5 Best Reads of 2025 #blogaberrycc

I have read quite a few books last year, thanks to participating in the Book Review challenges. For this year, regardless of whether I participate in those challenges or not, I have already developed the habit of reading books, so there's no looking back. In today's blog, I am going to list a few of the books that I have enjoyed reading the most. Most of the books are not new, having been published several years ago, but I read them last year. So here are the best of the best:

1. The Book of Everlasting Things: This book, written by Aanchal Malhotra, was published in 2022. It takes us back to the partition of India, where two teenage lovers had to be separated due to differences in religion. Later, as the story continues, both their lives undergo drastic changes, but they accept them without ever losing their love for each other. This is a beautiful love story, and interestingly, the lovers met only a few times and went on a date only once; yet, their unconditional love for each other remained alive until the moment they took their last breath. Their individual passions helped them maintain this undeclared, silent bond of purity forever. The partition and its devastating effect on families and loved ones have been masterfully portrayed by the author. The description of each city and its specialities, nuances and treats comes across so spontaneously that you feel like being a part of that moment. The cover page is one of the best designs that I have ever come across. Get here

2. The Puppet's Tale: I watched the screen adaptation of the original Bengali version last year. The movie was an emotional journey, and I immediately knew I had to read the book. I then read the Bengali original, Putulnacher Itikatha, by Manik Bandopadhyay. Set in early 20th-century rural Bengal, the story delves into the life of a young doctor, eyes full of dreams. However, throughout the course of the book, his emotional state begins to decline, and he faces immense hopelessness, instigated by the surrounding events in the deteriorating social state of the village. Even trivial things start to challenge his beliefs and prompt him to question his education. This is an intense story of feelings and emotions, which raises questions about a person's choices. This is one of the best stories I have ever read. Get here

3. 'Tis the Season to be Jolly: A delightful anthology for the Holiday season, this book is filled with some cheerful write-ups. Short stories, poems, essays -each piece woven around the essence of Christmas and its happy spirits. My story, " Christmas with Casey", is also a part of it. This book is sure to bring smiles to many faces. Get here

4. The Vegetarian: Everyone has spoken, written, reviewed it, and I had to read it too. But truly, it was such an uncomfortable read that I had to take breathers in between - like picking up a clean love story or even watching an episode of Two Broke Girls. And that's how I had the heart to finish the book by Han Kang. What an impactful writing style! Each description of the sufferings felt like pricking needles on the softest corner of the skin. I had watched and read many psychological themes, depicting criminal minds, body horror, etc., but never thought that a simple woman's rebellion of choosing to be herself could be so intensely portrayed. Get here

5. The Spirit of Japan: This is the published version of a letter written by Rabindranath Tagore when he visited Japan in 1912, before even World War I. It is full of his beautiful memories of the grounded Japanese people, their love for their country, and their dedication to their ordinary daily rituals, which make their lives wholesome yet simple. The most significant part of the letters was the applause for the technological advancements they were aiming at, raising concerns about their impact and hinting at the rise of superpowers against the same advancements. No wonder great thinkers are great visionaries, too. Get here

These were my best reads of 2025. Here are some notable mentions: 

Devputra by Neil D'Souza, detailed review here get your copy here

Poppy Day by Amanda Prowse get here

Postscript ( The Sequel to P.S. I Love You) by Cecelia Ahern get here

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with theme word Best