The end of the year offers a special moment: a slower pace, a unique glow in the air, and a desire for cocooning and self care. A good book can accompany this quiet time and open a gentle or inspiring parenthesis. As an expatriate, or simply if you want a change of scenery, you can choose a book that helps you escape or reconnect with yourself.
Four trending books for the end of 2025
1. Mother Mary Comes to Me de Arundhati Roy
A powerful choice for a deep end of year read. It is the first memoir by the Indian author, who looks back on her relationship with her mother and on her life journey from childhood to literary fame.
Why choose it? Because it blends intimacy, reflection and mature writing — perfect for grounding your thoughts during the holidays.
Tip: read a few chapters before Christmas Eve, then continue afterwards, letting the text settle.
2. Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola
A lighter yet very current choice: this contemporary romance, released in 2025, promises lightness and pure enjoyment.
Why choose it? To balance a more demanding read with something relaxing, perfect when you simply want to treat yourself.
Tip: save it for a cozy afternoon with hot tea and a blanket, or for a quiet moment between celebrations.
3. Alchemised by SenLin Yu
For those who love escape: a major dark fantasy novel released in September 2025, blending alchemy, civil war and memory.
Why choose it? Because the holidays do not have to be only about nostalgia or tradition — inner or imaginary travel is just as precious.
Tip: perfect as an end of evening read, when you want to “get away” after a full day.
4. Audition by Katie Kitamura
A more “dense” literary novel, published in 2025, that explores identity, interpretation and social performance.
Why choose it? Because the holidays can also be a moment of reflection and calm, and this type of read fits perfectly.
Tip: read it in small portions, perhaps after a meal or during a quiet moment, to savour the language and the ideas.
How to choose your book for the holidays
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Identify your mood: craving lightness, reflection or escape? Choose a genre that matches what you need.
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Available time: if your schedule is busy with events, family and gatherings, choose a short novel or a book you can easily pause and pick up again.
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Atmosphere and place: reading by the fire, in a cozy café or while traveling? Choose a book that matches the mood.
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Mix tradition and novelty: why not reread a Christmas or end of year “classic”, then discover a new title.
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Shared reading: you can also choose a book to read at the same time as a loved one from afar (another expatriate, a friend). Same book, same moment — it creates a special connection.
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