Our top picks of 2025

It’s time for our annual picks of the year.  This year, we’ve expanded from fiction and non-fiction books to other forms of reading (and listening) that have inspired us throughout the year. Enjoy!

fiction

North Woods, Daniel Mason

The story of a house, told in parts by the people who have lived in it over the course of centuries, this book was so interesting to read because of the variety of stories it includes. Some are heartfelt, some are sad, some are scary and dark. The structure of each part is different – delivered using tools like poems or case notes and journal entries – making each voice distinctly its own. From the brightest days of the house’s life to its darkest, this story keeps you absolutely engaged throughout. – Colleen

Greenwood, Michael Christie

This book is rooted in history, trees and the people who love them. Greenwood travels through time and circumstance: from the great depression and war to a not-so-distant future when the West Coast Douglas firs and Western red cedars are almost all that remains of the world’s greatest forests. Its characters are orphans, activists, carpenters, lumber barons and botanists – each family member connected through time like rings of a tree. Gripping and soulful. A great rainy winter read. – Christiana

The Lonely Hearts Hotel, Heather O’Neill

I haven’t met a book by Heather O’Neill that I didn’t love, and while this one came out in 2017, I missed it somehow, so it was a happy 2025 surprise to find it. O’Neill’s books are always tied to Montreal – generally with young people who have limited resources or support and are wobbling on the edge of disaster, but who have heart and love and find deep connections to those around them. They’re gritty, but hopeful. This one is about two orphans who use their magnetic charisma to find successes together – but they also face the biggest failures too, the kind that can only come from the biggest kind of love.
Warning for readers: this book includes depictions of child abuse. – Colleen

Sisi: Empress on Her Own, Alison Pataki

This novel was a stand-out for me this year, offering a detailed portrayal of Empress Elisabeth of Austria’s later life. Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) is known as one of the most fascinating figures of 19th-century European royalty. The novel follows Sisi as she navigates political tensions, personal loss and her growing sense of restlessness. For me, one of the most compelling parts of historical fiction is seeing how ordinary, everyday life was lived centuries ago – reading about how people navigated a world without modern conveniences. – Dana

non-fiction

Joyride, Susan Orleans

A great memoir of sorts, charting the course of how her writing career started and how she approaches the world and her stories with curiosity. She also includes some funny photos so it’s very candid. A great gift for writers on your list. – Marci

The Use of Photography, Annie Ernaux, Marc Marie

I try and alternate between English and French reads; this one was a delight in French. It’s about Ernaux’s love affair with journalist Marc Marie as she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Each chapter starts with a photo of their clothes on the floor. Funny and sweet and moving. – Marci

etcetera

Kyla Scanlon Substack and newsletter, Kyla Scanlon

Kyla was the creator of the “Vibecession” term and writes clearly about the economy and shifts in the concept of progress. Her newsletter is one of the few I read all the way through. It’s full of charts and graphs as well, and shines light on the North American economic landscape in simple terms. – Marci

Indicator website and newsletter, Craig Silverman and Alexios Mantzarlis

I’ve been following Craig Silverman’s writing and fact-checking for some time and thoroughly enjoy the resources and insights that regularly arrive in my inbox. While it is sometimes more detail than I have time for, catching up with Indicator is one of my favourite downtime activities. Always something new to learn. – Christiana

The Ultimate Human podcast, Gary Brecka

This is my star of the year and a great listen for anyone interested in human optimization and health. Gary Brecka touches on all the basics around lifestyle, diet and exercise, but also goes deep on specific topics like peptides, hormones, methylation and gut health. If you have a specific health-related interest, there’s probably a podcast on it here! Listening to these episodes while walking, driving or in the sauna inspires me to live a healthier life and to make decisions with longevity in mind. – Dana

Want more ideas? See our top reads of 2024.