I've been an avid reader since I was a child. My taste is all over the place: science, self-help, memoir, fantasy, literary fiction. This year's list reflects that. Here are the five books that have stuck with me most so far.
Non-fiction / Health
Ultra-Processed People
Chris van Tulleken
Fascinating in a morbid way. Van Tulleken breaks down exactly how the food industry is engineered to keep us buying and eating, often at the direct expense of our health. It's one of those books that changes how you move through a grocery store. Eye-opening doesn't quite cover it. Startling is more accurate.
Who should read it: Anyone becoming more health conscious. Honestly though, everyone.
Self-development
How to Do the Work
Dr. Nicole LePera
There's no shortage of self-help books, which is exactly why this one stood out. LePera makes concepts like trauma, ego, and conditioning genuinely accessible without dumbing them down, and she pairs the theory with steps you can actually take. It felt refreshing in a space that's often either too abstract or too prescriptive.
Who should read it: Anyone who wants to do real inner work and needs somewhere concrete to start.
Memoir
Down the Drain
Julia Fox
Sensational. Raw. Gritty. Fox doesn't hold back and doesn't ask for your sympathy, which makes it harder to look away. She navigates abuse, drug use, and sexual assault in a way that feels honest rather than performative. I couldn't put it down.
Who should read it: Anyone who wants to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster and can handle heavy topics.
Fantasy / Fiction
Daggermouth
h.m. wolfe
The best fantasy I've read in a while. The plot isn't breaking new ground. If you've read Hunger Games or Divergent, you'll recognize the bones, but the writing is sharp enough that it didn't matter. I finished it in two days and immediately wanted more.
Who should read it: Fans of YA dystopian fiction who are ready for something with a bit more edge and maturity.
Literary Fiction
The Wedding People
Alison Espach
This one is quieter than the rest of the list but don't let that fool you. Espach handles themes of infertility and divorce with real emotional depth while also infusing humor and lightheartedness when necessary. It's the kind of book that sneaks up on you. You think you're reading something breezy and then suddenly you're in your feelings.
Who should read it: Anyone who appreciates character-driven fiction that earns its emotional moments.