November was an incredible month and I am happy that I was able to make time for reading while on the go. I read some incredible books and can’t wait to share the best books I read in November 2025!

I learned a few valuable lessons and one of them was that you should always plan time to read or you never will get around to it. We all have the same 24 hours and many of us end up doomscrolling for hours and hours. The best advice I can give you is to just put the phone down. Those posts will still be there eagerly waiting for you like a pet waiting for you to come home.

The four books I chose for this list are all recent releases and ones I have been eager to read. Two of the four books are nonfiction books and I enjoyed them a lot. I am enjoying reading more and more nonfiction books and will continue this trend. You can see the full list below!

The Best Books I Read in November 2025

I love books about history and knew I would enjoy The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides before I even read the first page. The book follows the true accounts of James Cook’s expedition and first contact and it is as incredible as you can expect.

Sides uses journal entries and other credible sources to tell of James Cook’s final expedition and why it may have gone wrong. While we may never know why, we do know what happened and can take a few guesses. Either way, it is hard to deny that James Cook was one of the greatest explorers who ever lived.

Like many people, I grew up on Lotus Sachar and his classic novel Holes. So, when I saw that he wrote an adult fantasy novel, I knew I had to read it. The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar is a beautiful and charming novel that I enjoyed a lot. It is a relaxing and fun read and I loved Sachar’s writing style and storytelling ability.

Ever since I read the Anthony Bourdain books, I have become fascinated with books about chefs and cooking. That is why I decided to give Tart: Misadventures of an Anonymous Chef by Slutty Cheff a chance and I recommend to everyone who loves a good story.

The book follows the story of our protagonist who has just quit her job and has decided to become a chef. It is a great look at all that comes with being a chef, escecially a woman in a male-dominated field. The stories are interesting and I enjoyed the honest and raw look into the protagonist’s live and what it means to be a chef.

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides
The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

Lastly, I don’t think words will describe the amazing novel that is People Like Us by Jason Mott. The book is not a memoir but it feels like one as we follow two protagonists and their adventures. The book is about grief, acceptance, and trying to find meaning in this journey called life.

I still am trying to figure out what I read but what I know that is may have been one of the best works of literature I read this year. Mott is an incredible storyteller and he hits on a bunch of emotions that many people feel at one point or another. He gives these feeling we can’t explain words and also a story that will stick with you for a long time.

Conclusion

It is still an amazing feeling to pick incredible books to read. Because it is like walking in the dark and trying to find the exit. These were four incredible books and rejuvenated my love for reading this month when I didn’t have as much time as I normally would. Until next time, happy reading!

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