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I Should Read What in 2025!?

January 1st, 2025 | by Charles Kowou

Growing up, I hated reading. There was just something that irked my soul about being forced to read books in school that I had zero interest in. Don't get it confused, The Great Gatsby was definitely a good movie, and I’m sure it was a great book too—if only I had paid a little more attention to it in ELA class, but at 9 a.m. on a Friday? No thank you.

After graduation, though, I started to develop a real love for reading—not for the sake of getting together with Susie on a Thursday evening to discuss our favorite chapters at the weekly book club, but simply because I realized the elite-level game and wisdom packed into every book I read. It seemed like the quickest, most efficient—and let’s be real, the cheapest—way to learn from extraordinary individuals you might never meet in real life.

I truly believe reading has changed the trajectory of my life, and I believe it can do the same for you. And if not, at the very least, it could help you manufacture the ideas that could turn your 2025 into something you didn't even know was possible. To bring in the new year, I’ve got a few interesting books I read this past year, each with a title that's just as intriguing as its content. So without further ado...

1. Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters

Huh? Why do beautiful people have more what? You have to be joking, right? Wait!! Does that mean my parents are ugly? Maybe. All good questions to ask but on a serious note, this outrageously titled book,Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters, dives deep into the science of beauty and human behavior through the lens of evolutionary psychology. It explores why our perceptions of beauty shape our decisions, relationships, and even parenting styles. The authors do an excellent job of breaking down these complex ideas into more digestable talking points. In my opinion this book challenges you to think critically about societal norms and the biases we unknowingly carry. By the end of the book, you’ll finally get an answer to one of the most pressing questions out there of why, for centuries, men have desired women with long hair and big boobs. Woah, okay, CK, very inappropriate—I know but seriously, it’s a question they genuinely answer in this book with exstensive research and evidence. Just go find out for yourself.

2. How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh

Originally given to me by someone who cared deeply about my horrible lack of eating habits, this is probably one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received. No, How to Eat is not just a book about eating food, although it does include instructions on how to do so; it’s a book that teaches you how to to be present in every moment of life. The author walks you through mindful eating as a practice, showing how each bite can become a form of meditation. Along the way, he illustrates how mindfulness can transform even the most mundane routines into sources of joy and gratitude. The book’s teachings are profound yet practical, making it a great read for anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with the present. With only about 120 pages and the book being no larger than the average person’s palm, it is a quick read that’s well worth it. My personal takeaway? As someone who always finds an excuse to keep my mind busy and occupied, this book has made me realize that relaxing, being mindful, helps you to appreciate the small things in life you may have taken for granted and not noticed, whether it’s the taste of a mere strawberry or the warmth of a loved one’s smile. Awww.

3. The Art of Focus by Dan Koe

“Wake up, hit snooze four times, stare at your phone, roll out of bed, make coffee, sit in traffic, do eight hours of unfulfilling work, sit in traffic again, argue with your significant other, walk the pet, watch TV, pass out…repeat… This should scare the sh*t out of you” is the life Dan Koe describes awaiting the masses if they do not decide to take control soon. The Art of Focus is a real deal wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck in a loop of distractions and unproductivity. The book teaches you how to eliminate unnecessary clutter—both physical and mental—to maximize your energy and focus. Believe it or not, this book specifically is the reason I took the leap of faith to start creating and sharing these articles. Koe’s concepts of “you can only cook with what’s in the kitchen” and “most people lack drive because they haven’t been exposed to the idea that would change it all for them” inspired me to want to share my unique perspectives with the world and potentially expose you to the idea that could change it all for you. And in return, I had hoped to conjure up enough good karma to get the same in return and potentially change the trajectory of my own life.

It’s January 1st, which marks the start of a new year— 2025. Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself. Whether it’s Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters, How to Eat, The Art of Focus, or another book not mentioned here, understand that it’s not the knowledge from these books that will make you successful this year; It’s the application of it. But trust me, if you made it this far in the article, I can tell you’ll be alright. Let this year be the year that changes it all, God willing.

If you are interested in any one of the books above, just click on the cover page in the article and you will be directed to Amazon.com where you will be able to read more reviews about them, add them to your cart, and purchase.