A Life in books
I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember. From childhood through adulthood, books have been a steady companion. Reading is one hobby I hold deeply personal, something that has shaped how I see the world and how I experience stories, both real and imagined.
My taste in books is wide-ranging. I gravitate toward historical fiction that immerses me in another time, thrillers that keep me turning pages late into the night, love stories that feel tender and familiar, and memoirs that leave me inspired long after the final chapter. Some books shock me. Others move me to tears. And every so often, a story ends, and I find myself genuinely missing the characters.
Memoirs, in particular, have a lasting impact on me. I’m endlessly drawn to personal narratives—stories of resilience, creativity, loss, and growth. Reading memoirs reminds me how layered and human life truly is, and how powerful it can be to learn through someone else’s lived experience.
Below, I’m sharing the books I read in 2025. I’ve ranked each title and rated them out of five stars, based on how deeply they resonated, what lingered with me, and whether I’m still thinking about them weeks—or months—later.
Reading continues to be one of the simplest ways I slow down, escape, and reconnect. It’s a practice I return to again and again.
All of the books linked here are available through Bookshop.org, a platform I love for its commitment to supporting independent bookstores. Wandering small bookshops is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. Choosing to shop this way feels intentional, thoughtful, and aligned with how I move through the world: supporting small businesses, valuing craftsmanship, and celebrating the joy of discovery—one book at a time.
Curious about what I’m reading in 2026? Follow along on Instagram and visit my “I Love Reading” Highlight to see everything I’ve been reading—past and present.
Special Note: Thoughtfully curated, always. Gina Rachelle Design may earn a commission from select affiliate links, which helps support our studio and small-business discoveries.
