Book List

Let's face it, if you're a reader then you're in the market for book recommendations.  I write about the books that I'm currently reading in my weekly posts and do a "best of the best" list in my year end wrap up, but after accidentally writing an "everything I read in 2022" post I thought it would useful to keep a live page of this year's books.

• 2022 book list (at the end of the post)
• 2023 book list 
• 2024 book list (ain't got time for that?  Here is the Reader's Digest version, aka a spreadsheet)
  

Here is the real time list of what I'm reading in 2025.  I'll keep this page updated and then archive it into a regular post at the end of the year.

Just want to see a spreadsheet instead of my ramblings?  Here is my 2025 book spreadsheet.

Disclaimer about DNF's and negative comments: it takes two to tango.  If I don't like a book, that's a reflection on both the book and me.  I used to avoid saying anything negative about anything, but I think that it's helpful for you to see what I don't like so that you can assess how well my reading tastes line up with yours.  I just want to be very clear that because I don't like something at a particular moment in time doesn't mean that it's bad or that it won't work for you.  I also like to point out that my number of published books is zero, so it's at least one less than any author whose work I don't like.

2025 Booklist

I is for Innocent by Sue Grafton.  This was a perfectly fine, but not outstanding entry in the series.

• How I heard about it: continuing the series.

The Blue Sisters by Coco Mellor.  DNF at 10% - I was already getting the sisters confused and not connecting with them.  Honestly I wanted The Blue Sisters to be The Shred Sisters, which it is not.

• How I heard about it: Sarah's Bookshelves Podcast 

The Shining by Stephen King.  DNF after a few chapters.  I loved the movie, and I Ioved 11/22/63 by the same author...and for whatever reason I just couldn't get into it. 

• How I heard about it: everyone has heard about this

I'd Rather be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel (audio).  This was a delightful two hour lover letter to reading by MMD (Modern Mrs. Darcy) herself.

• How I heard about it: well originally I heard about it on the MMD website, but Engie's rave is why I read it.

J is for Judgement by Sue Grafton

• How I heard about it: continuing the series.

 Money for Couples by Ramit Sethi.

• How I heard about it: duh, the Money for Couples podcast. 
  

Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom.  A novel based on a true story of a young Native American woman who married an older white trader and traveled with him to Canada.  When a Bad Thing happened, she took care of business.  I loved this book.

• How I heard about it: Sarah's Bookshelves

Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman.  DNF.  I wanted to like this satire about a man whose parents have fallen under the spell of "Fax News" but it quickly became a zombie-ish slasher book which wasn't what I was looking for.  It's the right book for somebody, just not me.

• How I heard about it: NYT article
  

 

Chemistry by Weike Wang.  When you're an up and coming PhD student, your perfect boyfriend proposes, and your life falls apart.

• How I heard about it: I heard about another book by the same author that has a long Libby hold.  Lisa alerted me to this book, which was the author's first.

K is for Killer by Sue Grafton.

• How I heard about it: continuing the series

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (audio).  When the scene on YouTube and the scene behind the cameras are very different.

• How I heard about it: Sophie

 

Currently Reading

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery.  Move over Anne with an E!  This book was a delight starting on page one.

• How I heard about it: Engie!  It's the current CBBC book.

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer.  When you're the perfect girlfriend.  And you're a robot.

• How I heard about it: everyone has heard about this.  Stephany's review is what pushed me to get on Libby and check it out.