My Top Reads of 2025

January 28, 2026 ~ LynnDee ~ Leave a comment

Reader, she was not successful with getting back into blogging in 2025. Is 2026 going to be the year? Stay tuned. In the meantime, here are my top reads of 2025.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna: this is my second Sanga Mandanna book that is a top read of the year (The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches being a top read of 2023), so it’s safe to say Sangu is an auto-buy author for me now. Her books are just so cute and cozy but not saccharine–I love the found family aspect in both of them and appreciate that while the books are sweet, the characters are real and deal with real shit. There just happens to be some magic involved.
Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert: I was sobbing at the end. SOBBING. This is a fantasy romance with older characters which we love to see and they connect because one of them (a powerful sorceress) stole a book from the other’s (a powerful wizard) library. If that’s not a great start to a romance I don’t know what is.
Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibanez: in a fantasy, I love political intrigue and in a romance I love a slow burn. As a fantasy romance, this book had both and I ate it up.

Our Brave Foremothers: Celebrating 100 Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous Women Who Changed the Course of History by Rozella Kennedy: this one would make a great addition to your women’s history shelf, as it features BIPOC women who have been largely unacknowledged by history. I also liked that this collection featured prompts at the end of each profile to get the reader thinking and reflecting. If you’re a journaling kinda person, I definitely recommend!
Original Sisters: Portraits of Tenacity and Courage by Anita Kunz: besides being a beautiful collection of women’s portraits, I also thought it was one of the more inclusive “women throughout history” collections as there were multiple BIPOC, queer, and transgender women featured. Another great addition for your women’s history shelf!
The Diviners by Libba Bray: so I read the whole series in 2025 and overall the series is a 5 star series. I think the fact that this series, while debuting in 2012, still has relevant themes speaks to its longevity. The writing and character development were also well done–I found myself invested in the wellbeing of all of the main characters. I listened to most of the series on audiobook which I definitely recommend!

Columbine by Dave Cullen: in 2024 I read Sue Klebold’s A Mother’s Reckoning, which was a hard but fascinating read. After reading that I wanted to dive a little deeper and this title was already on my to-read list. Cullen does a great job relaying what he learned through is research and the writing was very accessible. A hard but necessary read.
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond: Evicted is one of my favorite nonfiction reads (excellent on audiobook) so obviously I had to pick up this one. While I didn’t find this one as engaging of a read as Evicted (which focused more on the human narrative), I did find the writing and information accessible and would recommend listening to the audiobook.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield: I really enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale by this author and this one did not disappoint either. Setterfield has a way of writing that elicits a fairytale/folktale style that is my absolute jam.
Sex and the City and Us: How Four Single Women Changed the Way We Think, Live and Love by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong: this was another author I read in 2024 (When Women Invented Television) and enjoyed, so I definitely wanted to check out her book on a television show that was a formative part of my 20s. I really enjoyed the writing and behind the scenes look and definitely recommend for anyone who is/was a Sex and the City fan (we’re not going to talk about “And Just Like That”).
Why Fish Don’t Exist: a Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller: this was an interesting memoir/biography about the author, an NPR reporter, who while researching David Starr Jordan, a 19th century taxonomist, came to realize he might be a model of how to find order in chaos, as she was dealing with some of her own. I thought it was well written and I definitely recommend the audiobook!.
90s Bitch: Media, Culture, and the Failed Promise of Gender Equality by Allison Yarrow: as someone who came of age in the late 1990s, this one really resonated with me as I remember seeing and hearing about how the women/subjects featured where discussed in the media at that time. I definitely recommend for anyone interested in women’s history.
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (Graphic Edition) by Timothy Snyder: the original text that this graphic novel is adapting isn’t that long, but sometimes a picture says a thousand words.
Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage by Rachel E. Gross: so I’ll be honest, a lot of the science went over my head (I’m right brained, ok?) but overall this was a very enlightening read and stark reminder about how little women are taught about their own body.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez: this was such a cute romance that had me kicking my feet. I thought that the characters and relationship were relatable and the writing engaging. This is one of the rare first in a series book that had me wanting to read the second book before I was even finished with the first.
Surrounded: America’s First School for Black Girls, 1832 by Wilfrid Lupano: this graphic novel is about Crandall vs. the State of Connecticut, the first civil rights case in US history–and if that’s news to you it’s not surprising if you grew up in the US education system. A must read of Black history in the United States.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera: proof that adults can learn something too from juvenile fiction. This was a great listen on audiobook about a young Latinx girl who’s family is leaving a destroyed Earth for a new planet and what she encounters once she’s in space.
Pushout: the Criminalization of Black Girls In Schools by Monique W. Morris: the way the US education has failed Black girls is heartbreaking. Morris does a great job laying out her research that is interwoven with first person narratives from the Black girls she interviewed.
Memorial Drive: a Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey: Tretheway is an acclaimed poet and former Poet Laureate, and it shows in the writing and the way she narrates the audiobook (which I definitely recommend). A poignant memoir that will have you reflecting on your own relationship with your mother.
The Girls Who Went Away: the Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption In the Decades Before Roe V. Wade by Ann Fessler: this is one that will stick with me. Hearing the women’s accounts of what they went through firsthand will make you want to reach out and give them a hug.
The 1619 Project: a New Origin Story, edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones: this one is dense but so important of a read. A thorough history of Black Americans from the moment the first slave stepped on US soil, and the way slavery still defines the US today.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke: this book was such a weird vibe read and I ate it up.
An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz: another important read, especially if you went through the US education system. I recommend the audiobook for a more engaging reading experience as the physical book reads a bit like a textbook.
An Uncommon Woman-the Empress Frederick: Daughter of Queen Victoria, Wife of the Crown Prince of Prussia, Mother of Kaiser Wilhelm by Hannah Pakula: growing up I was fascinated with royal history (thanks to the Dear America: Royal Diaries series) so reading this felt like going back to my roots. Victoria (the princess) went through a lot of shit, although no saint herself. A fascinating read if you’re a history nerd.
Paladin’s Grace by T. Kingfisher: I love me some T. Kingfisher, and this one didn’t disappoint. It was cute to watch the two main characters crush on each other while also trying to solve a mystery.
Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments by Ann Shen: I love Ann Shen’s artwork and found this to be an interesting look at fashion history, although I would argue that the book is more about fashion garments in history as opposed to fashion moments.
Bookish Broads: Women Who Wrote Themselves Into History by Lauren Marino: a lot of the writers featured you’ll have heard/read before, but there are quite a few new names (at least to me) that I will definitely be checking out. The writer does a great job with the short biographies and bibliographies, but I do wish she had left out JKR.

So those were my top reads of 2025! Have you read any of them? Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts? What were your favorite reads of 2025? Let me know!

Until next time,

My 2025 Reading Playlist, Pt. 2

January 7, 2026 ~ LynnDee ~ Leave a comment

Here from part 1*? Check out the rest of my reading playlist below!

*if you missed part 1, I recommend checking it out as I explain the whole reading playlist thing (and you get the first half of the playlist).

The King of Crows is a monster so…

Both of these celebrate the art of storytelling.

This graphic novel is described as “Richard Scarry meets Dexter” so this only seemed appropriate.

Andie is getting tired of living up to the “good girl” stereotype and this song is about no longer saying yes and idk they just seem to fit.

The book talks about how the public school system/justice system tries to keep black girls down so this song is a reminder of their strength and power.

Idk this just felt like the vibe.

This one was a literal title match.

Andie’s good girl persona is gone by the end of this book and this song just seemed fitting.

To be a rebel you gotta stand on business, which is what this song is about.

For me the lyrics match the vibe of this romance.

Both of these are an ode to their respective mothers.

“Tell me you won’t throw it all away/just to see somebody else’s face”

If you’re familiar with these comics, this Lonely Island song seems like something Mouse would listen to.

“Then without a word/he handed me this letter/read “I hope this finds the way into your heart”

“I’m trying to find you in a crowd again/you were there, then you were gone/and now I’m tracing all my steps to you”

Adunni sees getting an education as a way to gain freedom and Jill sings about taking her freedom off of the shelf.

The lyrics to the song don’t quite match what the book is saying, but the vibes were close enough.

If you know anything about Queen Victoria’s daughter, Victoria, you know she was very much her mother’s daughter.

The way that no one was there for these teen girls, same as no one is “home” for the girl in this song.

“With all my heart put me through/it leads me back to you”

Both are about mental health and give off the same vibe.

Ravenna tries hard not to give into temptation but the way Saturnino looks at her makes it really hard…

Getting knocked up by your professor is pretty messy so…

The main character joins a space army and gets more than he bargained for. Also this cover just gives off 80s rock.

“I broke into a million pieces/and I can’t go back/but now I’m seeing all the beauty in the broken glass/the scars are part of me/darkness and harmony”

This cute picture book is about getting a new sibling.

Again, the cover just evokes 80s rock.

This was a vibe choice because they both give off “unsettling”.

A lot of water involved in both of these. Also there’s a scene in the novel where the two MCs are wed and part of the ritual involves a cleansing so this just seemed to fit.

This was a “both titles kinda match” choice.

Sciona may be the only true believer of her religion in this dark academia fantasy novel.

“I’ve got a crush on you/I hope you feel the way that I do/I get a rush when I’m with you/oh I’ve got a crush on you”

The main MC starts to get a little “soft” when she develops feelings for her ogre bodyguard, “blaming” him.

If you’ve read the book, I think you’ll get it. And if you haven’t, just know that it’s a vibe thing.

There’s a lot of songs about fashion so this pick was for my friend Meaghan.

So this is more dad rock but kinda goes with the book since it (the book) is about immigrating to a new planet.

This novel has mermaids and a song/tune that’s very significant so this seemed like a good fit.

These bookish broads refused to be held down.

Both expose America’s hypocrisy and exploitation of Black people.

So that’s my 2025 reading playlist! If you’re interested in listening to it in full, you can find it on Spotify. I definitely plan on doing it again in 2026. In the meantime, stay tuned for my favorite reads of 2025, bookish stats, and more!

Until next time,

My 2025 Reading Playlist, Pt. 1

January 6, 2026 ~ LynnDee ~ 1 Comment

One of my passions besides reading is music, so it only made sense to make a playlist based off of the books I read in 2025. Now, the music and the book aren’t necessarily perfect matches. Sometimes I just went off of the vibes of both, sometimes I tried to match the song to the plot/story, sometimes I tried to be literal with both the book and song having the same title (or something similar). Also, a majority of these songs come from my everyday playlist so I’m sure there are better fitting songs out there (although for some books I did look outside of my playlist for a song).

Anyway, it was fun to put this list together (and maybe more fun than reading some of the books*). *if you want to know my thoughts on the books, read this post or check out my Goodreads and/or StoryGraph.

Also-I read almost 80 books in 2025, so come back tomorrow for Part 2 of the rest of this playlist (otherwise you’ll be scrolling until the end of time).

Idk, I just felt like the lyrics “I shouldn’t have fallen in love, look what it made me become” kinda match the vibe of this enemies-to-lovers historical fiction romance.

“They say I did something bad/then why’ s it feel so good?”.

“I Am Woman” celebrates being a woman and this little book celebrates amazing women throughout history.

I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.

This romantasy features a slow burn romance and there’s *literal* fire involved, so this song just seemed appropriate.

“They say if you’re gonna fight, pick the right side/but how d’you choose the right side in your own mind?”

This song celebrates women “doing what they gotta do”, which is exactly what the women featured in “Original Sisters” did/do.

“If you say I’m too much/baby go find less/if you can’t keep up/stay below I guess/if I’m such a big deal/maybe you’re too little” sounds exactly like something Elizabeth Zott would say.

This song just seemed to match Roark’s vibe, once he admitted his feelings.

“Who run the world? Girls”.

“Immigrants–we get the job done”.

If the US is the richest country on earth, why do we have more poverty than any other advanced country? As Queen asks, “is this the world we created?”.

These women all defied gravity to go the distance when it came to their artwork and their careers.

“I can’t help but love you/even though I try not to” fits this academic rivals romantasy.

Again, I think this one is pretty self-explanatory.

“Teach my beloved children I’ve been a slave”

The song features a lyric “she was somebody’s daughter” and if you’ve read the book, I think you’ll get it.

Stawberry Wine by Deanna Carter (the video wouldn’t embed)

So the book is actually about a 12 year old (not a 17 year old like in the song) but both are about coming of age and so this song just felt like the vibe.

The song has lyrics featuring oceans and riding waves, and the book has some uh very steamy, wet scenes so you know–just felt like the vibe.

The kids spontaneously combust and start fires (not a spoiler) so this song just seemed appropriate.

I think this one is obvious.

The author is Filipino-American so I wanted to find a Filipino song to match.

There’s a lot of pills involved with both of these.

Another obvious one.

The dude the author is highlighting kept getting knocked down by life, but he sure didn’t stay down, just like Cardi B.

Both characters are guarded with their feelings, so this song fit the vibe.

This one is a literal choice based on the title lol.

Sherine is a popular Egyptian singer; the author ran a popular bookstore in Egypt.

A cute kids song for a cute kids book.

This song just seemed to fit the MC’s vibe.

Ignore the lyrics of the song lol but the Diviners are considered to be “Unholy” so that’s why I picked this song.

“Celebrated, graduated, made it pass, fail”

Book about friendship, meet song about friendship.

I had to include Stray Kids on here somewhere
A song titled “Photobook” seemed appropriate for a memoir in pictures.

“After all that we’ve been through/it all comes down to me and you”

Do you know any other songs about a hippopotamus? lol.

If you get it, you get it.

“Cause in my dreams/you’re with me” fits one of the plotlines in this sequel.

This one was another more literal match to the title lol.

“Baby you’re the right kind of wrong” definitely goes with this enemies-to-lovers romantasy.

So what do you think? Are there songs you think would be a better fit? I’m always looking to add to my playlist, so drop any recommendations you have in the comments! And check out part 2 for the rest of this playlist.