6 Books I Recommend – March 2025
“Every book makes a mark, even if it doesn’t stay in your conscious memory.”
– Katarina Janoskova
Here are 4 nonfiction books and 2 novels that I recommend from my recent reads.
[See previously recommended books here]
NONFICTION
1. Meditations for Mortals
Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts
by Oliver Burkeman
Highly recommend! (And I now understand why it was highly recommended to me.) I read the short 28 chapters in Meditations for Mortals during the 28 days of February as an apt reminder that I’ll never get everything done—and that it’s perfectly okay. Burkeman (also the author of the fabulous Four Thousand Weeks) offers a freeing and practical guide to embracing imperfection and focusing on what truly matters in our limited time.
2. The Nocebo Effect
When Words Make You Sick
by Michael Bernstein
We all know about the Placebo Effect. But what about it’s opposite? The Nocebo Effect is the dark side of expectation—how believing that something will make us sick can actually make us sick. This is a very interesting book, but it might make you question whether you should read all those “This medicine may cause…” disclaimers in the fine print.
3. What’s Our Problem?
A Self-Help Book for Societies
by Tim Urban
I found this book very intriguing, agreeing with much of it and disagreeing with some. Tim Urban provides his own framework on why our American culture is so polarized and messy right now. He is both serious and witty in the book as he delves into politics and cultures with commentary and great illustrations. The book deserves a second reading because it did make me question some things, but it’s very long, so I probably won’t read it again.
4. Too Much and Not Enough
Sacred Thoughts Said Out Loud
by Karen Shock
My in-person book club just finished this one. Written as free verse poetry, Karen Shock is very raw as she describes her journey through spiritual betrayal and healing. She offers hope to those wrestling with religious doubt and disillusionment.
FICTION
5. Here One Moment
by Liane Moriarty
Highly recommend! This is such an interesting novel about fate, uncertainty, and human connection—perfect for my Ripple theme this year. The plot centers around a flight attendant and the passengers aboard a plane when a mysterious passenger starts predicting deaths. I found it riveting. (The audiobook is fantastic also! Hearing the reader helps identify which character is narrating each chapter.)
6. The Guest List
by Lucy Foley
This is a twisty thriller set on a remote Irish island, where a glamorous wedding takes a horrifying turn. Narrated by varying characters, this one kept me so intrigued about what would happen until the very end. I need to look into more novels by Lucy Foley.
WHAT I’M READING NOW
- Fluke
Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
by Brian Klaas - Revenge of the Tipping Point
Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering
by Malcolm Gladwell - Nexus
A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
by Yuval Noah Harari - How to End Christian Nationalism
by Amanda Tyler - You Don’t Need to Forgive
Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms
by Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC - Secrets of Adulthood
Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives
by Gretchen Rubin - Hope Dies Last
Visionary People Across the World, Fighting to Find Us a Future
by Alan Weisman
What good book have you read lately? Please share in the comments.
Thanks for reviewing all these books here for us, Lisa. They do sound interesting as always. Have a blessed week!
I started The Guest List but didn’t get far — maybe I’ll try again.
I enjoyed Here One Moment.
The Nocebo Effect sounds fascinating!
Ooo, I’m terrible at meditating but I feel like Meditating for Mortals would be a good one for me! (I tend to have overly ambitious to-do lists so I am constantly needing to remind myself that I can’t get everything done and it’s fine.)
I’ve read some of Liane Moriarty’s other books + added that one to my list! :] Based on what you said, I’ll likely be grabbing the audiobook version, hehe.
Hi, Lisa – I second your recommendation for ‘Here One Moment.’
Such a good list and I do love that you always include a peek of what you are reading now so I get even more ideas. I did preorder Gretchen Rubin’s new book too. and that Nocebo Effect sounds intriguing. I will check that one out for sure… Thanks Lisa for all the ideas.
Appreciating your reads and recommendations today Lisa.
Visiting today from Farrah’s
xo
I love Lucy Foley’s books; I’ve only recently started reading hers and have enjoy all the ones I’ve started. They are very twisty and always keep me guessing. It really is amazing how strong our brains our and the impact thoughts and suggestions can have.
I read both Here One Moment and The Guest List. I liked both–didn’t love. Do you think Here One Moment will be made into a Hulu series like so many of the author’s books? It could be interesting!
I could use Meditations for Mortals right now!
I really liked Nexus. I found his analyses and commentary persuasive – his opinions are formed snd spread.
I really liked Nexus. I found his analyses and commentary persuasive – his opinions are formed snd spread.
Thanks for the recommendations. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Lisa, great list! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on each of them. I’m always happy to learn about a new book when visiting your blog.
Yay! More goodies to check out. Literally! You keep my reading life overflowing, friend.
I remember doing a meditation course years ago and was getting frustrated because I couldn’t clear my mind. It was a couple of years later when I tried another challenge that I discovered it’s okay for thoughts to come into your mind as long as you then let them go. Some good books here, Lisa and Liane Moriarty is always of interest to me. I haven’t read ‘Here One Moment’ but I have downloaded it. Thanks so much for sharing with us at #WOYBS? Happy Reading! Sue L x
Thanks for joining us for WOYBS Lisa, I always enjoy your reviews! I also like your honesty ‘but it’s very long, so I probably won’t read it again’ 🙂
I also enjoyed listening to Here on Moment and hearing the various characters’ voices, did you like Cherry’s sections? Many apparently didn’t like her bits, in reviews that I’ve read anyway, but I thought they added to the whole story.
Some great books you’ve mentioned!
The Liane Moriarty books sounds like the book THe Measure…which is similar in regards to if you knew you only had so much time…it was a fascinating book and made for some great discussion for my book club