2025 End of Year Book Survey (& Year in Graphs!)

 

Instead of a Sunday Post this week, I’m posting a year-end wrap-up. Please scroll all the way down for an important announcement.

As I say every year, I’ve adapted the book survey from The Perpetual Page Turner’s End of Year Survey!

2025 READING STATS

Number of Books You Read: 162

This is the most I’ve read since 2019, which is amazing. Of course, it helps that I’ve read a lot more middle grade and graphic novels in recent years, and I listen to a lot of audiobooks. Still, I’m very happy to have read so much because I think reading widely is one of the best things I can do to improve my writing.

Number of Re-Reads: 3

And one of these is my own book because I listened to the audiobook at the beginning of the year! (I needed to listen to it to review it and give a few notes on corrections – but I figured I might as well count that in my Goodreads. LOL!)

I also reread Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton so I could finish the series and read the new book, The Notorious Virtues, but then I apparently … forgot to read the new book? I literally did not realize that until writing this post. Guess I need to fix that!

Finally, I reread Not the Worst Friend in the World by Anne Rellihan when the audiobook was released. Some of you might remember that Anne was my mentee for Author Mentor Match, and I loved her book so much. When it came out on audio, I wanted to revisit it to see if it still struck me as hard as it did the first time. The answer is yes!

Genre You Read The Most From:

I combine fantasy/contemp fantasy for this, but Contemporary wasn’t far behind!  When it comes to age range, there’s no surprise. I read mostly MG these days, since that’s what I’m writing. (Children’s is picture books, which isn’t included in my Goodreads goal numbers, but I still keep track of it in my spreadsheet.)

Books by Month:

 

I always find it interesting to see what months are good and bad for reading. I read a ton at the end of the year this year, which is unusual for me!

Favorite Covers?

I feel like I’m going all cliche on myself by choosing two purple covers, but just look at these!

The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay is by Mary Averling and the book is just as incredible as the cover – Mary is a lyrically beautiful writer! This was illustrated by Alla Khatkevich. It’s both gorgeous and creepy, a perfect match for the book!

And then there’s The Underwild: River of Spirits by Shana Targosz. Again, the writing even surpasses the beauty of this cover. This pitch-perfect Greek mythology-based fantasy deals with grief in a powerful way, but also feels fun and exciting.The cover is illustrated by Danlin Zhang (and the book has sprayed edges too!).

Favorite Characters?  

I’m going in two very different directions with this one. The first character I’ll mention is Ollie from Ollie in Between by Jess Callans. Ollie’s personal journey toward understanding their gender is thought-provoking and impactful, and they’re a character that stuck with me in a myriad of ways.

On a completely different level, a character who really stands out to me is Vampirita from Vampirita and the Angry Mob by Mariana Llanos (illustrated by Laura Brenlla). This is lower MG, and I just loved Vampirita’s not-so-sunny disposition and her attempts at getting her family driven out of California so she could go back home to Peru. So fun!

Most Relatable MG Reads? 

Capturing all the complexities of the middle grade years realistically and impactfully in a way that feels relatable to MG readers can be tough. Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign by Sara F. Shacter does it beautifully. This is a contemporary that focuses on the ways we’re alike rather than different. Such a worthy message told in a heartfelt way with characters you connect to, so it doesn’t feel didactic at all.

I also think Confessions from the Group Chat by Jodi Meadows manages to capture all the angst of the quest for middle school popularity in a truly honest way.

Favorite Adult Books?

I don’t read many adult titles anymore, so they get their own category. This year, I read just 12 adult books (and this includes writing craft books and a book I read as a Bible study). My favorites were The Husbands by Holly Gramazio and A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen, which I am just now realizing are both sort of sliding door/alternate realities types of books. I’m a sucker for those, so I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise these were my favorites!

Best Books Read in 2025 Based on a Recommendation/Peer Pressure/Bookstagram, Etc.:

I read Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca when it was listed as a finalist in the Cybils Awards MG Spec Fic category, and wow, am I glad I did! I absolutely loved this book (and I couldn’t help but notice some themes that are very similar to those in The Song of Orphan’s Garden – always cool to find that connection.)

Similarly, I read Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna after it won the MG category for the Barnes and Noble Children’s & YA Book Awards. Looking forward to continuing this series!

Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting in a Book You Read This Year?

The worldbuilding in Where There Be Monsters by Alby C. Williams, a  sci-fi/fantasy mash-up, is incredible and so unique! And An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca is a fantasy heist that has wonderful and intricate worldbuilding.

I’m also going to include Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh here because the living landscapes are what make this graphic novel so utterly enchanting! This graphic novel is so gorgeous – every page is a true work of art!

Most Heartwrenching?

The Things We Miss by Leah Stecher had me heartbroken for the main character. I felt such dread and sympathy for JP, even while I wondered how she would ever climb her way out of the hole she had dug for herself. This is one of those books that makes you feel everything along with the MC.

And Lilac and the Switchback by Cordelia Jensen is utterly gorgeous and both heartbreaking and hopeful. This book is everything a verse novel should be!

Favorite Dystopians?

Dystopians are always a favorite with me, and this year The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew both really stuck with me for their worldbuilding and main characters I fell in love with.

Best MG Romances? 

I actually had a hard time choosing between these authors’ books for this one. I ended up going with Jodi Meadows’ Bye Forever, I Guess (I used Confessions from the Group Chat for another category, though) and G.F. Miller’s What If You Fall for Me First? (but I was also a huge fan of Not If You Break Up with Me First!)

Books that Put a Smile On Your Face/Were the Most FUN to Read?  

Vote for the G.O.A.T is the second book I’ve read by Ali Terese, and it is just as funny as her first. She just writes MG in such a fun and relatable way!

I also absolutely adored Dracula’s Brunch Club by Brian Gonsar – about vampires who happily live off of blood orange donuts – until they realize another type of blood might be even better?

And the Spellbinders Series by Andrew Auseon is a super fun take on D&D! (The first book is The Not-So-Chosen-One.)

Creepiest/Spookiest Reads?

I’ve got a YA book for this one! Hazelthorn by CG Drews is just as disturbing as Don’t Let the Forest In was. Extremely creepy!

For MG, I’m featuring The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black, an atmospheric mix of horror, fantasy and historical fiction. And Ghost Scout’s Honor by Carey Blankenship-Kramer. This truly spooky MG has a Ghostbusters vibe but also deals with mental health in a realistic way. Finally The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan is a paranormal graphic novel with a spooky twist. This one’s so inventive, and it has an intriguing storyline MG readers will love!

Cutest Reads?

Growing Home by Beth Ferry (illustrated by The Fan Brothers) was just utterly adorable. Ferry did a fantastic job translating her picture book sensibilities into a MG for younger readers. Likewise, Cloud Puppy by Kelly Leigh Miller is a super cute introduction to graphic novels for younger readers.

Favorite Historical Fiction Reads?

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz is a really clever historical fiction book with a touch of fantasy!

And I’ll also include an adult book here (I know, I’m messing with my formula). The Women by Kristin Hannah is gut-wrenching but amazing, and I learned a lot about the Vietnam War while reading it.

Favorite Sports Reads?

I Wish I Was a Baller is a highly entertaining graphic novel memoir by Amar Shah (illustrated by Rashad Doucet). For a very different type of sports book, Rapid City Summer by Connie Richardson focuses on fishing (which I knew basically nothing about.) This is a great romance for in-between MG/YA kids, especially those who love the great outdoors.

And technically I read Bea Mullins Takes a Shot last year, but since Emily Deibert is a fellow 2025 MG debut, I’m going to include it here anyway! It’s a wonderful contemporary LGBT romance

Favorite Mysteries/Puzzlers?

I absolutely loved Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson. I only planned to listen to the first book in the series before I met Janet at NCTE, but I enjoyed it so much I had to jump right into the second book! The Cassette Tape Secret by Danielle Herzog has two kids solving an intriguing decades-old mystery.

Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship of the Year?

For this, I had to choose The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. There was so much I loved about this gorgeous tale, but it all came down to the unlikely friendship between the reclusive Clare (the undead fox) and lovable Gingersnipes. Together, they are pure story gold!

And my next choice for this one is the rivalry/sisterly bond between Kennedy and Devon in Story Spinners: A Sisterly Tale of Danger, a Princess, and her Crew of Lady Pirates by Cassandra Federman!

Favorite Verse Novels?

This one’s tough because I’ve read quite a few this year that I loved, but choosing these for both their lyricism and emotional impact: Spark by Chris Baron captures the beauty of nature and the dangers of wildfires. And All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson explores loss in a powerful way, while Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron deftly handles the topic of depression.

Best Exploration of Tough Topics?

I’ve already mentioned some books I’d put into this category, but there are still a few more I wanted to highlight! Chloe Vega and the Agents of Magic by Leslie Adame powerfully explores immigration issues in a fantasy setting – with a very cool magic system! And The Memory Spinner by C.M. Cornwell deals with grief in a unique way, and I love how it plays with the concept of memory. My son listened to this one and told me about a million times how much he loved it.

For more contemporary reads, Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford deals with addiction and its impacts on a family. Coyote Queen by Jessica Vitalis deals with the topic of abuse. It’s a difficult but powerful read. And, finally, Aarzu All Around by Marzieh Abbas is a lyrical verse novel about a Pakistani girl who dreams of playing cricket in a patriarchal society.

Favorite Re-imagining/Retelling?

Rougarou Magic by Rachel M. Marsh is based on Cajun Folklore, but the story is a truly relatable contemporary fantasy! Nordlys by Malin Falch is a gorgeous graphic novel Norse mythology reimagining of Peter Pan. And Bull by David Elliott is a brilliant verse retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur!

Favorite Old Friends Revisited in a New Way?

I added this category because two classic books I loved as a kid were reimagined as graphic novels, and I read them both this year. Watership Down and Tuck Everlasting were both favorite books when I was young – and the adapters (K. Woodman-Maynard for Tuck and James Sturm and Joe Sutphin for Watership) did an incredible job with both of them!!

I’m also including Aaron Reynolds’ Jasper Rabbits’ Creepy Tales here (specifically, the first book, Troubling Tonsils). Fans of the Creepy Carrots picture books will love this zany dive into chapter books!

Favorite Series Starter, Sequel, and Ender?

Series starter is always the hardest for me to judge for this (and there are several books I’ve already mentioned that I might consider for this slot, but I don’t like to use a book twice). I’m going with Half Bad by Sally Green, which I absolutely flew through.

Sequel is a bit easier: Megan E. Freeman’s Away is an incredible companion to Alone (and I can’t wait for you all to read the third book in this series, coming next year – it is truly phenomenal already, and I’ve only read a draft).

I’ve absolutely loved all of the Greenwild books by Pari Thomson, and the finale, The Forest in the Sky, did not disappoint!

Books I Loved More Than I Expected To?  

I picked up Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson for research purposes – because I’m considering writing a hybrid graphic novel script. I thought it would be cute, but I ended up loving the many characters so much that I had to reall all the books in the series to find out what happened with them!

Same goes for the first Princess Swap book, Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) by Kim Bussing. Not gonna lie, I expected this just to be a cute read that I wouldn’t remember afterward – but I truly loved this mash-up, and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series!

Best Indie/Small Press/Self-Pubbed Read?

I think in past years, Fitzroy books have topped this list. But this year, I included those books in other categories, so I’m going with The Oasis by Lorisa D Wiedenheft, which was pubbed by Orange Hat Publishing. This one’s a really lovely, lyrical novel-in-verse about a family in crisis and the community that rallies around them.

Best Non-Fiction?

If you’ve been around my blog for a long time, you know that I’m a Christian. But I’ll confess that, in recent years, I’ve struggled to reconcile my faith with the angry, rant-filled representations of Christianity often seen on social media and in the news. I’ve always believed that Jesus’ core message of “love your neighbor” outweighed and all interpretations of Bibleical truth that choose to other people. This book perfectly captured so many of my thoughts and feelings and helped encourage me in my faith at a time where I was feeling lost.

Favorite Picture Books?

I read a bunch of picture books this year because I’ve been working on writing them. Lots of the ones I’ve read are older, but I’m going to focus on my favorites that were published this year:

What Fish Are Saying: Strange Sounds in the Ocean by Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrated by Katie Melrose is a super fun non-fiction picture book! Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsyth is both utterly gorgeous and wonderfully witty! There’s Something Odd About the Babysitter by Elayne Crain, illustrated by John Ledda is incredibly entertaining! And Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend by Bob Shea is also funny and adorable!

 

SOME MORE GRAPHS:

Reading a lot more backlist books lately! And my audiobook percentage has gone up even higher, which I’m not surprised about.

As you know, I don’t post about books that would get less than 4 stars from me (this very occasionally includes books that would round up from 3.5 stars), but I do still rate them in my spreadsheet for my own informational purposes. Now you can get a glimpse of those ratings too.

This year, I was truly shocked to see that I didn’t rate anything under three stars (even on my personal spreadsheet that no one but me sees), with about half the books I read getting four. I guess I had a really great reading year!!

Still got most of my books from the library (which is how I get most of the audiobooks I listen to). But look, I also actually read books I bought this year!

Best Moment of Bookish/Blogging Life in 2025?

My debut book was released in January by Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan! Let’s face it, this was one of the best moments of my life, much less my year.

If you’re reading this right now and had any plans of reading my book, you probably have (or, if you’re like me, you might have it sitting on a shelf somewhere and you reallyn mean to read it soon), so I won’t try to convince you. (But if you just popped by here randomly, it’s a MG fantasy in verse that shows kids coming together in a very divided world!)

Big announcement: My blogging era is ending.

Over the past year, between writing and personal stuff going on, I haven’t been able to make blogging a priority. I just don’t have the time and mental energy to make room for it anymore. Plus, I’ve had a ton of unexplained technical issues happening recently (way more than I’ve had over the past 13 years), and I don’t honestly think it makes sense for me to spend time trying to fix them.

I’ve been blogging January of 2013, and this blog has quite honestly changed my life. The people I’ve met through the blog have changed my life. But I think the time has come for me to let it go. I haven’t decided yet if that means I’ll let it disappear completely or if I’ll find a really cheap hosting plan to keep it up and running (and give myself the possibility of coming back/future posts). But, for now, it means I won’t be posting.

If you’d like to keep up with me, please sign up for my author newsletter on Substack – I plan to try to post there monthly with an update along the lines of my Sunday Post – which is basically all I was managing to post here lately anyway. I’ll also still be updating Instagram and I’ll be continuing to post reviews to Goodreads, but I think most of you already follow me in those two places.

So, for now, this is a bittersweet goodbye, but who knows what the future holds? I hope it holds more of all of you, in one way or another!

 

---

Check out my Goodreads Year in Books to see ALL the books I read this year!!

Did you write a 2025 wrap-up? Link me up in the comments! If not, tell me what’s been going on with you in 2025.

 

Related Posts