Books that I've read in 2025
- The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture by Osamu Ikeno and Roger J. Davies
This book is a neat collection of phrases that are often seen as part of everyday Japanese culture. While it was definitely informative, I did find it a bit repetitive at times. It leaned heavily on comparing Japan’s “weaknesses” to Western standards, which felt slightly one-sided after a while. That said, it’s still a good read for anyone curious about the ins and outs of Japanese cultural values and how they’re expressed through language.
If you're curious about what drives violence from both biological and sociological angles, I’d definitely recommend this book. Backed by well-researched studies, it offers a thorough explanation of how biological differences can play a role in violent tendencies. It's insightful and makes you think twice about how nature and nurture come together in shaping human behavior.
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
As the first book in the series, it does a great job of showcasing just how lavish life can be for the ultra-rich in Singapore — but also dives into the uglier side, where even all that money doesn't guarantee happiness. I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a hit of dopamine as the drama unfolds in an exciting, fast-paced way. It’s also a great pick for anyone curious to catch a glimpse of Singapore’s unique culture.
- China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
In the second book of the series, Rachel and Nicholas tie the knot and track down Rachel’s long-lost father in China. As the story unfolds, we get a front-row seat to just how extravagant the ultra-rich in China can be, especially with the country’s rising economy making waves globally. One thing that really stood out was the character Michael. As his career took off, his development took a turn for the worse; he became egotistical and self-centered, which made him a lot less likable in my eyes.
- Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
Being the third book in the series, this one dives into the classic rich Asian drama trope: the family feud over a wealthy elder’s will. With the main character’s grandma on her deathbed, the extended family reunites from all over the world, setting the stage for drama, tension, and plenty of secrets. Personally, I found the fusion of Chinese and Catholic funeral traditions in the story quite fascinating to read.
From the origins of money to the development of financial instruments across different eras, this book does a great job summarizing how finance plays a crucial role in creating social stability and improving the welfare of society — far beyond just making bankers rich. I’d highly recommend it to readers who already have some basic understanding of finance, as a few of the terms might not come up in everyday life. Still, once you get through it, you’ll walk away with a much deeper perspective, especially if you’re planning to kickstart your own investing journey.
As someone starting out with an interest in Tarot, I found this book to be a helpful beginner’s guide to understanding both the Major and Minor Arcana cards. That said, it’s pretty much impossible to remember the meaning of each card after just one read.
It has been a long journey of reading in 2025, and although I didn’t have much time to read more books later in the year, I plan to read even more in 2026. The books I read in 2025 cover a wide range of topics, including self-improvement, history, psychology, personal finance, and fiction. Each book offered valuable insights that shaped my understanding of various aspects of life.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to dive deeper into more books in 2025, continuing my journey of learning and growth.
