My 5 Favorite Books from 2025

I've been using Libby for most of my "reading," and it has transformed the way I consume literature. The convenience of being able to listen to audiobooks allows me to multitask effectively; I can tackle household chores, such as cleaning and organizing, or engage in physical activities like jogging or walking while immersing myself in a good story. Yes, I recognize that I might be a bit unusual in my preference for listening to books while I exercise, but I find that it enhances my workouts and makes the time spent on physical activity much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

However, I've encountered a notable limitation with Libby: many of the books I am eager to read are not available in audiobook format on the platform. This situation has inadvertently encouraged me to explore new titles and rediscover forgotten gems that I might not have considered otherwise. As I navigate through the extensive library available on Libby, I often stumble upon lesser-known authors or genres that pique my interest. This exploration has broadened my literary horizons and introduced me to diverse narratives that I might have overlooked in the past.

For instance, I recently discovered some classic novels that had been sitting on my reading list for years, simply because I hadn’t taken the time to read them in print. Listening to these stories has not only enriched my understanding of different writing styles and historical contexts but has also allowed me to appreciate the art of storytelling in a new light. Moreover, the narrators often bring a unique flair to the characters and plots, enhancing the overall experience and making the stories come alive in ways that I hadn't anticipated.

Additionally, the act of listening rather than reading has prompted me to engage with the material differently. I find myself paying closer attention to the nuances in the text, such as tone, pacing, and emotional delivery, which can sometimes be lost when reading silently. This auditory engagement has deepened my connection to the characters and their journeys, making the experience feel more immersive.

In conclusion, while Libby may not always have the specific audiobooks I am looking for, it has opened up a world of literary exploration that I am grateful for. The platform encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace a variety of stories that I might not have encountered otherwise. Through this journey, I have not only found new favorites but have also rekindled my love for reading in a format that suits my lifestyle perfectly.

That being said, here are my 5 favorite books of 2025:

Fiction: And Then There Were None | Agatha Christie

Nonfiction: The Radium Girls: The Scary but True Story of the POISON that Made People GLOW in the Dark | Kate Moore

Religious: Church History 101: The Highlights of Twenty Centuries | Sinclair B. Ferguson, Joel R. Beeke, & Michael A.G. Haykin

Fiction: Death on the Nile | Agatha Christie

Fiction: The Hound of the Baskervilles | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Rediscovering Agatha Christie's works has reignited my passion for mystery! The thrill of a classic "whodunit" is unmatched. From a captivating murder in a home, an exhilarating train ride on the Orient Express, to an adventurous boat journey on the Nile, and a house filled with more twists and turns than you can imagine—it's been an incredible journey! I can't believe I've devoured four of Christie's books already, and there are so many more waiting to be explored!

I stumbled upon The Radium Girls quite by chance, and what an incredible find it was! My obsession with Christie must have nudged the algorithm in that direction, but to me, it felt like a delightful surprise. I had never heard of The Radium Girls before, and let me tell you, it moved me profoundly. I was in tears multiple times while listening to this gripping story. The theme "The love of money is a root of all evil" resonated powerfully throughout. It's heart-wrenching how so many women tragically lost their lives, literally falling apart, tooth by tooth, and sometimes even losing their jawbones.

Oh, the thrill of revisiting those cherished memories with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles from my high school days! Holmes and Watson are the ultimate duo, tackling the toughest mysteries with unmatched brilliance. I'm currently diving into "Elementary," the American TV series spinoff featuring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, but honestly, nothing quite matches the magic of the original characters!

You'll soon understand how much I love history, and church history is no different. Although this book was smaller than the others, the highlights written of each century was powerful. We often wonder how Christianity has survived throughout the centuries and Church History 101 captures the highlights perfectly. It reveals how greed and power can lead anyone astray from the faith and how important translating the Bible was for the expansion of the Gospel to the average Joe.

What books caught your fancy? I'm aiming to complete a book challenge put on by The Club 52 Book Club here. It'll be my first time and I can't wait to see how many books I complete (I fully understand that completing the list is not realistic for me but it'll be fun trying).

Let me know what you think of my favorites. Do you like mystery? If not, what genre(s) do you prefer?