As 2025 draws to a close, The Guardian has curated a second selection of its most powerful and thought-provoking features from the year. This collection spans deeply personal human stories, incisive cultural analysis, and a shocking tale of financial deception, offering a brilliant weekend reading list.
Human Stories of Connection and Resilience
In March, writer John Harris penned a moving piece about how the music of the Beatles forged an unbreakable bond with his autistic son, James. The article, accompanied by a photoshoot by Pal Hansen where they dressed as Sgt. Pepper's band members, detailed how the band helped James find his voice. The piece gained renewed resonance with the year-end re-release of the Beatles' Anthology series.
Another profound story of an alternative life came from Jo Nemeth. The Australian explained to journalist Louise Southerden why, nearly a decade after closing her bank account in 2015, she feels more secure living completely without money.
Perhaps the most astonishing interview was with Esther Ghey, mother of the murdered transgender teenager Brianna Ghey. Speaking to Simon Hattenstone, Ghey revealed she has forgiven the teenage killers responsible for the 2023 attack and has even befriended one of their mothers, stating that holding onto hate would be self-destructive.
Cultural Phenomena and Digital Landscapes
The digital age produced two standout analytical features. Mark O'Connell profiled Jimmy Donaldson, the 27-year-old known as MrBeast, whose YouTube channel boasts 400 million subscribers. The piece examined his role as a defining entertainer in the modern 'attention economy'.
Meanwhile, Phil Hoad investigated the impact of data-driven production on cinema in a fascinating long read. He explored how the Netflix algorithm has influenced filmmaking, leading to what some see as a wave of generic, easily digestible content designed for distracted viewing.
A Tale of Trust Betrayed
The final selection is a gripping long read by Hettie O'Brien about Stephen David Jones. The article detailed how the lawyer, with a brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, gained the trust of wealthy clients only to leave them millions of pounds out of pocket in a complex story of financial crime.
Each of these six articles, in its own way, captured a significant thread of life, culture, and society in 2025, offering readers insight, emotion, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
