From Growth to Escapism: What’s on My Bookshelf for 2025

(And Why You’ll Love It Too)

A new chapter begins, and as the pages of 2025 start to turn, I’m thrilled to share my reading list—carefully curated to inspire, educate, and entertain. Books have always been more than just stories or lessons to me—they’re a source of inspiration, comfort, and personal growth. This year, I’ve curated a list that strikes a balance between self-discovery, professional development, and a few delightful escapes into magical worlds and meaningful narratives. Whether you’re looking to grow, learn, or simply lose yourself in a great story, this list has something for everyone—and I can’t wait to hear which ones resonate with you.

These are the kinds of books that make you pause, reflect, and maybe even take a deep breath when you need it most. They’re about those little mindset shifts that can lead to big breakthroughs and the moments that help us grow. I’m excited to dive into these titles this year, and I hope you discover a must-read too.

Self-Growth & Personal Development - These books are all about cultivating a better version of ourselves—one mindset shift, deep breath, or personal breakthrough at a time.

1. The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy
What It’s About: This timeless guide explains how your subconscious mind shapes your reality and teaches you how to harness its power to create positive changes in your life.
Why I chose it: I’m diving deeper into mindset work this year. Unlocking my subconscious feels like tapping into a superpower I didn’t know I had.

2. Reasons Not to Worry: How to Be Stoic in Chaotic Times by Bridget Delaney
What It’s About: Blending ancient Stoic philosophy with modern-day insights, this book offers practical tools for staying calm, grounded, and resilient in the face of life’s inevitable chaos.
Why I chose it: Life is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean we have to stress. This feels like a soothing antidote for those “What now?” moments.

3. Happy, Not Perfect by Poppy Jamie
What It’s About: This fresh and relatable book explores how to embrace imperfections, quiet your inner critic, and find joy in being authentically you.
Why I chose it: As a recovering perfectionist, this book’s focus on embracing imperfections and living authentically hits home for me.

4. 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Berkman
What It’s About: With an average human lifespan of just 4,000 weeks, this book offers a thought-provoking perspective on time management, urging readers to focus on what truly matters and let go of unnecessary stress.
Why I chose it: With a finite amount of time in life, I’m ready to focus on what truly matters and let go of the small stuff.

5. The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
What It’s About: Based on the principles of Adlerian psychology, this book challenges you to live authentically by freeing yourself from the expectations and judgments of others.
Why I chose it: Living authentically is the ultimate form of freedom—and this book offers a roadmap to embracing it.

Have you read any of these books? If yes, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if not, are there any on my list that you’re thinking about picking up? Let’s chat in the comments—I’m always looking for more book recommendations too!

Fiction & Escapism - Sometimes, the best growth happens when we let ourselves escape into another world. These stories offer connection, reflection, and just the right touch of magic to spark the imagination.

The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
What It’s About: In this fantastical tale, a librarian in Hell oversees a library of unfinished books—managing restless characters who try to escape and meddle with their stories. When a hero’s character escapes and chaos ensues, the librarian must journey to Earth to set things right.
Why I chose it: A library of unfinished stories in a fantastical realm? This sounds like the perfect mix of whimsy and adventure.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
What It’s About: Set in 1980s Ireland during the weeks leading up to Christmas, this novella follows Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, as he confronts a moral dilemma in his small, close-knit community.
Why I chose it: Keegan’s writing is like poetry, and her stories remind us of the beauty in quiet courage and connection.

Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
What It’s About: In a small Tokyo café, time travel is possible—but only under very specific conditions. This beautifully written tale invites readers to ponder life, time, and the choices we make, as visitors to the café explore what they might change about the past.
Why I chose it: I love stories that make me think deeply about life, time, and the choices we make. I have already read Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Tales from the Cafe . These are the kind of stories that you read a bit, put the book down think for a bit and then come back.

Do you enjoy stories that transport you to another world? Which of these would you pick up first—or do you have a favorite escapist read of your own to recommend? Let’s talk in the comments!

Professional Growth & Education - These titles are here to help me expand as a life coach, writer, and creator. Whether it’s gaining new tools, understanding resilience, or unlocking my potential, these books are about leveling up in meaningful ways.

NLP: The Essential Guide to Neuro-Linguistic Programming by Tom Hoobyar, Tom Dotz, and Susan Sanders
What It’s About: This comprehensive guide breaks down the principles of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), offering practical tools to improve communication, shift mindsets, and achieve personal and professional goals.
Why I chose it: I’m fascinated by anything that explores how we can rewire the brain and reshape our memories. This book feels like an incredible resource for understanding and applying those principles—not just for myself, but for my clients too.

Becoming Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispenza
What It’s About: This book bridges the gap between science and spirituality, exploring how shifting your energy and mindset can lead to profound personal transformation. Dr. Dispenza blends cutting-edge research with practical exercises to help readers unlock their potential.
Why I chose it: Mixing science with a little magic is right up my alley. This year, I’m leaning into my potential.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
What It’s About: Drawing on years of research, Angela Duckworth reveals how perseverance and passion, more than talent, are the keys to success. This book offers actionable insights for staying motivated through life’s challenges.
Why I chose it: Growing my business and navigating big transitions takes grit—and I’m all in for learning how to persevere with passion.

Why This List Matters

This isn’t just a reading list—it’s a reflection of where I’m heading in 2025. Each book represents a piece of my journey: growing as a person, leveling up professionally, or simply finding joy in the worlds created by others. These pages are full of inspiration, lessons, and the occasional escape, all of which align with what Hey Life Happens is all about—growth, balance, and embracing the magic in every moment.

What’s On Your Reading List?

Now it’s your turn! Have you read any of the books on my list, or do any of them speak to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts—or even get some recommendations from you! Let’s inspire each other to make 2025 a year of growth, discovery, and a little magic—one page at a time.