📚 My 2025 Year in Books: 65 Reviews, Loads of Recommendations!

In 2025, I read 65 books —
moving across genres, moods, and reading lengths — from 35-page novellas to 800-plus-page epics. Thrillers dominated my stack, but memoirs and literary fiction ended up delivering the biggest emotional impact.

I don’t rate books based on hype or popularity. I rate them based on execution — character depth, emotional payoff, atmosphere, and whether the story delivers on what it promises. Being on a boat with long passages or mundane projects on the hard, audiobooks also play a major part of my reading life, and narration can elevate or completely derail an otherwise solid book.

The books I read vs listened to are annotated in this post because it likely reflected how I rated it based on “delivery”. I especially love memoirs read by the author (even if I don’t know them well) for long sailing passages!

*** Fun side Note *** ChatGPT looked at my “read” list and decided that I apparently like my books dark, moody, and emotionally devastating 📚“

I feel seen…😅

Demon Copperhead
(Barbara Kingsolver — Literary Fiction / Historical)

A modern retelling of the Classic David Copperfield (never read) set in the mountains of Southern Appalachia.

I haven’t read her since her beautiful novel, The Poisonwood Bible, This was incredibly just as well written. I loved how grounded the story felt. The characters were well developed and the writing was strong throughout. It was very heavy subject matter, but handled thoughtfully. I was very invested in watching someone survive against everything stacked against them. This is the kind of book that sets the bar high!

If you liked this, try:
→ The Nickel Boys (Colson Whitehead) — A stark historical novel that examines institutional cruelty and the lasting effects of injustice on young lives.

→ Winter’s Bone (Daniel Woodrell) — A lean, unflinching story about survival, family loyalty, and poverty in rural America.

Someone Else’s Bucket List
(Amy T. Matthews — Contemporary Fiction)

A grieving introvert takes on her late influencer sister’s daunting public bucket list to pay off medical debts, unexpectedly finding purpose and love.

What an absolutely delightful book to end the year with! I laughed, I cried, I got very invested in the story. However, to the editors please decrease the amount of times you say “Kelly Wong” and “…pulled a face”. So repetitive. That was my only gripe. I still very much enjoyed the characters and the story line!

If you liked this, try:
→ The Measure (Nikki Erlick) — Emotionally reflective exploration of mortality, meaning, and how loss reshapes the way people choose to live.
→ The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Gabrielle Zevin) — Warm, quietly humorous literary fiction where grief becomes the catalyst for connection, love, and renewal.

God of the Woods (Audible)
(Liz Moore — Literary Thriller)

Dark secrets surround a family whose children go missing from their summer camp.

Moody, atmospheric, and quietly unsettling. I was fully immersed in the setting and the slow unraveling of secrets. This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but the tension builds steadily and pays off in a way that feels earned. One of my biggest surprises of the year.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Broken Girls (Simone St. James) — A slow-burn mystery set in an isolated place where long-buried secrets gradually come to light.
→ The Last Ferry Out (Andrea Bartz) — A tense psychological thriller that uses isolation and fractured relationships to build unease.

Lincoln Highway (Audible)
(Amor Towles — Historical Fiction)

In 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett leaves a juvenile work farm planning to start anew in California with his young brother, until two friends hijack their journey toward New York instead.

I loved the characters in this book and the way their stories unfolded. Very real, very raw. It felt thoughtful and intentional. The journey itself mattered more than the destination, and that really worked for me.

If you liked this, try:
→ Orphan Train (Christina Baker Kline) — A historical novel following a life shaped by displacement, resilience, and unexpected connection.
→The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah) — A character-driven historical story about endurance, sacrifice, and moral choice during wartime.

Middle of the Night
(Riley Sager — Thriller)

A man returns to his childhood home and is forced to confront the dark secrets of his past when signs of his missing best friend begin to appear.

Sagar has such an old school horror vibe that gets that it is old school. I
Absolutely loved this book. I’ve always thought parallel timeline story telling is tough to pull out, but Sager knocked it put of the park. And while dropping hints along the way he didn’t insult the intelligence of his reader by harping on them, instead letting them linger in the back of your brain that made all the twists that much better of which there were quite a few !Even then he acknowledges his choice of ending in the final chapter. Which was perfect. Highly recommend. 

If you liked this, try:
→ The Final Girl Support Group (Grady Hendrix) —A high-tension thriller where constant danger and paranoia the momentum. Solid 80s slasher nostalgia.
→ My Heart Is a Chainsaw (Stephen Graham Jones) — A psychologically intense horror novel centered on obsession, fear, and mounting dread.

My Friends. (Audible)
(Fredrik Backman · Literary Fiction)

Four teenagers find solace in each other’s company, and their friendship blossoms into a powerful bond that changes a stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Backman’s books always hit you right in the feels and make you think. He has such an incredible way with words and character development. It’s hard to miss with any of his books. So no surprise here…Standard Backman. A quiet, beautiful, and emotionally resonant story about friendship, loss, and identity. This one lingered with me — not because of big dramatic moments, but because of how deeply human it felt.

If you liked this, try:
→ Beartown Trilogy (Fredrik Backman) — A community-focused novel exploring friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of collective choices. My favorite of all his books!
→The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto (Mitch Albom) — A reflective novel about how relationships and shared experiences shape a life over time.

The Body Keeps the Score (Audible)
(Bessel van der Kolk — Nonfiction / Psychology)

An evidence-based exploration of trauma’s effects on brain and body, offering multiple treatment paths including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, and yoga for healing.

This was heavy and difficult at times, but incredibly informative and important. Not a book I would casually recommend, but one I think has real value if you’re willing to sit with it. You will learn how the mind and body process trauma and how it can be treated based on those findings. Having been through PTSD therapy, it helped me really undertand emotional responses and how the therapies actually help. Great resource if you or someone you know is battling PTSD or you just want to understand how stress effects your brain & body.

If you liked this, try:
→Comfort Crisis (Michael Easter) — A research-based look at how modern comfort affects physical and mental health.
→Born to Run (Christopher McDougall) — An accessible blend of reporting and science focused on movement, endurance, and human capability.

The Glass Castle (Audible)
(Jeannette Walls — Memoir)

Jeannette Walls recounts her nomadic childhood with nonconformist parents – a charismatic but alcoholic father and an artistic, irresponsible mother – and her journey to overcome family dysfunction.

Raw, honest and powerful. This memoir doesn’t shy away from hard truths without feeling overdone. Heartbreaking what some children suffer due to their parents bad choices. Very compelling.

If you liked this, try:
→Born a Crime (Trevor Noah) — A memoir of growing up amid poverty and instability that balances hardship with insight, humor, and resilience.
→ Educated (Tara Westover) — A memoir about an isolated, survivalist childhood and the difficult pursuit of education, independence, and self-definition.

In Gad We Trust – A Tell Some (Audible)
(Josh Gad — Memoir / Humor)

Funny and surprisingly heartfelt. I enjoyed the balance of humor and reflection. The audiobook narration adds so much personality and warmth. A standout listen. He is a great story teller. You’ll aslo learn about high school forensics competitions (not what you think!) and how Broadway shows get made. Fascinating stuff.

If you liked this, try:
→Greenlights (Matthew Mcconaughey) — A fun memoir that blends personal stories, career reflections, and life lessons with an easygoing, humorous tone. This is MUST listen trust me!
→ I Can’t Make This Up (Kevin Hart) — A fast-paced, no-frills memoir that uses humor to trace Hart’s rise in comedy while reflecting on mistakes, ambition, and persistence. I usually find him a bit annoying…but this was good!

A Very Punchable Face (Audible)
(Colin Jost — Memoir / Humor)

Sharp, self-aware humor with a lot more heart than I expected. I laughed, but I also appreciated how reflective it was at times. Also a great behind the scenes look at life on Saturday Night Live

If you liked this, try:
→ Yes Please (Amy Poehler) — A straightforward, humorous memoir that mixes career stories with honest reflections on work, friendship, and ambition.
→ You Can’t Be Serious (Kal Penn) — A candid, lightly funny memoir about navigating fame, identity, and career choices inside and outside Hollywood.

How to Age Disgracefully
(Clare Pooley — Contemporary Fiction)

When a community center faces closure, an unlikely alliance of quirky seniors, daycare kids, and a teenage dad unite in unconventional ways to save their building from being sold.

What an absolutely delightful read!  Laugh out loud funny. Fantastic characters, who despite their flaws had you rooting for them, brought together by a fun plot that moved quickly along.  Some laugh out loud moments along the way.  Is Judi Dench available to play Daphine??  

If you liked this, try:
→ Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Book  (Kirsten Miller) — A sharp, accessible novel that uses humor and small-town conflict to examine censorship, free expression, and who gets to decide which stories matter.
→ Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt) — A gentle, hopeful story about connection, aging, and finding purpose through unlikely friendships.

We Used to Live Here
(Marcus Kliewer — Horror / Thriller)

A queer couple buys a house and lets a family of former residents visit, leading to mysterious disappearances and supernatural events.

I haven’t read a book this twisty in a long time. House of Leaves vibes! Especially with cryptic messages you had to figure out (thanks Reddit for doing it for me)! Lots of completely unanswered questions… but I think it would have had to have been so much longer, but leaving it so open ended was apart of the story itself. I couldn’t put it down . Perfect October read.  

If you liked this, try:
→ Kill Creek (Scott Thomas) — A place-driven horror story that relies on atmosphere and psychological fear rather than shock.
→ The Last House on Needless Street (Catriona Ward) — A disturbing psychological horror novel built on uncertainty and gradual revelation.

The Secret Gate (Audible)
(Mitchell Zuckoff  — Non-Fiction)

During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, American diplomat Sam Aronson helps Afghan author Homeira Qaderi and her son escape through a secret airport gate in Kabul’s chaotic final evacuation hours.

A compelling and neutral non-political read on our exit from Afghanistan from an insider’s story, but lacks depth. 13 Hours and Lost in Shangri-La were better reads.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Greatest Beer Run Ever (John “Chick” Donohue) — A narrative nonfiction story blending history, risk, and personal motivation.
→ 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi (Mitchell Zuckoff) — A narrative nonfiction account of the 2012 Benghazi attack, focusing on firsthand perspectives, military response, and the chaos of decision-making under extreme pressure.

The One. (Audible)
(John Marrs · Speculative Thriller)

A DNA test promises to match people with their genetically perfect soulmates. Five individuals receive their match results, but their path to true love reveals shocking secrets.

Unique unsettling premise that explores how technology can reshape relationships and identity. Slow reveals, great twists. Wish the characters were somehow a little bit more overlapping. Interesting delve into human psychology. Readers voices were a bit high pitched on the narration. 

If you liked this, try:
→ The Measure (Nikki Erlick) — Emotionally reflective exploration of mortality, meaning, and how loss reshapes the way people choose to live.
→ Dark Matter (Blake Crouch) — A fast-paced speculative thriller driven by big ideas, personal stakes, and mounting psychological tension.

Paradise Problem (Audible)
(Kate Quinn · Historical Fiction)

A struggling artist and a Stanford professor discover their college marriage-of-convenience never ended. Now they must fake marital bliss for his wealthy family’s inheritance.

A quick, easy read with a playful premise and good pacing. While it was entertaining in the moment, the plot and characters felt familiar and predictable, which kept it from making a lasting impression. A solid choice for a light, low-stakes read, but not one that stayed with me afterward.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Wedding People (Alison Espach) — A contemporary novel that blends sharp humor with emotional insight, exploring grief, connection, and the unexpected ways people find meaning during moments meant for celebration.
→Happy Place (Emily Henry) — A character-driven romance about long-term relationships, emotional honesty, and the difficult work of letting go or finding your way back.

The Briar Club
(Kate Quinn · Historical Fiction)

In 1950s Washington DC, five women form unlikely friendships at Briarwood House boarding home until violence threatens their sanctuary, forcing them to confront potential enemies among themselves.

A well-crafted, character-driven story with a strong sense of time and place. I appreciated how the ensemble cast slowly came together, revealing layered backstories and quiet tensions that kept me invested until the final reveal.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Women (Kristin Hannah) — A character-driven historical novel centered on women’s lives shaped by war, sacrifice, and resilience.
→ The Lost Apothecary (Sarah Penner) — A dual-timeline historical novel that blends mystery and feminism

The Wishing Game
(Meg Shaffer · Contemporary Fiction)

Reclusive author hosts contest for his new book, offering life-changing prize; orphan teacher’s aide competes against ruthless rivals.

Popped up on audible.  It was a cute story. Good for a quick listen. Charming and nostalgic, with a love letter feel to books and storytelling. While predictable at times, it delivered warmth and heart in a way that worked for me.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern) — A richly atmospheric fantasy novel where magic, romance, and rivalry unfold within a mysterious circus that exists beyond the bounds of ordinary time.
→ The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (Gabrielle Zevin) — A warm, character-driven novel about grief, books, and how community reshapes a life.

Wayward ( Wanderers #2)
(Chuck Wendig · Speculative Fiction)

Follow on to The Wanderers. A group of survivors, including sleepwalkers and their protectors, rebuild society while facing threats from a ruthless leader and an AI that envisioned the apocalypse.

This was a solid follow-up to Wanderers, and there’s clearly a lot of story here. While I wasn’t sure where the author could take things after the first book, he largely succeeds. My main issue was the length—at over 800 pages, the multiple competing storylines often pulled focus away from characters and settings for too long, and not all of them felt fully cohesive in the end. That said, if you enjoy dystopian, apocalyptic science fiction with strong characters, I’d recommend the series.

If you liked this, try:
→The Passage (Justin Cronin) — A sweeping post-apocalyptic novel that blends horror, science fiction, and deeply human storytelling as civilization collapses and survival becomes a test of memory, love, and endurance.
→ Swan Song (Robert McCammon) — A sweeping post-apocalyptic horror novel that follows ordinary people facing extraordinary evil as civilization collapses and hope is tested.

The Housemaid
(Freida McFadden · Thriller)

A woman takes a job as a maid in a wealthy family’s home, but soon finds herself entangled in their dark secrets and dangerous games.

This book was ridiculous. I was ready to put it down, then it switched gears. Ok twist I’ll keep reading. Then it was still ridiculous but I was riveted and blew through the second half of the book. Easy fast paced read. My advice- stay hydrated, carry pepper spray. 

If you liked this, try:
→The Silent Patient (Alex Michaelides) — A psychological thriller built around obsession, unreliable perception, and a slowly unraveling mystery.
→ Verity (Colleen Hoover) — A fast-moving psychological thriller built on obsession, secrecy, and moral unease.

Twittering from the Circus. of the Dead.
(Joe Hill · Horror / Novella)

Come one, come all. The show’s about to begin. Step right up for the Circus of the Dead: where YOU are the concessions. #CircusoftheDeadShort, sharp, and unsettling.

Joe Hill packs a surprising amount of atmosphere and dread into a small space, making this an effective and memorable quick read.

If you liked this, try:
→ Full Throttle (Joe Hill) — A short story collection that blends horror, suspense, and dark imagination, showcasing Hill’s range from chilling to inventive.
→ In the Tall Grass (Stephen King & Joe Hill) — A compact horror novella where disorientation and escalating dread turn a simple rescue into a fight for survival.

In a Holidaze
(Christina Lauren · Romance )

A woman is caught in a time loop and must figure out how to break free and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

A cute Hallmark-y Christmas read.  Enjoyed the Characters, actually wish we got more of the side characters into the mix in a “family stone” kind of way. The story itself was a bit slow at times. But overall, enjoyable.

If you liked this, try:
→Something Borrowed (Emily Giffin) — A relationship-focused romance built around friendship, complicated feelings, and emotionally messy choices.
→ People We Meet on Vacation (Emily Henry) — A character-driven romance about long-term friendship, missed chances, and how timing can change everything.

When We Were Silent (Audible)
(Fiona McPhillips · Literary Mystery)

Outsider student uncovers dark secrets at elite private school, leading to deadly consequences that haunt her decades later.

Slow start but the story reveals itself well.  Narrator was great.  Atmospheric and emotionally layered. I liked how the story explored memory and perspective. A quiet, slow but strong read. Great Narrator.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Broken Girls (Simone St. James) — A suspense novel where long-buried secrets and past trauma resurface through a slow, atmospheric investigation.
→ Good Girl, Bad Girl (Michael Robotham) — A tense psychological thriller that blends trauma, moral ambiguity, and a fast-moving investigation where nothing is as simple as it first appears.

The Last One. (Audible)
(Will Dean · Thriller)

During a luxury cruise vacation, Caz wakes to find her new love Pete missing and discovers she’s completely alone on the massive Atlantica ship sailing into mid-Atlantic waters.

I was drawn in by the premise, but the story itself was often far-fetched and dragged in places, with a backstory that ultimately didn’t pay off. Even so, I was completely hooked and tore through it in hours, which is why it still landed at four stars.

If you liked this, try:
→The Ferryman (Justin Cronin) — A genre-blending novel that combines mystery, speculative elements, and emotional depth as it examines memory, identity, and the cost of protecting the people we love.
→ Aurora (David Koepp) — A fast-paced techno-thriller that turns a global blackout into a high-stakes fight for survival, blending science, suspense, and nonstop momentum.

Daisy Darker (Audible)
(Alice Feeney · Thriller)

A family reunion on a tiny tidal island turns deadly when the tide goes out and family members start turning up dead.

It was a slow build that made you question what you know as the story unfolds. The twist got me even if I’m not sure I liked how it all wrapped up. I’m a sucker for the “locked room/stuck in a remote area” genre.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Paris Apartment (Lucy Foley) — A confined-setting thriller where isolation and shifting perspectives steadily increase suspicion.
→ Apples Never Fall (Liane Moriarty) — A family-centered suspense novel where long-held secrets surface under pressure.

Daring Girls (Audible)
(Sally Hepworth · Psychological Thriller)

Three foster sisters are thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses or prime suspects when a body is discovered under the home they grew up in.

Decent listen.  Multi-POV with interesting characters, dark family dynamics and uncomfortable secrets. I found this engaging and appreciated how the story unfolded.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Guilt Trip (Sandie Jones) — A relationship-driven thriller focused on manipulation, power, and emotional control
→Watching You (Lisa Jewell) — A slow-build psychological suspense novel centered on obsession and hidden lives.

One Night Gone
(Tara Laskowski · Thriller)

A woman vanishes after a glittering summer in the wealthy enclave of Opal Beach, leaving behind unanswered questions and buried secrets. Decades later, a newcomer uncovers the dark truth beneath the town’s idyllic surface—and realizes the past is far more dangerous than it appears.

Dual Timelines. Great atmospheric writing which I love, a background of a beach town in winter juxtaposed with the past carnival summer atmosphere which was brought to the present as needed in the narrative. Great writing style. My only hit was the twist at the end. It felt like a stretch, but regardless, it’s a great read.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Sun Down Motel (Simone St. James) — A disappearance-driven mystery that relies on atmosphere and lingering unease.
→ The Other Boleyn Girl (Philippa Gregory) — A dramatic historical novel that reimagines the Tudor court through the rivalry, ambition, and survival of two sisters caught in the orbit of power.

The Last One at the Wedding. (Audible)
(Jason Rekulak · Thriller)

Estranged from his daughter, a father is stunned when he’s invited to her lavish wedding at a secluded estate—and quickly realizes the powerful family she’s marrying into is hiding something deeply unsettling. As tensions rise and secrets surface, his attempt to reconnect may cost him everything.

A clever premise that hooked me early. I enjoyed the ride through lots of whodunnit twists.

If you liked this, try:
→The Sanatorium (Sarah Pearse) — A location-driven thriller where isolation amplifies paranoia and danger.
→ The Only Survivors (Megan Miranda) — A suspense novel focused on guilt, secrets, and the psychological aftermath of tragedy.

The Last Ferry Out (Audible)
(Andrea Bartz · Thriller)

Grieving her fiancée’s death, a woman travels to a storm-ravaged island only to find an insular expat community and unsettling secrets surrounding what really happened. When another person disappears and no one seems concerned, she realizes the truth may be far more dangerous—and closer—than she imagined.

Narration was good. The story started slow with a standard hint hint hint clue clue clue then dump edthe whodunit in a chapter near the end after misdirecting you to not be able to guess enough but was a solid ending. Epilogue reveal was an unexpected edition to the storyline vice a tidy wrap up which made me bump it up to 4 starts.

If you liked this, try:
→ Reckless Girls (Rachel Hawkins) — A thriller that uses remoteness and fractured relationships to sustain tension.
→The Retreat (Sarah Pearse) — A slow-burn suspense story where environment and secrecy drive fear.

Incidents Around the House (Audible)
(Josh Malerman · Horror)

Eight-year-old Bela faces a malevolent entity called Other Mommy who demands entry to her heart, threatening her family’s safety as cracks appear in her parents’ marriage.

Interesting read probably more so b/c I listened to it. It’s told from a child’s POV (brings a a different layer to the story) so the narrator’s voice, while painful at first, definately added to the story’s atmosphere. It slowed through the middle but the story was interesting. Parts dragged a bit especially toward the end. One sidenote: I will hopefully not have to hear the word “daddo” again for a very long time. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Episode Thirteen (Craig DiLouie) — A slow-burn horror novel centered on domestic space, paranoia, and creeping dread.
→ Horrorstör (Grady Hendrix) — A clever horror novel that turns a big-box furniture store (basically IKEA!) into a nightmarish setting, blending satire, supernatural scares, and fast-paced tension.

Society of Lies
(Lauren Ling Brown · Thriller)

Suspenseful thriller exploring a sister’s death, secret societies, and dark academia at an elite college.

Binged the book as I was looking for a light mystery/thriller.  It started out strong and very readable and me hooked flipping pages engaged.  It lost some steam as time went on with the three timelines getting a little blurry. The ending was semi-predictable. Overall good quick read I would recommend.

If you liked this, try:
→The Club (Ellery Lloyd) — A social thriller examining privilege, secrecy, and moral compromise..
→ Ninth House (Leigh Bardugo) — A dark, atmospheric fantasy that blends secret societies, occult magic, and murder into a gritty mystery set beneath the polished surface of elite academia.

Razorblade Tears
(S.A. Cosby · Crime Fiction)

Two grieving fathers, a Black ex-con and a white criminal associate, team up to avenge their murdered gay sons, confronting prejudices along the way.

Overall a well written novel and great character depth. The plot was a bit simple and slow at times which made it a slow not so thriller-ish read and I could have read “he sucked his teeth” about 15 less times! But it was truly a great story especially with current affairs in the US. Very real topical content.

If you liked this, try:
→The Quarry Girls (Jess Lourey) — A crime story blending violence, social tension, and emotional consequence.
→ Unspeakable Things (Jess Lourey) — A dark crime story centered on buried trauma and long-term harm. Trigger warning, this book is DARK.

Bluff City
(Jay Busbee · Contemporary / Crime Fiction)

When a washed-up blues legend is kidnapped by desperate gamblers, Memphis spirals into chaos as grifters, criminals, zealots, and hustlers collide in a city already at the breaking point. Wild, violent, and darkly funny, the story builds toward an explosive showdown that exposes Bluff City at its most unhinged.

I picked Bluff City up randomly b/c I enjoy the author’s sports writings and this looked entertaining. I mean, the author himself gave it a 5 star review, so how bad could it be 🙂  This book is HILARIOUS and over the top. There is so much going on through the entire book. Twist, Twist, Twist with all the most deprived characters that only a city like Memphis could muster getting into the craziest of situations.

A quick fun (and cheap) read!

If you liked this, try:
→ Missing Links (Rick Reilly) — A funny, heartfelt collection of golf stories that’s really about people, friendship, and the small moments that make the game—and life—worth loving.
→ Bringing Down the House (Ben Mezrich) — A fast-paced nonfiction story about a group of MIT students who used math, teamwork, and nerve to beat Las Vegas at its own game.

Riverbend Reunion
(Carolyn Brown · Contemporary Fiction)

Lifelong friends reunite to renovate an abandoned church into a bar, facing scandals and finding romance in their small Texas town.

Cute book. Rounded up. 3 stars for the storyline as a whole, it flowed well, but teased at conflict, but never really delivered anything then abruptly ended. 5 stars for the characters and overall enjoyable read. It was essentially a light hallmark movie. Good break from the heavier, longer books!

If you liked this, try:
→ The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion (Fannie Flagg) — A warm, community-centered story about family and shared history.
→Britt-Marie Was Here (Fredrik Backman) — A gentle contemporary novel about reinvention, connection, and belonging.

The Reformatory
(Tananarive Due · Historical Horror)

In 1950s Jim Crow Florida, twelve-year-old Robbie is sent to a horrifying reformatory school where he uses his ability to see ghosts to uncover dark secrets about missing boys.

This was a really really great book. The writing is great, the setting is well developed and the story heart-wrenching.  While it is “horror” and has a supernatural element, most of the atrocities brought about by terrible humans of the Jim Crow South.  My only hit is the length and pacing. There were parts I was engrossed in, then there would be a few stretches where it struggled to keep my attention, especially early on. But, It was a great book and well worth the read! 

If you liked this, try:
→ The Eden Mine (S.M. Freedman) — A dark, unsettling horror novel that blends small-town secrets with supernatural dread, building tension through atmosphere and moral unease.
→ The Nickel Boys (Colson Whitehead) — A powerful historical novel that confronts institutional cruelty and racism through the lives of two boys trapped in a brutal reform school.

James
(Percival Everett · Literary Fiction)

An enslaved man named Jim flees to avoid being sold away from his family, joining Huck Finn on a dangerous Mississippi River journey. James completely reimagines one-half of Finn’s famous duo, elevating him from unwitting sidekick to reluctant hero.

Not actually what I was expecting. Honestly, didn’t know what to expect. As a Pulitzer Price winner, I knew it would be a solid read. Thoughtful and sharp. This made me stop and think more than once. I’d likely to pick up another of his books. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Plainsong (Kent Haruf) — A quiet, deeply human novel that follows a small Colorado community, finding grace and connection in ordinary lives shaped by loss, kindness, and resilience.
→ The Boys in the Boat (Daniel James Brown) — A compelling narrative nonfiction story about teamwork, perseverance, and resilience as a group of unlikely athletes chase Olympic gold against overwhelming odds.

Memorials (Audible)
(Richard Chizmar · Literary Fiction)

In 1983, three college students film a documentary about roadside memorials, but their adventure turns sinister when they discover mysterious symbols and face threatening situations in Appalachian backwoods.

Randomly downloaded this after seeing it in a book store.  Fun book to listen to. Narration was top notch and good at 1.5x speed.  The story really developed throughout to a satisfying conclusion. Will check out other novels by the author. Solid spooky season story!

If you liked this, try:
→ Wanderers (Chuck Wendig) — A sprawling, thought-provoking thriller that blends science fiction and horror to explore contagion, social fracture, and what holds humanity together when the world starts to unravel.
→ The Long Walk (Stephen King) — A stark, relentless dystopian novel that turns a simple contest into a brutal examination of endurance, authority, and the human will to survive.

The History of Sound (Audible)
(RBen Shattuck · Literary Fiction)

This interconnected collection of twelve stories spans three centuries in New England, exploring how past echoes through generations via artifacts, memories, and love.

3.5 stars round up b/c the stories were a bit hit or miss for me likely b/c I was doing tasks while listening to the book. So some of it may have gotten lost in my attention being diverted at times.  I enjoyed most of the stories, but struggled to really see the interconnectedness of each story. Very unique storytelling process.

If you liked this, try:
→ Great Circle (Maggie Shipstead) — A literary novel concerned with legacy, time, and emotional connection.
→The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) — An epic historical novel that brings medieval England to life through ambition, faith, and the long struggle to build something meant to last.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
(Taylor Jenkins Reid · Historical Fiction)

An aging Hollywood movie icon finally reveals the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life to an unknown magazine reporter.

So torn. I struggled to really get into this book. I just couldn’t crack the emotional surface to get invested in the story. That said. I twas a good, entertaining story, just lacked ‘something’ 

If you liked this, try:
→The Thirteenth Tale (Diane Setterfield) — A gothic-leaning literary mystery wrapped in lush storytelling, following a biographer drawn into a famous novelist’s secretive past and a family history full of shadows.
→Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) — A richly detailed historical novel that follows a young woman’s life inside Kyoto’s geisha world, exploring identity, ambition, and survival within rigid social rules.

The Staircase in the Woods
(Chuck Wendig · Horror)

Bound by a childhood pact, five friends are haunted when one of them vanishes after climbing a mysterious staircase in the woods. Twenty years later, the staircase returns—and so does the chance to uncover what was lost, and what may still be waiting.

Overall loved the concept. Strange and unsettling, but it lacked some punch for the story it was presenting. The atmosphere worked more than the plot for me.Overall, a good enjoyable read though at just under 400 it felt long.

If you liked this, try:
→ House of Leaves (Mark Z. Danielewski) — A deeply unsettling, experimental novel that uses layered narratives and typographical play to explore obsession, fear, and the instability of reality.
→ Station Eleven (Emily St. John Mandel) — A quiet, literary post-apocalyptic novel that focuses less on catastrophe and more on art, memory, and what endures after the world changes.

The House of My Mother. (Audible)
(Shari Franke · Memoir)

Shari Franke exposes the dark reality behind 8 Passengers YouTube channel, revealing her mother Ruby’s abusive parenting and involvement with a cultish coaching program.

Hard to rate a non-fictional account of child abuse. Good for her for telling her story. It’s a very important story in the age of YouTube. It was it a well-written book? Meh, but she is young and this is a tough story to tell, She comes across very witty and clear on the story. The timeline and accounts were very quick and generalized. Well read on audible. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Under the Banner of Heaven (Jon Krakauer) — A gripping work of narrative nonfiction that examines religious extremism and violence through a meticulously reported true-crime investigation.
→ Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (Matthew Perry) — A candid memoir that combines humor with hard-earned honesty as Perry reflects on fame, addiction, and the long road to recovery.

TheSecret Life of Lobsters
(Trevor Corson — Nature / Science)

An intimate portrait of an island lobstering community and an eccentric band of renegade biologists that blends science, politics, and history through the minds of fisherman, scientist and the crustaceans themselves.

Loved this book. As a science and marine biology nerd coupled with a lobster lover, this was a great read. The writer did a great job presenting the material which otherwise would be dry in an entertaining and readable way. I was fascinated and laughed often. Super interesting now having sailed these grounds twice now and eaten lobster often in ME!

If you liked this, try:
→ The Anthropocene Reviewed (John Green) — A reflective nonfiction work examining humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
→ Remarkably Bright Creatures (Shelby Van Pelt) — A gentle, hopeful story about connection, aging, and finding purpose through unlikely friendships.

Abandon
(Blake Crouch — Thriller)

In 1893, a mining town’s population vanishes without a trace. A century later, a journalist and her team investigate the mystery, only to face deadly threats during a blizzard.

My 6th Blake Crouch book and probably the one I liked the least. Honestly… It felt a little all over the place but at least a little consistent with the back and forth timeline story telling. Probably best described as two intertwined roller coasters that gain steam as they go to meet neatly back at the station in the end. Ok book.

If you liked this, try:
→ One Second After (William R. Forstchen) — A gripping survival novel that explores how ordinary people respond when modern society collapses after a catastrophic attack.
→ Pines  (Blake Crouch) — A fast-paced thriller that drops you into a strange town where nothing adds up and every answer raises new questions. Crazy twist in the end.

Atmosphere
(Blake Crouch — Thriller)

A quiet astronomy professor’s life changes when she’s selected to join NASA’s early space shuttle program, where intense training, unlikely friendships, and first love expand her sense of what’s possible. But a catastrophic mission forces her to confront how quickly everything—including her place in the universe—can change.

Fun read. Loved the historical idea of it. I just for the main character a bit more melodramatic than needed for a female lead in STEM. It focused too much on what was in her head…I would have liked more inclusion of the interesting side characters and NASA drama. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus) — A smart, character-driven novel that uses humor and heart to explore gender roles, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.
→ Where the Crawdads Sing — A quiet, atmospheric novel that blends coming-of-age, nature writing, and mystery as it follows a young woman growing up in isolation and learning how to survive on her own terms.

Bad Summer People (Audible)
(Emma Rosenblum — Contemporary Fiction)

A suspenseful novel about the dark secrets and hidden agendas of a group of wealthy summer residents on Fire Island, where a shocking murder exposes their deceitful nature and hidden desires.

Sometimes I wonder why I read/listen to this particular brand of story line. Rich people behaving badly.  The characters are usually painfully problematic. But maybe that is sometimes not far off the mark? Nothing new here. Quick guilty pleasure read. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Big Little Lies — A sharp, character-driven novel that peels back the veneer of suburban perfection to expose secrets, power dynamics, and the consequences of small lies.
→ No One Needs to Know (Lindsey Lanza) — A sharp domestic thriller built on buried secrets and escalating tension, where the past refuses to stay hidden and trust becomes the most dangerous thing to give away.

The Fury (Audible)
(Alex Michaelides — Thriller)

A reclusive ex-movie star and her famous friends take a spontaneous trip to a private Greek island, but their night of fun turns deadly when one of them is found murdered.

Maybe it was the British actor narrating the story, but it felt like I was listening to a warped version of the movie ‘Clue’. As the story kept sort of restarting with new information and changing from the unreliable narrator’s POV. Quite predictable in the end. Overall, A compelling concept, but uneven in execution.  The Silent Patient was a much better read from this author.

If you liked this, try:
→ Foe (Iain Reid) — A tense, unsettling sci-fi thriller that plays with identity and isolation, building quiet dread as a couple’s life is disrupted by a mysterious government program.
→And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie) — A tightly constructed classic mystery that traps a group of strangers in isolation, letting suspicion and fear escalate until no one can be trusted and survival is never guaranteed.

Salem’s Lot
(Stephen King — Horror)

Stephen King’s chilling vampire novel “‘salem’s Lot” follows a writer who returns to his hometown only to discover it’s being overtaken by vampires. This deluxe special edition features deleted scenes from the original manuscript

I’ve read most of King’s books. This wouldn’t make my top 10. Story was decent. Lots of interesting characters, a given for King, and some great horror moments. But. The story just seemed to never end. I’ve read his other long ones. The Stand and It are two of my favorite books of all time, and loved Under the Dome. This one though. Dragged and was very choppy. With some good editing could have moved better through the story IMHO.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Passage (Justin Cronin) — A sweeping post-apocalyptic novel that blends horror, science fiction, and deeply human storytelling as civilization collapses and survival becomes a test of memory, love, and endurance.
→ I Am Legend (Richard Matheson) — A tense, genre-defining novel that blends horror and science fiction to examine isolation, survival, and what it means to be human when the world has changed beyond recognition. A bit of different layout from the Will Smith movie.

Trust (Audible)
(Hernan Diaz — Literary Fiction)

A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a wealthy 1920s Wall Street couple’s rise to power, told through multiple competing narratives that explore truth, deception, and the influence of wealth.

I think the write ups and accolades for this book were much more dramatic than the book itself. I did not get all the hoopla.  The “timeline” was different and the lay out of reveals through different perspectives was interesting, but the overall story and characters themselves…not so much, especially when you go through the same story multiple times. 

If you liked this, try:
→ The Nest (Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney) — A character-driven novel about family, money, and entitlement, where long-held resentments surface as siblings are forced to confront who they are and what they owe one another.
→ Fishbowl (Bradley Somer) — A quietly inventive novel that captures a single moment in time, showing how small decisions ripple across lives in unexpected ways.

People We Meet on Vacation
(Emily Henry — Romance)

Two best friends, vastly different, reunite for one last vacation to confront the truth that could make or break their relationship.

I usually love Henry’s writing and stories, but Ooph, this one was a bit of a slog. I’m glad this was not my first of hers or I may not have gone back. The story just didn’t move along and there was very little depth to the two characters that make up the entire story or their past/present storylines.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Celebrants (Steven Rowley) — A heartfelt contemporary novel about friendship, grief, and chosen family, following a close-knit group navigating love and loss across the years..
→ Daisy Jones & The Six (Taylor Jenkins Reid) — A fast, addictive historical novel told in an oral-history format, capturing fame, heartbreak, and the messy dynamics of a fictional 1970s rock band.

Wish You Were Here (Audible)
(Jodi Picoult — Contemporary Fiction)

On March 13, 2020, amid early Covid-19 signs in NYC, an art specialist reflects on childhood memories of helping restore Grand Central Terminal’s zodiac ceiling with their father.

This is such a hard book to rate. I love Picoult books. But this one felt like a bit of a mess. 2 different stories. Thought-provoking with moments that worked really well (loved the twist!), but the pacing felt uneven overall and the ending…So much to the story left unsaid(?), undelivered (?). Author is amazing (highly rated previous books), hope another great read of hers in the future!

If you liked this, try:
→ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V.E. Schwab) — A lyrical, character-driven fantasy about immortality, memory, and what it means to leave a mark on the world when no one remembers your name.
→ The Pallbearer (Jordan Farmer) — A darkly humorous coming-of-age novel that explores grief, loneliness, and unexpected friendship through an offbeat and emotionally grounded lens.

Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games 0.5)
(Suzanne Collins — Dystopian / YA)

In the 50th Hunger Games, twice as many tributes fight, including Haymitch, torn from loved ones, set up to fail but determined to fight against all odds.

As a fan of Haymitch in the original series, so I was excited to get his back story. But it just didn’t deliver. It was an okay read with some interesting insight into some other characters from the 1st trilogy, but otherwise just the same formula of the previous games books.

If you liked this, try:
→ One of Us Is Lying (Karen M. McManus) — A sharp, fast-paced YA mystery with plenty of twists, following five students in detention after one of them dies and everyone becomes a suspect.
→ Panic (Lauren Oliver) — A tense YA thriller set in a small town where graduating seniors compete in a dangerous secret contest, pushing friendships and survival instincts to the edge.

Such Quiet Girls (Audible)
(Noelle W. Ihli — Thriller)

A bus driver and ten children are buried alive in a shipping container. As air runs out, they must outsmart their kidnappers to survive. Based on actual events.

Readable suspense, but it didn’t surprise me much. I wanted more tension and depth. Maybe I’ve just listened to so many great audible books in a row, this one just felt flat and linear . 

If you liked this, try:
→ Eden Mine (S.M. Hulse) — A tense psychological thriller centered on a woman whose sister resurfaces after years of captivity, forcing buried trauma and complicated family dynamics back into the light.
→American Dirt (Jeanine Cummins) — A tense, propulsive novel about a mother and son forced to flee their lives and cross Mexico in search of safety, blending heartbreak, survival, and relentless momentum.

Strange Houses (Hunger Games)
(Uketsu — Horror)

A writer investigates a house with mysterious floor plans in Tokyo, uncovering hidden spaces and disappearances that lead to a sinister conspiracy and a dead body.

The creepiest part about this book was the ‘About the Author’…which lead me to an even more disturbing YouTube channel.  As for the book itself, I’m not really sure how to rate this strange book. I was expecting a bit of House of Leaves, but really it was just a random murder mystery laid out in too convenient of way that I didn’t even wonder about the drawings. Reviews seem to suggest that the prior book, Strange Pictures, was much better. Perhaps I’ll read that this year. 

If you liked this, try:
→ Hidden Pictures (Jason Rekulak) — A suspenseful thriller that blends unsettling drawings with a slow-building mystery, keeping tension high as reality and imagination begin to blur.
→ Listen for the Lie (Amy Tintera) — A sharp, darkly funny thriller that plays with true-crime obsession and unreliable memory as a woman confronts the possibility that she may be the villain in her own story

Chasing the Thrill. (Audible)
(Daniel Barbarisi — Nonfiction)

A reporter documents his friend’s search for Forrest Fenn’s hidden treasure, which leads to a dangerous and potentially deadly adventure.

This was basically a narrative on the history of treasure hunting. An interesting subject on the history and personalities involved, but the pacing dragged. I appreciated the research more than the reading experience.

If you liked this, try:
→ The Lost City of Z (David Grann) — A gripping narrative nonfiction book that blends exploration, obsession, and history as it follows the true story of a doomed quest into the Amazon.
→ Shadow Divers (Robert Kurson) — A gripping nonfiction adventure that follows two divers as they uncover a historic shipwreck, blending deep-sea danger, obsession, and meticulous investigation..

Careless People.
(Sarah Wynn Williams— Memoir/Tech

An insider exposes Facebook’s inner workings, from private jet travels to misogynistic culture. She reveals how unchecked power shaped global events under Zuckerberg’s leadership.

While this book doesn’t offer much new information if you’ve followed Facebook’s rise and controversies, it’s still a story worth telling. What weakened it for me was the author’s repeated acknowledgment of ethical concerns without meaningful self-reflection or accountability—she condemns the behavior around her while remaining complicit in it. The result feels less like an honest reckoning and more like selective criticism of a system she was willing to participate in.

If you liked this, try:
→ Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) — A candid memoir about ambition, risk-taking, and the chaotic reality behind building a global company.
→ Bad Blood (John Carreyrou) — A tightly reported nonfiction thriller that exposes the rise and collapse of Theranos, showing how ambition, secrecy, and Silicon Valley hype can override truth.

The Heiress. (Audible)
(Rachel Hawkins — Thriller)

A wealthy woman’s death reveals family secrets and a mysterious past, pulling her adopted son and his wife into a web of intrigue and danger.

A compelling setup with plenty of intrigue, but the execution didn’t fully deliver. The pacing lagged in places, and while entertaining, it didn’t leave much of a lasting impression.

If you liked this, try:
→The Girls Weekend (Jody Gehrman) — A suspense novel that uses privilege, friendship, and buried resentment to build psychological tension.
→ Molly’s Game (Molly Bloom) — A gripping memoir about high-stakes poker, ambition, and survival, told with sharp detail and momentum as Bloom navigates power, money, and scandal.

One Perfect Couple. (Book/Audible)
(Ruth Ware— Thriller)

Ten contestants join a reality TV show on a remote island, but when a storm isolates them, Lyla discovers someone’s playing a deadly game where survival becomes real.

An engaging premise that worked better on the page than audio (narrators voices were rough), but the story ultimately felt predictable. good for a quick escape, just not particularly memorable.

If you liked this, try:
→ Twenty Years Later (Charlie Donlea) — A fast-paced cold-case thriller that revisits a decades-old crime, blending investigative twists with mounting suspense as past secrets resurface.
→ The Hunting Party (Lucy Foley) — A tense, snowbound thriller where a group of old friends reunite in isolation and long-buried secrets turn a holiday into a deadly reckoning

The Midnight Feast.
(Lucy Foley — Thriller)

Secrets and lies unravel at a luxurious resort’s opening night, where an ancient forest harbors dark mysteries and deadly consequences ensue.

Standard Foley Multi-POV building thriller. Though this one left me a bit unimpressed. Dragged a bit into a lackluster ending. Overall enjoyable Good for an easy filler read, but I could have left it on the shelf also.

If you liked this, try:
→ Five Total Strangers (Natalie D. Richards) — A fast-paced, snowbound thriller where a stranded road trip turns dangerous, forcing strangers to decide who to trust when survival is on the line.
→ Watching You (Lisa Jewell) — A twisty domestic thriller about secrets hidden in plain sight, where voyeurism, obsession, and small-town tensions build toward a sharp, unsettling reveal.

Life Impossible. (Book/Audible)
(Matt Haig— Speculative fiction)

A retired math teacher inherits a Mediterranean island house and uncovers a strange truth about her friend’s life, forcing her to confront her past.

I went into this with too high of expectations after The Midnight Library.  This was good story laid out well but lacked depth(?)…it was a lot of whimsy about living your life intentially. It felt repetitive. I would still recommend it, but his other book was better if you haven’t read it yet.

If you liked this, try:
→ Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) — A gentle, heartfelt memoir about love, aging, and what matters most, told through one last series of conversations between a former student and his dying professor.
→ Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir) — A hopeful, science-driven story that blends high-stakes survival with humor and human connection. Amazing Audible listen.

The Search for the Centuries Prize.
(David MacNamera — Fantasy)

Four friends from around the world, each gifted with the ability to communicate with the dead, join forces with each other and a few ghostly spirits in a globe-spanning race to uncover the mysterious Centuries Prize—an ancient, long-lost symbol of spiritual enlightenment.

I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway. My 12 year old self would have probably LOVED this book. My adult self was annoyed at the very basic repetitive writing style. The book had a fun imaginative plot that moved along well so I stuck with it. Cute book, but sadly, it appears it is no longer in print.

Maybe try this instead:
→ The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern) — A lush, atmospheric fantasy romance set inside a magical circus, where illusion, obsession, and high-stakes competition unfold in dreamlike, lyrical style.
→ Ready Player One (Ernest Cline) — A fast, nostalgia-fueled sci-fi adventure set in a virtual reality world, blending puzzles, pop culture, and high-stakes competition with an addictive pace.

The Shivers Collection
(Various Authors — Horror Anthology)

In this chilling collection, five acclaimed authors invite you into a world where the supernatural hides in plain sight.

Look closely, and you’ll find it: lurking within an ancient tree (Jack knife/Joe Hill), stalking an idyllic beach (The Blanks/Grady Hendrix), when a headless colleague enters the boardroom (The Indigo Room/Stephen Graham Jones), resident in a motel room (Night & Day in Misery/Catriona Ward)and whispering through a friend’s letter (Letter Slot/Owen King). Your curiosity is exactly what it’s been waiting for.

Decent stories for some fun quick reads by well known authors in the horror genre.

If you liked this, try:
→ Full Throttle (Joe Hill) — A dark, fast-moving short story collection packed with horror, suspense, and sharp imagination, ranging from eerie supernatural shocks to unsettling psychological drea
→ NOS4A2 (Joe Hill) — A sprawling, dark fantasy-horror thriller about a woman with a supernatural gift who must stop a sinister immortal who steals children into a twisted Christmasland.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls – 2 stars
(Grady Hendrix — Horror)

In 1970, pregnant teenagers at Wellwood House discover witchcraft through a forbidden book, gaining power that comes with a bloody price in this Southern Gothic horror.

Interesting story from a historical perspective, but this was just a miss for me on a few fronts, sadly.

This book lacked the story and humor of his other books. The 1st half wandered aimlessly with bland characters. Then, picked up steam, but continued very disjointedly like he had mulitiple stories to tell and tried to fit them all in one book. Add in two very detailed and graphic birthing scenes that went on unnecessarily for pages, and ooph.

Maybe try this instead:
→ The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires (Grady Hendrix) — A sharp, darkly funny horror novel that mixes suburban paranoia, friendship, and escalating dread as a women’s book club realizes something truly monstrous has moved into town.
→ How to Sell a Haunted House (Grady Hendrix) — A darkly funny, surprisingly emotional horror novel about grief, family baggage, and a haunted childhood home that refuses to let go.

Not in Love – 2 stars
(Ali Hazelwood — Romance)

Another author who writes female in STEM lead characters. This novel involves a forbidden office affair between a biotech engineer and a hostile corporate raider threatens careers and companies in a steamy, high-stakes romance.

20% plot. 80% 2 people pining or having crazy sex with each other despite being in opposite sides of a company takeover. That’ percentqage. is probably generous. There was little plot until halfway. Then it disappeared again until about 80%. And the takeover story line and other characters could have been developed so much! This is more for the 50 shades crowd than the Lessons in Chemistry crowd. A smart female lead character in STEM left being a 2 dimensional.

Maybe try this instead:
→ Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus) — A smart, character-driven novel that uses humor and heart to explore gender roles, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.
→ Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (Gabrielle Zevin) — A character-driven novel about friendship, creativity, and how shared passion can both bind people together and pull them apart over time.

Santa Cruise – 2 stars
(Fern Michaels – Contemporary Fiction)

Four lifelong friends embark on a singles cruise, hoping to find love while navigating the hilarious and heartwarming adventures that ensue.

I was looking for a fun holiday read. This narrative was so messy. I stuck with it to the end because it had such potential … but it was mostly banal repetitive dialogue with a few snippets of Xmas decor sprinkled in, lots of descriptions of outfits and random caribbean stop history descriptions. There was zero depth or flow. Zero.

Maybe try this instead:
→ In a Holidaze (Christina Lauren) — A cozy, feel-good holiday romance with a time-loop twist, blending family chaos, second chances, and festive charm.
→ I Hope This Finds You Well (Natalie Sue) — A sharp, heartfelt contemporary novel that blends workplace humor with emotional depth, following a woman forced to reckon with herself, her relationships, and what it really means to start over.

Iron Hope – 1 star
(James Lawrence – Memoir/Sports)

A guide to developing mental toughness through the extraordinary journey of completing 50 triathlons in 50 states in 50 days and 100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days.

Iron Hope was a profound disappointment. Rather than offering meaningful insight into preparation, recovery, or the realities of extreme endurance performance, the book relies heavily on repetitive motivational clichés and disjointed anecdotes. As an experienced Ironman athlete, I found the glorification of ignoring pain—often to a dangerous degree—deeply troubling. What’s framed as perseverance increasingly reads as self-destructive behavior fueled by a need for recognition, made possible only through extraordinary resources and the emotional labor of others. This isn’t inspiration—it’s a cautionary example of how endurance culture can cross into something unhealthy and irresponsible.

Maybe try this instead:
→ Born to Run (Christopher McDougall) — A wildly engaging blend of sports storytelling and science, exploring endurance, human potential, and the running culture of the Tarahumara in a way that’s equal parts inspiring and entertaining.
→Bart Yasso’s My Life on the Run (Bart Yasso) — A fun, motivating running memoir packed with stories from the road, personal grit, and the kind of approachable inspiration that makes you want to lace up and go.

Freedom (Daemon, Book 2) – DNF. (Audible)
(Daniel Suarez- Tech Thriller)

A rogue AI system called Daemon gains control of civilization, sparking civil war in the Midwest. Pete Sebeck leads a populist movement while global corporations fight to destroy the Daemon.

DNF. but the story here felt seriously lacking. Really enjoyed the first novel, but with sequel, I made it almost half way and there was still no central character or plot. It was just different people talking about how the Daemon works.  It got old.  I was bored. 

Maybe try this instead:
→ Daemon (Daniel Suarez) — A fast-paced techno-thriller where a dead game designer’s malicious computer program triggers a real-world takeover, blending cybercrime, conspiracy, and high-stakes action. The first in the series was actually pretty good!
→ Pines  (Blake Crouch) — A fast-paced thriller that drops you into a strange town where nothing adds up and every answer raises new questions. Crazy twist in the end.