Tis that time of year when the sparkles have faded, the last gift opened, the Christmas lights are off, and the trees have been taken down. And with the shedding of all that 2024 brought, many of us are ready to embrace 2025 and begin as the best versions of ourselves. For those in Crystal Lake, two local experts, Janet Windeguth, a librarian at the Crystal Lake Public Library (CLPL), and Diane Steverson, owner of local bookshop Abalabix, offer guidance and resources to inspire better mental health and wellness through reading and reflection.
Both Janet and Diane believe in the transformative power of books. Janet, hesitant to name a single favorite, often turns to Wind in the Willows, Jane Eyre, and The Green Mile as her comfort reads. She favors historical fiction for its blend of engaging storytelling and insight. Diane, meanwhile, names One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez as her all-time favorite, praising its magical realism for connecting the extraordinary with the relatable.
“Books can provide a sense of connection, escape, or even healing,” Diane explains. Her shop reflects the rhythms of the year, with selections tailored to readers’ needs. For cozy winter nights, she recommends Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep, The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices, and The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again. Those seeking meaningful life changes might turn to Your Year for Change: 52 Reflections for Regret-Free Living or Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.
With the new year comes an increased interest in health and wellness topics. “People often want books to guide them through resolutions and resets,” Diane says. Abalabix offers options like Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means, and The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life by Mike Rucker. Customers can pick up these titles in-store or order them via Bookshop.org.
CLPL also supports patrons with an impressive array of resources. Janet notes that books on stress management, dietary approaches, and wellness trends remain popular. She recommends Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey, a humorous yet heartfelt novel about rediscovering oneself after loss; The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, which explores transformation through love and literature; and The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman, a novella on sacrifice and redemption. For nonfiction enthusiasts, Janet suggests Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most by Miroslav Volf, which inspires reflection on life’s deeper values, and Good Energy, a scientifically grounded guide to metabolic wellness.
Beyond books, CLPL builds community and promotes well-being through programs like “A Matter of Balance,” designed to reduce fear of falling and encourage activity among seniors. Posters in library restrooms direct visitors to the McHelp app, an anonymous mental health resource run by the McHenry County Mental Health Board. The library also provides databases like MedlinePlus and Salem Health for trusted health information.
Diane emphasizes the importance of local connections in fostering personal growth. At Abalabix, readers can browse seasonal selections or request personalized recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a cookbook to support healthier eating or a guide to mental clarity, Diane’s shop ensures that every customer feels supported.
If you’re unsure where to start, the combined booklists from Janet and Diane offer a wealth of inspiration. Fiction lovers might try The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry or Really Good, Actually. Nonfiction readers can explore Life Worth Living, or The Power of Fun. For personal growth, Daring Greatly and Your Year for Change provide actionable advice, while those seeking calm can turn to Nothing Much Happens or The Deal of a Lifetime.
“Books are a great tool to reflect, grow, and learn—not just about the world, but about ourselves,” Janet says. Whether through a quiet read, a journaling exercise, or participation in a library program, the new year presents countless opportunities to enhance mental and physical health and embrace a brighter future. Let Crystal Lake’s book lovers guide your journey into 2025.