It’s a new year, and that means it’s time for a new bucket list of books! This is the fifth year I’ve posted a book list on a Life on a Dime, and one of my favorite posts to create. This post contains a short list of books to read in 2025.
In past years I’ve gone back and edited the post once I’ve completed or changed my mind about a book. I plan to do that again, but this year I’m adding something new; a list of ALL the books I read the previous year.
Speaking of the previous year; I’ve updated Four Books I Plan to Read with notes on each book since I managed to read them all the year they were listed for the first time in the history of this book list! A few books from last year have made the new and updated Books I Love: Recommended Reading list.
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I also plan to buy an e-reader in 2025 so I no longer have to read ebooks from my local library on my phone.
books to read in 2025
If you’ve followed a Life on a Dime for very long you may already know that I am quite a bookworm. The five books listed here are not the only books on my list to read this year. These are mostly books that I want to read for educational or devotional purposes and have made it a priority to read.
BOOK TO READ #1: START WITH HELLO (and other simple ways to live as neighbors) BY SHANNAN mARTIN
I’ve actually already started this book. It is included on the United Women in Faith Reading Program for 2025. I was able to find the ebook on Hoopla. I also noticed another title or two of hers I may check out this year as well.
***UPDATE*** I finished this one. It took longer since ebooks on my phone tire my eyes out, but it is a good one. It definitely gave me some things to think about.
FORGIVING WHAT YOU CAN’T FORGET BY LYSA TERKEURST
This one’s been on my radar for a few years now, and they have two copies at my library. This year I’m committing myself to finally check it out and read it.
***UPDATE*** I did NOT finish this one; I really (thankfully) could not relate to the author at all. I’ve read other titles of hers and was impressed, but this one just wasn’t for me. But, if you’ve ever felt a sharp betrayal, such as infidelity this book might be for you.
sAVING GRACE LEADER & STUDY GUIDES
Fun fact, I also facilitated a financial wellness class at my church last January. You’ll also see this one on the list of books I read in 2024. I am rereading it because I will co-facilitate the class in March as a Wednesday night study with our pastor.
I’m excited to do this study again. Budgets are my jam and I love to talk about them. I count them as one book for simplicity’s sake.
***UPDATE*** This class ended up being canceled. People in our congregation just aren’t comfortable talking about money. I did enjoy the lessons I did make it back through though, and seeing how my answers have changed since the last time I prepared for this study.
A RIGHT WORTHY WOMAN BY RUTH P WATSON
This is another UWF Reading Program book. I am pretty excited about this one. It’s a novel based on a true story about the first Black woman to establish and preside over a bank in the US. I found this one on Libby!
***UPDATE*** I finished this one as well! It was hard to put down. This woman had one heck of a story. She was the definition of a trailblazer. I highly recommend this one.
THE YEAR OF LESS: HOW I STOPPED SHOPPING, GAVE AWAY MY BELONGINGS, AND DISCOVERED LIFE IS WORTH MORE THAN ANYTHING YOU CAN BUY IN A STORE BY CAIT FLANDERS
Because any list of mine would be incomplete without something about minimalism. I have a hold placed on this one. It was on Libby as well. It’s also just $1.00 on Kindle, so if I get impatient, I don’t mind paying that price. If you prefer audiobooks it is also available on audible.
***UPDATE*** I finished this one! I couldn’t exactly relate to her motivations for Minimalism, but if I were single, I would probably use my newfound freedom from stuff and things to travel as well. It was a very interesting read.
books read in 2024
- In This Mountain
- At Your Best
- Shepherds Abiding
- Saving Grace Leader & Study Guides
- Light From Heaven
- The Time Traveler’s Wife
- The 1619 Project
- Home to Holly Springs
- Love & Respect
- Defiant Joy
- All That She Carried
- Unclutter Your Soul
- Things That Matter
- Unfu*k Yourself
- Joykeeper
- Bad Girls of the Bible
- Just for the Summer
- Percy Jackson and the Chalice of the Gods
- The Nightingale
- Yours Truly
- The Witness Blanket
- The Book Woman’s Daughter
- The Midnight Library
- The Idea of You
- My Body is Not a Prayer Request
I read a total of thirty-one books in 2024 from several different genres. Some titles are from the Father Tim series by Jan Karon. My mother read these books. I started the series in 2023 and have now read most of the series. I do plan to read them all, I am just in no hurry to do so.
Yes, there’s a Hallmark movie, and no I haven’t seen it. Some books I read last year simply because I remembered liking the movie and assumed the book would be even better. Some I read because I heard there was a movie coming out, and once again… the book is usually better.
I also like to read books from the United Women in Faith Reading program. A few books came from that list. I also managed to work through my to-be-read pile of gifted books. Most of those were devotionals.
I love the Percy Jackson series, so of course I started reading the senior year series. There are a few other seemingly random titles in there; they are mostly random books I found at thrift stores. I love a good thrifted book; if I don’t like it or don’t plan to reread it, I have no qualms about donating it right back when I’m finished.
happy new year & happy reading!
What books are you excited to read this year? I’m always open to suggestions. That wraps up my annual book list, so I’m off to read now! See you in the next post.