Books Read in 2025
Everything I read in 2025! It was a weird year for book selection. It was much more of a “cluster read” than a deliberate choice. But – serendipity felt good.
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$38.47America’s Hiking Trails is a lavishly illustrated celebration of more than 50,000 miles of America’s most iconic trails. The book takes the reader through forty-nine states and eight national parks, celebrating the forty most important trails in America. The author, Karen Berger, explores what makes a hiking trail “great” and “iconic” by describing the essence of what makes each national scenic trail unique. The book focuses on the three longest trails in the United States, known as the Triple Crown: The Appalachian Trail (~2,184 miles), the Pacific Crest Trail (~2,654 miles), and the Continental Divide Trail (~3,100 miles).
Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:- Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photography
- Engaging and eye-opening text
- Comprehensive coverage of iconic trails across the U.S.
- Useful information for planning hikes, including shorter options
- Highly recommended as a reference book
Cons:- Nothing - amazing book.
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04/16/2026 09:03 pm GMT -
Buy Now$17.00
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04/16/2026 09:03 pm GMT -
$10.65Buy NowPros:
- Accessible without being dumbed down — Cox makes complex ideas genuinely engaging
- The four-lens framework is practical and useful well beyond the examples in the book
- Even-handed tone treats the Bible as serious literature rather than a rulebook or a relic
Cons:- Feels light for readers who have already done work in this space (Armstrong, Ehrman, MacCulloch, Pagels)
- Doesn't go especially deep on any single text or tradition
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04/16/2026 11:51 am GMT -
$11.09Buy NowPros:
- Short, precise, and remarkably readable for a 1950s theology text
- The "ultimate concern" framework is genuinely useful whether you're religious or not
- Pairs perfectly with a broader cluster read on existentialism or mid-century thought
Cons:- Works better as part of a cluster read than as a standalone
- Niche enough that you'll have very few people to talk about it with
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04/16/2026 11:51 am GMT -
$12.99Buy NowPros:
- Accurately diagnoses political and social alienation in modern capitalist society
- Readable and well-structured for a philosophy book
- Insightful critique of how specialization limits civic participation
Cons:- Idealizes ancient Greek democracy while ignoring slavery and exclusion
- Assigns all value to labor, missing opportunities for better solutions
- Built on a historical foundation that never actually existed for most people
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04/16/2026 11:52 am GMT -
$12.88Buy NowPros:
- Brilliant "back out through time" framework makes complex neuroscience genuinely accessible
- Written by a real expert, not a science communicator — the depth shows on every page
- Dissolves the free will debate rather than picking a side, which is far more satisfying
Cons:- It's a long, note-taking kind of read — not a quick skim
- The layered brain science (neuroscience → cognitive science → psychology) can lose its thread without careful reading
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04/16/2026 11:52 am GMT -
Buy NowPros:- Ambitious dual-narrative structure shows Doyle experimenting
- Competent mystery with trademark plotting
- Free, well-formatted ebook readily available
Cons:- American setting lacks the atmospheric punch of other Holmes stories
- Two-part structure creates pacing issues
- Feels workmanlike compared to The Hound of the Baskervilles
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$12.61Buy NowPros:
- Best explanation of how consciousness emerges from neuroscience that I've found
- More accessible than Hofstadter's earlier work, especially Gödel, Escher, Bach
- More relevant than ever for understanding what AI can and can't replicate
Cons:- Several chapters are math-heavy and require serious re-reads
- Dense enough that full comprehension in one pass is unlikely for most readers
- Assumes some familiarity with cognitive science concepts to get the most out of it
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04/16/2026 11:53 am GMT -
$16.43Buy NowPros:
- Three genuinely original ideas that stay with you long after you finish
- Accessible to non-religious readers despite the theological framing
- Pairs well with Dynamics of Faith for a fuller picture of Tillich's system
Cons:- Dense and niche — not a casual read
- The "Ground of Being" concept remains frustratingly slippery even after multiple passes
- Hard to recommend to anyone not already interested in philosophy or theology
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04/16/2026 11:56 am GMT -
$12.16Buy NowPros:
- Accessible edition with helpful commentary and context for each saying
- Provides unique window into early Christianity and historical Jesus
- Shows mystical, teacher-focused perspective missing from canonical gospels
Cons:- Not comprehensive without knowledge of canonical gospels for comparison
- More valuable for history enthusiasts than casual readers
- Requires some interest in early Christianity to fully appreciate
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04/16/2026 11:56 am GMT -
$35.38Buy NowPros:
- Beautiful, large-scale photography that does justice to sacred sites
- Highlights cultural diversity within religious traditions rather than treating them as monolithic
- Perfect for tactile, screen-free browsing
Cons:- Limited historical or theological depth (by design)
- More visual survey than academic analysis
- Format constraints prevent extensive context
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04/16/2026 04:19 pm GMT -
$50.40Buy NowPros:
- Combines beautiful photography with substantive, well-researched text
- Features diverse trail selection beyond the usual famous trails, including hidden gems in small state parks
- Provides valuable conservation context about threatened tree species and ecosystems
Cons:- Expensive for a coffee table book—a significant purchase rather than impulse buy
- Inconsistent trail information (some entries have mileage and difficulty ratings, others don't)
- Poor organizational structure—not arranged geographically, by difficulty, or theme, making trip planning difficult
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04/16/2026 03:43 pm GMT -
Buy Now$49.99
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04/16/2026 03:43 pm GMT -
$12.79Buy NowPros:
- Signature lyrical prose and evocative descriptions of Algiers at their best
- Rare autobiographical intimacy not found in his fiction
- Fascinating political subtext from a man who fit no ideological camp
Cons:- Unfinished manuscript — loose threads and underdeveloped sections show
- Not a strong entry point for readers new to Camus
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04/16/2026 03:44 pm GMT -
$9.02Buy NowPros:
- Memoir structure makes dense philosophical history genuinely readable and personal
- Makes a compelling case that American Pragmatism quietly shapes everyday American culture
- Kaag is an exceptional writer — clear, earnest, and never condescending
Cons:- Kaag's earnestness can feel relentless if you're not already bought into the subject
- Light on context for readers with zero philosophy background
- The personal narrative occasionally overshadows the intellectual history
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04/16/2026 03:44 pm GMT -
$15.82Buy NowPros:
- Tackles personal philosophy and spirituality in an approachable, conversational way
- Wilson's passion for the project feels authentic, not celebrity-cash-grab
- Good entry point if you're new to his work and ideas
Cons:- Reads more like a transcribed podcast than a fully developed book
- The podcast or YouTube channel likely delivers the same content better in its native format
- Thin on substance for readers already familiar with these topics
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04/16/2026 03:44 pm GMT -
$19.11Buy NowPros:
- Even-handed, accessible tone — refreshingly free of the new atheist contempt
- Author's ex-Mormon background gives her genuine credibility across traditions
- Quick, breezy read worth grabbing on sale
Cons:- Takeaways are available in any decent blog post or podcast
- Not much here for readers already familiar with philosophy or religion
- Thin on specific arguments or frameworks to chew on
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04/16/2026 03:45 pm GMT -
$27.45Buy NowPros:
- Clear explanation of why hard tech requires more capital, labor, and expertise than software
- Interesting examples of how better technology can make current problems obsolete
- Fast read that provides genuine optimism about technological progress
Cons:- Spends too much time on author's background and accomplishments
- Reads at times like a VC fundraising pitch
- More suited for potential entrepreneurs/investors than general readers interested in technology
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04/16/2026 03:45 pm GMT -
$9.19Buy NowPros:
- The title essay is a masterclass in arguing a big idea — absurdism — through a myth almost everyone already knows
- "Summer in Algiers" and the other bonus essays are some of Camus's best and most lyrical writing
- Sparse, economical prose that names feelings precisely without overexplaining them
Cons:- None!
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04/16/2026 03:49 pm GMT -
$10.49Buy NowPros:
- Bill Bryson's travel writing is fun, entertaining, and educational.
- He explores hidden gems in England, going off the beaten tourist track.
- The personal and historical anecdotes are interesting and engaging.
- The book maintains a good pace without unnecessary diversions.
Cons:- The book is more crotchety and complain-y than usual.
- He skipped over the northern part of England, which was disappointing.
- I wish he had visited more ancient historical sites.
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04/16/2026 03:50 pm GMT -
Buy Now$19.99
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04/16/2026 03:50 pm GMT -
$4.99Buy NowPros:
- Camus' signature ability to evoke atmosphere and character with spare, precise language is already fully present
- A rewarding companion piece that deepens your appreciation for The Stranger
- Captures a uniquely specific emotional state — never present, always longing — with remarkable consistency
Cons:- Plot is looser and less purposeful than The Stranger
- Character lacks the depth and development of Meursault
- Reads more like a draft than a finished novel — because it essentially was one
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04/16/2026 03:50 pm GMT -
$30.93Buy NowPros:
- Comprehensive coverage of geology, ecology, and human history of the Cohuttas
- Lovely artwork and well-done formatting throughout
- Fills a major gap for a specialized field guide that didn't previously exist
Cons:- Small publisher production means pages and cover aren't as crisp as major publishers
- Limited appeal beyond those specifically interested in the Cohutta Wilderness
- Visible impacts from 2016 Rough Ridge Fire may affect some areas described
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04/16/2026 03:51 pm GMT -
$12.98Buy NowPros:
- Most current comprehensive guide for Georgia camping (Malloy's guides are 10+ years outdated)
- Clean Falcon Guides formatting makes comparing campgrounds easy
- Thorough coverage of Georgia's exceptional state park system
Cons:- Inadequate coverage of Army Corps of Engineers properties
- Missing many Forest Service campgrounds that deserve more attention
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04/16/2026 03:51 pm GMT -
$9.99Buy NowPros:
- Explores psychological depth through small, everyday moments
- Collection format provides concentrated Murakami without sprawl
- Captures modern isolation and urban disconnection perfectly
Cons:- Stories don't tie up neatly—frustrating if you want resolution
- Won't convert you if his detached style doesn't work for you
- Same polarizing qualities as all his work
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04/16/2026 03:51 pm GMT -
$10.99Buy NowPros:
- Authentic, lived-in portrayal of Appalachian culture without romanticization
- Strong narrative momentum with engaging plot alongside character depth
- Honest exploration of complex family dynamics, particularly father-daughter relationships
Cons:- None!
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04/16/2026 03:51 pm GMT -
$13.18Buy NowPros:
- Uses engaging travel narrative format to make history accessible and immediate
- Reveals the diverse, multiple foundings of America often skipped in traditional education
- Provides valuable context for understanding modern American regional differences and cultural tensions
Cons:- Denser and requires more attention than comparable travel histories by Bill Bryson
- Covers a lot of ground which can feel overwhelming at times
- Not as breezy or quick-reading as other books in the genre
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04/16/2026 03:52 pm GMT -
$9.99Buy NowPros:
- The four-quadrant framework is immediately useful and genuinely original
- The "whisper network" insight — that antimemes do spread, just quietly — is one of those ideas you can't unsee
- Short enough to finish in a sitting, substantive enough to stick around much longer
Cons:- Gets dense in the second half; rewards patience over speed
- Some concepts need more room to land than the book gives them
- Niche enough that readers without an existing interest in information theory may bounce early
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04/16/2026 03:52 pm GMT -
Download FreePros:
- Incredibly tight structure with no wasted space
- The dramatic irony still lands effectively
- Asks profound questions about intention, outcome, and guilt that remain relevant
Cons:- Loses power when read versus performed
- Minimal character development due to brevity
- Translation quality varies significantly and impacts the reading experience
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Download Free!Pros:
- Timeless themes about justice, duty, and civil disobedience remain relevant 2,400 years later
- Short and accessible read, easy to finish in an afternoon
- Forces readers to examine their own ethical boundaries and principles
Cons:- Greek tragedy style can feel stylized for modern readers
- Chorus passages may slow down the reading pace
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Buy Now$13.68
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04/16/2026 03:53 pm GMT -
$16.39Buy NowPros:
- Fast-paced and readable without sacrificing depth or research
- Covers the full human picture — personal costs, difficult choices, not just policy wins
- The central theme of long-game vision meeting a historical moment is genuinely inspiring
Cons:- Dense New Deal policy detail in the middle may disorient readers without background context
- Supporting cast of political characters can be hard to track
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04/16/2026 03:53 pm GMT -
$18.81Buy NowPros:
- Incredible writing with beautiful vocabulary and keen observations
- Perfect format for contemplative reading—short entries you can sit with
- Restorative and deeply meaningful without being preachy or over-earnest
Cons:- Takes longer to read than length suggests due to contemplative nature
- Limited criticism—hard to find significant flaws
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04/16/2026 03:54 pm GMT -
$16.91Buy NowPros:
- Well-written, fast-paced with solid data and arguments
- Focuses specifically on Democratic coalition strategy rather than vague appeals
- Self-aware authors willing to criticize their own political tribe
Cons:- Too dismissive of why regulatory constraints were created in the first place
- Optimistic about Democratic coalition-building without addressing recent failures
- Doesn't engage with conservative/libertarian abundance arguments
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04/16/2026 03:54 pm GMT -
Buy Now$8.94
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04/16/2026 03:54 pm GMT -
$14.27Buy NowPros:
- Most systematic and structured of the major Stoic texts
- Highly readable lecture format with clear philosophical progression
- Essential source material that grounds modern Stoic teachings
Cons:- Epictetus's personality can be harsh and unforgiving
- Assumes some familiarity with Stoic concepts
- Cultural context can be harder to parse than other classics
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04/16/2026 03:55 pm GMT -
$14.99Buy NowPros:
- Historical depth connecting past technologies (telegraph, telephone) to present anxieties
- Compelling central argument about how communication tools scale human cognitive biases
- Nuanced perspective that avoids simple "technology bad" narratives
Cons:- Can feel repetitive once the central metaphor is established
- Light on practical solutions or concrete guidance
- Limited actionable takeaways for readers wanting to address these issues
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04/16/2026 03:55 pm GMT -
Buy NowPros:
- Unique dual-narrative structure in Holmes canon
- Explores fascinating theme about globalization and distant consequences
- Available free on Standard Ebooks
Cons:- Jarring transition between the two stories
- Can be confusing on first read
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Download FreePros:
- Holmes drives the action throughout, unlike other novels where Watson takes center stage
- Minor characters like the Baker Street Irregulars and Toby the dog add depth to Holmes's world
- Free and easily accessible on Standard Ebooks
Cons:- Holmes naturally fits short stories better than novel-length narratives
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$15.84Buy NowPros:
- Concise and information-dense without the typical business book fluff
- Excellent explanation of owner financing and creative deal structures
- Makes physical business ownership accessible and less intimidating
Cons:- Necessarily broad; could use more deep-dive case studies on specific business types
- Limited discussion of alternatives when owner financing doesn't work out
- Touches on many businesses but doesn't dig deep into messy, specific operational challenges
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04/16/2026 03:56 pm GMT -
$14.13Buy NowPros:
- Remarkably detailed while still accessible to non-theologians
- Provides visceral sense of 1960s religious upheaval and the stakes involved
- Valuable time capsule of a failed reformation that shaped modern American religion and politics
Cons:- Extremely in the weeds with mid-century theological debates
- Assumes 1960s British church knowledge that modern readers don't have
- Limited appeal for readers not already interested in liberal Christianity's history
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04/16/2026 03:56 pm GMT -
$12.99Buy NowPros:
- Accessible theological writing that avoids academic jargon
- Explains how shared religious narratives empowered the Civil Rights Movement
- Shows how oppressed groups strategically used oppressors' texts against them
Cons:- Requires basic familiarity with Christian theology
- Not relevant unless interested in Civil Rights Movement or Black Protestant church
- Gets deep in the weeds at times, needs context to fully appreciate
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04/16/2026 03:56 pm GMT -
$12.99Buy NowPros:
- Beautiful prose in moments (descriptions of music, food, quiet connections)
- The central metaphor is aesthetically lovely
- May resonate with readers at different life stages
Cons:- Central metaphor is obvious from page one and endlessly rehashed
- Longest and slowest pacing in Murakami's catalog
- Lacks the ambiguity and tension that makes his best work compelling
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04/16/2026 03:57 pm GMT
