We're wrapping up 2025 with a big, bookish bow! In this year-end celebration, Joe is joined by Carmen, Cece, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara as everyone brings two of their favorite reads of the entire year. From unforgettable characters to gasp-worthy plots, these are the books that rose straight to the top of our 2025 lists.  

Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or reliving your favorite reads of the year, settle in — this is the coziest way to close out the season. 

✨ Don’t forget to take our podcast survey! 

Running now through January 5. We want to hear from you! 

Survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey  

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Guest host recommendations: 

Carmen 

Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings - Myriam Gurba 

The Possession of Alba Diaz - Isabel Canas 

Cece 

Listen to Your Sister – Neena Viel 

The Luis Ortega Survival Club – Sonora Reyes 

Jananie 

Dust Settles North – Deena ElGenaidi 

Immaculate Conception – Ling Ling Huang 

Kayla 

Julie Chan is Dead- Liann Zhang 

The Compound- Aisling Rawle 

Meara 

Girl Dinner – Olivie Blake 

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker 

Joe  

When the Wolf Comes Home – Nat Cassidy  

Victorian Psycho – Virginia Feito 

Hungerstone – Kat Dunn 

 Follow the guests & guest hosts:  

Carmen – link 

Cece - link 

Jananie K. Velu – link 

Kayla - link 

Meara – link  

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 

00:01:07 Intro 

00:03:54 Best Reads of 2025 

00:03:22 The Summer Book on KANOPY 

00:31:52 Best Reads of 2025 

01:03:01 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices