Books I read in 2025

It seems that the beginning of the year brings me back to my book blog. Last year, on January 5th, I had the idea to write here. This year, on January 6th, the same idea popped in my mind. Without checking my blog for the past year. Looks like one of those patterns that runs in the background without you being aware of it 🙂

But now, let’s get back to books. 2025 has been a full year for me (moved to a new house, got a lovely & demanding puppy, continued my coaching business), which meant that the bookish area was somehow left behind. However, I am super proud that in all this chaos that 2025 had been I managed to keep up with the bookclub books. And towards the end of the year, started to read a bit of non-fiction as well.

Without further ado, here are the books I read in 2025:

§ The Most Secret Memory of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

This book was amazing. About a Senegalese writer who discovers a legendary book and starts a detective work to find its writer. Reminded me a bit of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Zafon.

§ The Art of Conversation [Ro: Arta conversatiei] by Ileana Vulpescu

I don’t remember much about this book, only that it highlights the female psychology during Romania’s communist era. Not really my type of book, I read about 50%.

§ Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa

This one was pretty nice. Set in Peru during the 1950s, it tells the story of an 18-year-old student who falls for a 32-year-old divorcee. Seems like the novel is based on the author’s real life experience. It was funny and charming and captivating.

// the bookclub discussion for this book was held in a shoes showroom, super fancy ❤

§ The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

This is one of the best classics I’ve ever read! It has magical realism, history, lots of symbolism, action and humour … a true masterpiece. One that I would read again someday, and I’m sure it’ll have again an impact on me. Highly recommend reading it!

§ Narcissus and Goldmund by Herman Hesse

Another classic, this time a more challenging read for me. The action begins and ends in a monastery setting, reminding me of The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. It’s a mix of bildungsroman with religion and devotion, philosophy and friendship.

§ Inside Information by Eshkol Nevo

This book is a collection of 3 interconnected stories, all having a weird / mysterious element. The flow is quite slow, not action-packed nor hurried. Not terrible, not great. I finished it though.

§ Laurus by Evgheni Vodolazkin

This is another masterpiece! The story is set in medieval Russia and presents the life of Laurus, through his evolution from healer to pilgrim and eventually monk. A super interesting view on religion, saints and God. I highly recommend it!

§ A Few and One Nights by Isidoros Zourgos

The story is set primarily in Thessaloniki, having a dual timeline, 70 years apart – 1909 and 1979. Action, characters, history – loved it! I imagine reading it at the Greek seaside 🙂

§ The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide to Life by Epitectus

This is a collection of learnings from Epitectus, one of the greatest Stoic philosophers. Despite being 2000 years old, his insights and lessons are very much applicable to today’s world. The core of humanity hasn’t changed so much after all.

§ Humour, Seriously by Naomi Bagdonas and Jennifer Aaker

A book about why humour is a superpower at work and in life. Both authors are professors at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. The insights from this book raised my confidence to say out loud the jokes / funny things that pop up in my mind. Plus I learned a new word – levity. One of my key words of 2026.

And that’s it, the list of books I read in 2025. I hope the 2026 will be more abundant in terms of books, but let’s see what the future brings.

How about you? I’d love to hear how you’ve been and what’s your favourite book of 2025!

Sending best regards and a Happy New Year all the way from Bucharest,

Georgiana

PS: here’s a recent picture with Nola, during the holiday season; she’s grown into a lovely (still demanding) adolescent Golden Retriever ❤