Reflecting on 2025: Mikayla's Bookish Creatives Year in Review with Stats and Awards

Every year brings fresh stories, new viewpoints, and countless hours spent getting lost in books. For me, Mikayla's Bookish Creatives, 2025 was an incredible year filled with reading milestones, exciting achievements, and a growing community of fellow book enthusiasts. In this year in review, I’ll share the reading goals I set at the beginning of 2025, the impressive stats I achieved, and the standout books that captured my heart. Whether you're a fellow book lover or just curious about my journey of dedicated reading, this post offers a detailed look at my experiences throughout 2025.

2025 Reading Goals Review

At the beginning of 2025, I set clear and ambitious reading goals for myself, aiming to challenge and inspire. These goals focused on diversity in genres, increasing my reading volume, and engaging more deeply with the creative process behind books.

• Read 60 Books

  • End Result: 57 Books Read

• Read 10 Flame Tree Short Stories Collection Books

  Ex: Irish Fairytales, Tales of King Arthur, Greek Myths, African Myths and Tales

  • End Result: 0 Books Read

• Read 10 Physical Books

  • End Result: 13 Books Read

  
  

• Read 10 Libby Books

  • End Result: 7 Books Read

  
  

• Read 10 Kindle Books

  • End Result: 30 Books Read

  
  

• Read 10 Netgalley ARCs

• End Result: 8 Books Read

• Read 10 Book Club Picks

  Ex: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez (GMA)

• End Result: 1 Books Read

• Read 5 Amazon First Read Books

  Ex: The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel

• End Result: 2 Books Read

• Read 15 Book Recommendations

  Ex: The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne (brother/Booktube)

  • End Result: 1 Books Read

  
  

• Complete 10 Series

  Ex: The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

  • End Result: 4 Series Completed

  • End Result: 8 Series DNF'd

  • End Result: 18 Series Started

  • End Result: 6 Series Continued

• Read 10 Children's books

  • End Result: 14 Books Read

• Read 10 Middle Books

• End Result: 23 Books Read

• Read 10 YA

• End Result: 11 Books Read

• Read 10 Adult

• End Result: 9 Books Read

• Read 10 Read Around the World Challenge Books

  Ex: The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen (Maine, USA),

  • End Result: 24 Books Read

• Read 5 Out of Comfort Zone Books (ex: horror, thriller, nonfiction)

  • End Result: 4 Books Read

  
  

• Read 10 gifted or bought books

  • End Result: 20 Books Read

• Keep an updated book journal

• End Result: Kept it undated until around September than forgot about it.

• Continue making bookish content

• End Result: Did this across a blog, multiple social channels: instagram, facebook, reading trackers apps, and more.

• Finished and Publish my 2nd poetry/short story seasonal collection book

• End Result: Did this, book was published January 22, 2025

• start writing a fiction book,

  • End Result: Started and Finished 2. Clara's Canvas was published March 30, 2025. Fiction Book 2 written and finished, set to release in 2026.

In summary, my 2025 reading goals provided a structured and inspiring framework that guided my literary journey throughout the year. While I fell short in some areas, particularly with the Flame Tree Short Stories and Book Club Picks, I exceeded expectations in reading physical books, Kindle books, and exploring diverse genres. The experience not only enhanced my reading volume but also enriched my engagement with the creative process, culminating in the successful publication of my poetry collection and two fiction books. Overall, this year has been a rewarding blend of challenges and achievements, motivating me to set even more ambitious goals for the future.

2025 Reading Stats

The numbers behind the reading tell a story of dedication and growth. Here are some key statistics from Mikayla’s Bookish Creatives’ 2025 reading year:

• Total books read: 57

• Average pages per book: 320

• Average books read per month: 5

• Total pages read: 10, 993

• Most popular genre: Fantasy

• Second most popular genre: Contemporary Fiction

• Books by indie authors: 25

• Books by traditionally published authors: 32

• Most Read Authors: Andy Keats, Rick Riordan, Maggie Stiefvater

• Longest Reading Streak: 9 Days

• Children's Books Read: 14

• Middle Grade Books Read: 23

• YA Books Read: 11

• New Adult/Adult Books Read: 9

• Most Read Format: Novel, E-Book

  • Paperback: 9

  • Hardcover: 4

  • E-book: 44

• Total Days Read: 193

• Total Arcs Read: 22

  • Netgalley: 8

  • BookSirens: 6

  • Author Sent: 8

• Read Around the World Challenge Data:

  • Argentina - 1

  • Greece - 2

  • New Zealand - 2

  • British - 3

  • Australian - 2

  • Ghanian - 1

  • Tennessee - 4

  • German - 2

  • Russian - 1

  • Southeast Asia - 1

  • Massachusetts - 2

  • Egypt - 1

  • Texas - 2

  • South America - 1

  • Illinois - 1

  • Ireland - 1

  • Scotland - 1

  • California - 1

    
    

The reading statistics for 2025 reflect an impressive commitment to literature and a diverse exploration of genres. With a total of 57 books read, I demonstrated a strong engagement with both indie and traditionally published authors, particularly in the fantasy and contemporary fiction genres. The substantial number of pages read, coupled with a notable participation in the Read Around the World Challenge, highlights not only a dedication to reading but also an appreciation for global narratives. Overall, these statistics paint a picture of a vibrant reading community that values variety, authorship, and the joy of discovering new worlds through books.

2025 Book Awards

Recognizing outstanding books is a highlight of the year for Mikayla’s Bookish Creatives. The 2025 Book Awards celebrated titles that resonated deeply with readers, sparked meaningful conversations, and showcased exceptional storytelling.

Favorite Children's Book: Book Your Ticket to Adventure by Sarah Hodgson and Emily Pomfrett

Favorite Middle Grade Animals Book: The Foster Cat-Astrophe by Marjorie Stordeur

Favorite Middle Grade Contemporary Fantasy Book: Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

Favorite Mystery Book: A Skeleton in the Closet by Claire Hatcher-Smith

Favorite YA Fantasy + Sci-Fi Book: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Favorite YA Fantasy Book: The Discovery of Inner Magic by Stephen Lethaus

Favorite YA Contemporary Fiction Book: Standing Too Close by Kate Larkindale

Favorite Adult Book: Wearing the Lion by John Wiswell

Favorite Mythology Book: Story Weaver: Adventure Mode Unlocked by Andy Keats

Favorite Romance Book: Second Chance Books by Carina Gaskell

Favorite Representation Book: The Doughnut Club by Kristina Rahim (anxiety, LGBTQ+)

Top 10 of 2025:

• Wearing the Lion by John Wiswell

• The Foster Cat-Astrophe by Marjorie Stordeur

• Story Weaver: Adventure Mode Unlocked by Andy Keats

• A Skeleton in the Closet by Claire Hatcher-Smith

• Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

• Cinder by Marissa Meyer

• The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta

• The Wizard's Way by Lisa Kelly

• Second Chance Books by Carina Gaskell

• Eyes of Isis: Serpent's Sting by Brian Coggins Jr.

The 2025 Book Awards have once again highlighted the incredible diversity and talent within the literary community. Each award-winning title not only reflects exceptional storytelling but also resonates with readers across various age groups and genres. From the enchanting adventures in children's literature to the thought-provoking narratives in adult fiction, these books have sparked conversations and inspired imaginations. As we celebrate these remarkable authors and their contributions, we look forward to discovering even more captivating stories in the years to come. The passion for reading and storytelling continues to thrive, and we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for literature.

Closing Thoughts on 2025

Reflecting on my reading journey in 2025, it's clear that this year has been one of growth, exploration, and connection within the literary community. The goals I set not only challenged me but also led to unexpected achievements, such as the successful publication of my poetry and fiction works. The statistics reveal a vibrant engagement with a diverse range of genres and authors, highlighting the joy of discovering new narratives and perspectives. The 2025 Book Awards celebrated exceptional storytelling, reinforcing the importance of diverse voices in literature.

As I look ahead to the future, I am filled with excitement and determination to set even more ambitious reading goals. The experiences and milestones of this past year have fueled my passion for reading, and I am eager to continue sharing this journey with fellow book lovers. Here's to another year of captivating stories, enriching discussions, and the endless possibilities that await us in the world of literature!