Favorite Books 2025

The year of 2025 was not a great one for reading - I did not get through a whole lot of books. That said, I do have a couple of favorites to share.

Katalin Kariko. Breaking Through: My Life in Science

I am not usually a big reader of autobiographies, but this one - I loved from beginning to end. Katalin Kariko won a Nobel Prize in 2023 for mRNA therapy research that was instrumental in developing Covid vaccine (and mRNA therapy is currently being explored in a wide variety of therapeutic areas, including cancer and rare metabolic diseases).

The book provided an interesting perspective on a very strong-willed scientist with outstanding work ethic. It was not self-cenetered and told the story of scientific discovery in a way that was accessible but not dumbed down.

I spent so many years doing research in a lab - everything she wrote rang true and familiar. The science was honest. The amount of work and perserverence it takes to do solid science is true.

Herve Le Tellier. The Anomaly

I loved this book. It was a good blend of science fiction and realism, with interesting characters and thorught-provoking themes (what is real? and does it matter?)

The ending was spectacular. 

If you've read these - let me know. Curious to hear your thoughts!

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Runner-ups: not as memorable, but there were a few additional books that I enjoyed.

Mike Herron. Slough House

Excellent book: well written, sarcastic, with characters that feel real and sympathetic even when they do dumb things.

(This one is part of a series and it makes sense to read them chronologically. So far, all the books have been good, but I can't read more than 1 or 2 at a time and need extended breaks. Too much sarcasm and human stupidity, I guess).

Emily Tesh. Some Desperate Glory

I stumbled on this book exactly at a perfect time. I needed sci-fi that was not too heavy but was thought-provoking and relatable. 

Plenty of tropes here - but the story was well done and one of the themes was close to my heart (realizing that your way of thinking and living, everything you've learned as true, all your values - have nothing to do with reality).

Kate Quinn The Briar Club

Well-written, full of interesting characters - this was such a nice read. I did not love it as much as "The Diamond Eye" or "The Huntress", but it was still a very good read.

Travis Baldree Legends and Lattes and also Bookshops & Bonedust

 I did not expect to like these books. (I usually stay clear of fantasy, or romance, or books marketed as "cozy"). And yet - this was exactly what I needed at a time when I was stressed out and all other books just felt like too much. Very enjoyable if you are burned out and need a break from life.