Here are the books I read, in their entirety, in 2025. I share this in hopes of inspiring at least one person in 2026 to read at least one more book then they would have.
Why read?
- It requires focus and that’s something we are collectively losing. Losing the ability to concentrate long enough to read a book is not just a funny little quirk. It has fundamentally shifted our outcomes.
- It’s calming. In an anxiety riddled society where the motivation to keep you anxious is high, reading is medicine. Fear sells. Scared people are easier to manipulate. Reading helps you self soothe. Not to mention you usually get entertained and/or educated along the way.
- It’s a form of discipline. In a social media world obsessed with routines it’s rather amazing how little reading appears on those lists. Add it to your morning routine and your evening routine.
My 5 Star Reads of 2025
So many of the books I read this year were excellent. Here are three of my favorites:
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson: A must read for anyone who thinks they know anything about the justice system or who wants to.
- The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin: Reminded me of a place I used to live.
- The Spy and the Traitor: Nonfiction that reads like the best fiction spy novels you can imagine. Takes place in the Cold War era so is particularly interesting if you grew up in that era.
My Least Favorite
- American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis: This book was published in 1991 and captures the times and slice of culture that Ellis is famous for doing. While the fictional character was despicable you’ll never believe who his “hero” is.
