Remarkable Books: My 5-Star Picks of the Year

This year has been a record-breaker for me—156 books read, with 25 earning a perfect 5-star rating. Hours spent researching new releases, rediscovering classics, following recommendations, and tackling my ever-growing TBR list paid off with an incredible collection of memorable reads. These are the ones that will stay with me. I rate and do a quick review, on Instagram, as soon as I finish a book. If you track your reading too, let’s connect on Goodreads, Storygraph or follow me on Instagram at TheOriginalSewfrench to make 2025 just as remarkable.

Did any books stand out for you this year?

The Women

Having only known about the Vietnam War from the evening news, I deeply appreciated the chance to explore it through the eyes of women who lived it.This book doesn’t just tell a compelling story with richly developed characters—it also sheds light on the struggles these women faced upon returning home, fighting for recognition in a society that often overlooked their contributions. It’s a powerful reminder of their strength, resilience, and the importance of honoring their sacrifices. Highly recommended!

James

The beautiful written, sly, response to Samuel Clemens’ Huck Finn, from the point of view of Jim, the escaped slave, who says Twain “told the truth, mainly.” You don’t have to read Huckleberry Finn, it was still one of the 10 most challenged books in the country for racial insensitivity, to appreciate how we have never really got over the shackles of slavery.
My guess is that this book will make some very thin skinned people uncomfortable and will be banned. That means it’s required reading and an important one.

Sandwich

I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more. Family, parenting, love, Cape Cod and the underestimated smell of being on the beach that brings both clarity and relaxation. Sandwich is a wonderful representation of how families live – love – disagree and how they endure. Marriages, aging parents, children who grow to find their own love and the complicated dance of a marriage between two that ebbs and flows over the course of several decades. There is no sweeter story than that of family – and with that comes all the heartaches and tribulations – and culminates with love.

One Summer in Savannah

In this debut novel, Sara, flees her hometown at 18 after a sexual assault left her pregnant, determined to protect her child.Eight years later, she returns and then the story really starts. A perfect mix of strong characters and interesting social dialogue. This will be one of my top books of the year!

Nuclear War

Non-fiction minute by minute account of what comes next from the time a launch occurs. Decisions need to be made in six minutes. Dark, fast paced and scary. A true horror story.

The Immense World

This fascinating book in animal science completely shifted my perspective. It explores how we’ve long tried to understand animals by projecting our human experiences onto them—a flawed approach, as scientists now recognize. Through the concept of Umwelt, it reveals how to truly grasp animal behavior by seeing the world from their unique point of view. It’s groundbreaking and eye-opening! Did you know I love science reads?!!!

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

Lisa See has done it again! novels are a delight to read with the captivating human element combined with impeccable cultural details and attention to historical accuracy. China, 1469, an 8yr old in a time of bound feet, arranged marriages and concubines grows up to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps to become a successful doctor living into old age. The best kinds of books are those based on true stories of which this is one!

The Anxious Generation

It’s hard for me to think of a single person that would not benefit from reading this book.Especially parents. I can’t stress it enough. This could turn out to be not only my favorite book of the year but also the most important one for the future of our families.

Cheers to the next great reads!