Remember me? I’m so sorry I’ve let this site atrophy. I’m still reading lots of books, but the attention span and the mental clarity needed to string together words for reviews, has been lost in the onslaught of increasingly surreal corruption and destruction in our government. The cognitive dissonance between what government should be and what it is right now means I’m scrambling to stay coherent and not day drink.
At the same time, I couldn’t let 2025 exit without at least sharing my favorite books of the year. There’s no particular order and some of these books I haven’t even reviewed yet (sigh), but they were all 5 star. Here’s hoping you can find something wonderful to read this holiday season!
The year started off strong with this story of two girls, both trying to fit in. An under-rated gem for the year. My review
A touching and frustrating novel of one long term marriage. My review
Love, artistry, marriage, and death. My review
A woman disappears while hiking the Appalachian Trail, but this is less mystery and more meditation on mothers and daughters. My review
Probably my favorite 2025 novel with an ending that broke my heart. My review
The third in a cerebral fantasy adventure centered around an infinite library that spans time, space, and species. Could be read on its own, but the world building makes the first two books worth the time.
A reality show on steroids, this novel goes right to the heart of darkness, unsurprising as it might be. My review
One boy, three names. Where does his life go? My review
A fabulous genre mash-up of thriller, coming-of-age, and literary fiction set in the early days of the dot.com era. My review
One of my favorite Irish authors with a poignant look at the seismic generational shifts in one small Irish town as drugs and unemployment take over. My review
How was your 2025? Any favorite reading you’d like to share?
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*I received a free copy of some of these books from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m sure others would disagree, but I always find it heartening to know there is a growing community of us that are pained at the direction this president is taking us in. He is a festering sore and I don’t know how we will survive the next three years.
I don’t think it’s sustainable for those of us who feel compassion.
Thanks for sharing your top 5 stars!! We have a couple in common. 🙂
2025 – 5 stars
Red Clay – Charles b. Fancher
All the way to the river- Elizabeth Gilbert
The Correspondent – Virginia Evans
What Kind of Paradise- Janelle brown
Heartwood- Amity Gaige
Speak to me of home- Jeanine Cummins
The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits – Jennifer Weiner
Penitence – Kristin Koval
Let’s Call her Barbie – Renee Rosen
5 star Backlist
Marrying the ketchups- Jennifer close
The Hop – Diana Clarke
Your house will pay – Steph Cha
Mrs. Everything – Jennifer Weiner
The Day The World came to town: 911 in Gander, Newfoundland – Jim Defede. (This is a great one to listen/read when you’re feeling humanity has faltered/or see unkindness in the world).
You had some great reading! Here’s hoping 2026 is just as good.
Oh excellent to see your list! So glad you came back for this — give us the dirt — despite the crappy toxic gov’t, lol. I have read Heartwood and Wild Dark Shore … of course. But I need to get to the Donal Ryan novel … he’s one of the best Irish authors for sure! What am I waiting for? … I’ve only read his novel Queen of Dirt Island but that was enough to make him pretty much an auto-read. Also I’m curious a bit about the Jonathan Evison novel … I’ll add it to the TBR. thanks! & Happy New Year. keep it going here.
Thank you! The Evison will give you agita at times, but it was worth it for the clear eyed portrayal of traditional marriage at a specific time.
I loved Heartwood and The Compound!
So different, but both so good! How are you doing?
I so appreciate your recommendations.
Thank you! I’m going to try and be more consistent this year. Fingers crossed.