In the final episode of the year, I'm reflecting on my reading (in general), sharing my top 10 favourite reads of 2025, as well as five books that didn't quite work for me. None of these are ranked in any particular order as I talk through them, until we reach the read I loved the most, a novel I feel has been ignored by many and is massively underrated.

It's been a year of highs and lows, with numerous books that captured my attention and reminded me why I love reading so much. At the same time, there were a handful of reads that served as a reminder of how much I wish I had allowed myself to DNF more often instead of pushing through when they were clearly not the book for me.

Now is a time of reflection, and over the last few weeks, I've spent some time looking ahead to 2026 and reflecting on how my relationship with reading is changing. Rather than setting a long list of strict reading goals, I am approaching the new year with a much gentler mindset. I want 2026 to be a year focused on enjoyment, flexibility and living in the moment where books are concerned, without feeling the need to plan every reading decision down to the smallest detail.

So, take a seat, pour yourself something to toast with, and enjoy the last episode of 2025...

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