The best books of 2025

This list is part of the best books of 2025.

Join 1,337 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Swim Wild and Free

Lynn M. Griesemer ❤️ loved this book because...

Founder and Publisher of Outdoor World Magazine, Simon Griffiths presents a comprehensive guide which includes training, techniques, overcoming fear, and everything you’d like to know about open water swimming, He shares examples and stories, and outlines useful tips for swimming in various bodies of water, with an emphasis in the UK.
Excellent discussion of cold water and hypothermia, getting started in the open water, water testing, swimwear, wetsuits, accessories for swimming, clothing and pre-and-post swimming matters. Included in the book are the topics of racing, pacing, starts and finishes. This book will make you want to swim in the open water.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Teach 🥈 Immersion
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Simon Griffiths ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Swim Wild and Free as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'I love this book ...' - Louise Minchin

'The perfect companion for anyone who wants to swim outdoors.' - Your Healthy Living

This is the ultimate practical guide to get you swimming outdoors, 365 days a year.

Whether you want to take your first tentative dip in your local wild swimming spot or take on a long-distance swimming challenge, you'll find everything you need to embrace outdoor swimming and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits it offers.

Have you ever wondered what kit you need for winter swimming or how to fall in love with the cold? This book includes…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero

Lynn M. Griesemer ❤️ loved this book because...

This is the story of a man and his dog who descended 78 flights of stairs to safety out of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001 and lived to write his story.
His story is one of heroism, teamwork, and embracing the task at hand, with a calm demeanor. The author and his dog exemplify what it means to be unstoppable, and that is, to focus on the present moment, and the tasks that need to be done, rather than panic, fear, or focus on what you cannot control.
"Thunder Dog" demonstrates the importance of doing the best you can with a positive attitude and continuing to move forward.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Originality
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Michael Hingson , Susy Flory ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Thunder Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An instant New York Times bestseller, Thunder Dog tells the true story of a blind man, his guide dog, and the life-changing power of faith and trust in the face of terror.

When one of four hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Center's North Tower on September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson, a district sales manager for a data protection and network security systems company, was sitting down for a meeting. His guide dog, Roselle, was at his feet.

Blind from birth, Michael could hear the sounds of shattering glass, falling debris, and terrified people flooding all around him. But…


My 3rd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Just Add Water

Lynn M. Griesemer ❤️ loved this book because...

Ledecky welcomes readers on a journey into her life by discussing people who shaped who she is today. Each chapter covers impactful stories, places and experiences, and what it takes to be a champion. Her determination, excellent coaching and strict dedication contributed to her success. "Just Add Water" illustrates the importance of one’s childhood, family, and community relationships and how they are directly related to being a well-grounded and well-rounded person. Katie Ledecky is a stellar example to women in and out of the pool.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Writing
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Katie Ledecky ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Just Add Water as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A candid and inspiring memoir from Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and one of the best swimmers ever to compete: Katie Ledecky.

Katie Ledecky has won more individual Olympic races than any female swimmer in history. She is a three-time Olympian, a seven-time gold medalist, a twenty-one-time world champion, eight-time NCAA Champion, and a world record-holder in individual swimming events. Time and again, the question is posed to her family, her coaches, and to her-what makes her a champion? Now, for the first time, she shares what it takes to compete at an elite level.

Again and again, Ledecky has…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Swimming Around Manhattan

By Lynn M. Griesemer ,

Book cover of Swimming Around Manhattan

What is my book about?

On a clear August morning in 2025, with perfect weather and water conditions, two swimmers began what would be the swim of their lifetime. At the age of 62 both Lynn and Ken Morgan were the Oldest Male-Female Tandem Swim Team to complete 20 Bridges, one of the three prestigious swims that constitute the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.

"Swimming Around Manhattan" is a story of a long-distance swimmer who circumnavigated the 28.5-mile island in New York City, but this swimmer had a few obstacles to overcome before the big day.

Lynn, a grandmother without a competitive swimming background, swam for ten hours around Manhattan. How did she get to the point of swimming around Manhattan? Why did she do it? How did she train for the event? Lynn answers those questions and more. Book includes 76 color photos and three additional 20 Bridges swimmers' stories.

In addition to a fascinating story, "Swimming Around Manhattan" is an encouragement for readers to find their passion. Your passion can make the seemingly impossible become possible. When your desire is strong, tenacity follows. Worthwhile pursuits require endurance and focus, discipline and commitment. It’s that simple.

Lynn is a champion of the underdog and shows what life looks like when you have a burning desire to follow your passion. It’s never too late to do something great!

Book cover of Swim Wild and Free
Book cover of Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero
Book cover of Just Add Water

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