My 2025 Reading List
It’s officially National Book Week and what a better way to commemorate it than to share my long-awaited 2025 Reading List 😁
You are probably thinking, “Ma’am 2025? 2026 is almost done!” I know.
See last year was a challenging one for me on many levels. My routine and new demands of life uprooted my ability to do things that grounded me. One part that got disrupted was my reading and writing habits. I did not attain my goals to read more books and to write often.
To add salt to the wound, I took the decision to disband my book club. Many other reasons led to this decision but the one I had direct control over was the realisation that with the way life was going, I didn’t have the capacity to carry on with it. It was hard for me but the season called for it… isn’t it funny though how the things that we neglect when life gets tough are always the ones that fuel us up?
In 2023 when I went back to full time leisure reading, I read 12 books. In 2024, I doubled up on that number and read 24 books. I’d hoped to keep that momentum but alas, I didn’t. In 2025, I read and finished 19 books - a great mix of local and international fiction and non-fiction books.
I kickstarted the year with The Diary of A CEO by Steven Bartlett and David Walliam’s World Worst Children 2. It was a great way to start the year with a strategic read coupled with an easier, animated children’s book. The latter, a recommendation from Bontle (check last photo for a mini review) .
In trying to meet my goals of reading more local books and African literature, I got myself Ace Moloi’s Holding My Breath from the annual Exclusive Books Sale. My goodness, what a riveting memoir. I was literally holding my breath as I read Ace’s story of how he navigated a poverty-stricken world.
My other local read was none other than Khaya Dlanga’s funny and witty These Things Really Do Happen To Me. Considering the space I was in when I picked it up, this was a much needed comedic relief. What I loved about the book wasn’t just the lightheartedness but how Khaya managed to turn everyday moments into incredible and compelling storytelling. An impeccable skill indeed. Most of his stories left me in stitches - I enjoyed the last few chapters with Bontle and we were both cry laughing at some point.
I was excited to attend three book launches by courageous women. Two whom I met via Instagram and admire greatly, Nozipho Tshabalala and Joey Dlamini. If you missed my review of Nozipho’s book, After The Fires, check it out here.
Nozipho's book Launch Joey's book launch USA author, Felecia Moore's SA book launch
Some photos from the book launches I attended last year.
Joey’s book, A Mother Knows was a reminder that as parents, we have been gifted with special intel when it comes to our children. In the book, Joey shares how she journeyed through challenging experiences when her daughter received an unexpected diagnosis. The book reminded me not to take things with a pinch of salt because what may seem “little” could be life altering. If “reading” an audio book counts, add Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi’s Dream Count to the African literary mix. Another gem I was heavily invested in!
Covers of my local and African literature reads
My last local read was from the father of entrepreneurship in South Africa, Allon Raiz. I first met Allon during my UNISA varsity days when I was part of a team called Student Business Initiative Challenge. Our mandate was to advocate for entrepreneurial ventures because of what we believed (what I still believe) could contribute towards the growth of our economy. I’ve followed him since and reading his book, What To Do When You Want To Give Up, felt like a personal, one-on-one moment with him. I highly recommend reading this book as well as following his work, even if you haven’t visualised yourself as an entrepreneur yet.
Regarding some of my writing goals, I’ve been toying with the idea of challenging myself to write a romance novel. So I thought naturally, the best place to start is by reading the novels again. I’ve previously shared about my Mills and Boon days - moments I fondly shared with my Mom. However in recent years, my focus has been towards reading more self-help books.
To get some inspiration, I picked up Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. And oh my goodness! I was never ready for it. That book is a life-changing literary masterpiece. Michael’s love for Angel is unconditional, unmatched and unmistakably redeeming. A reflection of God’s love for us. Beyond inspiration for my own literary aspirations, I was challenged to explore love in its full might.
Then I read Faithful by Kim Cash Tate - a novel that reminded me that love can truly change a person. The book also emphasised the importance of Godly female friendships.
The one book I read and didn’t finish is The EQ Edge. It is a good practical guide so I paced myself through it. I am yet to finish it simply because I want to complete the exercises in the book. Yes, it’s one of those books that make you feel like you are back at school so technically not much of a leisure read.
Here are the other books I enjoyed during the year:
I may not have smashed my reading goals in terms of numbers but I’m giving myself a gold star for effort. 19 out of minimum 24 books is a WIN for me. Also, I read six African authors’ books. Come on now 👏
When I reflect on my 2025 Reading List, I am seeing massive growth not just in my reading habits and variety but also the tremendous impact the books I’m reading are having on me. Last year’s reads covered areas of life that need to be constantly refreshed and challenged.
As we celebrate National Book Week in South Africa, I hope my list encourages you to read more vastly and to share your reading list with your community (please drop it in the comments below as well).
A reading community is a breeding ground for a literate, smarter and better future for all.
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