Marci’s Annual Book Roundup for 2025
If you’ve been reading my posts for a bit, you already know that each January I share my annual book round-up from the previous year.
I start getting excited about this in late Fall, and it makes me so happy when I hear from friends and colleagues, “I can’t wait to read your book roundup!” “My favorite book from last year came from your list!!” In another life, I am somehow paid to read books and make book recommendations. 😂
2025 was a big reading year for me. I read a lot and across a number of genres. But I am a bit stingy with my 5-star ratings. Below, I’m sharing only the books I rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Goodreads – the ones I truly loved, and that will stay with me. If you want to see everything I read (and how I rated it), you can always join me over on Goodreads. I hope you do!
What do my fave books say about me as a clinician?
For no other purpose than book-related navel gazing, I asked ChatGPT, “what are the shared threads and themes from my favorite books?” Here’s what it told me…the analysis was strikingly spot on.
“You are drawn to books that take interior lives seriously — books that explore how identity, trauma, relationship, and history shape us over time. These are stories about repair, about the stories we inherit and the ones we slowly learn to tell differently.”
I’m not going to lie, this knocked my socks off. For those of you who don’t already know, I am writing a book (eek!) and a central thread could be summed up by these themes: the vital role of stories, relationships, and healing.
For clinicians reading this – just think about our work. Our days are spent listening closely to narrative: what’s spoken, what’s avoided, what’s repeated. And for those on my newsletter list who are working on your recovery, think about the hard work you are doing! Together, we work at the intersection of embodiment, meaning-making, and relationship. The books I loved most this year mirror that work. They are curious, compassionate, and unflinching. They honor complexity without losing heart.
Alright, enough chit chat, on to the books!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fiction
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
I loved LOVED LOVED this book with all of my heart. Sybil — her life, her letters, her relationships, and all of her complexity — will stay with me for a very long time. Told entirely through correspondence, this is a quiet, deeply human novel about connection, regret, and the ways we are known by others.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne
I love a book where I get to spend a lifetime with a character, and I loved every twist and turn I got to spend with Cyril, which is saying something, given how many moments in this book are depressing, enraging, and downright sad. And yet: Boyne’s writing is extraordinary. The dialogue, the characters, the plot – all of it. I loved this book.
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Why do I love a good murder mystery? I don’t know but this one (which is also a fantastic audiobook) was just about perfect. If you’re looking for excellent historical fiction with engaging characters, strong storytelling, a unique narrative format, and a splash of magical realism, this is it. Need escape? Head over to The Briar Club.
The Names by Florence Knapp
This is a book to remember. Not only does the unique format truly work (which is no small feat), but I was completely drawn into each storyline. Knapp’s writing and character development are flawless. I loved this book for the compelling thought experiment at its core – how something as simple as a name can shape the trajectory of our lives and relationships.
A note for readers: I would have appreciated a heads-up about the domestic violence content, which is at times intense and wrenching. I also think this book is best read in one or two long reading sessions if you can manage it.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
I loved this book. I don’t read a ton of romance, but this one got me at just the right time: snappy writing, a cast of characters I genuinely enjoyed, and just enough frustration and challenge in the plot to keep things interesting. A pure delight.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Non-Fiction
Are You Mad at Me? by Meg Josephson
I really loved this book. I listened to it on audio (which is excellent) and immediately wanted a physical copy so I could spend more time with the reflections and prompts. Josephson does an exceptional job explaining what fawning is, why it becomes a survival strategy for so many, and how we might develop more authentic ways of showing up in relationship.
She skillfully balances personal experience, client-informed vignettes, and clinical insight, with clear integration of mindfulness, self-compassion, and Buddhist-informed teachings. As someone who works largely with female-identified clients and the eating disorder population, this book is incredibly relevant professionally — and it was also deeply meaningful to me personally.
The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary L. McBride
This book is truly for everyone — and if you have ever struggled in your relationship with your body, it’s especially for you. McBride brings not only her wisdom as a clinician-researcher, but also her deep humanity and gift with words. A beautiful, necessary book.
Embodiment and the Treatment of Eating Disorders by Catherine P. Cook-Cottone
One of the most excellent books available for providers who work with eating disorders. Cook-Cottone offers a rationale and framework for re-inhabiting our bodies in the context of eating disorders recovery. I strongly, strongly recommend it.
Intuitive Eating for Diabetes: The No Shame, No Blame, Non-Diet Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar by Janice Dada
I am so glad this book exists. Dada offers a compassionate, practical, and deeply respectful approach to diabetes care that integrates intuitive eating with the realities of blood sugar management — without fear, shame, or restriction. An essential resource for clinicians and for anyone living with diabetes who wants support rooted in care rather than control.
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
I loved this book. Truly. It profoundly deepened my understanding of autism and also felt like a moving clarion call and instruction manual for living more fully as our truest selves. Although I am not autistic, I found this book deeply healing and personally moving.
Reclaiming the Black Body by Alishia McCullough
This book is written for Black women and femmes, and while I am not the primary audience, I loved it deeply and was profoundly affected by it. I love that this book exists for Black folks with eating imbalances who will be seen, cared for, and guided by Alishia’s wisdom. I love that it exists for eating disorder providers who want to deepen their understanding of the unique strengths, challenges, and needs of Black clients. And I love how it expands how we think about healing. Get this gorgeous book into your hands and hearts.
East West Street by Philippe Sands
I didn’t write a Goodreads review for this one, but it is an extraordinary blend of legal history, memoir, and storytelling. Sands traces the origins of the concepts of genocide and crimes against humanity through deeply personal and historical narratives. Illuminating, gripping, and (sadly) profoundly relevant.
Please tell me — what was your favorite book of 2025? And what should I add to my shelf next?
Wondering what I recommended last year? You can read the book roundup from 2024 here.
My career has taught me how much I love helping others learn and grow. That’s why I began creating online courses in the first place. Here is a list of free resources for clinicians that can be downloaded, and you can also check out all my online training programs for clinicians and dietitians. The goal for all of these is to help you work with your clients.