Like you, I love to read. Some books I thoroughly enjoy in the moment, then quickly forget. Others I nearly set down, again and again, but push through—only to discover I’m still thinking about them days, weeks, months later. Some books won’t let me walk away unchanged.
What causes a book to stay in our hearts and minds long after we’ve finished reading it? What makes a book continue to influence our thoughts, ideas, and dreams? Send me a message with your thoughts.
Here’s my list of the most memorable books I read in 2025. And if I could choose just three?
The Art of Losing: Poems of Grief and Healing
Editor Kevin Young has selected 150 devastatingly beautiful poems that embrace the pain and heartbreak of mourning. Divided into five sections (Reckoning, Remembrance, Rituals, Recovery, and Redemption), the poems represent both historical and contemporary voices. Would make a thoughtful gift for a grieving friend.
Whenever Anne Tyler releases a new novel, I count the days until I get to read it. In this lovely story, an inept mother of the bride attempts to navigate the days before and after her daughter’s wedding. Throughout, I pulled for the protagonist with all my heart.
Fifth grader August Pullman wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past his extraordinary face. I chose this middle-grade book for my neighborhood book club discussion because it would make my heart happy if every human—young and not-so-young—would read it.
Fiction
This debut novel by Tessa Burns, creator of the Wren Island map, is an uplifting story about two new friends who see a problem and decide to do something about it together. Includes relatable characters, a sweet romance, laugh out loud moments, and tear-inducing scenes. Plus lots of inspiration for showing kindness, even when it’s not easy. Would make a great choice for a book club discussion!
Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot
Linda Avellar’s debut novel immediately drew me in, then continued to captivate. I laughed out loud. Shed a few tears (the good kind!). I love how the author approached difficult subjects with sensitivity. And I love, love, love the theme of choosing what we’ll hold on to from our past so we can confidently face a future of unknowns. Another great book club choice!
Kerri Hakoda’s ticking-clock thriller about a local cop trying to catch a serial killer in remote Alaska. I brought it with me on vacation. Not sure if that was smart or not. Had to force myself to put the book down, breathe, take a break—while on vacation! Definitely a memorable story.
In 1952, reporter Sydney Lockhart checks into the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Before she even unpacks, she discovers the hotel’s bookkeeper has been murdered. Months after reading this book, I can still picture the historic setting and loveable protagonist. The first book in a delightful series by Kathleen Kaska.
An aspiring young actress flees with her beloved dog to a mountain cabin to escape an untidy romance. Instead, she gets caught up with a murderer. When I met author Roxanne Dunn at an event, I had one burning question: “Will the dog be okay?” I’m happy to tell you that in this page-turning novel set in the Pacific Northwest’s stunning North Cascades, the beloved doggie does indeed end up okay.
Looking for a redemptive novel told from an unexpected angle? In this intriguing story, Bill Myers tells of a reclusive college professor who slips back in time to experience off-the-record discussions with Jesus Christ, then realizes those conversations directly relate to the drama, pain, and bittersweet comedy of his own life.
This gripping story of amnesia, a second chance at love, and a secret baby is set in picturesque Maine and holds just the right amount of tension and release. Sensitive readers will be safe within the pages of this fun thriller by Robin Patchen!
The Happiest People in the World
Brock Clarke’s imaginative storytelling shines in this spy novel featuring characters constantly pursuing happiness—especially the implosive kind that is attainable only at the expense of others. The opening paragraphs are some of the most extraordinary I’ve ever read.
Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement, free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena’s past threatens, will Justin come to her rescue, or let her go? I’ve read several historical romances by Mimi Matthews, and this “Beauty and the Beast” retelling is definitely one of my favorites.
The protagonist in this novel doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into valuable crystallized sculptures. Hmm. Not a fan of the fantasy genre myself, I approached this book with caution—and immediately fell in love with the refreshing world created by Lindsay A. Franklin.
In this engaging and thought-provoking story about the continuing influence of family history, Robin W. Pearson beautifully addresses difficult societal and cultural questions with sensitivity and clarity. Listen to my conversation with Robin on episodes 136 and 137 of the Read with Laura Joy podcast. Also memorable: Robin’s newest novel, The Stories We Carry.
When the Hummingbirds Danced in a Honeysuckle Sky
For the second consecutive year, a book by Patrick E. Craig has made my most memorable list. Every time I think of this novel, I remember sitting on my deck one summer afternoon and crying over this beautifully tender story. (See my in-the-moment Instagram post.)
Non-Fiction
Jen Hatmaker’s brutally honest, funny, and revealing memoir about the traumatic end of her twenty-six-year-long marriage, and the beginning of a different kind of love story. I’m so glad a friend recommended this book to me!
Never ever thought a book about Taylor Swift would stick with me as memorable, but biographer Nicole Pomarico gave me an eye-opening appreciation for the folklore and fandom surrounding the world’s biggest contemporary pop star. Found this book at my library!
In this raw and uplifting memoir by Nikkya Hargrove, a queer Black woman fresh out of college adopts her baby brother after their incarcerated mother dies, and creates the family she never had. It is not an exaggeration to say this book altered how I see the world.
Saltwater Mittens from the Island of Newfoundland
Take me away to Newfoundland! Christine Legrow and Shirley A. Scott explain the traditions and patterns associated with this heritage knitting style. And oh, the gorgeous photos!
Maria Goodavage documents the history and role of canines in the United States Secret Service. I can still picture reading this book during a long flight. The hours between takeoff and touchdown faded away!
The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation
I’ve read the full-length original text by German ecologist Peter Wohllenberg, and it’s memorable—but it’s also very academic. So this graphic adaptation, with main points helpfully illustrated by Bernard Flao, is a convenient discovery.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Johnston M. Cheney, the four Biblical gospels are combined into one text in this book. It has become a much-anticipated tradition for me to read it during Lent.
Surprise! Would you have expected a memoir by someone who loves bats to be on this list? Plus, author and environmentalist Merlin Tuttle converted me to appreciate bats. To actually watch for them in my own backyard. Now that’s some effective writing.
The Zenned Out Guide to Understanding Auras
When a friend mentioned she was learning about auras, I couldn’t help be intrigued. After several false starts with other resources, I found this guide by Cassie Uhl to be surprisingly helpful. Don’t you love when a book inspires you to see the world as even more amazing?
Shannon Reed’s tribute to bookworms (and why we must read one more page before lights out!) is also a fantastic launching point for discovering other wonderful books.
Miscellaneous
Published after Raymond Carver’s death, this short story about greed, reliance, and family can be found in the Where I’m Calling From collection.
she followed the moon back to herself
Amanda Lovelace’s poetry explores the general messiness of life and hope. Rather than reading the e-version, choose the lovely paperback experience.
A tear-inducing fable about a lost puppy, the old wolf who rescues her, and their journey to follow the moon—with meditations on friendship, connection, and sacrifice. Beautifully illustrated by the author, James Norbury.
A girl finds a stone in the forest and carries it throughout her life. This breathtakingly beautiful short story by Louise Erdrich has been read aloud on The New Yorker Fiction podcast.
Just like you, I’m still reading! To see my current choices, subscribe to receive my emails. Or check out my Most Memorable Books from 2024 and 2023 and 2022.