What a year! I read just over 80 books in 2025, and here are my favorites.
Fiction
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng—Kylie Lee Baker
Dare I say it, my favorite novel of 2025. I went into this one a bit skeptical because I tend to find pandemic books hard to read. Instead, I was absolutely blown away by the world Baker has created, where hatred is rampant and hungry ghosts roam the city, leaving blood and gore in their wake. (Hot tip: Baker has a new novel coming out in April 2026 which you can preorder here.)
Tantrum—Rachel Eve Moulton
I love feminist horror. Even more so when they’re about the horrors of motherhood and the things we pass onto our daughters. This is a short and thought-provoking read that will have you hooked until the very last page.
Immaculate Conception—Ling Ling Huang
I’m increasingly convinced that Huang is a modern genius. I adored her debut, Natural Beauty, and this book did not disappoint. In a not-far-off future where artists are having to perform increasingly experimental art to combat AI, this book felt just dystopian enough while being incredibly unsettling. A dark and haunting tale of jealousy and betrayal, this should be at the top of your list.
Atmosphere—Taylor Jenkins Reid
I’m not ashamed to admit that among all the horror books I read, I also love a good TJR novel. Atmosphere takes readers to 1980s NASA during the space age. With a sweeping sapphic romance and heartfelt characters, this book was a breath of fresh air (pun intended).
The Reformatory—Tananarive Due
You know when someone asks you what modern books you think will be classics years from now? I’m saying The Reformatory. This book is a masterpiece. A haunting historical horror set in a Jim Crow Florida, the author based the setting off the real Dozier School for Boys where her own uncle attended and died. This book is horrific and unflinching, and yet I could not look away.
Monstrilio—Gerardo Sámano Córdova
Monstrilio has forever changed my perception of grief. This book was so weird and full of heart. I laughed, I cried, I turned my nose up in disgust. I loved every minute of the wild ride and can’t wait to re-read it. (Also, Guillermo del Toro, I beg of you, please adapt this for film.)
Tender is the Flesh—Agustina Bazterrica
This book is not for the faint of heart (or weak in stomach). In a future where animal meat cannot be consumed, humans have resorted to farming other human beings for meat. Horrific? Absolutely. It’s been months since I read this one and I STILL think about it all the time.
Rouge—Mona Awad
My friends love to make fun of me because every time I recommend a Mona Awad book I’m quick to add, “You know, my favorite author”. But Awad just doesn’t miss in my book! Rouge is a fantastical and dark exploration into the sinister side of the beauty industry. This book makes for fantastic book club discussions (and bonus, Tom Cruise).
Nonfiction
Gory Details—Erika Engelhaupt
This first one is for all my macabre girlies. If you loved Stiff by Mary Roach, you will love Gory Details. This book covered everything from the Nutshell Studies (dollhouse murder scenes) to mysterious feet washing up in Washington. I couldn’t get enough of this one.
The House of My Mother—Shari Franke
This was a HEAVY read, but I am so glad that Shari is taking control of the narrative told about her. I remember when the Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt news was everywhere (and being from Utah, this case hit home in a lot of ways). A necessary and important memoir. I’m glad it’s getting so much recognition.
The Anxious Generation—Jonathan Haidt
Every parent should read this book! I found this one super fascinating both to consider how I will approach technology with my own kids, but also to see how technology has affected me and my upbringing. Highly recommend.
Short Stories
Things We Lost in the Fire—Mariana Enríquez
These stories are deliciously dark. This was my introduction to Enríquez’s writing, but I loved how she explored Argentina’s history with horror and heart. My favorite stories from this collection were “An Invocation of a Big-Eared Runt”, “Spiderweb”, “Under the Black Water”, and the titular story, “Things We Lost in the Fire”.
Never Have I Ever—Isabel Yap
Yap is a Filipino writer whose speculative stories often straddle the line between horror and sci-fi. I especially loved the folklore she combined into her work. Some of my favorite stories from this collection were “Good Girls”, “Milagroso”, “Syringe”, “Asphalt, River, Mother, Child”, and “How to Swallow the Moon”.
Get in Trouble—Kelly Link
I love the surreal, fantastical world of Link’s short stories. They’re full of whimsy and depth and leave me pondering her words for weeks. Some of my favorite stories from this collection were “The Summer People”, “Secret Identity”, and “Two Houses”.
And that’s my best of 2025! What books stood out to you? What was your favorite read of the year?
Here’s to 2026. Happy reading, friends!
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