What’s one book you couldn’t put down in 2025? 

Is there a book that touched your heart, shifted the way you see the world, or gave you ideas that you immediately put into action?

In addition to working in the writing/editing/publishing industry, I also love reading purely for the joy of it. 

Here are some of my favorite books that I read in the last year. 

Find these at your local library or wherever books are sold. Add them to your TBR pile. Enjoy!

Nonfiction

Lovable: A Memoir: One Woman’s Path from Good to Free by Amber Rae

Riveting. Deeply moving. I stayed up waaay past my bedtime finishing it.

Money for Couples: No More Stress. No More Fights. Just a 10-Step Plan to Create Your Rich Life Together by Ramit Sethi

Sethi teaches couples how to create a shared vision of the future and tackle financial goals as a team.

Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life by Dr. Shigehiro Oishi

What is the secret to a good life? Oishi offers a fresh take on this age-old question.

Fiction

The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

I fell in love with the two main characters instantly, laughed, sobbed, and devoured every page. (And then proceeded to read all of Jimenez's other books at a staggering speed.)

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

This book will inspire you to go to Italy and make very bad (or is it very good?) choices.

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly

Connelly is the master of legal thrillers. The newest installment of the Lincoln Lawyer series had me gripped from page one.

Children's Books

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

A child discovers the wonders of freshly fallen snow. A gentle, quiet book with gorgeous artwork.

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

“My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon (illustrations by Marla Frazee)

One of my daughter Nora's favorite books. We've read it so many times together, she can practically recite it from memory.

Blogs and Newsletters

Bonus round: a few online resources I love to read...

AllStreet Wealth by Thomas Kopelman

Kopelman's blog and newsletter are filled with straightforward, thoughtful finance advice. I always learn something new.

Lifehack Method by Demir and Carey Bentley 

Great tips on how to declutter your brain, set clear priorities, and accomplish your goals—without overworking and burning out. I love their concept of "champagne moments." 

The Astro-Biz Digest by Theresa Reed

A weekly astrology forecast for entrepreneurs. Learn the best dates to launch a new offer, sign a contract, give your clients extra TLC, and more. This newsletter is a paid subscription—and totally worth it. 

In a world that often feels bewildering and brutal, what a blessing that more than 130 million books exist. 

Millions of opportunities to find inspiration, peace, a new perspective, or a dose of fantasy and imagination.

What will you read next? 

Alex

PS. What's one of your favorite books of the year?

PPS. Want to treat yourself to a stack of new books? Consider shopping at One Idea Books and Gifts, an independent, woman-owned bookstore. Shop for books and check out the collection of stationery, candles, and more. 

PPPS. I collaborated with Penguin/Random House to create an oracle deck for book lovers! 52 cards, each with a literary theme and stunning artwork. Perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer.

PPPPS. Music I've been loving lately: Whoa-hoa-hoa-hoa season (Twilight fans: IYKYK), My Neighbor Totoro movie soundtrack (Nora's current favorite), The Happily Ever After Playlist (music inspired by the novel), and the Burgh Island EP.