My Year in Books
This year, I read fewer books than I’d hoped—falling short of my reading goal—but that’s partly because I was fully immersed in V Immigratsii for publication. Between editing, drafting, and obsessing over every scene, my usual reading pace slowed.
Even so, I found myself lost in books that challenged, comforted, and entertained me.
Here are some of my favorites from 2025.
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
“Beautiful prose, strong characters, emotional depth.”
Beloved for a reason. Hannah’s exploration of mother-daughter relationships and family secrets is compelling, though my Leningrad background made me question some historical details.
Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White
“Honest, funny, sometimes hard to read.”
White balances humor and vulnerability in his memoir, offering insight into the man behind an iconic character.
Kantika by Elizabeth Graver
“Luminous multi-generational saga.”
A rare, enlightening novel about a Sephardic Jewish family. Graver’s writing is precise and elegant.
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom
“Inventive, refreshingly honest.”
Memoir and essays combine in unexpected ways—humor, insight, and self-reflection make it a unique read.
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
“Gentle, thoughtful, quiet charm.”
A slower, contemplative cat story with moments of beauty—perfect for patient readers and cat lovers alike.
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“Sharp satire, unforgettable characters.”
Akner’s writing is razor-sharp and devastatingly funny. A book that lingers.
Unlovable: A Memoir from the Voice of Savage Garden by Darren Hayes
“Painful, illuminating, honest.”
A memoir full of heartbreak and complexity, shared with raw vulnerability.
Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
“Entertaining and sharp.”
Ambitious and thoughtful, Akner explores modern relationships, identity, and the pressures of adult life with wit and insight.
Go On Pretending by Alina Adams
“Thoroughly researched and informative.”
History and investigation come alive in Adams’ hands, making nonfiction feel vivid and engaging.
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
“Twisty, entertaining, suspenseful.”
Not my favorite by Sager, but still a fun whodunit with suspenseful twists.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
“Heartfelt, elegant, intimate.”
Tyler captures family dynamics and human emotion with unmatched precision and sincerity.
Misophonia by Dana Vowinkel
“Favorite book of the year—eye-opening and thought-provoking.”
Translated from German, the novel raises questions I’d never considered and presents truths that resonate deeply.
Cammy Sitting Shiva by Cary Gitter
“Charming, light, and familiar.”
Bergen County references made this feel close to home. Accessible and entertaining.
Right Back at You by Carolyn Mackler
“Relatable and well-written for younger readers.”
A middle school read I shared with my kid, with important lessons delivered with humor and empathy.
I Wanted to Be Wonderful by Lihi Lapid
“Gutting, raw, deeply rewarding.”
Translated from Hebrew, this novel leans toward telling rather than showing—but its emotional weight is unforgettable.
Gone Before Goodbye by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon
“Underwhelming, overexplained, and too far-fetched.”
Too many unbelievable turns and heavy-handed explanations dull the impact—and the Russian stereotypes quickly wear thin. Three stars.