Simple Is Better – My Favorite Books of 2025

Proverbs 4:7 - The best thing about Wisdom is Wisdom herself; good sense is more important than anything else.

Gratitude 978

Learning and growing are two parts of my life that give me joy. I’m one of those people who takes seriously the choice to be a lifelong learner. And the main reason why I read. Every. Single. Day. I want to discover new things, deepen my knowledge and understanding of specific areas and challenge myself to keep my brain active and engaged. So, I read.

During the pandemic, I became intentional about tracking what I read. I keep a record of the books I read or listened to, make a few comments and if I would recommend it.  

Today, I’m sharing my favorite books from 2025. Because not everyone reads the same genre of books, I broke my list into a few categories. Check out the genre(s) you like but also read the entire list. There might be a book that peaks your interest!

Before sharing my favorite books, here’s how I incorporate reading into my life.

• I don’t collect things . . . except books. When we moved three years ago, I seriously reduced the books I have. The number is growing. To keep things in check, I check out lots of books from the library. I may decide to purchase a book while reading a library book. I do this mostly so I can write in the book. This is helpful when I want to find something in the book later.

• I listen to a lot of audiobooks. At least half of the 66 books I read in 2025 were audiobooks. For years, I listened to book CD’s in my car. Since my vehicle doesn’t have a CD player, I found new ways to listen to audiobooks. My favorite way is with the Libby app. It’s like checking out a book from the library but the audio version. You might have to wait for the book just like the library. Last fall, I joined Audible during a 3-month $.99 special. It lapsed but I re-enrolled with another good deal. Will I continue using Audible? I haven’t decided. Not all audio books are available on Libby. Audible has some books for free. I use the audiobook apps in the car, while running or walking and doing a mundane household chores. I have a Kindle and use it mostly when traveling. Listening to an audiobook isn’t the same as turning a page. Reading more books is worth it. Hubby Rick and I agree a great narrator(s) makes a huge difference with audiobooks.

• I read non-fiction in the morning and fiction in the evening. I begin my mornings with a devotion/journal/reading routine. Along with reading scripture, I read at least one non-fiction book and a devotional book. This structure sets my day and is a non-negotiable. It is also how I read so many non-fiction books. How much I read varies depending on the book and the available time. Just reading just a few pages is important. I read fiction at day’s end because I want easy reading. Fiction books can make you think but differently. Do I read every night? I’d say many nights of the week. It helps me wind down.

• For years, I’ve tracked my reading in whatever little journal I have. This year, I’m using this book which has more resources.

• A file folder holds future read. I keep some books in my Amazon “save for later” list. Where do I possible books? People who share their favorite books, authors who talk about a book in their book and other readers.

• Do I belong to any book clubs? YES. When possible, I attend the monthly book club at our local library. I also belong to an online virtual book club that meets quarterly. Because of a book club, I have read books I otherwise would not have considered. Find a book club! Start one with one other person.  

If you are looking for book suggestions for 2026, here are my favorites from 2025.

NON-FICTION BOOKS:

Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments 

by Matt Eicheldinger

If reading is something you want to do but don’t know where to start, begin with this one. Matt was a middle-school teacher. He shares life lessons that he learned from his students. The stories are short (two-pages with not a lot of words) but impactful. I wish that I had written this book. Matt has published a few other books and is now writing fulltime. I want to read more of his books. A friend recommended this book. She listens to the daily affirmations I share on social media and thought Matt’s book is like them. If you like daily short, little life lessons, this book is for you.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear 

by Elizabeth Gilbert

This author became well-known for her book Eat, Pray, Love which became a movie and starred Julia Roberts. In this book, Gilbert explores the creative process: how she has embraced creativity in her life. This book is for anyone who wants to dig into their personal creative process. The book spoke to me so much that we used the book’s general outline at a writing retreat I help lead.

On Tyranny: 20 Lessons from the 20^th Century 

by Timothy Snyder

This short book is punched with so many interesting thoughts. I’m still sitting with them. It takes a particular stance on what has happened politically in the last decade or so in the U.S. Whether you agree with the author or not, there is much to reflect upon here. This book is for readers who want to think about the state of our country from a historical context with application for today.

FAITH-BASED BOOKS

An Alter in the World: A Geography of Faith

by Barbara Brown Taylor

I adore this author. Seriously. When I feel the need to quiet my heart and soul and reflect on how faith fits into my life, I turn to BBT, as I call her. Years ago, I went to a writing retreat simply to hear her speak. This is before I knew I would write a book. She inspires me in the very best way because she is honest, real and connects faith to everyday living. I am not a person who re-reads many books but I read something BBT wrote every year.

Mostly What God Does 

by Savannah Guthrie

Another book that sat in the cue for a while, it moved to the top after my friend and I saw Savannah in-person talk about the children’s book she wrote with basically same title. Savannah questioned whether she should write a book about faith. She’s a lawyer by training and a TV show anchor. She hopes her voice about faith inspires other people to explore their faith. Savannah is honest, real and encouraging in this little book.

AUTOBIOGRAPHIES OR BIOGRAPHIES

The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from a Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man 

by David Van Drehle

I read this book because of book club. And I am glad that I did! It’s the remarkable story of the author’s neighbor who lived until he was 109-years-old. Charlie was born about two years before my beloved Grandma Deaton. When my grandmother turned 100, I interviewed her and put together a little autobiography. This book made me wished I had developed this more. Stories from this time of American history need to be told so they are not lost. 

Stacked Against the Odds: Life with Autism and How a Unique Sport Changed My Life

by Jesse L. Horn

If you know anyone who has a family member on the autism/Asperger’s spectrum, please get a copy of this book. Read it and then give it to them. I met Jesse a couple years ago at the writer’s retreat I am involved with. He was on the author’s panel. His book sat for a while. I’m glad I dug it out. It’s short. Impactful and so needed in our world. When you buy it, you support an author who shares his story and does what he loves. 

FICTION:

Becoming Madame Secretary 

by Stephanie Dray

I can’t stop talking about this book. While marketed as historical fiction book, it is based on real-life events. Frances Perkins was the first female U.S. cabinet member. FDR named her Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression. Frances is best known for developing the U.S. social security system. The book weaves together France’s personal and professional lives. I found it impossible to read about this ear of American history and not reflect upon where our country is today.

Tom Lake 

by Ann Patchett

This book showed up on many people’s favorite reading lists in 2023. I’m late to the party. The book traverses between the two time periods: Lara as a young adult and her life as a mom of three young adult women. The story unweaves beautifully with multiple layers. If you want to try an audiobook for the first time, try this one. Meryl Streep is a wonderful narrator.

Is it weird to include my own book, Unraveling Together: Sharing the Threads of Grief on this list? Maybe. If you are going through a challenging time or know someone who is, this is the book for you. Recently, I was with an online book club who used my book as their most recent read. I made a comment about our culture needing a grief guide. One participant said, “Dianne, you’ve already written it.” Wow, I thought. It’s available on Amazon or can be purchased through my website where I will sign and personalize the book.

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For those of you who are readers, I pray this post offers you some suggestions for your 2026 reading list. If you aren’t really reader, follow my suggestions. There’s something here for you as well. Reading is a great way to expand our minds, boxes and experience things we would not otherwise. Whether you read one book or a bunch in 2026, hold the book (or your phone) in your hand. Ask God to bless the author. Be thankful they shared their gift. God works through writers. I’m living proof.

Blessings –

Dianne

O Glorious God – Thank you for working through so many people through words. May I see reading as an opportunity to gain wisdom about so many things, including You. Inspire me and encourage me what things will help me grow in 2026. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook and Instagram (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith.)

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