Ivanka Trump's Favorite Books Of 2025 Include Only One Novel (But It's A Must-Read)

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Ivanka Trump closed out 2025 with a Facebook post sharing a few of the books she most enjoyed reading this year. The list demonstrates a lot of range, from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act" to "The Lessons of History" by Will and Ariel Durant. It appears Trump gravitates toward reflective, inspiration self-help books, which we already knew based on the Reese's book club pick Trump had on her TBR this year. But, her list of her top 2025 reads also includes a novel, and it's one that's been wildly popular with readers: "The Women" by Kristin Hannah. Hannah's bestselling historical novel follows a woman who serves as a nurse during the Vietnam War and returns home to the U.S. where political and cultural tensions are running high. This emotionally charged setting becomes the backdrop for a series of painful events in the protagonist's personal life.

In a caption beneath a photo of her reading, Trump gave a little insight into what she loved about the book. "A powerful story of courage, resilience, and sisterhood set against war," she wrote. "It restores women to the center of history and reminds us that some of the bravest acts of service happen quietly." For Trump, who exists in the male-dominated world of political power, it makes sense that she would appreciate a story that gives a woman's perspectives on events so often told through the eyes of men. It's also been a wildly popular book since it was published in 2024, and it ranks high among Hannah's beloved historical fiction books, according to reader reviews.

Cultural narratives about the Vietnam War often overlook the service of women, which makes Kristin Hannah's novel a unique and illuminating portrait of the era. The story deals with the horrors of the war, as well as the difficult homecoming and PTSD that followed it. It earned a staggering 4.59 stars on Goodreads, with readers praising the immersive writing, and rich characters. "I learned so much about the Vietnam War," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "Kristen had me googling info like I was back in High School and honestly I loved it. This book is more than just a war story. It captures female friendships, ptsd representation [and] a world we used to live in not too long ago."

While the novel is set in the past, "The Women" has much to offer about the current moment, too. In a Q&A on her website, Hannah revealed that her decision to explore the Vietnam era was influenced by the intense division of contemporary politics. "I realized that it was the perfect moment to delve into another terrible, politically divided time in our country," she explained. "One of the things I love about historical fiction is its ability to illuminate the modern world." But what if you've already read "The Women" and loved it? Consider checking out another wartime historical fiction pick.