I’m not usually one to count how many books I read in a year—this isn’t Goodreads Olympics. But ever since I started blogging, my brain’s been on a constant hunt for what to write about next. And well, here I am… chronicling my little adventures between the pages.
So far, 2025’s been a pretty solid reading year—some books completely pulled me in and left me thinking about them for days, while others made me wonder why I didn’t give up halfway (aka DNF, as the reader tribe calls it). Here’s a roundup of the 11 books I’ve read so far this year, along with my totally unsolicited but hopefully helpful recommendations on which ones deserve a spot on your shelf and which ones you can happily skip. 😉
11. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
10. Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb
9. Superfans by Pat Flynn
8. A House Without Windows by Nadia Hashimi
7. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
6. The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
5. The Answer Is No by Fredrick Backman
4. The Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé
3. Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry
2. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Now let’s dive into the hits and misses of this list!
Let’s get one thing out of the way—this book is weird. Like really, unapologetically weird. I picked it up after seeing it pop up on a bunch of reels claiming it’s “deeply thought-provoking.” And to be fair, it is… in parts. But did it live up to the hype? Not entirely for me.
It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling unsettled. Not necessarily good or bad—just… strange. One thing’s for sure though: the story will stick with you long after you’re done. What you take away from it? That’s a bit of a mystery—even to me.
Verdict: Don’t read
This one was quite the page-turner. With its supernatural elements and time-hopping narrative, it keeps you entertained without ever feeling like a slog. It’s easy to read and has that eerie, atmospheric vibe that makes for a cozy mystery read.
That said, the story had real potential to be something unique and haunting. But somewhere near the end, it lost its footing—veering from mystical to comical. And that shift kind of took the magic out of it for me.
Verdict: Don’t read
I picked this up when I was toying with the idea of starting my content creation journey but had no clue how to build an audience—or more importantly, a community. And honestly, this book helped connect a few dots.
It’s packed with practical tips on building a loyal following and finding your niche. Pat Flynn’s writing style is super conversational, and the real-world examples make it easy to understand (and actually apply).
If you do give this one a go, I’d recommend getting a hard copy—it’s the kind of book you’ll want to scribble notes in and keep handy as a reference.
Verdict: Hot read only for relevant audience
I loved this book—like truly, deeply, emotionally loved it. And honestly, that alone should be enough reason for you to pick it up.
I don’t see this one pop up much on social media, and I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon it. But I’m so glad I did. It’s a powerful, poignant read that dives into themes like social injustice, the toll of regional conflict on families, and the heartbreak of forced displacement.
There’s also a strong thread of feminism, resilience, and quiet empowerment running through the story—wrapped in just a hint of the supernatural. Whether that otherworldly element is meant to be taken literally or as powerful symbolism… well, I’ll let you decide.
Verdict: Hot read
This one’s a quick, high-energy read packed with bite-sized wisdom on how to level up in life—both professionally and personally. It touches on everything from wealth creation to happiness, with plenty of quotable insights along the way.
While I did enjoy it while reading (and I’m not usually a fan of self-help books), I’m not sure how much of it actually stuck with me. So, for me, it wasn’t exactly life-changing—but it might hit differently for someone who’s more into the genre.
If self-help is your thing and you’re always on the hunt for that next big mindset shift, this one’s definitely worth a shot.
Verdict: You decide 🙄
Freida McFadden is everywhere—you cannot scroll through Bookstagram or #thrillertok without tripping over one of her plot twists. And honestly? I get the hype. If you’re into fast-paced thrillers with a dash of romance and a whole lot of drama, she’s your girl.
The Locked Door falls right into my “cringe binge” category—and I say that with zero shame. It’s addictive, easy to fly through, and perfect for when you’re between heavier reads and just want something casual and entertaining.
Just go in with low expectations, don’t overthink the plot, and you’ll have a fun little time.
Verdict: Hot read
Short, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying—this little gem is just 70 pages long but packs a whole lot of charm. It’s funny, heartwarming, and ends on the kind of note that leaves you smiling.
Backman’s trademark wit and relatable humor shine through, making this a breezy, feel-good read you can polish off in one lazy Sunday sitting. Bonus? If you’re a Kindle Prime member, it’s free—so you really have no excuse not to give it a shot.
Verdict: Hot read
This was my first dive into a self-help book in the health genre—and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s super practical, packed with simple tips that can genuinely transform your energy, mood, and overall health if you manage to turn them into habits.
What I love is how accessible and science-backed the advice is—nothing extreme, just smart changes that make a real difference. Honestly, this book should be required reading for everyone—no matter your age, gender, background, or existing health conditions.
Pro tip: get yourself a hard copy. You’ll want to underline, bookmark, and keep it within arm’s reach.
Verdict: Hot read
What can I even say about this book… except that I wrote an entire blog post dedicated to it. Yep, that’s how much it got under my skin.
You’ll find mixed reviews online—some people love it, others find it too uncomfortable. But if you, like me, are drawn to morally grey characters and don’t mind having your heart ripped out (and possibly stomped on), this one’s absolutely worth the read.
Still unsure? I’ve spilled all my thoughts in detail—click the link and let the book (and my breakdown) convince you.
Verdict: Hot read
At just over 300 pages, this book looks like a quick read—but don’t be fooled. It took me weeks to get through, not because it’s slow, but because it’s dense—in the best way possible.
It’s packed with big ideas around self-worth, happiness, and interpersonal relationships. On the surface, a lot of it feels intuitive, but then you sit with it… and realize it challenges you to rethink how you’ve been living. This isn’t a “read once and move on” kind of book—you’ll probably revisit it a few times before it fully sinks in.
That said, some of the concepts are incredibly powerful. If you’re willing to engage with it deeply, this book has the potential to seriously shift your mindset—both personally and professionally.
Verdict: Hot read
Written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, this book is part memoir, part life philosophy—and completely unforgettable. Frankl recounts his time in Nazi concentration camps with raw honesty, tracing not just the horrors he witnessed, but the psychological journey he underwent through hope, despair, and ultimately, meaning.
It’s one of those rare books that doesn’t just move you—it shifts something inside you. The lessons stay lodged in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
If I had to compare it, this book is the Shawshank Redemption of the reading world—painful, powerful, and profoundly human.
Verdict: Hot read
And there you have it—11 books, a rollercoaster of emotions, a few new favorites, and a couple I could’ve happily skipped.
Some reads were powerful and perspective-shifting (A House Without Windows, Man’s Search for Meaning), others made for great casual companions (The Locked Door, The Answer Is No), and a few left me wondering what all the fuss was about. But that’s the beauty of reading, right? Not every book has to rock your world and some just remind you of what you do love in a good story (or what to avoid next time 😅).
If this post added a title or two to your TBR or saved you from picking up something that’s just not your vibe then my job here is done. And hey, if you’ve read any of these or have strong opinions (I know some of these are polarizing), let’s talk in the comments!
Until the next reading wrap-up, happy page turning 📚✨
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I am a novice in the readers category but Komal’s book recommendations have been something that I have always taken seriously….some of the best best books I have read have been recommended by her…
One introduced me to new genre all together & other moved my heart in ways no book ever managed to so far…
1. Erotic stories for Punjabi Widows -Balli Kaur Jaiswal
2. Stationery shop of Tehran – Marian Kamali
Looking forward to more such book recommendations on similar lines