I originally started making this list as a holiday gift guide, but time got away from me. Instead, I figured this would be perfect for those setting a New Year’s goal to read more. The start of a new year always brings fresh ambitions, and if one of yours is to read more books, I hope this list helps you find your next great read!
While this post is focused on book recommendations, I also want to mention that I bought a Kobo Libra Color, and it’s been a game-changer for my reading habits. If you’re looking for a non-Amazon eReader, I highly recommend checking out my review. Having a great eReader has helped me read so much more!
Book 1: The One for Everyone – The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
If I had to recommend just one book to anyone, it would be The Life We Bury. This mystery-thriller follows college student Joe Talbert and Detective Max Rupert, two characters who appear throughout Eskens’ expanding literary world. It’s a gripping introduction to the genre, and if you enjoy it, you’ll have plenty of books to follow up with.
I first discovered this book because my library recommended it, and it has since become one that even my non-reading friends and family have loved. If you’re looking for a compelling, accessible read, this is a great place to start.
Book 2: For Sci-Fi Fans, 80s Kids, and Pop Culture Nerds – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Few books have ever gripped me so much that I finished them in a single day, but Ready Player One was one of them. If you love video games, Dungeons & Dragons, or 80s pop culture, this book is packed with references and Easter eggs that will make you smile.
The story follows Wade Watts as he competes in a high-stakes virtual treasure hunt inside a dystopian future’s most popular game, The Oasis. The audiobook, narrated by Wil Wheaton, is also fantastic. A friend recommended this to me, and I’m so glad they did!
Book 3: For Horror Fans – William by Mason Coile
Horror is one of my favorite movie genres, but I hadn’t read much of it until I made an effort to focus on horror books last October. One of my favorites from 2024 was William, a unique twist on the haunted house genre that replaces ghosts with AI and robotics as the eerie force in the story.
While the book is undeniably creepy, it’s not a gorefest, making it a great choice for readers new to horror. It also hit at the right time for me, as I was diving into learning more about AI. I first noticed this book’s cover on Threads, added it to my TBR, and I’m so glad I did!
Book 4: For Business & Professional Growth – Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni
One of the reasons I got back into reading was for continuous learning, particularly for career growth. If you’ve ever suffered through ineffective meetings (who hasn’t?), Death by Meeting is a fascinating read that presents business lessons in the form of a fable.
This book follows a company owner navigating a merger and learning how to improve his meetings. While no business book is a silver bullet, this one provides valuable insights on structuring meetings to be engaging and productive. I first read it on a former boss’s recommendation, and it’s one I frequently suggest to colleagues.
Book 5: A Classic Worth Revisiting – The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
I’ve gone through phases in my life where I’ve heavily focused on classics, mostly because they seemed like the books that “smart” people discussed. While I don’t think classics are for everyone, some still hold up beautifully today.
Normally, I’d recommend something by Kurt Vonnegut (one of my favorite authors), but instead, I’m going with The Sun Also Rises. I first read this in my early twenties, and it actually inspired me to start writing. Though I never finished any major projects, it helped fuel my love for literature. I’d love for others to pick this up and come back to discuss it with me as I plan on rereading this in 2025!
Book 6: For Indie Readers – The Number Room by Josiah Furcinitti
One of my 2025 reading goals is to explore more indie books, especially in horror. There are so many hidden gems in the indie scene, and I want to highlight more of them.
A great place to start is The Number Room, an eerie novella about an inheritance with a disturbing twist. I wrote a full review on this book, which you can find here. Since it’s a quick read, it’s perfect for getting out of a reading slump or squeezing in between longer books.
Final Thoughts & My 2025 Reading Goal
I know this isn’t a perfect list, but these are books I genuinely enjoyed and hope they help you find your next great read. My goal for 2025 is to read 50 books, and I’d love to hear yours!
Are you setting any reading goals this year? Do you have any book recommendations—especially indie books? Let me know in the comments!
I’m also planning to put out more book-related content throughout 2025, so if there’s anything specific you’d like to see, feel free to reach out.
Cole Talks Books 
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