5 books to read at the start of 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to explore books that inspire fresh perspectives, challenge your thinking, and spark meaningful change. Whether you're seeking guidance for your personal journey, craving a jolt of creative energy, or ready to face some hard truths, this curated list is designed to start your 2025 with purpose and insight. From empowering mantras to untold histories, these titles promise to leave a lasting impact.
Wellness & Insights
twenty something
Author: Ron Lim
Brimming with insight and compassion, Twenty Something by Ron Lim is the ultimate guide for navigating the turbulent waters of young adulthood. With brilliant empathy, Lim tackles the challenges every twenty-something faces—uncertainty, self-doubt, and the quest for purpose—offering practical advice and relatable stories that resonate deeply. Whether you're in your twenties or wish you had this wisdom during those formative years, this book is a thoughtful companion for building confidence, embracing growth, and thriving in life’s most pivotal decade.
The Creative Act
Author: Rick Rubin
Renowned producer and creative visionary Rick Rubin brings his profound insights into the artistic process with The Creative Act. Perfect for anyone grappling with artist's block, this book explores the depths of perspective and inspiration, offering a fresh lens on ideas and concepts you may already know but need to rediscover. Rubin’s unique approach is a powerful reminder that creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of being. With thoughtful guidance and transformative advice, this book will reignite your creative spark and keep the drive alive.
Fill Your Cup
Author: The Reader
A Journal to Love Yourself More is a beautifully crafted companion for self-discovery and growth. Combining empowering mantras, heartfelt poems, and interactive prompts, this journal invites you to explore and strengthen your relationship with yourself. Much like the cathartic experience of Wreck This Journal, it allows you to scribble, reflect, and create—only this time, the focus is on building self-love that endures. Perfect for anyone looking to embrace self-care and nurture their inner world, this journal is a transformative tool for a more compassionate and fulfilling life.
Indigenous reads
A Mind Spread Out on the Ground
Author: Alicia Elliott
In A Mind Spread Out on the Ground, Haudenosaunee writer Alicia Elliott presents a profound and deeply personal collection of essays that explore identity, mental health, and the far-reaching effects of colonialism. With unflinching honesty, Elliott examines systemic racism, generational trauma, and the complex interplay between Indigenous and settler cultures. Her vivid storytelling and sharp cultural critiques illuminate the often-overlooked realities of Indigenous life in Canada, making this book an essential read for anyone seeking truth, understanding, and reconciliation.
The Knowing
Author: Tanya Talaga
In The Knowing, acclaimed author Tanya Talaga offers a profound and unflinching examination of Canada’s residential school system. This hard-hitting work sheds light on the devastating impacts of colonial policies, drawing from firsthand accounts, personal stories, and government documents that expose the stark reality of a genocide often overlooked by Canadians. Talaga weaves history and lived experiences together, delivering a powerful call for acknowledgment, understanding, and justice. The Knowing is an essential read for those ready to confront the truth and work toward meaningful reconciliation.