Happy Tuesday, y’all! This week, Jana, over at That Artsy Reader Girl, is asking us to share our bookish wishes. These wishes can include books we would like to own or at least read, as well as other bookish items we would like to have. Instead, I’m looking back at books I read in 2025 and sharing ten books I wish more people would read.
The books on this list are a mix of new releases and ones that may have been forgotten. But one thing is sure: they all deserve more attention. You’ll also find a mix of genres on this list because I love reading from various genres. One thing is certain: you’ll see only one book per author. And if the book is part of a series, I’ll only pick the first book. All titles will take you to the book’s Goodreads page.
Now, let’s see what books I wish more people would read!
The Fort by Christy K. Lee
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Release Date: July 2025
- Number of Ratings: 88
- Why Read It: It’s a work of historical fiction set in early-1800s Canada. The Fort is well-researched and well-written. Abigail is a woman who does what she needs to do to help her small family survive in a hostile environment.
A Big Mess in Texas by David Fleming
- Genre: Nonfiction, Sports, History
- Release Date: October 2025
- Number of Ratings: 97
- Why Read It: While A Big Mess in Texas tells the story of a disastrous foray into the NFL, it’s more than that. It’s also a glimpse into life in Dallas, TX, in the early 1950s.
The Day I Left You by Caroline Bishop
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery
- Release Date: February 2025
- Number of Ratings: 338
- Why Read It: The Day I Left You is a story of love, loss, and holding onto memories and dreams. You don’t have to be a fan of historical fiction to appreciate Henry and Greta’s story. Nor do you have to be a fan of romance. There is enough drama to hold everyone’s attention until the very end.
Honey and Heat by Aurora Palit
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary
- Release Date: September 2025
- Number of Ratings: 398
- Why Read It: Honey and Heat showcases a woman who knows her worth and is willing to fight for it. It also showcases a man who loves love and will do anything to support those he cares about.
The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee by Saki Kawashiro
- Genre: Contemporary
- Release Date: December 2023 (in Japanese), October 2025 (in English)
- Number of Ratings: 967
- Why Read It: This book is based on the author’s actual experiences. Each chapter focuses on a different character seeking closure or healing in a particular relationship. Not all of the relationships are romance-based. In the end, each chapter discusses the focal character and unties their emotional knots.
A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais
- Genre: Mystery, Fantasy
- Release Date: June 2025
- Number of Ratings: 1521
- Why Read It: A Most Puzzling Murder is like no other book I’ve read. Why do I say that? How many books have you read that include brainteasers, puzzles, and choose-your-own-adventure elements? Many books may have one or two, but all three? That’s something that doesn’t happen a lot. And all of the elements work well together.
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Time Travel
- Release Date: September 2025
- Number of Ratings: 1973
- Why Read It: Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance is an excellent look at doing what’s right for oneself versus what’s right for everyone else. If you could become a doctor and help your community, would you? What if factors outside of your control prevent you from achieving that goal? You suddenly find a way to pursue those dreams, but it can harm those around you. Would you still do it? Even if it means missing out on true love?
The Living and the Dead by Christoffer Carlsson
- Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Release Date: April 2023 (in Swedish), December 2025 (in English)
- Number of Ratings: 2000
- Why Read It: The Living and the Dead starts in 1999 and ends in 2022. There are twists and turns throughout the story. I had my suspicions about who was behind all of the events, but I was very wrong.
Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen
- Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
- Release Date: August 2023
- Number of Ratings: 2499
- Why Read It: Two Tribes is based on Cohen’s life experiences as someone from two different cultures who felt she didn’t belong in either.
One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman
- Genre: Mystery
- Release Date: April 2025
- Number of Ratings: 3312
- Why Read It: One Death at a Time is unlike any other Abbi Waxman book, but that doesn’t mean anything. If possible, it’s just as good, if not better than The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.
And that’s ten books I read in 2025 that I wish more people would read. Have you heard of any of these books? What are some books you’ve read that you wish more people would read? Let’s hype these books.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my other bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
Discover more from Read! Bake! Create!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’ve never heard of any of these. I’m begining to think I live under a rock 😄.
First off, cool topic! I love how you have a variety of genres represented. I added the Christopher Carlsson series to my TBR list. I’ve not read a Swedish author before.