In 2025, KDL librarians read across genres, followed our curiosity and found books that stuck with us long after the last page. In this post, we’re sharing the standout titles we loved most this year... the ones we couldn’t stop recommending. Consider this your librarian-approved reading list and check one (or several) out today.
All the Colors of the Dark by Christ Whitaker
This book is heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny, poignant, suspenseful and full of twists and turns that will make you smile as well as tear up. Themes of loyalty, courage, friendship and redemption are powerful and come through each page. This is the type of book that begs to be read multiple times, because, without a doubt, the reader will continue to unearth new connections, more hidden meanings and insights that were missed previously.
-Jacob, Krause Memorial Branch
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto
It is beautiful, it is lush and you never quite know what is going on until it is actually happening. It is about family and choices and what we do with our freedom to make choices; I loved it!
-Amber, Service Center
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
A middle-aged hiker, Valerie Gillis, goes missing on the Appalachian trail after her months-long journey, and Beverly, the Maine State Game Warden, is racing against the clock, leading the search to find her. Told in alternating perspectives, this page-turner is a gentler mystery, with beautiful character development and incredible scenery. Lovers of the outdoors will especially enjoy this moving read.
-Jenny, Service Center
There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib
This is a book about basketball... sort of. It is lyrical and profound, and it asks what it means to “make it” and who deserves success. There’s Always This Year is unlike anything I have read before and I would recommend it, even if you are not a basketball fan.
-Caleb, Service Center
Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa
If you're currently hanging onto every word of Heated Rivalry, this should be your next pickup. It follows Gabriel in his freshman year of college, as he grows as the biggest star on the soc—I mean football team. When his classmate Vale offers to tutor him in philosophy, Gabriel's image of himself as an a macho athlete with the hottest girlfriend on campus begins to crumble, but does it need to? This book is funny and romantic and a bit steamy; pick it up for a no-stress romp.
-Nathan, Wyoming Branch
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang
The book is written by a comedian and broadcaster who was raised by deeply devout Catholic parents who taught him about the bible and Christianity. The author challenges extremists to follow the true teachings of Jesus and uses common sense arguments for doing so. Some of his humor may be considered to be deeply inappropriate, but the overall message is one of love, kindness and acceptance for all.
-Kathy, Plainfield Twp. Branch
The Names by Florence Knapp
This book contains three different storylines according to the name that one baby boy was given. One storyline if the baby was named Bear, the second storyline if he was named Julian and the last storyline is he was named Gordan (after his abusive father). It tells of the importance of a name and how it could shape a life.
-Amber, Krause Memorial Branch
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Fred finds himself in a zany mistaken identity plot. Kind-hearted Fred has to pretend to be grouchy old Bernard at the local nursing home. He does raise suspicions as he treats the staff kindly and moves much more agilely than Bernard. I found myself thinking "how is he going to get out of this!" If you've read The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin or A Man Named Ove by Fredrick Backman, you too will enjoy Frederick Fife! It was heartwarming and funny.
-Jill, Wyoming Branch
The Experiment by Rebecca Stead
I loved this fast-paced, sci-fi chapter book about aliens, missing kids, & a whole lot of conspiracy. Also, the cover is amazing!
-Liz, Amy Van Andel Library
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong
In a logging camp in the 1930's, a family takes in an orphaned bear cub, names him Bruno, and raises him alongside their other children. Pearly, one of Bruno's "sisters", is a scrappy, tough girl of the woods and loves her brother fiercely. When Bruno is kidnapped, Pearly is the only one who can rescue him. This story is based on real events, and like a wintery forest, the writing is crackling and gorgeous.
-Anna, East Grand Rapids Branch
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
I thoroughly enjoy everything Emily Henry puts out, but something about this one stuck with me long after I finished reading it. It is a review of one's life and everything that goes with that. The heartbreak and triumphs. The loves and losses.
-Brittany, Walker Branch
The Names by Florence Knapp (Again!)
This is the story of a woman (who is abused physically and emotionally by her husband) who goes to officially register the name of her new baby. Her husband wants the baby to be named after him, but what if she chose a different name? The story then diverges into three different timelines and tells what happens to the woman, her husband, and her children, based on whether or not the baby was named for his father, named something his mother liked or named by his older sister.
-Susan, Plainfield Twp. Branch
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
This is an atmospheric, slow-burn family mystery steeped in small-town rumors, unsolved murders, and the unsettling question of how well you can ever really know your own family. It’s deeply suspenseful and so compelling that it’s hard to put down once you start.
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