TWC’s Favorite Reads of 2025
Among the things we’re grateful for at the end of 2025—including you!—is the prospect of an extra-long holiday break, perfect for diving into the books we’ve been meaning to get to all year (and perhaps a few new ones). If you’re looking for additions to your own reading list, the collection that follows may provide some inspiration.
As with previous installments, TWC’s favorite reads of 2025 includes works old and new, in a variety of genres and moods. Here’s a sampling:
Heart the Lover, by Lily King
“An exquisite look at how college friendship and romance can shape the rest of our lives. We are fortunate to see a lot of Lily King here in Portland, Maine and this beautifully written, carefully plotted novel made me even more appreciative of her talents.” —Michaela, executive editor and partner
Life, by Keith Richards
“Best rock star autobiography ever. Gossip? Plenty. But my favorite parts recount the creative process as the early Stones went from covering blues to writing their own songs.” —Max, writer
Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
“I couldn’t put down this thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that explores gender identity, love and trauma by interweaving the perspectives of its two main characters.” —Lauren, director of operations
The Water Margin: Outlaws of the Marsh, attributed to Shi Nai'an
“A classic of Chinese literature, this 2,000-page page-turner puts Robin Hood in the shade.” —Doug, copy editor
The Towers of Trebizond, by Rose Macaulay
“I’m a sucker for biting mid-century British humor, and Macaulay doesn’t disappoint. The book follows (and lambastes the follies of) a group of English travelers as they make their way through Turkey writing amateurish travel books, avoiding Billy Graham and sneaking into the Soviet Union.” —Austin, senior editor
Check out the full list of our 2025 favorites here. And please hit reply and let us know what you read this year—a magazine article, a subway ad, a weighty work of history or something much lighter—that has stuck with you.
Thank you for being part of our community! We wish you and yours all the best this holiday season.
Your friends at The Writing Company