Son of Nobody, by Yann Martel
Parallel stories of a graduate student, and the ancient Greek epic he uncovers, each with relevance for today. Highly recommended.
Read MoreHow To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay, by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson is the queen of my tribe, and David Sedaris is the king. Here is her new self-help book, filled with ways to trick your mind into cooperating with your goals and wishes for a happier day. Laugh your way to better mental health.
Read MoreSkylark, by Paula McLain
Entertaining historical fiction, following two tales of Paris, and two stories of resistance to authoritarian power.
Read MoreAudition, by Katie Kitamura
First person narrative of a middle-aged actress, with two different paths in life described in two parts. Exploration of memory, motive, and how little we know about ourselves, others, and our choices.
Read MoreHorse, by Geraldine Brooks
Slow-paced historical fiction, telling the story of Lexington, a legendary thoroughbred horse of the Antebellum era, unveiling the untold, ugly story of slavery in the development of beautiful racing horses.
Read MoreWriters & Lovers, and Heart the Lover, by Lily King
Read this pair of novels in the order they were published. Stories describing the youthful joys of self-discovery, without concern for the lifelong consequences of choices made in innocence and naivety. An homage to love, and the love of writing.
Read MoreA Guardian and a Thief, by Megha Majumdar
Two guardians of their families’ fates, battling for survival and security in a flooding, hot Kolkata. A tightly crafted page turner, recommended.
Read MoreAsk Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, by Maureen Callahan
Finally, the one book that pulls together all the facts, describing the misogynistic behaviors of the Kennedy men, and presents the complexities of the women they used and harmed.
Read MoreThe Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life, by Helen Whybrow
The life and work, rewards and pitfalls of a northern New England shepherd, told in closely observed, meditative prose.
Read MoreThe Uncool: A Memoir, by Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe writes about his unique experiences, traveling with rock bands at their greatest, interviewing them and writing for the Rolling Stone, all in his teen years. Mainly a story of family, his mother’s bedrock love and trust, his sisters’ sharing their love of pop music with him, his father supporting his dream of sharing the music that meant so much.
Read MoreHotshot: A Life on Fire, by River Selby
A complex memoir, a woman’s experience in the male-dominated career of wildland firefighting, a personal, traumatized past, and the history and science of fire in the wild— fascinating read.
Read MoreThe Best Short Stories 2025: The O. Henry Prize Winners, edited by Edward P. Jones
A wonderfully diverse group of stories to entertain, touch your heart, and make you think. The best of 2025, the O. Henry prize winners.
Read MoreJackson Brodie Novels, by Kate Atkinson
Best read in order for maximum enjoyment, the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson is great fun, with the protagonist someone you will enjoy spending time with.
Read MoreDinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships, by Nina Totenberg
Totenberg shares her very special friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg, as well as friendships throughout her life, and making a professional path in the male dominated realms of media and politics.
Read MoreMalachi Martin: In the Shadows of the Vatican, by Robert Marro
Fascinating nonfiction book by Robert Marro about his close relationship with Fr. Malachi Martin. Sure to resurrect the scandal and debates regarding the Roman Catholic Church.
Read MoreBest Books of 2025
Do you like Best of book lists? So do I! Read my choices, then leave comments!
Read MoreLetter to the Future, by Michael D. O'Brien
This Catholic novel is one of the best books of the year, by the incomparable Michael D. O’Brien. A must-read.
Read MoreBuckeye, by Patrick Ryan
A beautifully crafted historical novel, demonstrating the traumas of war, prejudice, and lack of parental love, and how these can impact generationally. Excellent book club choice, and one of the best of 2025.
Read MoreEvery Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books, by Hwang Bo-Reum
Even dedicated readers will find pleasure in Hwang’s thoughtful essays about making reading books a significant part of your life.
Read MoreAerth, by Deborah Tomkins
A story of two planets on opposite sides of a sun, each experiencing different climate challenges, and the astronaut who travels to each. We see their choices through his eyes. Excellent novella, great for book clubs.
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