Books That Make You Podcast - S:6 E:55 | Discover the Top 15 Books to Add to Your 2025 To-Be-Read List from Books That Make You

S:6 E:55 | Discover the Top 15 Books to Add to Your 2025 To-Be-Read List from Books That Make You

12/29/24 • 18 min

Ready to refresh your To-Be-Read list for 2025? In this episode of Books That Make You, we explore 15 remarkable titles that will inspire, captivate, and entertain in the coming year. Whether you're into gripping dystopias like Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping, heartfelt memoirs like Terence Ang’s The Boy and The Man, or thrilling mysteries like Sara Winokur’s Ivory Bones, there’s something here for everyone.

For fans of the fantastical, Crossroads of Awakening Memory by M.D. House promises an epic journey, while Octavia Butler’s timeless classic Parable of the Sower offers a thought-provoking look at a dystopian future. Dive into speculative fiction with Saving KC by Grinnell “Buzz” Desjarlais, or laugh and learn with the playful Snoodles in Space: Episode 2 by Steven Joseph.

From Stephen King’s chilling Never Flinch to Kaitlyn E. Kenealy’s transformative Healing is Messy AF, these books cover an incredible range of genres and themes. Don’t miss From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond by Chester L. Richards for a behind-the-scenes memoir, or Kaleidoscope of Secrets by Sandy Clements for a suspenseful thriller.

What will you add to your list? Find your next favorite read today!

Previous Episode

S:6 E:54 | How Kieren-Paul-Brown’s Challenges Identity Norms In A Provocative Literary Journey

Kieren-Paul-Brown is rewriting the rules of storytelling with his novel N-Word, a daring narrative intertwining historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and modern-day social critique. Meet Antonia, an 85-year-old white woman reincarnated as Cara, a young Black social media influencer. The story spans two timelines: the civil rights movement of the 1950s and Cara's tumultuous world in 2024, blending themes of love, identity, and reincarnation.

In this conversation, Kieren discusses the inspiration behind the book, his bold choice to write from a female perspective, and how his experiences as a British man observing American culture shaped the story. From spirituality and the sacred feminine to his critique of race as a social construct, Kieren dives deep into what makes N-Word a must-read.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion that challenges norms and encourages empathy.

Next Episode

S:6 E:57 Sandy Clements Reveals the Secrets Behind Kaleidoscope of Secrets

Step into the gripping world of Kaleidoscope of Secrets with author Sandy Clements. In this stimulating interview, Sandy shares the inspiration behind her novel—a fast-paced story of family secrets, a smuggling operation hidden beneath an antique business, and the moral dilemmas faced by the reluctant protagonist, Mia.

Learn how Sandy weaves complex family dynamics, suspenseful twists, and a race-against-the-clock plot into an unforgettable thriller. Discover her creative process, from blending personal experiences with fictional drama to crafting relationships that feel real and relatable.

If you’re curious about writing mysteries or love books that keep you turning the pages, this conversation is for you.