Reflections: A Year of Reading

As a young person, before high school, I read all the time simply because I enjoyed it. In my adolescent and young adult years, through college, I read mainly for academic purposes, though I still enjoyed most of it. For many years reading became a job, then it all but disappeared for many more years.

Fortunately, reading slowly made its way back into my life and has become again a joy for me. Now, I am happy to reflect on my reading across time and, specifically, during 2025.

I do not keep track of books as I read, but Libby tells me I borrowed 72 books, two of which I have not listened to yet. A handful of those I did not finish, including First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison and Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange – I tried, but if a book feels like work, I must move on. Sometimes, though, a book feels too heavy in my mind, so I save it for later, or I know that I must read the hardcopy version, not listen to the audiobook. In reviewing my Libby timeline, I DNF’d more books than I realized in 2025.

I have learned also that genre diversity matters to me. Reading more than one mystery/thriller/crime book in a row brings me down, just as one too many consecutive light or romantic titles begins to grate. Loosely categorized, I read two nonfiction, two memoir, eight fantasy/futuristic, 14 mystery/thriller/crime, three historical fiction, and 22 general fiction audiobooks this year. I also read a handful of hardcopy books as well.

So, what about all those books? Several enriched me, especially the nonfiction standout Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green, which I highly recommend. Another favorite that I have recommended to many people is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, an enthralling historical fiction novel that I wanted to read again as soon as I finished. And My Friends by Frederik Backman made me laugh and cry and feel so deeply that I will be buying a copy for myself. It is one of the most moving books I have ever read.

I was surprised to see how many mystery/thriller/crime books I read. Linda Castillo, who writes a series set in Amish country, appeared several times on my list. However, one of my favorites was The Life We Bury by Alan Eskens, as it blends literature, mystery, history, and suspense with moments of deep humanity.

And while I don’t read many fantasy books, I see that I often choose futuristic titles set on Earth but with a twist. One that intrigued me and truly made me think was The Measure by Nikki Erlick, a fascinating take on how we measure a life. And early in the year I read a moving postapocalyptic novel by Leif Engler called I Cheerfully Refuse, which takes place on and around Lake Superior. Also, one of my favorite book titles of all time.

Finally, one of the best parts of reading in 2025 was attending book clubs through Wickson. Sharing a love of books and reading with others added to my joy this year, and I look forward to continuing this in 2026.