Videos you may like:
THE 10 BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2022 ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES/NY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
https://youtu.be/yMn4APesPQI
THE 10 BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2021 ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES/NY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
https://youtu.be/d3sQ3jPKw2g
THE 10 BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF 2019 ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES / NY PUBLIC LIBRARY:
https://youtu.be/d3sQ3jPKw2g
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In my end-of-the-year favorites video, I’m thrilled to share some of the standout books that made a lasting impression on me in 2025. One of the highlights is The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer, a gripping 2021 sci-fi novel that combines survival, mystery, and an exploration of human connection in deep space. Another favorite is the historical fiction classic Katherine by Anya Seton, first published in 1954, which beautifully brings to life the medieval love story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt.
I also revisit The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, a 2019 novel that delves into family dynamics, memory, and forgiveness, set against the backdrop of an enchanting, yet imposing, house. A.K. Blakemore’s The Glutton, a 2023 release, captivated me with its unique storytelling and thought-provoking themes. Additionally, The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne, published in 2017, offers a deeply emotional journey through the life of a gay man in 20th-century Ireland, blending humor and heartbreak seamlessly.
Another standout is The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt, a 2000 novel celebrated for its intellectual depth and innovative narrative style. Sarah Waters’ The Paying Guests (2014) is a compelling historical fiction that masterfully blends romance, suspense, and social commentary in post-World War I London. Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste (2020) is a powerful and eye-opening examination of the unspoken caste system in America, offering a profound perspective on inequality.
Rounding out my favorites are The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon, a 2000 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves together magic, adventure, and the golden age of comic books, and The Bee Sting by Paul Murray, a 2023 novel that skillfully balances humor and tragedy in its exploration of a family unraveling. These diverse and compelling reads have truly defined my year in books, offering a mix of genres, styles, and themes that resonate deeply. Join me in this video as I celebrate these incredible titles and share why they stood out among the rest!