My Greek Books
My Greek Books is one of the ways I fulfill my mission to you amplify the voices of writers of Greek descent and those who write about Greece. Every month, I review books and share them with you. “Greek books” are what I predominantly read. In 2025, I reviewed nearly 30 books on this blog.
While I’ve read probably three times that number of books this year, unfortunately, I can’t review them all. Some haven’t been published yet. It is a privilege to read advance copies before publication. But I’m typically not allowed to share until after they’ve published. I also read my client’s work. Some became clients after I read their books, so you may have seen them in My Greek Books, but it was prior to our working relationship. Once we start working together, I don’t write reviews of their books, though I do love their work. You won’t find reviews of these books here, but I do tell you about them in other ways.
Looking back at 2025
As always, I know how hard it is to write—and market—a book. I have tremendous respect for those who bare their souls on the page. So I won’t call out any book as “best”.
My Greek Books is a labor of love. I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve shared in this series and recommend them. Still people always ask, “What were the top books you read this year?” or “What books really left a lasting impression?”
So, I’ve compiled a list of some that have really stayed with me, in month order, with my reviews. Here, you’ll find six novels, a short story collection, an autobiography, and other nonfiction books. You have no idea how incredibly hard it was to pick only 10! Click through the month link to read more about the authors and the books.
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My Greek Books Top Picks of 2025
New Greek Voices: The Best Short Fiction from Greece Edited by Helen Mitsios (January)
Tiber and Hudson Publishers (October 5, 2024)
Greece has a vibrant literary scene with some incredibly talented authors. But many linger in obscurity due to the difficulty in translation. Helen Mitsios has assembled a fantastic collection, featuring some of the best writers in Greece today. Now we’ve had a taste, we surely want more. Don’t miss it!
Zoe by Mary Kachoyeanos (January)
Fulton Books (October 2024)
Zoe is a powerful story about a woman’s strength and determination against established norms, and her battles with everything life throws at her. Mary Kachoyeanos crafted an engaging tale that takes you back to Chicago in the early 20th century on, with vivid descriptions of the immigrant experience, as well as the struggles of women in earlier generations. Zoe is a formidable woman, who does what it takes to make things happen. I read it in one sitting. Add it to your list.
Eleven Days to the Promised Land: A timely realization of the past and the present: An Autobiography by Dino Pavlou with James Farrell (March)
Newman Springs (March 31, 2021)
I had the pleasure to meet Dino Pavlou recently in a Zoom book club meeting. I’d heard of his book, though it lingered on my to-be-read list. After that exchange, I knew it was a must-read. Dino shares his extraordinary life, from a tiny village in Greece, to rubbing elbows with some of the most famous celebrities in New York. From his tragic and humble beginnings, he fought for his American dream, to face tragedy once more—and almost lose it all. Eleven Days to the Promised Land is an emotive look at this immigrant’s experience, and an entertaining story of some of his customers who became friends—including Frank Sinatra. I’m so glad he chronicled his inspiring story. This one is ripe with film potential! Add it to your list.
Not Dead Yet by Jeffrey Siger* (March)
Severn House (April 1, 2025)
I’ve read and reviewed all of the books in ‘The Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis’ series, and I’ve loved them all. Just when I think there might be nowhere left to go, Jeffrey Siger creates another well-crafted story, and Kaldis returns to solve another crime. It’s always great to catch up with the chief inspector, who always fights for the good. Jeff is so skilled at the plot twist; I sure didn’t see this one coming. comes out April 1. You’re gonna love Not Dead Yet, too.
*I read an advance review copy
Don’t Open Your Eyes: A Novel by Liv Constantine* (May)
Bantam (June 17, 2025)
Liv Constantine is undoubtedly the queen of psychological thrillers. There’s a lot of hype on this book, and it does not disappoint. With plenty of twists and turns, this one will keep you on your toes. Nothing is as it seems, but one thing is for sure: Don’t Open Your Eyes will be another international bestseller.
*I read an advance review copy of this book
Frieze Frame: How Poets, Painters, and Their Friends Framed the Debate Around Elgin and the Marbles of the Parthenon by A.E. Stallings (June)
Paul Dry Books (April 8, 2025)
I have long been fascinated by the Parthenon Marbles and am a staunch advocate of their return to their rightful home. And I have long heard about Elgin’s supposed permission to remove the Marbles. But this book turns the narrative on its head: there’s much more to the story. I had no idea the removal of the Marbles had such an effect on writers, poets, and artists; and the countless references in literature and the arts. Frieze Frame is a captivating book, well researched, and thoughtfully presented. A.E. Stallings’ fresh take presents the history with little-known artistic references, that will make you see the Marbles and the entire debate in a whole new way. It’s made me even more passionate about the subject. Don’t miss it!
Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell (June)
Avon (May 8, 2025)
Emma Cowell has done it again! Not only does she transport us to beautiful Greece, but she has crafted a compelling story with many twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next. Under the Lemon Tree is a story of family secrets, loss, love, and forgiveness. Greece has Emma under her spell, and the magic manifests itself in this novel. Add it to your list!
The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis by Maria Smilios (August)
GP Putnam’s Sons (September 19, 2023)
This book has been on my to-be-read list since it came out. Wow! The Black Angels gives voice to these angels of mercy who risked their lives every day to care for their patients. This story reads like a novel, but it’s all true. As we recently endured a pandemic, readers will see many parallels. I loved learning how these women stood up to change the status quo and didn’t back down. Thank you, Maria Smilios, for telling this unknown story, and giving voice—and names—to these amazing women.
Stealing Dad by Sofka Zinovieff (August)*
Corsair (May 8, 2025)
I’d been waiting for months for this book but could not find it in the US, so I had to order it from the UK. It took a while to arrive but it was worth the wait. Sofka Zinovieff weaved a gripping tale that I just couldn’t put down. I had to know the plan and if they would succeed. Stealing Dad is a mad cap adventure that drew me in from the start. Don’t miss it!
*I still haven’t found this available in the US.
Archipelago by Natalie Bakopoulos (October)
Tin House Books (August 19, 2025)
Archipelago is the story of a search–a search for so many things. A search to figure out who we are as we enter midlife. For identity. A search for home. For the intersection of it all, and beyond. With her gorgeous, poetic writing, Natalie Bakopoulos crafted a tale that grabs you, burrows inside you, takes you along for the ride. Makes you reflect and consider. And sparks imagination. It’s so different than anything I’ve ever read. I devoured it in a few hours. The story grabbed hold of me, shook me. I began to examine things in my own life. And then all these creative ideas sprang forth. I can’t recall when last I reacted to a story this way. It’s one I’ll never forget. Get ready for a thought-provoking, modern-day Odyssey. This is a must-read.
My Greek Books 2025
Wow! You have no idea how hard that was, but space really doesn’t allow for a top 20 or listing honorable mentions. Know I enjoyed all the books I reviewed this year. So do look back through my blog to discover the amazing books I’ve had a privilege to read and write about. You can also follow my literary column in NEO Magazine, called ‘Mnemosyni’s Musings’ (named after the goddess of storytelling!) for more book suggestions. I do round ups and some interviews there, too.
Well, that’s a wrap on My Greek Books for 2025. I’m excited for next year. My to-be-read stack is now taller than me. I’ve already got some great books to share with you in 2026. Can’t wait! Til then, Happy Reading!
Read more:
My Greek Books: Top 10 Reads of 2024
My Greek Books: Top 10 Reads of 2023
