2025’s Ultimate Book List: The Reads You Can’t Miss brings together an inspiring selection of books that will engage, challenge, and entertain readers in fresh and unforgettable ways. From thought leaders like Malcolm Gladwell, whose insights into human behavior continue to shape our understanding of success, to emerging voices offering new perspectives, these ten books are essential for anyone looking to broaden their horizons. Whether you’re after practical strategies or deeper reflections on life’s complexities, this list offers something for every reader. Here’s why these books should be at the top of your reading list.
STEFANIE BRUNS
Stefanie Bruns is an acclaimed quantum psychologist and business mentor who has been helping high performers and world leaders achieve extraordinary success for over two decades. Known for her unique blend of science and spiritual methods, Stefanie integrates her deep understanding of psychology with energetic approaches to help clients unlock more life force, energy, and success. She is the founder and CEO of Business Flow Academy, where her teachings and mentoring have empowered individuals and businesses globally to achieve rapid, transformative results.
Stefanie’s work is highly regarded for its ability to create profound shifts in both the personal and professional lives of her clients. She is recognized for her ability to merge the seemingly “crazy” or spiritual aspects of success with practical business strategies. As a mother of four, Stefanie embodies balance, guiding individuals to integrate their personal and professional lives seamlessly. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Disrupt Magazine, cementing her reputation as a leader in transformative business and personal coaching
CHELLIE PHILLIPS
Chellie Phillips is the author of the international bestseller Culture Secrets: Secrets Leaders Use to Build a V.A.L.U.E Culture and a nationally respected speaker and corporate trainer. With a passion for cultivating high-performing organizational cultures, she is renowned for her expertise in helping leaders create work environments that foster both company success and employee fulfillment. Chellie’s approach blends leadership insights with practical strategies that empower leaders to build positive, engaging workplaces where teams thrive. Her ability to connect with audiences through her down-to-earth, engaging style has made her a trusted advisor to organizations across the country. Chellie’s work in building lasting employee engagement and elevating team success has earned her a reputation as a leader in organizational culture. As a sought-after corporate trainer, she provides actionable insights that transform workplaces into productive, values-driven environments. Culture Secrets continues to be a vital resource for leaders who want to foster a culture of growth, innovation, and collaboration. Chellie’s impact extends beyond her books and training; she has inspired countless organizations to create environments where employees are motivated, connected, and empowered to achieve their best. Her contributions to leadership and culture building make her a key voice in today’s corporate world.
WOMEN GONE WILD
The Women Gone Wild book series is a transformative movement founded by entrepreneur Rhonda Swan, aimed at empowering women to embrace their true potential and redefine success. Created to spotlight bold stories that inspire personal growth and break societal norms, each book serves as a platform for women leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to share their journeys and ignite change.
With partner Jules Schroeder joining for the upcoming Leadership edition, Women Gone Wild continues to amplify female voices. Schroeder, a well-known advocate for authenticity and fearless leadership, supports the mission of encouraging women to live their truths and lead with purpose. Together, Swan and Schroeder are building a community that celebrates wild ambition, authenticity, and resilience.
Their vision goes beyond the pages of the books; they dream of 88,000 women gathering in a Colosseum, united in a powerful display of collective female energy and impact. This ambitious goal represents the strength of women coming together to inspire change. The Women Gone Wild series embodies values of courage and empowerment, offering a space where women can connect, inspire, and uplift each other on a global scale.
PATTI NEGRI
Patti Negri, celebrated as the “Good Witch,” is a psychic-medium and a prominent figure on the popular TV series Ghost Adventures on Travel Channel and Discovery Plus. As an internationally recognized author, Patti’s book, Old World Magick for the Modern World, offers readers practical techniques rooted in old-world magic to achieve personal empowerment, harmony, and positivity. With straightforward advice on balancing energy, creating simple spells, and aligning with nature’s cycles, Patti’s work helps people connect with their inner strength without any specific religious requirements.
Beyond her writing, Patti is the Vice President of the paranormal streaming service Paraflixx.com and a co-founder of UniversityMagickus.com, where she educates and inspires others on topics of magic and mysticism. Known for her uplifting and accessible approach, Patti continues to make magic relevant and meaningful for modern lives, empowering her audience to live with intention and confidence
MARY BETH LACY
Mary Beth Lacy, born in Princeton, NJ, discovered her love for storytelling at a young age. Growing up with a passion for both sports and literature, she thrived as a competitive figure skater in New Jersey and even captained the boys’ golf team after her family moved to Georgia. An English major and dedicated golfer at Furman University, Mary Beth later built a dynamic career in golf public relations, working with prestigious events like the Bob Hope Classic and The Skins Game in California.
In 1998, she founded Mary Beth Lacy, Incorporated, and for over three decades, she represented top golf brands and personalities worldwide, leaving a lasting mark on the industry. In 2023, after a career rich with press conferences and countless articles, she retired. Married to Christopher Lacy, with whom she has two children, Mary Beth now enjoys life between Palm Desert, California, and St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Her love for storytelling lives on in her children’s book, Octopi Are Very Sly, a whimsical tale that encourages resilience, big dreams, and the value of love and friendship. Deeply connected to her Irish Catholic roots, Mary Beth’s fondest memories include reading with her father and sharing stories with her children.
HILARY DECESARE
Hilary DeCesare is an award-winning coach and the founder of The ReLaunch Co., specializing in peak performance, business growth, and mindset mastery. With over 23 years of experience, she has helped individuals in midlife reignite their lives, careers, and relationships through her innovative 3HQ™ framework, which aligns the Head, Heart, and Highest Self, and her Tune In™ power tool.
A passionate advocate for neuropsychology, Hilary blends science with ancient wisdom to drive lasting transformation. She is a 3x international bestselling author of ReLaunch! Spark Your Heart to Ignite Your Life and a sought-after speaker, featured on ABC’s The Secret Millionaire, Forbes, USA Today, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Hilary also hosts the globally-ranked The ReLaunch Podcast and co-hosts Wake Up with Marci & Hilary on TV.
In 2023, she was recognized as a Top Business Leader by NOW Honors and named one of Life & Style’s Top 10 Impact-Driven Leaders to follow in 2024. Beyond coaching, Hilary is a board member at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, advocating for experiential learning. Her work in entrepreneurship and empowerment earned her a knighthood from the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen, cementing her legacy as a transformative leader.
JESSICA CLANCY
The Quest for Family is a powerful narrative that reflects the challenges many face in today’s society, seen through the eyes of a young girl. This real-life story showcases how strangers can step in to provide positive influences, changing the trajectory of her life. It highlights the urgent need to rebuild a sense of unity and community, especially when the family structure is weakening and accountability is lacking.
Jessica Clancy, a Registered Dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition and business, is the author of The Quest for Family, soon to be adapted into a full feature film. She is a passionate advocate for family wellness, fighting against violence and abuse, and championing positive development within the entertainment industry.
Clancy’s work addresses the declining family unit and its impact on society, emphasizing the importance of secure, stable environments to foster healthy relationships and self-confidence. She also stresses the need for safe boundaries to protect against violence and abuse, especially for vulnerable children and women. Through her involvement with J&JRanch Productions and Houston-JCFilms.com, Jessica strives to create family-friendly content that inspires change and heals societal wounds.
Her story challenges others to be the change, offering hope for stronger families, communities, and a better world. Will you join The Quest for Family?
AMANDA M RENAUD
Amanda M Renaud is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship. As CEO of Magnetic Entrepreneur Inc., a globally recognized publishing brand featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and USA Today, she has helped the company achieve remarkable milestones, including a Guinness World Record and the 2023 Global Recognition Award for publishing and coaching. Founded by New York Times bestselling author Robert J. Moore, Magnetic Entrepreneur has been a significant influence on Amanda, herself a 5x international bestselling author.
With an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Treatment, Amanda brings expertise in program development, community services, crisis intervention, business growth, and CRM. A certified life coach and MVA survivor, she turned her challenges into a journey of success. In October 2023, Amanda released her first solo self-development book, Exceptional Minds, and contributed to Luminous Leaders, inspiring readers to embrace growth and transformation.
TERRI BRITT
Terri Britt, former Miss USA, is a TEDx speaker, spiritual coach, and intuitive healer. She is the founder of the global Women Leaders of Love community and the author of several books, including the award-winning The Enlightened Mom: A Mother’s Guide for Bringing Peace, Love & Light to Your Family’s Life and Message Sent: Retrieving the Gift of Love.
Terri’s media appearances include Today, Fox, NBC NY, Good Day Atlanta, and HuffPost, and she is a former news anchor for Movietime (now E!). Alongside her husband, Charlie, she co-owns JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters in Helen, Georgia.
For over 20 years, Terri has empowered women to embrace their worth, break free from stress, and become thriving role models for their families.
JON PENBERTHY
Jon Penberthy is a self-made entrepreneur and the founder of adclients.com, a thriving digital marketing agency that he established in 2014. From a young age, Jon demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a desire to create and build something of his own. He began his journey by buying and selling products online, which eventually led him to discover affiliate marketing. His success in this field fueled a passion for teaching others, and Jon soon found himself creating and selling online courses to help people replicate his success.
Despite facing significant challenges, such as the unexpected shutdown of his YouTube channel, Jon’s resilience and problem-solving skills allowed him to adapt and overcome setbacks. He diversified his strategies and continued to grow his business, which now generates well over $5 million annually.
Jon’s approach to business is deeply rooted in creating a positive and fulfilling work environment. He believes in fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and appreciated, which has been a cornerstone of adclients.com’s success. Additionally, Jon emphasizes the importance of financial stability, ensuring that his company is well-prepared for any potential challenges.
Jon Penberthy is now not only dedicated to scaling adclients.com but also to establishing a brand that consistently delivers tangible results for its clients. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, Jon has earned a reputation as a respected leader in the digital marketing industry. From his beginnings as a disenchanted student to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Jon’s journey exemplifies how determination and the right mindset can transform passion into a flourishing business. In 2025, he will release his book Marketing for Millions, already anticipated as a must-read for marketers.
As we dive into 2025, these ten must-read books stand out as essential reads for anyone eager to explore fresh ideas and transformative concepts. Featuring industry leaders and authors like Malcolm Gladwell, whose work consistently challenges conventional thinking, this list promises to provide invaluable lessons across various topics—from personal growth to leadership and beyond. Each book holds the potential to spark change, inspire new thinking, and shape the way we see the world. So, whether you’re a long-time fan of Gladwell or discovering new voices, these books are sure to leave a lasting impact. Happy reading!