Books I Read In 2025

The year started with a goal of 25 books.

Three months in, it dropped to 15.

By month seven, I settled on 10.

Life happened.

I didn't hit the final number, but I am happy with my 2025 reading stack: a mix of fiction across genres with some non-fiction as well.

Here are the reviews of all the books:

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Rating: 4/5

Convenience Store Woman delves into the life of Keiko Furukura, a 36-year-old woman who has worked at a convenience store for much of her adult life.

I finished the book in about 2-3 hours since it is just over 100 pages. But the intriguing protagonist and the stark commentary on societal issues stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

Though the book never explicitly states it, I felt that Keiko was on the autism spectrum, displaying behaviour and thinking patterns that differ from societal norms. She finds solace in the predictable nature of her job at the convenience store, where everything has a set place and the rules are simple to follow.

The book provides an insight into many of her fascinating insights. But the one that stood out to me was her observation about how we are shaped by the people around us. We often adopt their behaviours and, in doing so, make them our own - something not widely discussed in society but true.

Of course, disruption or drama was needed, which in this case was Shiraha - a disgruntled and misogynistic colleague who shakes things up by suggesting that Keiko should "fit in" with society's expectations. I have to admit that Shiraha's character made me extremely agitated—so much so that I found myself wanting to jump into the story, shake Keiko, and tell her to run far away from him.

Apart from their story, the book also explores big societal themes like work, marriage, individuality, and the pressure to conform to them. It challenges the traditional definitions of success and happiness and poses the question: is it wrong to find contentment in something as seemingly mundane as a convenience store job?

For me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the book was its inspiration. Sayaka Murata herself worked at a convenience store for 18 years in Tokyo, and much of the novel draws from her personal experiences. Knowing this added an extra layer of intrigue to the book for me. This fact also cemented the authentic exploration of the convenience store environment. It almost felt that the store itself was another character in the story—a place of routine, safety, and alienation all at once.

Overall, the book is a quiet, yet profound, exploration of modern life in Japan. With its crisp writing and the depth of themes, the book will linger long after the final page.

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

Genre: Romance

Rating: 3/5

Final Offer, the third and last book in the Dreamland Billionaire series, narrates the story of Callahan Kane and his childhood love, Lana.

This was my least favorite book of the series. It did have the usual Asher writing style, tone, and dual POV. But 600+ pages for a contemporary romance? It could definitely be reduced. Especially, since it felt like the same issues between the characters, like Lana’s trust and Cal’s guilt, were repeating, just in different scenarios.

I also expected much more character and story depth, like their childhood and Cal’s time in rehab. Instead, those topics felt like they were brushed over, not giving readers a chance to understand the characters better.

Overall, this book can be read, but you also are not missing out on much if you don’t read it.

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick

Genre: Non-Fiction

Rating: 5/5

The book starts with: “If you look at a satellite photograph of the far east by night, you’ll see a large splotch curiously lacking in light.” Yes, Demick is talking about the lack of electricity. But I believe this line is much more.

North Korea has always been that dark patch for the world, with no one having the slightest clue of the ongoings inside it. But Demick has shown that light through this book, where she follows the lives of 6 North Koreans over 15 years.

All of these characters are average North Korean citizens, but lead different lives. There is an orphan kid, a young woman from a politically "tainted" family, a doctor, a university student from a privileged background, a girl who despises the strict control of the regime, and a loyal party member. Yet, despite their differences, they shared one defining experience: defecting from the only home they had ever known.

But how did they end up in North Korea in the first place? What were their family backgrounds? What did their lives look like inside this country? Why did they defect? What was their life after defecting? Demick answers all these questions for the readers.

She has narrated their story in the most complex yet beautiful way. She immerses readers in a vivid, realistic portrayal that makes it feel as if they are walking alongside these characters through the streets of North Korea. Furthermore, she has not only told their individual stories but also given a glimpse of where these people come from and their family background to help us understand these characters deeply.

The book left me with a lot of emotions, with the major ones being that I felt thankful for the life I have, while feeling sympathy for the people still living in North Korea. It also brings up an interesting question: Aren’t we all also brainwashed in some way or the other, even if the intensity is not that grave?

Finally, it secured second place in my top non-fiction books that read like fiction list (with No Good Men Among the Living taking the top spot).

The Girl with the Seven Lives by Vikas Swarup

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 4/5

I picked up this book at a literary festival last year after hearing Vikas Swarup speak, and finally got a chance to read it. The plot revolves around Devi, who is kidnapped by a mysterious stranger and forced to recount her life story, confess her crimes, and watch as her life is put up for auction.

The book is an intriguing exploration of the darker corners of society. Through Devi’s eye, Swarup takes us deep into the slums, exposing the systemic injustices, the cruelty of the rich and powerful, and the struggles of the poor. But despite these challenges, Devi doesn’t lose hope. Her courage and resilience carry her forward, even though some of her choices are unconventional.

While it doesn't follow the typical thriller blueprint, the story still kept me hooked. I was curious to discover the seven lives Devi had lived and who would win the auction in the end. And the last 20 pages had twists I did not see coming. I was left with my mouth open (don’t worry, not going to spoil it for you).

If you’re looking to get back into reading or want something with suspense and depth, this is definitely one to pick up.

Anxious People by Frederik Backman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Rating: 5/5

This was my second Fredrik Backman book (the first was A Man Called Ove), and I genuinely enjoyed every bit of it. From the mystery elements to the emotional, funny, and sharply sarcastic moments, Anxious People is truly a work of art.

Yes, there is a mystery. The police are trying to figure out what happened during a hostage situation (and, by the way, all my theories were wrong). But that’s not really what the book is about. That’s just the surface. The real story lies in the messiness of being human. It is about the small and big mistakes we make and how those mistakes ripple through our lives and others’ lives. Backman gently reminds us that mistakes don’t define us. Rather, they connect us.

Another thing that impressed me about the book was that, even with such a large cast of characters, Backman somehow moves between their stories so effortlessly. It never feels forced. He makes it look easy, even though I know it’s not.

By the end, all I was left thinking about was that this book will stay with me for years to come, even after I’ve moved on to the next. And even though I’ve never reread any book, I think this one might make the list.

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Genre: Mystery

Rating: 2/5

I’ve read my fair share of mystery novels, but We Solve Murders has been the most disappointing so far.

At over 400 pages, I expected the buildup to lead to a thrilling, mind-blowing reveal about Francois Loubet. Instead, it fell completely flat. Yes, the identity of Francois Loubet was unexpected, which is the reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1. But the way it was revealed and what happened after lacked the excitement and payoff of a mystery novel.

No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder

Genre: Non-fiction

Rating: 5/5

I first picked up this book last year, but stopped after the first 50 pages. This year, I decided to give it another try, and I’m so glad I did.

Snyder says she hopes this book serves as a starting point for understanding domestic violence. But I believe it’s much more than that. While it focuses on the U.S., it offers a comprehensive look at the issue of domestic violence as a whole.

As a woman, I’m often deeply affected by the stories of domestic violence I read in the media. There’s always that lingering fear—what if it happened to me? For the longest time, I thought, “If it were me, I would leave.” But through this book, Snyder breaks down that myth by showing why leaving isn’t simple for many survivors.

She speaks to perpetrators to help readers see the other side of the coin. She talks to NGOs and activists to understand the on-ground efforts to prevent violence and support survivors. And most importantly, she speaks to survivors themselves to explore what happened and why they stayed or went back.

This isn’t just a book for women. It’s also one that men should read to understand how pervasive, normalized, and invisible domestic violence can be.

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 2/5

The God of Small Things had been on my TBR for a long time, and because it’s so highly praised, my expectations were naturally high. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. As I moved towards the last 100 pages, I found myself wanting it to end so I could move on and pick up the next read.

The core idea of the story is interesting and definitely different. But the heavy descriptions and excessive detailing in almost every scene felt overwhelming and distracting, pulling me away from the actual essence of the book.

Overall, while I understand why this book is celebrated and admired by many, it just wasn’t for me.