I apologize for not posting anything since last year until now. I had a couple of family emergencies in 2025, and I was not able to devote the time I had wanted to my business blog. My hope is that I can resume regularly blogging in 2026.
I did still read 43 books and 1 short story in 2025, as well as the 7 manuscripts I edited.
As I have noted before, I am a binge reader. I get interested in topics and then read about them relentlessly until something else catches my interest. This year was no different. I dabbled in topics that always fascinate me (true crime, the Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio, music history, Appalachian foodways) and explored new niche interests (Galapagos island scandals, 20th century African colonial memoirs). I revisited a favorite classic (The Great Gatsby), continued a new favorite historical mystery series (Andrey Kurkov’s Samson Kolechko series), and discovered a new favorite contemporary mystery series (Sally Andrew’s Tannie Maria series). Jo Harkin’s new historical fiction The Pretender was, far and away, my favorite new release. I also joined my library’s book club and have enjoyed participating and reading books through it that I wouldn’t otherwise read.
Here are some of the books and series I found especially interesting, enjoyable, excellent, and/or thought-provoking. I also included some of the books I wanted to read and didn’t get around to–there’s never enough time for all the books I want to read!–and a few I’m already looking forward to next year.
