Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
As the year winds down and the season of giving begins, I always find myself turning to books as my favourite gifts—little bundles of stories and meaning that can be opened again and again. This year, choosing was easy. Through our Sole Sister Ramblers Virtual Book Club Reading Challenge, we’ve shared countless reflections, laughter, and “wait until you get to this part!” messages—so these five books aren’t just great reads, they’re part of our shared journey this year.
If you’re searching for something thoughtful, inspiring, or beautifully written to slip under the tree (or into your own stocking!), here are our Top 5 SSR Books of 2025—chosen by our community, loved by our readers, and recommended by me with a full heart.
1. The Dictionary of Lost Words — Pip Williams
One of the crown jewels of our Book Club Reading Challenge, this novel sparked some of our richest discussions. It’s a stunning celebration of language and the overlooked women who helped shape it. Quietly powerful and deeply moving, it’s perfect for the word-lover, the feminist, or anyone who cherishes the stories behind the stories.
2. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek — Kim Michele Richardson
This book lit up our challenge chats with its courageous heroine and the incredible real-life history of the Packhorse Librarians. The rugged Kentucky hills, the resilience of its characters, and the importance of access to books all resonated so strongly with our SSR readers. A beautiful choice for anyone who loves historical fiction with grit, compassion, and heart.
3. The Long Flight Home — Alan Hlad
A community favourite during the challenge, this novel surprised so many of us with its tenderness and originality. Centered on homing pigeons during WWII (yes, a real historical detail!), it opened the door to thoughtful conversations about sacrifice, hope, and unexpected forms of connection. A wonderful gift for the reader who loves an uplifting yet heartfelt story.
4. The Instrumentalist — Harriet Constable
This gem absolutely captivated our challenge readers with its blend of music, mystery, and emotional depth. Our discussions about synesthesia, creativity, grief, and the pull of art reminded us why we love reading together. It’s the perfect pick for anyone drawn to contemporary fiction that lingers in the senses and the heart.
5. Trust — Hernan Diaz
A standout in the challenge for its layered structure and brilliant exploration of truth and power, Trust had many of us messaging each other with theories and insights. It’s smart, memorable, and full of conversation-sparking twists—ideal for the thinker, the literary friend, or the book club buddy on your gifting list.
The SSR Book Club Reading Challenge has become one of the most joyful parts of our challenge community—a warm, thoughtful space where we read slowly, savour deeply, and share openly. It’s designed to give us time to read without pressure, and to come together in the final stretch of each month for heartfelt discussions. These books were chosen not just because they’re excellent—but because of the way we responded to them: with insight, humour, vulnerability, and so much connection.
Books are more than entertainment—they’re invitations. Every title on this list invites the reader into a new world, a deeper understanding, or a quiet moment of reflection. They can inspire, comfort, challenge, and delight. And most of all, they remind us that even in a busy, complicated world, stories still bring us together.
So whichever book (or books!) you wrap this year, know that you’re sharing something meaningful—something chosen with care by a community of women who love to read, connect, and lift each other up.
Happy gifting, Sole Sisters.
With love,
Naomi
⭐⭐⭐⭐Nomi's Verdict: A beautiful mix of heart, grit, and gorgeous storytelling. Highly recommend.
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