We asked the staff their favorite reads from 2025...we got quite the variety of answers! 📚✨

As we wrap up 2025, the Burlington Public Library staff has curated a reading list of their favorite books from this year to help you start 2026 with some amazing reads!  Note: These are not all books released in 2025, but the staff member read them for the first time in 2025.

From historical fiction to contemporary romance, thriller mysteries to young adult fare, our team has found something for every reader. Here's what they're recommending:

Annemarie picks Cabin Fever by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin - the harrowing journey of a cruise ship at the dawn of a pandemic.

Cara selects Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid - from the bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six.

Daniel chooses Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins - the latest addition to the Hunger Games series!  Daniel says "After the letdown (for me) that was Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, I almost didn't even pick this one up.  But I did.  And I loved it, finishing it in just two sittings.  This was the prequel fans wanted and I'm so glad Collins delivered."

Gale loved the book With a Vengeance by Riley Sager, a thriller you won't want to put down!

Gina recommends Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon - a vibrant fantasy romance.

Gwen picks The Tiny Journalist by Naomi Shihab Nye - a moving collection of poems.

Janet selects The Killer Question by Janice Hallett - a twisty mystery. Janet says "It’s hard to describe this book without saying too much. It’s all written as texts, emails, transcribed encounters, newspaper reports – no direct conversations – it’s amazing."

Jenna chooses The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson - a thrilling YA read.  Jenna says "I could not put it down and loved the ending."

Julie has a few suggestions for different reading levels!  For children, she picks Absolutely Everything by Damian Alexander.  She says "This middle grade graphic novel will feel relatable to kids and adults alike through the illustration of one girl's struggles with school and friendship as she navigates being diagnosed with ADHD."  For teens, she shouts out Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches by Kayla Cottingham.  She says "This young adult fantasy is the perfect blend of humor, romance, and a good 'ole fashioned quest, all set within a cozy, fantasy world."  For adults, she selects Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti.  She comments "This lesbian, historical romance has all the mystery, wild moors, and pining that you love in an Austen or Brontë novel paired with more humor and feminist characters."

Maria picks The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters - a haunting Maine set family drama centered around a missing child.

Marie recommends A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers - a Hugo Award-winning tale featuring a monk and a robot.

Mike picks Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor - innovative storytelling at its finest. Mike says "not quite sci-fi and not quite modern-day drama, this book-within-a-book was a brilliant (and extremely approachable) title written by the Africanfuturist Nnedi Okorafor"

Miriam selects The Will of the Many by James Islington - the first book in an epic fantasy series. Miriam says "A roman-inspired fantasy setting about a young prince of a conquered island struggling to maintain his independence of will and wondering how involved he should get in the fight against the empire. Truly a blend of genres, it has a little bit of everything: fantasy, sci-fi,  horror, mystery, academia. Though some might consider it to be a slow start, I found it to be a very satisfying read."

Nan chooses Lab Dog by Melanie D.G. Kaplan - exploring the surprising world of animal research with a beagle and his human.

Nozomi recommends The Lost Book of First Loves by RaeAnne Thayne - a heartwarming novel.  Nozomi says "It was a feel-good story of friendship and found family with a bit of romance mixed in."

Sandra picks What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella - described as the bravest book you'll read all year. Sandra says "😭😭😭  <- That’s really the only comment I have about it"

Sarita selects The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai - an epic account of Việt Nam's twentieth-century history.

Shelley recommends Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown - a compelling historical novel set in early America.  Shelley says "Thrilling historical fiction. Strong sense of place. Indigenous peoples of North America."

Stop by the Library to check out these amazing reads and start your 2026 reading journey!