It’s March, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit behind on my reading goals for the year. But I’m determined to dive back into it, and I’ve curated a list of 25 books to read in 2025. Some of these books have been sitting on my shelf for a while, waiting for the right moment, while others are new discoveries. Each one has been carefully selected with my goals and aspirations for the year in mind. I believe in choosing books that align with my current plans, what’s happening in my life, or what I’m learning at the moment. It’s all about reading with purpose and intention.
I've decided to organize the books into three categories: Self-Improvement, Skill Development, and Fiction. This will help me approach my reading with more focus and clarity as I dive into each genre.
Self-Improvement
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
This is one that has been on my shelf for a long time. This is a book I’ve chosen for its thought-provoking exploration of human history. I’m drawn to this book because it promises to provide insights into how Homo sapiens evolved to dominate the world. I love history, and when I heard this book offers a vivid narrative on the human evolution from the very beginning, my interest was peaked. I’ve already started reading this book and I’m well into the agricultural evolution period and I can tell you I’m very impressed with Harari’s storytelling and how intelligently he lays out his arguments. I’m eager to read this to deepen my understanding of human development, societal structures, and the forces that have driven civilization.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
I’ve chosen this book because it aligns with my goal of improving productivity and achieving personal growth. Since I’ve started a personal project to reset my life in 6 months - https://themathlab.hashnode.dev/reset-your-life-in-6-months, I thought this popular book could offer some insights that will be useful. With its actionable insights, Atomic Habits can help me refine my daily routines and make lasting improvements in my life.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Coming back to my project of resetting my life in 6 months, one goal I have set for myself is to be able to be more outgoing, network more and make meaningful connections. So when I came across this book, I thought I should give it a try. This book offers practical advice on how to build meaningful relationships, enhance communication skills, and influence people positively.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
I’ve heard that this offers a spiritual guide with four principles to practice for creating love and happiness in your life. Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best. Sounds good and I want to give it a try.
The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
This book is about overcoming self-sabotage, emotional resilience, and personal growth, blending psychology with deep self-reflection. I’m so excited for this one.
Skill Development
Wrinkles in Time by George Smoot
I absolutely love astronomy and anything to do with the cosmos. I actively seek to learn more and align my research work in the astronomy field. So this book peaked my interest when I go to know that the research for this book resulted in George Smoot winning the Nobel prize. It is a fascinating exploration of the cosmos, space-time, and the groundbreaking discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of the universe.
Competing in the Age of AI by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani
My ultimate goal is to learn more about AI this year. So there are many books in the field of AI in this list. I think even for someone who doesn’t necessarily work in the tech or AI industry, its good to know and understand about AI because whether you like it or not, AI will be an integral part of our lives in the very near future. This book explores how businesses must adapt in the age of AI. They break down how AI is reshaping competitive advantage and offer strategies for organizations to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order by Kai-Fu Lee
This one is a new discovery and I don’t have much about what this is about. According to Google, this book explores the growing dominance of AI, with a focus on China and the U.S. The author examines how the two countries are approaching the development of AI and discusses the potential impact of AI on global economies, workforces, and geopolitics.
Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
Another new find. As I’ve heard the author delves into the future of AI, considering the potential risks associated with the development of super intelligent machines. This book explores different scenarios, strategies, and ethical considerations surrounding AI’s future.
Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust by Gary Marcus
So this book supposedly takes a critical look at the current state of AI, offering insights into the shortcomings of today's AI systems. The author presents a vision for developing AI that is both reliable and trustworthy, while highlighting the challenges in achieving that goal. I’m excited for this book because my research focuses on the ethical use of AI and how we can make new technology socially responsible.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal’s
This is another new discovery for me. According to Google, the author outlines how companies can design products that create lasting habits in users. He breaks down the psychology behind habit formation and provides actionable advice for creating products that keep customers engaged.
The AI Advantage: How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work by Thomas H. Davenport
I came across this book when I was browsing in the library. This is a practical guide to implementing AI in businesses. The author offers frameworks and strategies for organizations looking to harness the power of AI and achieve measurable business outcomes.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull
Okay, I’ve bein eyes this book for a while now. I’m interested to read this because the author is the co-founder of Pixar. Apparently this is a behind the scenes of Pixar's creative process. He shares insights into fostering creativity in teams and overcoming obstacles that stifle innovation.
Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI by H. James Wilson and Paul R. Daugherty
Another new find, this is about how AI is transforming work across industries. They emphasize the importance of humans working alongside machines to create a future where AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.
Human Compatible by Stuart Russell
I guess almost all the book in skill development section are new discoveries for me. Maybe because I started getting into this field quite recently. I’ve heard good things about this book. This is about the future of AI and how to ensure its development is aligned with human values. He argues for a more human-centered approach to AI to avoid the potential dangers of autonomous systems.
Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark
Again this is about the future of artificial intelligence and its implications on society. The author looks at how AI could transform life, from jobs to the very essence of human existence, and explores the ethical questions that arise. Because my research is aligned towards this topic, I’m super excited to start reading this book.
Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil
In this book, the author examines the dark side of big data and algorithms, particularly in areas like policing, hiring, and finance. She warns about the dangers of algorithms that can reinforce inequality and cause unintended harm to society.
Fiction
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
I’m not going to lie, all the books in the fiction section are long overdue. As a science fiction fan I myself cant believe I haven’t read this book yet. Asimov introduces the famous "Three Laws of Robotics," which have influenced AI discussions to this day. All the science fiction books in this section are some of the most influential books in history and of course I’ve hear of these books and been wanting read them for a long time.
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Another book which I wanted to read for a long time. A cyberpunk classic, Neuromancer is a fast-paced story about a washed-up hacker who gets a second chance at glory in a world dominated by AI, cyberspace, and corporate intrigue. It’s one of the most influential sci-fi books in shaping our vision of the digital future.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Okay now I’m absolutely appalled by the fact that I haven’t read this. I love English classics and read many but I never got into Dickens, mainly because I spent a lot of time reading Bronte sisters and Jane Austen. This is an absolute classic about ambition, love, and personal growth, this novel follows Pip, an orphan who rises in social class due to a mysterious benefactor. Through his journey, Dickens paints a vivid picture of Victorian society and human nature. I’m super excited.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
The inspiration for Blade Runner, this novel explores a dystopian future where bounty hunters track down rogue androids indistinguishable from humans. It raises deep questions about identity, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human.
1984 by George Orwell
I’ve had this book on my shelf for about 5 years now. A chilling and prophetic novel about a totalitarian regime that controls truth, language, and even thought itself. Orwell’s 1984 remains a powerful warning against surveillance, propaganda, and the dangers of unchecked government power.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
I haven’t read any Murakami book yet and I chose this as my first because I saw great reviews online for this book in particular out of all his work. According to Google, this book is a melancholic and deeply moving coming-of-age novel about love, loss, and self-discovery. Set in 1960s Tokyo, the story follows Toru Watanabe as he navigates complex relationships and the weight of nostalgia.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
A modern literary sensation, Normal People is an intimate, emotionally charged story about the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne, two people whose lives keep intertwining despite differences in social class and personal struggles. I started reading this book about 2 years ago and then stopped mid way. So this is my second attempt.
King John by Marc Morris
Okay so this is not fiction, I know. I just didn’t want to create a separate section just for this book. I love history and I love English history in particular, because I spent a couple of years in England and I fell in love with the country’s rich history, especially their ancient Kings and Queens. I love Marc Morris, as a historian and an author. He has a special ability to write about history that wont make you bored. I already read his books about the Anglo Saxons and the Norman Conquest. According to chronology, this should be the next book in the timeline. This is a historical biography of King John of England, best known for losing the Angevin Empire and signing the Magna Carta.
These are my 25 books for the year, and I hope you might find some of them interesting enough to add to your own reading list. Once I finish reading, I plan to write reviews to help you decide if a book is worth your time. And if you don’t have time to read the entire book, my summaries will highlight the key lessons so you can still take something valuable from them.