As 2025 comes to a close, readers reflect on their literary journeys over the past year. Notable among these reflections is a personal account from an avid reader who shared insights into the diverse selection of books completed throughout the year. The reader highlighted a mix of classic literature, philosophical works, and autobiographies that shaped their year.
Books That Defined 2025
This year, the reader completed a range of significant texts, including Open Socrates: The Case For a Philosophical Life by Agnes Callard and The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy. Other notable titles on the list were Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a World of Strangers by Kwame Anthony Appiah and The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of Dorothy Day by Dorothy Day. The list also featured My Life in France by Julia Child and The Bostonians by Henry James.
Additionally, the reader explored Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship by Dana A Williams. Despite a busy reading schedule, several unfinished books lingered, including the biography of Jean Genet by Edmund White and the second volume of Thomas Merton’s journal. Yet, the reader found satisfaction in completing Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena HItz, which, while sounding lofty, proved to be an engaging read.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
The reader expressed a desire for a more balanced representation of female authors in their reading. Although the year did not feature as many books by women as anticipated, the completion of works by pioneering female figures was a notable achievement. The reflection concluded with a commitment to explore more “trashy” and entertaining literature in the future, emphasizing the need to finish more books overall.
In addition to personal reading goals, the reader also highlighted the vibrant community of book lovers on the platform. The Readers and Book Lovers series features a robust schedule of discussions, covering various genres and themes. From Let’s Talk BOOKS hosted by Angela Marx on Sundays to Books Go Boom! on Fridays, these sessions provide a platform for literary enthusiasts to share their thoughts and recommendations.
For those interested in participating in this literary community, following the Readers and Book Lovers group on Daily Kos is encouraged. This group is recognized for its active engagement and diverse array of discussions, making it a valuable resource for anyone passionate about books.
As 2025 wraps up, the literary landscape remains vibrant, with many readers eager to embark on new literary adventures in the year ahead.
