Book Reviews: Seven Favorite Reads from 2025
- Thomas
- 10 hours ago
- 12 min read
Reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary, experience grammar in use, and get comfortable with how English is actually used. To make that kind of input easier to find, I’m introducing a new Book Reviews column here on EWT.
In this column, I’ll share books I’ve read in English with a focus on how accessible, engaging, or interesting they may be for learners who want exposure to real, native-level English. And, while these aren’t “study books,” each one will be given a CEFR level to help guide you in choosing what to read.
To kick things off, below you'll find mini-reviews for seven of my favorite books that I read last year, in no particular order. Future posts will dive more deeply into individual titles. If you’d like to see older reviews or what I’m currently reading, you can also find me on Goodreads at this link.
My Seven Favorite Reads from 2025
They Both Die at the End
Author
Adam Silvera
Genre
Romance, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
Synopsis
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.
Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.
English level
≈C1 Advanced. This title features a lot of slang, idioms, and New York specific vocabulary that readers outside of the United States may find challenging.
Mini-Review
This book… oh man. Title be damned, I kept wishing to myself the entire time “I hope they don’t die” because I wanted so much for them. Knowing the outcome didn’t change my reaction. I cried.
I’ll be honest, initially I didn’t like the writing. For the first 5-6 chapters I felt like I was forcing myself to continue reading. The story kept changing from the main characters over to the side characters and it was frustrating me, but I pushed on. I’m glad I did. As the end started to unfold, I finally started to realize just how genius the writing was. I realize now that I likely didn’t like it simply because it was different, but different does not equal bad.
The author did a fantastic job of finding the characters' voices. You could easily feel the difference between the Mateo and Rufus chapters. They were genuinely unique characters and seeing how they grew together in their final day was incredible. I fell in love with the idea of them falling in love and seeing the way they connected in the end, only to have their lives immediately end right after. Ugh. Heartbreaking.
All in all, this was a well thought out, well executed story that is unique and captivating. The way they both changed and grew over the course of their final day. The way they tried so hard to take care of each other. The way they spoke about their impending doom. All of it. I loved it. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book.
Dark Matter
Author
Blake Crouch
Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Synopsis
A fascinating, mind-bending read. A dark and thrilling sci-fi novel about alternate realities and finding your way home.
Jason, is abducted while walking home one night. "Are you happy with your life?" are the last words he hears before his abductor knocks him unconscious. He finds himself waking up in a world that seems like his own, but it most certainly is not.
In this new world, his life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife and his son was never born. He's scared, confused, and dying to get back home.
English level
≈C2 Advanced. This title features a lot of scientific terms, idioms, and sci-fi specific vocabulary that readers unfamiliar with the genre or the science behind the story may find difficult to understand.
Mini-Review
This book was a very fun read for me. I enjoyed the storytelling here and the quick flowing conversations added intensity in certain moments that made it hard to put the book down. I enjoyed the science fiction aspect of the book and how the science was explained. It didn't feel like it was being dumbed down to help me understand, but it also didn't feel needlessly complex.
This book was a part of a book club I was in early last year. The general consensus on the book was positive. Everyone enjoyed it, but there was one issue. Blake Crouch tends to write his female characters with a hint of underling misogyny. It wasn't a glaring issue and we didn't feel like he was completely destroying the female characters, but it did feel obvious that they were intentionally 'weak' in many moments.
Overall, this was a great read and it inspired an in-depth conversation amongst the book club about female characters written by men. There is also a tv series on Apple TV that you can watch after you've finished reading the novel.
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I Wish You All the Best
Author
Mason Deaver
Genre
LGBTQ+, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis
When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
At times heartbreaking and joyous, I Wish You All the Best is both a celebration of life, friendship, and love, and a shining example of hope in the face of adversity.
English level
≈B1 Intermediate. This title features relatively simple grammar and is easy to understand at the intermediate level. Vocabulary is relatively easy, but some adjectives and adverbs may offer a bit of a challenge. Use of idioms is low, but not uncommon.
Mini-review
This book starts off heartbreaking and rage fueling because of Ben's parents. However, without spoiling the story, I will say that it grows to become a really cute and endearing story in the end. I loved the characters and getting an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a nonbinary character for the first time was amazing. I feel like I've got a newfound appreciation for LGBTQ+ community as a whole after reading this book.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy found family, coming of age, or romance stories. This book is a great mix of all of them.
The Haunting Between Us
Author
Paul Michael Winters
Genre
Horror, Romance, LGBTQ+
Synopsis
Cameron can’t believe the boy of his dreams just moved into the house of his nightmares.
Sixteen-year-old Cameron Walsh dreads the haunted Victorian mansion across the street, where the ghost of the White Lady roams the halls. When he sees her through the bay window, his ghost-hunting friend Abby wants to investigate. But then the new owners pull up, and Cameron is captivated by the brooding, handsome boy moving in. He longs for a boyfriend, but years of bullying have shattered his self-esteem.
Sixteen-year-old Hugo Cruz and his father flip old houses, moving often, fleeing from the grief at the loss of Hugo’s mother. They unknowingly move into the most haunted house in Port Townsend, Washington. From day one, Hugo encounters shadows that move by themselves, locked doors without keys, and hidden rooms. He hides the mysteries from his superstitious father, not wanting to uproot their lives.
When the White Lady becomes impossible to ignore, Hugo turns to Cameron to help uncover the house’s dark history. They soon form a bond that goes beyond friendship, but as their feelings deepen, the White Lady's wrath intensifies. Entangled in a web of sinister secrets, they risk not only their love but their very existence.
English level
≈B1 Intermediate. This title features easy to understand vocabulary and easy grammar making it perfectly suited for the B1 English level learner.
Mini-review
It was so cute! Something I did not expect to say about a horror novel :) The way the horror and romance were perfectly intertwined was perfect! I really loved all the twists and turns the story took and the way it ended… man… chefs kiss.
That being said, it is a fairly simply written story. It’s written at about a 8th grade level, but that’s part of what I loved about it. It didn’t overcomplicate itself and try too hard. The story was fun and easy to read making for a good page turner! Not every story needs an overly complex writing style and this is one of those. Certain things were a little bit expected and some were not. I never felt spoon fed information, but I also didn’t feel confused either. It was all perfectly balanced.
If you’re looking for a simple, fun read that will take your mind off of real life for a while, this is your book. I’m excited to read more from this author now!
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You've Found Oliver
Author
Dustin Thao
Genre
Romance, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
Synopsis
I’ve missed you every day since you left. But I’m sure you already knew that. It’s time to let you go now. I’ll miss you all the time, Sam.
It’s been a year since his best friend, Sam, died. Even though Oliver knows he won’t get a response, he can’t stop texting Sam’s number, especially as the anniversary of his death approaches.
Then one day he accidentally hits the call button, and someone picks up.
The voice on the other end isn’t Sam—Sam’s number was reassigned and a stranger has been reading Oliver’s private and vulnerable messages for months. But Ben, an astronomy student in Seattle, won’t remain a stranger for long.
When they finally meet in person, their spark is undeniable. Everything seems perfect until Oliver discovers something strange that could keep them from being together.
English level
≈B2 Intermediate. This title features vocabulary that is fairly easy to understand along with relatively simple grammar, but it occasionally explores scientific topics that may confuse some learners. Idiom usage is low and there isn't a heavy amount of slang. Overall, it's easy to understand for a B1 learner, if you don't include the few scientific discussions.
Mini-review
I have ADHD so it often takes me a few weeks to a few months to finish a book, no matter how interested in it I am. Not this one. I finished it in two days. A personal record. I think what drew me in so much was not knowing anything about it before starting. I didn’t read the synopsis or anything, so every single thing that happens was a surprise for me and I loved that. So this review will contain as little information about what happens as possible, just in case you haven’t read the synopsis yet.
Obviously, I really loved the book, but it’s not completely perfect. Though my one complaint is a simple one. I only found it odd how incredibly relaxed everyone in the book seemed about “the situation” that was occurring. Once they realized it was happening, they kind of just rolled with it. Once you know what "the situation" is, you'll understand why I felt confused. Finally, towards the end they started questioning it more and their reactions were a bit more realistic, but it was still odd nonetheless.
Aside from my one simple complaint, it was a fun read! I loved the romance and how they met. I loved all of the philosophical pondering Oliver does and the way science was incorporated into it without feeling too sci-fi.
Should you read this? Yes. Please. Do it!
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Icebreaker
Author
A. L. Graziadei
Genre
Romance, Sports, Young Adult, LGBTQ+
Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Mickey James III is a college freshman, a brother to five sisters, and a hockey legacy. With a father and a grandfather who have gone down in NHL history, Mickey is almost guaranteed the league's top draft spot.
The only person standing in his way is Jaysen Caulfield, a contender for the number 1 spot and Mickey's infuriating (and infuriatingly attractive) teammate. When rivalry turns to something more, Mickey will have to decide what he really wants, and what he's willing to risk for it.
This is a story about falling in love, finding your team (on and off the ice), and choosing your own path.
English level
≈B2 Intermediate. If you are familiar with hockey terms, this book may be a bit easier for you, however, this title features heavy hockey term and sports analogy usage that may be confusing at most levels for anyone unfamiliar with this sport. Aside from the sports terminology used, the general vocabulary and grammar are fairly easy, but there is some slang and idiom usage present throughout.
Mini-review
I took way too long to finish this book, but that's mostly because I really have no interest in hockey, so the book isn't entirely to blame here.
First off, the romance between Mickey and Jaysen is cute. I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and build over time, but I think that's all I really enjoyed about the book. Mickey was a bit frustrating through a lot of the story. I understand he's depressed and a teenager, but man sometimes the way he acted made me wish he were a real person so I could slap him. I will say, I do love the representation of depression in this book. I think A.L. Graziadei did great with it. Even if Mickey did frustrate me, I was able to relate to his depression a lot and I'm glad it was a part of the overall story.
Now as for the hockey stuff, if you enjoy hockey you will definitely enjoy this book. I've read other hockey love stories before (weirdly more common than I once realized) and what I liked about the others over this one is how hockey was just something the characters did, not the story itself. That was great for someone who doesn't like hokey like myself, but this book is the opposite of what those other stories were. This book focuses a lot on the hockey aspect of things and it left me feeling a little lost a lot of the time. Again, that's not the story's fault, or the writers either, I just don't think this was written for me.
I gave the book 4 stars because the writing is well done, the romance is cute and fun, and Mickey's representation of depression was solid. However, it's not 5 stars because Mickey himself is frustrating at times and, even with the hockey stuff aside, I sometimes struggled to maintain interest. It's a good book, but it's not perfect. I'd love to read more from this author though. I'm sure I would enjoy a story with a different focus more than this hockey focused one.
Should you read this? Yes. Even if you're not a hockey fan, just give it a try.
Local Woman Missing
Author
Mary Kubica
Genre
Mystery, Thriller
Synopsis
Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.
Now, 11 years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find....
English level
≈B1 Intermediate. This book features very basic sentence structures. It's grammar is fairly easy to understand, but some vocabulary might be confusing for anyone below the B1 English level.
Mini-Review
This book had me feeling... frustrated. I've copied the original review I posted on Goodreads back in February of 2025 and pasted it below for you.
Before you read it, you may ask yourself: why is he including this book in his recommendations if he hated it so much? Well that's because I read this book as part of my book club and, to my surprise, I was the only person in the group who hated it. I went into that meeting fully ready to verbally destroy this book along with everyone else, but somehow they all seemed to enjoy the story. I don't understand it, but because I was the only one, I've included this book in my recommendations to say, just try it. Maybe you will like it, but if you start to feel like you hate it early on, just stop reading. In my opinion, it never gets better, only worse. That being said, here is my review:
Genuinely awful and I’m frustrated that I HAD to finish this book as part of my book club.
If I told you about all of the reasons I hated this book, we’d be here all day. I’ll try to keep it short and say, the writing is horrendous. She takes way too long to get to the point, over explains everything and is constantly trying to sell us on this “unnerving” or “dreary” scenery/mood to the point where I felt nothing but rage and frustration. WHY in gods name did it take a character 2 full pages to answer a door? WHY is there an entire chapter about driving home? WHY are there so many anecdotes and recaps that end up having NOTHING to do with the story at hand?
Seriously, it was a waste of time. I know children who can write better stories than this. I have NEVER written a scathing review about a book before, but this book just made me irrationally angry with how awful it was. Please, just pick something else to read.
Final Thoughts
You may have noticed that there were recurring genres in my 2025 reading list. The LGBTQ+ and Romance genres were hard for me to walk away from last year. Suffice it to say, they had me in a chokehold. This year, 2026, I'm diversifying my reading a bit more. I have read three romance novels already (and it's only February), but I've also started reading one historical fiction, one fantasy, and one nonfiction book. Here's to hoping I succeed in making my final 2026 list more diverse than my 2025 list.
Soon, I will begin posting individual, full-length reviews for every book I read during this year. I've already completed three books, so keep your eyes on the blog for those reviews coming soon. If you want to be notified once those reviews are posted, subscribe to the blogs newsletter down in the site footer or here on the blog homepage.
Have you read any of the books in this article? Do you have any recommendations for what I should read in 2026? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!
