Best Books of 2025: 6 Reads That Changed How I Think
By Jared Hottle | Published: Fri Jan 02 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Best Books of 2025: 6 Reads That Changed How I Think
2025 was a standout year for reading. I dove into books that challenged my thinking, expanded my perspective, and offered practical wisdom I continue to apply in daily life. Here are my six best books of 2025, along with the key takeaways that resonated most.
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
In a world designed for maximum convenience, Easter makes a compelling case for seeking out discomfort. The Comfort Crisis explores how modern life has eliminated most physical and mental challenges — and why that might be making us weaker, both physically and psychologically.
Key Takeaway: Do hard things, or at least get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth rarely lives in convenience. Whether it's a challenging workout, a difficult conversation, or stepping outside your routine, discomfort is where transformation happens.
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Cal Newport challenges the hustle culture narrative with a refreshing alternative. Instead of cramming more tasks into every moment, he advocates for doing fewer things, at a natural pace, with obsessive attention to quality. Slow Productivity is about sustainable excellence rather than frantic busyness.
Key Takeaway: Less screen time, more deep work. You don't have to constantly chase productivity to be productive. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down, focus deeply on what matters, and let everything else fall away.
American Buffalo by Steven Rinella
Part memoir, part natural history, and entirely captivating — American Buffalo weaves together Rinella's hunt for a buffalo with the species' dramatic history in America. It's a masterclass in storytelling that makes you appreciate both the animal and the land it once dominated.
Key Takeaway: Beyond the engaging narrative, the book is a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and our connection to the natural world. The near-extinction and subsequent recovery of the American buffalo is a story of resilience and second chances that everyone should know.
Cabin by Patrick Hutchison
Hutchison chronicles building a wilderness cabin with friends, turning what could be a simple construction story into a meditation on friendship, craftsmanship, and creating meaningful experiences. Cabin is about the journey as much as the destination, and how shared projects build lasting memories.
Key Takeaway: A fun reminder of what happens when someone tries something new — and how shared projects build real memories with friends. There's something powerful about creating with your hands alongside people you care about. The imperfections and challenges become part of the story.
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
This isn't your typical personal finance book. Housel focuses on the behavioral side of money — why we make irrational decisions, how our past shapes our financial choices, and why doing well with money has more to do with behavior than intelligence. Each chapter in The Psychology of Money offers a memorable insight that changes how you think about wealth.
Key Takeaway: Timeless money advice packed with small insights that stick with you long after you finish. Understanding that wealth is what you don't see, that time is your greatest financial asset, and that you need less than you think are lessons that continue to influence how I approach personal finance.
Makeshift Metropolis by Witold Rybczynski
An exploration of urban planning and city design that manages to be both educational and entertaining. Rybczynski examines how cities evolve, what makes some urban spaces work while others fail, and how we might build better cities for the future. Even if you're not into architecture, Makeshift Metropolis makes you see your own city with fresh eyes.
Key Takeaway: I came for the urbanism and city design, and stayed because it was genuinely a fun and engaging read. The way we design our cities shapes how we live our lives, and understanding that connection opens up a whole new way of thinking about community, transportation, and public spaces.
What to Read Next in 2026
These six books represent the best of what I read in 2025. Each offered something different — practical advice, new perspectives, compelling stories — but all left a lasting impact on how I think and live.
Now I'm building my 2026 reading list and always looking for recommendations. What should I add? Drop your suggestions in the comments below.