At long last, it's time to look at last year's books, the favorites (and the also-rans.) 2025 was far from my best reading year -- but within that year were plenty of wonderful books. I only pulled in 47 books this year, with a total of 14,947 pages. But I was pleased to see that my "favorites" list crossed many genres -- non-fiction, biography, mystery and history. I also found some authors new to me, meaning I can expand the hunt for used volumes. Here we go! (Links connect to the posts in which I reviewed the books.
My Top Ten in 2024
"My Name is Barbra" by Barbra Streisand -- Streisand's bio is heavy duty with over 900 pages, but it is fascinating, even if you aren't a fan. What I liked most about it was learning more about what goes into a film from the more technical angles of production as well as acting, along with the same about recording an album or developing a concert. Along with it being a bio, it's almost a tutorial in show business. (PS -- her own life was pretty interesting, too!)
"Moonflower Murders" by Anthony Horowitz -- Recently seen on PBS Masterpiece, the delightful Horowitz again weaves two books into one, and former editor Susan Ryland must step in to help a family find what happened to their daughter, a case that has direct connections to a book Susan edited.
"Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande -- We aren't getting any younger, right? And neither are those of us who still have living parents. This fascinating book by Gawande looks at the elder care options and encourages us to ask the hard questions about what we really want, what matters to us, as we age. Is it to stay at home, hospice (if we are terminal), needs for continuing treatment? And what gives us joy. It should be essential reading, and being a delightful author, it's interesting reading, too.
"An Unfinished Love Story" by Doris Kearns Goodwin -- This also falls into the "History category) Not listed below. Goodwin and her husband, Richard Goodwin, had rich political lives in the 1960s and '70s, working with the Kennedy and Johnson campaigns specifically, as well as others. When they decide to go through boxes of memorabilia and journals from that time, the author weaves a rich story of politics, civil rights, and key characters from our history, along with a look at their enduring relationship.
"Shy" by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green -- Mary Rodgers wrote the music for "Once Upon a Mattress" and other shows and musical themes. Her autobiography, completed with NYTimes theatre critic Jesse Green, chronicles both her theatrical life as well as her personal life as the daughter of legendary composer Richard Rodgers and his wife, Dorothy. It wasn't all roses, but it was a fascinating life and Rodgers/Green tell it with tremendous humor. A real treat for musical comedy fans.
"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown -- This is another that might fit into the history or biography categories (I put it in non-fiction) as Brown (not to be confused with "DaVinci Code" author Dan Brown) tells the fascinating story of the 1936 US men's Olympic rowing team -- a group of ragtag young men, many from humble backgrounds -- who went on to beat the Germans in the Nazi-staged Olympiad. Told largely about young Joe Rantz, Brown reveals what dedication and commitment can bring to reality.
"The Last Devil to Die" by Richard Osmun -- If you haven't discovered the "Thursday Murder Club" series, do so before the upcoming film with Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celie Imrie is released this year. It's a wonderful series and this most recent edition offers even greater insight into the characters, pathos and sadness and yes, a ripping good mystery!
"Riding Out" by Simon Parker -- When the Covid pandemic lockdown hit Great Britain, travel writer and cyclist Simon Parker knew he couldn't sit it out at home. So, he packed a camp stove, sleeping bag and phone and went "riding out" on a cycling trip from the top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall and back around the other side of the country. Along the way, he met many fascinating people, willing to share info, life stories and sometimes even a spare room with him, as he gets to know his country far more intimately.
"Cecil Beaton's Fair Lady" by Cecil Beaton -- If you saw the film "My Fair Lady," it is likely that you will never forget the lush costumes and sets designed by Cecil Beaton, as identified with the film and Broadway play as much as its much-loved Lerner and Loewe score. This collection of entries from Beaton's diaries from the the film follow him on the film set and as he explores California while the film was in production. It's a delightful behind the scenes look at the film and at a creative genius.
"Prequel" by Rachel Maddow -- This, too, could go into a History category and should, for the story Maddow reveals about what happened in the United States in the time leading up to World War II with the American First and intense Anti-Semitism movement of the period. It is a shocking and powerful warning about corruption in government, personal evil and Fascism and how our country could have taken a completely different approach to the war (something that would have changed the trajectory of the world.) It's gripping, reading almost like fiction -- but Maddow has done her homework and it is a cautionary tale that is as important to read today as it was when she wrote it several years ago.
Books by Category
Mysteries
Mysteries tend to be my favorite genre and I especially enjoy series, so you'll see many repeats in the authors listed below.
"The Girl of His Dreams" by Donna Leon
"Moonflower Murders" by Anthony Horoitz
"The ZigZag Girl" by Elly Griffiths
"These Names Make Clues" by E.C.R. Lorac
"Red Bones" by Ann Cleeves
"White Nights" by Ann Cleeves
"Uncle Paul" by Celia Fremlin
"About Face" by Donna Leon
"Last Bus to Woodstock" by Colin Dexter
"Blue Lightning" by Ann Cleeves
"Fire in the Thatch" by E.C.R. Lorac
"Bodies from the Library" Tony Medawar, editor
"Murder at Midnight" by Eliott Roosevelt
"Nine Lives" by Peter Swanson
"A Question of Belief" by Donna Leon
"The Evil that Men Do" by Jeanne M. Dams
"The Heron's Cry" by Ann Ceeves
"Drawing Conclusions" by Donna Leon
"Sins Out of School" by Jeanne M. Dams
"The Darkest Evening" by Ann Cleeves
"Shadows of Death" by Jeanne M. Dams
"The Last Devil to Die" by Richard Osmun
"The Children Return" by Martin Walker
"The Case of the Crooked Candle" by Erle Stanley Gardner
"A Scream in Soho" by John G. Brandon
"A Bird in the Hand" by Ann Cleeves
"The White Priory Murders" by Carter Dickson
"Death of an Author" by E.C.R. Lorac
Fiction
"The Last Garden in England" by Julia Kelly
"Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks
"The English Understand Wool" by Helen DeWitt
Historic Fiction
"The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant
"Three Sisters, Three Queens" by Philippa Gregory
Non-Fiction/History
"Prequel" by Rachel Maddow
"Being Mortal" by Atul Gaande
"Is Your Cat a Psychopath?" by Stephen Wildish
"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown
Biography/Memoir
"My Name is Barbra" by Barbra Streisand
"Toast and Marmelade" by Susan Bridgewater
"George: A Magpie Memoir" by Frieda Hughes
"An Unfinished Love Story" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
"Cecil Beaton's Fair Lady" by Cecil Beaton
"Shy" by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green
"Once Upon a Tome" by Oliver Darkside
"Spare" by Prince Harry
"Time Steps" by Donna McKechnie
"Riding Out" by Simon Parker
~~~~~~~~~~~
And now, we're into 2025. I've started with some autobiographies and I have (literally) dozens of books in the pile awaiting my eager eyeballs! All good wishes for a wonderful reading (or audio listening) year!
Sharing with: Share Your Style / Share Your Shelf
It’s amazing to me that you even keep track of all the books you read! Well done.
ReplyDelete...47 book, I'm amazed!
ReplyDeleteI've read quite a few of your choices. We seem to touch base quite a bit. Not that I keep lists or anything vaguely organized, so thank you for doing it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list! And you did read across so many genres! George looks like a good read - I love magpies. :)
ReplyDeleteI put the English Understand Wool on my to-read list when you first posted about it, but I haven't gotten to it yet. I've read both of the other books you mention in the fiction category. I'm reading a courtroom drama now, and it is very compelling!
ReplyDeleteI always love your lists. Historic fiction is my favorite and have read both of those on your list. I think I need to check out "The Last Garden in England" by Julia Kelly. Gardens in stories always captures my attention. Thanks for your list.
ReplyDeleteI admire how much you read and I've noticed we have a lot of the same tastes in subject matter. This was a great summary! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Boys in the Boat made my best of 2024 list too!
ReplyDeletewell, that's 47 more than I managed!
ReplyDeleteNice job, Jeanie. I always write the names of the books I read for the year. I started doing that in 2008. Congrats on all your books, some I've read and others never heard before. I just finished Al Pacino's Sonny Boy and really enjoyed it. Have a nice day/evening.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I am impressed with all of your reading and that you keep good records of what you have read. I used to do the same, but have fallen off the wagon. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYou read some great books last year. Isn't it interesting to look back and see the assortment that was read. We had a few books we both read, and thanks for reminding me that I picked up the Barbara Streisand book last spring and I haven't yet read it. I think I need to pull it out of the bottom of the pile. :) I also like your collage of all your books. I may have to steal that idea. Thanks for sharing. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI want to read boys in a boat
ReplyDeleteWOW!! I am totally impressed!! I know I keep saying it but i just can not seem to find the time to read...And yes, I do need to just make the time...It is a goal for this year...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
It's always great to see what others are reading. I'll return later to take note as to which books I'll add to my reading list. I just wanted to say I read The Rent Tent many years ago and enjoyed it so much.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting selection. My parents are long gone, Ingo´s Dad just celebrated another Birthday (Ingo is nearly 8 years older than me). Yes, I heard the tiredness in his voice, he is "mortal"...
ReplyDeleteThey live near his Brother, so we... well... "Riding Out" sounds good, too.
Ohhh, and George! Have you read "Penguin the Magpie"? And on FB is another Magpie, living with two dogs. I once had a funny meetup with one and when "home" they always wake us in the morning. Clever birds.
I looked for days for my kindle... found it yesterday under a cupboard, just in time for my app at the d....dentist.
Great list!
ReplyDelete"My Name is Barbra" sounds particularly fascinating.
I love how diverse your picks are, from mysteries to memoirs.
Here’s to more great reads in 2025! 📚
This year I've not read any of your top 10 although several of your crime list are in my list of 104!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping BLCC go on to publish all of ECR Lorac eventually . Annoyingly the library haven't bought any recent from BLCC despite me asking. I may have to take up their one book a month subscription again.
Great post Jeanie, I am sure you have some new to me mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI will be adding more to my to be read list. Take care, have a great day!
You are such a well-read intelligent person.
ReplyDeleteKudos.Kudos Kudos.
I started Babara got quite far then the loan expired..but I had read enough.I enjoyed the affairs lol..Happy she found happiness with Brolin:)She worked HARD to get she she got.I love her. She gives me goosebumps.I still enjoy Elliott Gould:)WE saw the movie The Boys In The Boat.Liked it a lot:)
I've been keeping track of books I read, as well! That and movies!
ReplyDeleteI have a huge, TRB pile too. My problem is I keep either buying more used books or I download free books before I read the other books on my kindle. Have you heard of The Fussy Librarian? You can get free and discounted ebooks.
ReplyDeleteThat's a LOT of books! I don't read many mysteries anymore, although I used to devour them as a teen. I notice the genre is enjoying something of a resurgence lately.
ReplyDeleteI should put the Geraldine Brooks on my TBR--I always enjoy her work. The Atul Gawande is terrifyingly essential. Paul Kalanithi's _When Breath Becomes Air_ is another book I associate with Gawande's--albeit more heartbreaking.
Wow Jeanie, that is a lot of books! I'd say you read a lot! I am interested in the one about the Thursday Murder Club, that sounds good to me, thanks~
ReplyDeleteJenna
Being Mortal is a fantastic read. I want to reread that one. I also really enjoyed Boys in the Boat.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think I'd like to read Riding Out!
Good grief!! I will have to remember this post if I ever decide to pick up a book..
ReplyDeleteWOW that is an amazing amount Jeanie. I have read a couple in your list.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to read Rachel Maddow's. I have much respect for her. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think it's amazing you list them like this ... very well done.
ReplyDeleteHere's to more interesting reading with this years books :)
All the best Jan
What a great list of books, Jeanie. I see some I've read and more that I've looked at and promised myself that I'd read. I decided not to do a list of books this year. I have too much else going on. Right now I'm reduced to reading what I find on the book exchange shelf in the laundry room at the Royal Kuhio. So far I've found and read "Zero Day" by David Baldacci, "Just One Look" by Harlan Corbin, and "Accidental Heros" by Danielle Steel (almost finished). I'm going to have to catch the bus to Barnes & Nobel in the Ala Moana Shopping Center for more of a selection ~ lol! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteUgh UGH ugh UGH ugh UGH ugh. Third time is the charm, right. Previous attempts at commenting include my desire to be so organised as to keep track of books devoured in a variety of formats and the inadvisedness of trying to find out how to spell Catherine chidgley's name to recommend The Axemans Carnival.
ReplyDeleteI give up. 4th attempt to comment.
ReplyDeleteOnly 47!?! We share favorites, Boys in the Boat and Being Mortal, the latter of which may be on my Life Top Ten. Years of Wonder is a favorite as well as most other Geraldine Brooks book. What a great post!
ReplyDeletea wonderful post!! i am not a reader, i wish i were. i joined a book club and tried but my ability to retain information is gone!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read most of your top 10 so will be adding some to my TBR! I have been meaning to read Being Mortal for years! Mortality is hopefully far off for me but it's sadly likely not for some in my life so I think it would be a useful read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the list! I am always on the lookout for a good book.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a list of read books and lots of different subjects and types of books too. I have a handful of authors I really love to read and always pick up their new ones. End of last year into now amazon was having huge sales on kindle books-so I tried a few new to me authors-haven't found a new author I really like yet-I guess I am stuck in a rut haha
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
Kathy
What an amazing list of books of so many different styles! Congratulations on a fantastic reading year! I only discovered Anthony Horowitz recently but have really enjoyed his Daniel Hawthorne series, and hope to find time to read more from him. I saw a couple other titles from your list that I would be very interested in. Visiting from SYS today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection of books! And I love this way of summarizing them at the end of the year. You've introduced me to so many of my favorite mystery writers (Ann Cleeves, just for example; Martin Walker and Elly Griffiths, too), that I am forever in your debt for your fantastic reviews. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to a year ahead full of wonderful reading (and wonderful reviews, too)!
Ann Cleeves is one of my favorite mystery writers.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The Last Garden in England, but I LOVED Being Mortal. Read it when it came out and told my husband we need a plan for our later life. Started exploring downsizing and moving. Having no children we chose a CCRC - Continuous Care Retirement Community. We love it - Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA...and I often credit that book with getting us on the path to this wonderful place. We love life here, made many friends, enjoy wonderful activities, food, and lectures...but if we age or get sick and need help - it is all taken care of. Very good read!
ReplyDelete