all my friends and family can attest, this book has equipped me to spout random horrifying facts about the US healthcare industry at every given opportunity.
Slow Horses by Mick Herron
Pageturner, Hilarious
This thriller has taught me that I have a type across genres. My type is: gross, hilarious, and unputdownable. I love how Herron turns every misstep and mistake into a plot driver, and his writing makes me feel like I am back in London. Thank you Dad for recommending this series!
We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
Hilarious, Inspiring
In keeping with the theme from this year, this memoir makes me laugh repeatedly (I’ve already re-read it multiple times) and I couldn’t put it down until the end. And yes, it also has gross parts.
Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James
Inspiring, Pageturner, Complicated Characters
James has written another incredible fantasy thriller that turns the first book in the series on its head. I started the book certain there was no way I’d ever like the Moon Witch, and by the end of the book I wanted her to have her own spin-off series. I can’t wait for Book 3!!!
That Librarian by Amanda Jones
Inspiring
I’m in awe of Jones’s bravery and determination. This memoir has taught me so much about book banning, libraries, and ways to support our First Amendment rights.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Hilarious, Great Dialogue
I can tell I will read all the books in this cozy mystery series again and again. Osman’s characters are like a best friend showing up for movie night with hot chocolate and comfy blankets. Thank you Mom for recommending this series!
Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
Amazing Idea
This self-help book has been a game-changer for how I prioritize my life! No small feat, because I was pretty stuck in my ways beforehand. I am so grateful to Eve for sharing this methodology with the world!
Writing the Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward
Super Helpful
This writing guidebook is brilliant! The exercises are incredibly educational, and I’m excited about using the concepts in this book in my approach to writing and reading.
The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang
Complicated Characters, Compelling Worldbuilding
This fantasy takes my heart all over the emotional spectrum. I love the story’s unique point of view from a mother and son. The worldbuilding and settings are stunning, and the magic is awesome. Thank you Lucy for recommending this story!
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