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 your 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 a masterpiece in 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 post-apocalyptic world with Outpost. It's dark, full of horror, gore and seemingly paranormal activity.