My top picks from the over 130 books I read last year.
You may find old books here but if they're on this list, then they were new to me! In no particular order.
Note: I've been doing this since 2008 — check the label cloud in the sidebar for "Best of" to see other lists.
2025 BEST BOOKS
All Flesh is Grass
by Clifford Simak
I didn't actually review this as it turns out so here's the synopsis of a book with a really unique take on aliens. "Nothing much ever happens in Millville, a small, secluded Middle-American community—until the day every resident is confined within the town’s boundaries by an invisible force field that cannot be breached."
Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
The second in a cozy mystery series about a meddling Chinese grandmother. The first (Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers) was entertaining. This one took it to a more complex level and with Vera herself growing deeper as a character, showing tenderness and love when needed. And still cooking up a storm for everyone.
The Cartiers
by Francesca Cartier Brickell
Unexpectedly layered, this is a tale of marketing, design, loyal to customers, family dynamics, and world history. I gave this to a lot of people for Christmas.
Complete Encyclicals of John Paul II
by Saint Pope John Paul II
I unexpectedly fell into this reading project which took me 9 months off and on. Totally worth it and I discovered that if we love JPII it's because we love Vatican II (whether we know it or not). My review looks at all the encyclicals briefly.
The Lord's Prayer
A short books of meditations where Guardini looks carefully for the riches of Christ in things we think we already understand. Like the Our Father. Superb.
The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening
The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting
by Naomi Kuttner
If Don from The Rosie Project were a retired assassin and trying to solve a murder along with Elizabeth from The Thursday Murder Club, it might look like these two books.
Children of the Book
by Ilana Kurshan
Kurshan takes us through the Torah in a year, echoed by the children's books she is reading to her family. It links our journey of faith with our own journey as readers.
Undaunted Joy
by Shemaiah Gonzalez
"Joy is transcendent. It is from God. It is Him, peeking from behind the curtain or veil to reach out to us." This book led to me looking for — and finding — a spark of joy everyday, no matter how the day was going otherwise. My second favorite book of the year.
Pollyanna
by Eleanor H. Parker
I read this because the author of Undaunted Joy recommended it so strongly. And she was right. It's a good book. A simpler version in many ways of books like A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables, both of which I enjoy.
The Motor Maid
by A.M. and C.M. Williamson
More of a travelogue than mystery but light and fun. As Lys tries to escape a pre-arranged marriage, she's forced to become a lady's maid to the wife of a nouveau riche couple touring France. The benefit is that the motor-car is a new and trendy item and the chauffeur is a handsome and fun fellow. We can see where it's going but who cares? Light and fun.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
by Dr. Paul Brand, Philip Yancey
My favorite book of the year. Three in one — an inspiring science book, wide-ranging meditations on the body of Christ, and human stories that illuminate both. Ultimately a powerful experience of illuminating God's love and our role as part of his body.
24 Hours in Ancient Rome
by Philip Matyszak
Each hour of the day we see a different person who made up the bustling metropolis of Rome — from emperor to slave girl, gladiator to astrologer to clock maker. This was entertaining, enlightening and told with tongue-in-cheek jokes.
Never Split the Difference
by Chris Voss
A former FBI hostage negotiator gives guidelines to negotiating in all circumstances of your life — illustrated with real life hostage negotiation scenarios. I'd never normally read this sort of book but since a friend gave it to me, I read it. And it was really worth it.
