Readers’ Picks: The Best Narratively Stories of 2025
From an essay about finding peace after conversing with a ghost (who happens to be your BFF), to a reported piece on a male sex worker upending your expectations, here are your faves from the year.
It’s hard to pick favorites — of anything really, let alone stories you’ve had some kind of hand in, because each one becomes a part of you in some way as you work on it. When I tried to make a list of my favorite Narratively pieces from the year, I realized I had just made a list of everything we published! So, as to not share every.single.story. we’ve worked on in the last 12 months here, we’ve looked to you, dear reader, to see which ones you liked the most. Below, please find the top 11 stories we published this year based on which you gave the most love — replete with our fave reader comment from each. Don’t see your top pick here? Let us know in the comments which piece of ours resonated for you the most…
Our Therapist Gave My Wife and Me MDMA—and It Saved Our Marriage
Julianna and I were on the brink of breaking up when we were met with an unexpected proposal that changed the way we saw ourselves and each other, forever.
“What a talented writer! This was written so perfectly, each moment and character deftly described. The most interesting thing is how keen and ego-less the self-exposure is. Really beautiful work.” —Helen Huang
Unburying My Mother’s Secret
In the last years of her life, a sudden revelation upended my entire image of my mom. It took a decade after her death—and another major life change—for me to see that both versions of her were real.
“I felt the anguish and the heartache with you, Cathy. What an extraordinary story. I was riveted from the first word to the last. I saw it all play out. I'm so sorry about your mother. 💔” —Marcia Abboud
I Was the World’s Worst Cancer Mom
The cancer ward (and my Insta feed) were filled with picture-perfect moms moving heaven and earth for their sick kids. Meanwhile, I spiraled into heavy drinking, depression and self-destruction.
“A fabulous essay! Congratulations on all you and Carolyn have overcome.” —Anne Glaser
The Man Who Betrayed Me Was Also the Man Who Loved Me
I came out of the closet in the throes of the AIDS epidemic and fell for someone I thought was a safe harbor. The blurred lines between his love and his lies have haunted me the rest of my life.
“Gosh! So many layers in this one. What a marvelous piece of writing that lures you in, gives you hope, crushes you and then lifts you up again. Bravo!” —Mansi
I Wanted to Watch Him Take His Last Breath—But She Said No
My stepmother and I never got along, but not allowing me to be by dad’s side while he was dying crossed a line. I've regretted not standing up to her ever since.
“So poignant and resonant in many ways and, of course, beautiful writing. I hope writing this has brought you a sliver of peace.” —Kathy MacKay
Meet the Male Sex Worker Upending the Nevada Brothel Scene
In remote northern Nevada, a truck-stop brothel advertises “Ladies 24 Hours.” Inside, one 49-year-old grandfather is betting there’s a market for a different kind of courtesan.
“I love this story because it turns any expectations one might have of what a male sex worker might be like on its head, instead painting a picture of someone doing deeply emotional and healing work.” —Brendan Spiegel
“This piece grabs us from the beginning and we want to see where it’s going. I love the pacing, the characters, and the easy-goingness of the whole story. Well deserved accolades, Katharine.” —Jen Shepherd
What’s the Opposite of Taking Someone’s Virginity?
I finally slept with my best friend, just before he died—and I started to fall apart after he was gone. Then a conversation with his ghost—and a perilous trek through the woods—changed everything.
“Lovely essay. I’m so pleased I found this other example of your writing — honest, forthright, and sexy.…May Jeff’s memory be a blessing to you always. As one can readily see in your writing, he remains a muse, an inspiration and the source of many adventures yet to come!” —Rich Deely
Letter to My Teenage Self: You Will Be Saved by the Power of Your Words
Sixteen years after going to prison, Kwaneta Harris tells her 13-year-old self everything she wished she knew sooner.
