My favorite books of 2025
2025 was my second-best year when it comes to reading books. With 26 books and 9.000 pages it's not even close to my pandemic all-high of 2021 where I've read 37 books and 11.000 pages, but I am still proud of it.
My challenge last year was gender equality in terms of authors. I struggled a bit in the end but at least achieved 12 books from female authors (with 14 books from male authors).
I will redo the challenge in 2026.
The problem is that I try to read a lot of classics and world literature, which is sadly very (very) male-dominant – most probably for historical reasons.
I have archived the list of all 26 books with my personal rating for each of them.
Top 5
Linn Strømsborg – Nie, nie, nie
The story is about a woman who is trying to find satisfaction and happiness in choosing not to have any children – while still admiring the lifestyles of friends and acquaintances who do.
I absolutely love her positive mindset regarding this complex topic.
Caroline Wahl – 22 Bahnen
Two sisters grow up without a father and with an alcoholic mother. The older sister struggles through adolescence and is forced to step into her mother’s role for her younger sister.
In my opinion an outstanding piece of coming-of-age literature.
Amy Stewart – Die unvergleichliche Miss Kopp und ihre Schwestern
A thrilling story about a young woman and her sisters, who were pioneers of emancipation and independence in the early twentieth century.
Anne Frank – Tagebuch
Annas biggest dream was to be never forgotten by writing a book. Her diary was not intended for that, yet it achieved her goal. The end of her story is not written down – how could it be? – and this is the saddest part about it.
Dmitry Glukhovsky – Outpost
After Metro 2033 Glukhovsky builds another immersive dystopian world with Outpost. It's dark, full of horror, gore and seemingly paranormal activity.