Books That Made 2024: Our Favorite Reads & How They Can Inspire Your 2025 Reading Routine!

As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the books that made this year a little brighter, a little more insightful, and a lot more inspiring. Some were old favorites, some were brand new discoveries, but all of them had one thing in common: they gave us the fuel to create better habits, think more deeply, and, of course, enjoy reading!

If you’re thinking about making reading a bigger part of your life in 2025 (and we highly recommend you do!), why not start by diving into some of the gems we discovered this year? Whether you're into historical fiction, self-help, memoirs, or psychological thrillers, there’s something here for everyone. So settle into your favorite reading spot, and let’s take a look back at some of the books that made 2024 unforgettable!

1. "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah (Old but Powerful)

If you haven’t read The Nightingale yet, what are you waiting for? This beautifully written historical fiction novel about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France is a heartbreaking yet inspiring tale of love, courage, and survival. It’s a book that sticks with you long after you close the cover, and in 2024, it reminded us of the quiet strength we all have in the face of adversity.

2025 Inspiration: Sometimes, the best way to start a new year is by diving into a deeply moving story that reminds you of the power of resilience. Make it a goal to read at least one historical fiction book in 2025 that transports you to another time and place.

2. "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig (A Must-Read for Self-Reflection)

This book was like a cozy conversation with a friend who just happens to be very wise. It follows Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a magical library where each book offers her a glimpse into a different version of her life. It’s a beautiful exploration of choices, regrets, and second chances—perfect for anyone looking to reflect on their own life and find new ways to move forward.

2025 Inspiration: Want to start the year with a fresh perspective? Pick up The Midnight Library and let it inspire you to think about your life’s possibilities and embrace change. This could be the perfect way to motivate your new reading routine!

3. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (The Ultimate Guide to Making Change Stick)

If you’ve ever struggled with building new habits (and who hasn’t?), then Atomic Habits is a must-read. James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation in a simple, actionable way that will leave you feeling motivated to make small, incremental changes that add up over time. We found it to be a game-changer for personal growth and productivity in 2024.

2025 Inspiration: Kick off your reading routine in 2025 with something that actually helps you build a reading habit! Use the principles from Atomic Habits to create a daily reading ritual—start small, but let it grow! 

4. "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid (A Glamorous, Gripping Read)

This one needs no introduction, and it’s still a favorite in 2024. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a spellbinding tale about an aging Hollywood star revealing the secrets of her past—and the seven marriages that defined her life. It’s a perfect blend of drama, romance, and mystery, with some seriously thought-provoking themes about identity and sacrifice.

2025 Inspiration: This book will remind you that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that have a little bit of everything. If you want to add some thrill to your reading list in 2025, dive into novels with complex characters and unexpected twists!

5. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak (Timeless Classic)

A book that we all read once but kept coming back to in 2024. The Book Thief is set during World War II and is narrated by Death, which sounds dark, but trust us—it’s anything but. It’s a story about the power of books and stories to survive even in the worst of times. Beautiful, tragic, and filled with lessons about the resilience of the human spirit, it’s one of those reads that stays with you forever.

2025 Inspiration: If you’re going to make reading a habit in 2025, why not choose books that have lasting impact? The Book Thief will inspire you to pick up books that not only entertain but also make you think more deeply about life, loss, and hope.

6. "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch (Life Lessons, Straight from the Heart)

Written by a professor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, The Last Lecture is an inspiring book about the importance of chasing your dreams and living fully, no matter the obstacles. It’s filled with wisdom, humor, and real-life lessons that made us stop and think about what truly matters.

2025 Inspiration: If you’re setting new goals for the year, start with a book that challenges you to think big. Let The Last Lecture inspire you to focus on what’s important and pursue your passions—reading included!

7. "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus (A Quirky, Empowering Read)

In 2024, this debut novel made waves for its sharp humor and empowering story of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist in the 1960s who becomes an unlikely TV cooking show host. It’s a delightful, feminist read with a perfect balance of humor and heart, and it will make you root for Elizabeth in every single chapter.

2025 Inspiration: If you want to read more in 2025, pick up books that feel like a breath of fresh air. Lessons in Chemistry is quirky, fun, and inspiring—a reminder to make space for joy and laughter in your routine.

8. "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese (A Sweeping Family Saga)

Abraham Verghese’s The Covenant of Water is a stunning and deeply emotional story that spans generations of a family living in India. With lush descriptions, rich cultural details, and compelling characters, it’s a book that feels like an epic journey. If you’re in the mood for a long, immersive read, this one will keep you hooked.

2025 Inspiration: Dive into a book that lets you escape into another world. Whether it’s a sweeping family saga or a historical epic, make 2025 the year you read more books that take you on unforgettable journeys.

9. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie (A Classic for Personal Growth)

It might be decades old, but How to Win Friends and Influence People is still one of the best books on building relationships and improving communication. If you want to improve your personal and professional connections, this book is a timeless guide to understanding people and making lasting, meaningful connections.

2025 Inspiration: Set a reading goal that involves personal development! This classic will inspire you to develop communication skills that can change your life and boost your confidence in 2025.

10. "Let Them" by Mel Robbins (A No-Nonsense Motivational Read)

Let Them is all about giving yourself permission to let go of others’ opinions and live your life on your own terms. Mel Robbins delivers a punchy, empowering message that makes you want to start fresh and stop worrying about what others think. It’s motivational with a healthy dose of tough love.

2025 Inspiration: If you want to break free from negativity and start living your best life in 2025, this book is the perfect companion to help you build confidence and embrace your true self.

11. "The Perfect Marriage" by Jeneva Rose (Psychological Thriller Alert)

This thriller about a seemingly perfect marriage that hides dark secrets kept us on the edge of our seats all year. If you love psychological suspense, this one is a must-read! It’s twisty, intense, and has an ending that will leave you reeling.

2025 Inspiration: If you’re into thrillers or mysteries, make 2025 the year of page-turners! The Perfect Marriage will remind you that a gripping plot can be the best motivation to keep reading, one chapter at a time.

12. "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden (A Gripping Domestic Thriller)

This twisty thriller about a woman who becomes a housemaid for a wealthy family takes unexpected turns at every corner. If you’re into dark psychological drama with shocking twists, this one is a wild ride.

2025 Inspiration: Thrillers are a great way to dive into quick, addictive reads. Challenge yourself to tackle a mystery or thriller every month and see how quickly you can build your reading habit in 2025!

Ready to Read More in 2025?

We’ve shared some of our favorite reads from 2024, and now it’s your turn to build your own list! Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming fiction, motivational self-help, or spine-tingling thrillers, 2025 is the perfect year to make reading a bigger part of your daily routine. 

And, taking a page straight out of Atomic Habits, one of our favorite ways to ensure that we get our reading in for the day is to habit stack and read while we wear our Powerful Beauty Products red light therapy mask. We wash our faces, settle into our favorite spot, secure our mask, and set our LED timer, ensuring that we always get at least 10 minutes of reading each day. Start small, experiment with new genres and routines, and let your reading habits evolve as the year goes on.

Here’s to a year full of great books and even greater moments of inspiration. ?✨

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