2025: A Year of Reading

 

I made it a priority to read more books in 2025. Initially, I didn't have a goal. But as months went by, I decided I wanted to read 52 books this year, one for every week.

Well, I surpassed that goal and thus far have managed to read 55.

I discovered a new world of fellow readers thanks to YouTube who shared my tastes and made some great recommendations.

I read fiction. I read non-fiction. I read mysteries. I read history. I read cozy new to me authors, and some old favorites, too. 

Reading has helped me slow down and enjoy the moment.

Here are some ways that reading has impacted my life in 2025:

Eliminates the Second Screen

Have you heard of the phenomenon of the two screens? It's being talked about a lot in recent months. Movie and TV writers and producers are now dumbing down their plot lines and scripts to take into consideration that viewers are probably only partially paying attention while scrolling on another device like a phone or tablet.

Guilty as charged.

But reading won't allow for that. You have to totally unplug for that experience, and that is a good thing.

Boosts Brain Function

A 2025 University of Florida study found that adult reading for pleasure fell 40% in the US in the past 2 decades, with only 16% of adults reading for pleasure in 2025.

And with schoolchildren? It's even worse news. Did you know that most school children do not read entire books in the classroom anymore? According to a recent article, book reading was replaced by excerpt reading when Common Core was introduced in an effort to boost standardized test performance. Instead, we have abysmal reading, writing and comprehension scores among America's school children. 

Devices are making us dumber.

Makes Conversation More Interesting

Eleanor Roosevelt is famous for saying this:

Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.

I find my discussions and interactions with people to be richer these days. I learn so many interesting facts and read such interesting stories that seem to relate to topics at hand.

I've found a lot of great sources for books this year. I request a lot from my library. I've attended big warehouse book sales. I visit Half Price Books when I can. I find great titles at resale shops. And I'm even making a habit of pulling books off my shelves that I meant to read years ago.

As I embrace a slowing down life, I plan on reading more and perhaps adding some social elements to this as well.

Did you read many books in 2025? What were some five star picks for you?