Bethel Library Staff’s Favorite Reads of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, our staff has been reflecting on the books that informed, comforted, challenged, and delighted us this year. From immersive histories and intimate memoirs to literary fiction and enchanting fantasy, these are the titles that rose to the top of our reading lists—books we kept thinking about long after turning the final page.
Caralyn’s Pick: On Air: The Triumph and Turmoil of NPR by Steve Oney
Caralyn was captivated by Steve Oney’s On Air, a sweeping and meticulously researched history of NPR. Oney brings readers behind the familiar voices and programs, revealing the chaotic beginnings, the internal debates, and the passionate people who shaped public radio into the cultural force it is today. With its blend of drama, insight, and backstage storytelling, this book offers both a nostalgic and eye-opening look at an institution many of us rely on every day.
Eileen’s Pick: Just Like Glass: A Family Memoir by Amy Wight Chapman
Eileen’s favorite read of the year was Amy Wight Chapman’s memoir Just Like Glass, a Bethel Library Book Club selection that left a lasting impression. Chapman’s family story contains multitudes—grief and humor, love and resilience—all grounded in a strong sense of place. The writing feels intimate and generous, offering readers a powerful reflection on how families fracture, mend, and grow. It’s no wonder this title sparked so much conversation and connection throughout our book club.
Lee’s Pick: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Lee chose The House in the Cerulean Sea for its profound warmth and gentle wisdom. Few books capture the heartwarming power of acceptance and appreciation of others who are different from ourselves as beautifully as this one. Klune’s enchanting fantasy is a rewarding read for both young adults and adults alike. It’s a story that lingers, reminding readers of the quiet magic found in kindness, belonging, and chosen family.
Kelcy’s Pick: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
For Kelcy, Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo stood out above the rest, particularly for this line:
“The demands of other people do not dissolve; they only multiply. More and more complex, more difficult. Which is another way, she thinks, of saying: more life, more and more of life.”
Rooney’s novel delves deeply into relationships—their complexities, their yearnings, and the ways they shape our days. With her signature clarity and emotional precision, Rooney crafts a story that feels both grand and intimate, exploring how the pressures of connection are inseparable from the fullness of living.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in the mood to learn something new, connect with a deeply personal story, explore the complexities of relationships, or escape into a hopeful and imaginative world, our 2025 staff favorites offer something meaningful for every reader. We hope these selections inspire your next great read and spark conversations of your own. Happy reading—and here’s to another year of discovering memorable books together at the library.