Start a Kindle Reading Challenge in 2025 With This Book List

2025 reading challenge

Fifty-two weeks and fifty-two books later: wrapping up a year of digital page-turning in the final quarter of Tidymalism’s Kindle reading challenge.

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Well, here we are: the final installment of my somewhat ambitious reading experiment. If you’ve been following along (parts one, two, and three are just a click away), you know I’ve spent the past year trying to read one book per week, mostly on my trusty old Kindle.

Check out the entire series!

Part one in the minimalist book nook series

Part two of the reading challenge

Part three of nerding out on books

What started as a desperate attempt to rescue my attention span from the clutches of social media has evolved into something quite different. Fifty-two weeks in, I can confidently say this Kindle reading challenge has changed more than just my reading habits.

woman reading her Kindle on the sofa. Minimalist decor, clean and tidy setting

The funny thing about long-term experiments is how they tend to reveal unexpected patterns. While tracking my reading progress, I noticed something interesting: the books I chose each quarter seemed to mirror whatever was happening in my life at the time.

This final quarter’s selection is no exception, though I’ll let you be the judge of what that says about my state of mind as the year wrapped up.

Kindle Reading Challenge List

For those keeping count, we’re picking up at book #39 here. I’m still firmly in the non-fiction camp, though I’ve noticed my choices becoming more eclectic as the year progressed. Perhaps that’s what happens when you stop mindlessly scrolling and start mindfully selecting what goes into your brain.

Before we dive into this quarter’s list, I should mention that this challenge has earned my Kindle a permanent spot in my minimalist lifestyle. It turns out that reading device I bought waaay back in 2014 wasn’t just gathering dust – it was waiting for the right moment to prove its worth. It’s def one of my all-time favourite purchases!

39. How to Get to the Top of Google by Tim Cameron-Kitchen

“How to Get to the Top of Google” is a pretty comprehensive guide to improving your website’s SEO and achieving higher rankings on Google. The book breaks down key SEO principles, including keyword research, on-page optimisation, content creation, and link building, into actionable steps for beginners and experienced marketers alike.

You might know Cameron-Kitchen from YouTube; he runs the SEO agency Exposure Ninja and their corresponding channel where he emphasises creating high-quality, user-focused content and staying updated with Google’s evolving algorithms. His book also provides practical tips on technical SEO and avoiding common pitfalls that could harm rankings.

Ideal for small business owners and digital marketers, this book offers pretty clear, no-nonsense strategies to build a solid online presence and increase visibility in search results. The entire search landscape has changed drastically this past year, but I still feel this book gives you a good fundament to build on, and it can’t hurt to understand the principles outlined here.

40. Abschied von den Boomern by Heinz Bude

In the German-language book “Abschied von den Boomern” (literally “taking leave of the boomers”), author Heinz Bude critically examines the legacy of the baby boomer generation in shaping modern society.

Bude explores how the values and decisions of this influential cohort—marked by postwar prosperity, individualism, and social liberalism—have left younger generations grappling with economic inequality, environmental issues, and cultural divides.

The book offers a thought-provoking analysis of intergenerational tensions, challenging both boomers and their successors to reconsider their roles in forging a sustainable future. Bude’s critique is sharp yet balanced, blending sociological insights with reflections on collective responsibility.

If you have a command of German, this is a compelling read for anyone interested in generational dynamics, societal change, and the challenges of modernity from a German lens.

41. Make Money, Live Wealthy by Austin Netzley

Next up on my Kindle reading challenge list was Austin Netzley’s “Make Money, Live Wealthy,” which distills advice from 75 entrepreneurs into 10 steps for achieving financial success and true wealth. The book stresses fundamental principles like earning more than you spend, saving consistently, and investing wisely. Can’t go wrong there.

Netzley also highlights the importance of mindset, goal setting, and leveraging systems to build lasting wealth.

    While the advice is practical and motivational, I felt it primarily caters to beginners seeking a financial foundation. For readers already familiar with wealth-building concepts or on a solid financial path, the book may offer little new insight.

    42. The Profitable Content System by Meera Kothand

    “The Profitable Content System” offers a structured approach to creating content that drives business growth. The book outlines a step-by-step framework to help entrepreneurs plan, create, and repurpose content strategically, with a focus on building trust and nurturing leads. Kothand emphasises creating content with a clear purpose, ensuring it aligns with audience needs and business goals.

    Conceived for solopreneurs and small business owners, this book was right up my alleyway as it provides actionable strategies for streamlining content creation while maximising its impact. It’s a good resource for those looking to establish an effective and consistent content marketing system.

    woman reading her Kindle on the sofa. Minimalist decor, clean and tidy setting

    43. Mini Book Model by Chris Stanley

    “Mini Book Model” is a concise guide for authors who want to distill their big ideas into short, impactful books. Stanley outlines a straightforward process for planning, writing, and publishing “mini books” that are both time-efficient to create and highly engaging for readers.

    As a mini-book itself, it focuses on clarity, simplicity, and delivering value, making it an excellent resource for professionals who want to establish authority in their niche or share expertise without committing to a full-length book. I’m interested in writing some short e-books for my freelance business, and found Stanley’s approach practical in its emphasis of speed and purpose over complexity.

    44. The Kybalion by The Three Initiates

    “The Kybalion” explores the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, attributed to the legendary figure Hermes Trismegistus. Admittedly, it was pretty heady and took me a bit to get through it. Seven universal laws were outlined—mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, rhythm, cause and effect, and gender—which govern the workings of the universe and influence human existence.

    Written in a mystical, allegorical style, the Kybalion encourages readers to apply these principles to achieve spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The text was pretty abstract and, at least for me, it required a lot of re-reading to grasp.

    If you’re intrigued by esoteric philosophy and the foundations of metaphysical thought, I’d say it’s obligatory reading.

    45. Mini Book Straitjacket by Chris Stanley

    “Mini Book Straitjacket,” another e-book from Chris Stanley I got in the Kindle store, critiques the common mistakes authors make when writing short books. Stanley warns against confining ideas within rigid frameworks or overly simplistic approaches, which can dilute the value of the message. Brevity should not come at the expense of depth, clarity, or quality, he says.

    The book offers practical advice on striking the right balance between conciseness and substance, so your mini books remain impactful and engaging. This is a good, quick read for new writers looking to avoid pitfalls in the short-book format while still delivering meaningful content.

    46. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker

    In “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving,” Pete Walker provides an in-depth exploration of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, focusing on recovery and healing. It was a tough read for me personally, simply because it was so triggering, but I found it incredibly helpful.

    Drawing from his experiences as a therapist and survivor, Walker explains the symptoms and coping mechanisms associated with C-PTSD, such as emotional flashbacks, toxic shame, and inner critic dynamics.

    The book offers practical tools for self-compassion, emotional regulation, and reclaiming personal power. Walker’s writing is empathetic and empowering, though, again, the intensity of the subject matter can feel overwhelming. If you’re navigating the complexities of trauma recovery though, I highly recommend picking this up.

    47. Minimalismus by Alessandro Jobst

    Alessandro Jobst’s German-language book “Minimalismus” aims to introduce readers to the principles of minimalism and its benefits for a simpler, more intentional life. There was nothing new here; he touches on decluttering, reducing material possessions, and focusing on what’s important.

    The content felt rather surface-level and lacked originality, so there was little here beyond generic advice already familiar to minimalism enthusiasts.

    48. You’re Not Crazy, It’s Your Mother by Danu Morrigan

    Danu Morrigan’s “You’re Not Crazy, It’s Your Mother” is a compassionate guide for daughters of narcissistic mothers. The book examines the emotional damage caused by narcissistic parenting, including manipulation, gaslighting, and unmet emotional needs. Ooof, yeah.

    Morrigan offers practical advice for recognising patterns of abuse, setting boundaries, and beginning the healing process. While it was written in a supportive and validating tone, I couldn’t help feeling as if I were being animated to play the victim card and it felt tedious after the first few chapters.

    49. 500 Social Media Marketing Tips by Andrew Macarthy

    “500 Social Media Marketing Tips” by Andrew Macarthy offers a rather comprehensive compilation of actionable tips to help businesses and individuals optimise their social media marketing strategies. The book covers a wide range of topics, from content creation and engagement to analytics and paid advertising.

    While the sheer volume of tips might look like a lot to handle at first, the advice is practical and relatively easy to implement. If you’re a beginner or just looking to refresh your social media approach, it might be a good resource. However, more experienced marketers will likely find it too basic or redundant.

    50. HTML & CSS by Jon Duckett

    This is a gem! “HTML & CSS” by Jon Duckett is a visually engaging and beginner-friendly guide to learning the fundamentals of web development. Despite being published in 2011, the book remains largely relevant with its clear explanations and attractive layout, which made the complex concepts nicely accessible.

      The code examples are well-structured, so it’s easy to understand how HTML and CSS work together in real-world applications. Duckett’s approach is hands-on, with plenty of practical examples to reinforce learning. I used this in conjunction with a frontend course I’m doing at Codecademy and think it’s a really good reference work for newcomers to web development.

      51. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

      “Meditations” is a collection of personal reflections by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, full of timeless wisdom and Stoic quotes. Written as a series of journal entries, the text provides insights into resilience, self-discipline, and the pursuit of virtue amidst life’s challenges.

        Reading this book bit by bit each morning allows for introspection and mindfulness, and I find it’s an ideal companion for starting the day with intention or using it for journaling prompts.

        Aurelius’ musings on accepting what is beyond our control and maintaining inner peace are especially valuable in today’s fast-paced, stress-filled life. It’s a powerful practice for fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.

        52. The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday

        The last book in my Kindle reading challenge was “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday, a year-long guide to practicing Stoic philosophy through short daily readings. Each entry presents a Stoic principle, paired with a quote from philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, followed by a brief reflection or practical advice. I love this book!

        Its structured daily approach makes it easy to incorporate Stoic wisdom into everyday life. By reading it every day, you cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and emotional control. The book’s actionable insights are perfect for grounding yourself in the morning, helping you stay focused on the here and now.

        This was actually my second time reading it, and multiple reads have definitely deepened my understanding and internalisation of Stoic principles.

        Reading Challenge 2025 Ideas

        And there we have it – 52 weeks, 52 books, and one very enlightening journey. Looking back at this final quarter’s reading list, I find it rather poetic that I started with the technicalities of Google rankings and ended with the timeless wisdom of the Stoics. Perhaps that’s a fitting metaphor for this entire year of reading: a constant dance between the practical demands of modern life and the eternal quest for understanding.

        kindle reading challenge

        What began as a simple challenge to rescue my attention span from the social media abyss turned into something far more meaningful. Not only did I meet my goal of one book per week, but I’ve rediscovered something I had almost forgotten: the pure joy of losing yourself in long-form content, free from the endless pings and notifications of my phone.

        Will I keep up this pace in the new year? Probably not, and that’s okay. The point was never about the numbers. It was about rebuilding a relationship with reading, and in that sense, this challenge has been an unqualified success. My old Kindle has earned its permanent place on my nightstand, and more importantly, reading has earned back its place in my daily routine.

        If you’re thinking about taking on a similar challenge, my advice is simple: just start. You don’t need to aim for 52 books. Start with one page, one chapter, one e-book.

        Just make sure to leave your phone in another room. 😅

        young woman reading on her Kindle
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