My Favorite Books That I Think You Should Take on Your Next Vacation
In this episode, I’m sharing the best books I read in 2025, including my favorite fiction and nonfiction picks. These are the stories I couldn’t stop thinking about, from easy feel-good reads to books that really shifted my perspective. If you’re planning your next trip or just want a great book to bring along, this list is a great place to start.
There’s just something about pairing a good book with a slower trip. Whether that’s a beach vacation, a cozy cabin weekend, or even just a quiet night at home.
I read a lot this past year (mostly audiobooks, but many of these would be just as good in print), and narrowing it down wasn’t easy. But these are the ones that truly stood out! These are the books I kept thinking about long after I finished them.
I’ve broken this into two sections:
5 favorite fiction books
4 favorite nonfiction books
If you’re looking for your next read, start here.
Favorite Fiction Books of 2025
1. Project Hail Mary — My #1 pick
If you only read one book from this list, make it this one.
This story completely pulled me in! It’s the kind of book where you:
fall in love with the characters
feel smarter while reading it
and don’t want it to end!!!
It’s sci-fi, but in a very approachable way. The science is explained so clearly that you feel like you could survive space travel yourself.
Why I loved it:
Heartwarming + surprisingly emotional
Fascinating science without being overwhelming
One of the most memorable character dynamics I’ve ever read
2. Wild Dark Shore — Atmospheric + emotional
This one totally surprised me.
Set on a remote sub-Antarctic island, the story follows:
a father and his children living in isolation
a mysterious woman searching for her husband
and a lot of unanswered questions
Expect:
Suspense + mystery
Deep emotional layers
A setting that feels almost haunting
It’s heavier than most on this list, but beautifully written and incredibly unique.
3. Great Big Beautiful Life — Light, fun, and easy to love
If you want a classic feel-good beach read, this is it.
Emily Henry always delivers:
lovable characters
a bit of romance
just enough depth to keep it interesting
Why I loved it:
Predictable in the best way
Easy to read on vacation
A perfect break between heavier books
4. Emma M Lion series — Bingeworthy!!!
This series absolutely lives up to the hype! It follows Emma, an orphan who inherits a home in London, and unfolds through journal-style entries, which makes it feel incredibly personal.
What makes it special:
8-book series (yes it’s a commitment, but it flies by and is so worth it)
Beautiful character development
Cozy, immersive storytelling
You’ll get completely invested. This is the kind of series you rush back to your hotel room for.
5. The Frozen River — Historical mystery done right
This one flew under my radar, and ended up being such a standout. Set in 1789 Maine, it follows a midwife named Martha Ballard as she navigates a suspicious death, small-town dynamics, and life in a male-dominated world
Why I loved it:
Strong female lead
Compelling mystery
Rich historical detail
Don’t judge this one by the cover! It’s so much better than it looks.
Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2025
1. The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning — Odd concept, surprisingly impactful
This one sounds… a little strange at first. But it’s actually about decluttering your life, organizing your belongings, and making things easier for your family someday.
Takeaways:
It’s not morbid! It’s practical and thoughtful
You can start at any age
It’s actually kind of freeing
Perfect for a short, meaningful listen.
2. Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery — Fascinating real-life story
This memoir follows astronaut Scott Kelly and his record-breaking 340 days in space.
What you’ll get:
Behind-the-scenes look at life on the International Space Station
Stories of risk, discipline, and resilience
A really inspiring life journey
It’s one of those books that makes you go, “Wow, humans are incredible.”
3. Everything Is Tuberculosis — Unexpectedly interesting
This book takes a topic that sounds… not that exciting, and makes it completely fascinating.
John Green explores:
Why tuberculosis is still a global issue
How inequality plays a role
The human stories behind it
Why it works:
Easy to read
Thought-provoking
Surprisingly engaging
4. Let Them — Simple idea, powerful mindset shift
This one has gotten a lot of attention, and it deserves it.
The concept is simple:
Let them do what they’re going to do
Focus instead on what you can control
Why it stands out:
Immediately applicable
Helps you let go of unnecessary stress
Shifts your focus back to yourself
It’s one of those books that sticks with you and actually changes how you think.