SJPL's Staff Best Reads of 2025
We asked our knowledgeable staff for their favorite reads in 2025. You'll find lots of great reads below!
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
This brilliantly imaginative book blends history with science fiction with personal stories, and somehow elevates the importance of sharing knowledge, connecting as people, and why librarians can save humanity.
"The simple gift of reading is proven to reduce anxiety, promote critical thinking, and enhance imaginations. "
-Jill Bourne, City Librarian
The Lion Women Of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
The Lion Women of Tehran is a powerful and captivating novel that follows a group of courageous Iranian women whose lives intertwine across generations. Set against the backdrop of Tehran’s political and social changes, the story highlights their strength, resilience, and unbreakable bond as they navigate love, loss, and the challenges of living in a changing world. It’s an inspiring celebration of womanhood, friendship, and the bravery it takes to stand up for one’s dreams.
"It inspires you to honor your own voice, just as the women in the story fight to honor theirs. The book shows how stories—especially women’s stories—create strength, identity, and hope, even in difficult times."
-Afsaneh
Search and Destroy by Atsushi Kaneko
Written as a modern adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's classic (yet unfinished) manga "Dororo," "Search and Destroy" is a 3-volume manga that explores what it's like to feel human in a world where greed and class make the worst of us writhe away from humanity. Author Kaneko's atypical drawing style takes heavy influence from indie album art from the West, making for a dynamic read even during dialogue-heavy scenes.
"All formats of reading count! Don't limit yourself to a single genre or style because you think it's kiddie. Read picture books if you feel like it (they're honestly very calming after a long day). "
-Gabriel
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Part of a newly popularized genre called "LitRPG", it follows Carl in a post-apocalyptic universe playing a game for his life, very similar to "The Running Man". Carl must survive this new dead, gamified life with his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut. Dinniman weaves multiple genre's very well, giving the story a vibe similar to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy while being firmly planted in its own universe. I did the audio version of the book, which is highly recommended.
"Enjoy the ride! "
-Jeremy
*Multiple staff members picked this book!
Packing for Mars: the Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach
If you ever had questions about what space travel was like, this is the book for you. Ms. Roach covers both the past, present and future of space travel, including the benefits and drawbacks of going to other worlds. There is so much minutiae to think about when planning space travel, from how much oxygen to supply, to how much food, to work schedules, and how to sleep. This was a fascinating read.
"Read a variety of books, not always the same things. I love science fiction, fantasy, biographies, and nonfiction - the mix of styles helps to give more fulness to life and to your reading. "
-Lucia
The Let Them Theory: a Life-changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins
This book helps build a mindset that encourages readers to stop over controlling or over thinking how others perceive them and instead let people think, say, or do whatever they choose and without taking it personally. I enjoyed the audiobook while I cooked and cleaned at home.
-Ofelia
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
This book is a fun and brutal Sherlock-esque fantasy detective novel. I listened to the first half, and listened to the audiobook for the second half. The Tainted Cup was a great page-turner where every twist and turn is unexpected!
"Life's too short to read books you don't like. It's okay to not finish a book to find one you actually enjoy! "
-Priscilla
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton
This historical fantasy rom-com was an absolute hoot! (See what I did there?). I also thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the trilogy, The Geographer's Map to Romance, and I am looking forward to the third book being published in 2026. I highly recommend this one in audiobook format.
"When people tell me they don't enjoy reading, I tell them they just haven't found their gateway book yet. All it takes is finding one title, author, or series that you really connect with, and you'll be hooked on reading for life! "
-Rebekah
Recommended Reads
SJPL Picks: Teen Cookbooks
SJPL Picks: YA Stories Set in Libraries & Bookstores
SJPL Picks: YA Epistolary Fiction (Told in Letters & Texts)
Freedom to Read - Banned Books (Adults)
5forU: Personalized Reading Recommendations
Online Resources
The Palace Project
Libby
Hoopla
Staff Blogs
Self-Care During the Winter Holidays
Visit the Wintertime in San Jose Exhibit!
Christmas Fiction Selections for 2025!