I read fewer books in 2025 — 83 compared to 160 in 2024. Anyway, it was still a great year for reading, and these are my 10 favorite reads of 2025. No lengthy reviews here — I have neither the time nor the desire to write them, and countless others have reviewed these books in depth elsewhere.
1. The Post-0ffice Girl
— Stefan Zweig
One of the most unputdownable books of the year. I love Zweig’s writing and character development.
2. On the Calculation of Volume
— Solvej Balle
I’m not entirely sure what makes this book so compelling. Loved it. Loved the second part; awaiting the third to arrive in the post. Also read The New York Times Magazine’s She Has Taken 30 Years to Write a 7-Part Novel About 1 Day. It’s a Sensation.
3. Blue Nights
— Joan Didion
Read in one sitting.
4. Dead Man’s Walk
— Larry McMurtry
The first of McMurtry’s acclaimed tetralogy. Lonesome Dove, the third volume is most praised, but for me the first volume is the best read, and perhaps the only one of the four that is not too long. Brilliant storytelling.
5. To a God Unknown
— John Steinbeck
I must have read at least half a dozen Steinbeck novels in 2025. This is Steinbeck at his best. An epic tale in just 250 pages and second only to East of Eden.
6. The Mercy of Gods
— James S. A. Corey
From the authors of the entertaining 9-book The Expanse series this is even better. Sci-fi space opera at its best. Can’t wait to read the second part.
7. To Live
— Yu Hua
An epic tale wonderfully told.
8. Ethan Frome
— Edith Wharton
A bleak and beautifully written tale.
9. The Life Before Us
— Romain Gary
My first by this author. Bittersweet and funny. Loved it. The precocious young narrator’s malapropisms are especially hilarious.
10. Cathedral
— Raymond Carver
My new favorite collection of Carver short stories.
What do you recommend I read in 2026?
Related: My 10 Favorite Books of 2024