The 10 Best Books I Read This Year
Soul Food for the Mind
A joyful gift guide for readers, dreamers, and the slightly over-thinky among us
My favourite childhood memories of Christmas Day are the quiet moments after the chaos — the wrapping paper cleared away, the softening into silence as we settled down around the fireplace, and a new book in my hands. I could sit for hours by the warmth of the fire, journeying into different realities, having amazing adventures, discovering new ways of seeing I’d never imagined before.
These days, I don’t often get to spend whole afternoons lost in a book. And thanks to the way we’ve evolved technologically, I’ve fallen in love with audiobooks — they’ve turned my walks, long journeys, and even cooking sessions into little moments of learning and calm.
And the older I get, the more I value gifts that last. We all know the world doesn’t need more plastic, novelty gadgets, or things we’ll forget by February. But a good book? That’s something that changes you. It stays with you, sparks ideas, and can even shift your perspective completely.
So, if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift this year — for yourself or someone else — here are the ten books that inspired, uplifted, and genuinely made me happy in 2025.
(They’re all available as audiobooks too — for those who, like me, prefer their wisdom hands-free.)
Don’t Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition) by Joseph Nguyen
A gentle spiritual slap in the face — in the best possible way.
Nguyen reminds us that most of our suffering comes from believing the stories our minds make up, and that peace is already here once we stop wrestling reality.
It’s short, direct, and so kind it feels like mindfulness with a hug.
The audiobook is especially soothing — like a philosophical lullaby for the overthinkers among us.
How to Be Champion by Sarah Millican
Because sometimes the medicine is laughter.
Millican’s memoir is basically therapy in Geordie dialect: wildly funny, unexpectedly touching, and filled with permission to be gloriously imperfect.
If you need a cheer-up audiobook for long drives or dreary winter chores, this one’s pure serotonin.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
This one went viral for a reason — a simple idea that feels like fresh air in the lungs: just let them.
Let people be who they are.
Let things unfold.
Let go.
Robbins is a natural motivator, and this short listen is like having a friend shake you lovingly by the shoulders while you clutch your emotional baggage.
A must-gift for your recovering control-freak pals.
Fawning by Ingrid Clayton
This one hit like a revelation — part memoir, part trauma-education, part “oh wow, that’s me.”
Clayton breaks down the lesser-known trauma response of fawning (people-pleasing as a survival strategy) with compassion and fierce honesty.
It’s an emotional detox — painful in places, yes, but profoundly liberating.
Her voice in the audiobook adds warmth and humanity to every line.
The Warrior Goddess Way by HeatherAsh Amara
Amara writes like a wise sister you’d follow into a vision quest.
This book is the perfect blend of spiritual practice and sassy empowerment — reminding you that you can be both fierce and gentle, disciplined and soft.
The audiobook feels ceremonial; her voice carries the medicine of the message.
The Sacred Andean Codes by Marcela Lobos
A luminous dive into Andean cosmology, ritual, and Earth-honouring ways of living.
Lobos bridges ancient shamanic wisdom with modern life beautifully.
Reading it feels like standing in a high-altitude temple — grounding yet otherworldly.
A deeply spiritual gift for those drawn to nature, ceremony, and ancestral memory.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Yes, it’s on everyone’s list — but for good reason.
Clear has a rare talent for making behavioural psychology feel like magic.
It’s a masterclass in transformation through small, consistent actions.
The audiobook is wonderfully motivating; you’ll find yourself cleaning the kitchen, drinking more water, and re-evaluating your entire existence before chapter three.
The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
Because financial freedom is spiritual freedom too.
Collins delivers money wisdom with humour and zero jargon.
It’s not about chasing millions; it’s about creating peace of mind.
The audiobook feels like having a chat with your funny, slightly grumpy uncle who secretly wants you to succeed.
Unbound by Kasia Urbaniak
Part sensual empowerment, part communication mastery.
Urbaniak teaches women how to reclaim power not by dominating, but by receiving.
Her insight into subtle dynamics between people is pure gold.
Warning: you’ll start speaking differently after reading this — slower, steadier, with more presence.
The audiobook is a must — her voice drips authority and grace.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté & Daniel Maté
Maté’s voice is the gentle thunder of truth.
This book unpacks how modern society normalises disconnection, and how healing is not rebellion but remembrance.
It’s equal parts science and soul — with insights that will change how you see yourself, your health, and the world.
Deep, profound, and utterly human.
🌸 In Closing
Whether you read them curled up by the fire or listen on your daily walk, I hope one of these books brings you the same spark of joy they gave me. Each one reminded me that growth doesn’t have to be hard work — it can be funny, tender, and deeply human.
If you’re giving gifts this year, make them ones that last — ideas, stories, or inspiration that someone can return to again and again. And if that gift happens to be for yourself? Even better. You deserve a little nourishment too.
So, make yourself a warm drink, find a quiet corner, and pick one to begin.
Happy reading — and happy gifting. 📚💫
