FOURTH QUARTER FALL 2025
I “only” read nine books this final three months of fall/autumn 2025. This makes a grand total of 58 in 2025 (see the earlier book reviews of 2025, links below). My love of reading and books is only growing as time goes on. I geek out over autographed copies (Malala!), of book signings (John Chu, Amanda Knox), book fairs (London and LA this year!), live author events (“A Little Life” – ten year celebration in London).
I visit bookstores like others visit museums. I’ve pivoted almost entirely to “real” tangible books. I still have an Audible at all times to accompany me on travels and commutes. I just signed up for my first ever book club – at my very favorite Godmothers bookstore, beginning January 2026. This brings me such joy and anticipation!
NOVELS (OLDER)
1. Sweet Sorrow, David Nicholls – I love this author’s writing style, but I did find this one a bit slow at first. I read it all over my three week journey in the U.K. and Ireland, then finished the last two hundred pages in a burst on the long flight home. His character development and descriptions are always spot on and resonate so well. I love his use of metaphors. The sense of place transports you. (“You Are Here” is one of my favorite books of the year.)
2. In the Shadow of the Banyan, Vaddey Ratner – An in depth saga set in Cambodia as the Khmer Rouge came into power. This book was in my Kindle for years, as I avoided reading about such a horrific topic. Once I started, I got pulled in. While the circumstances are indeed awful, the writing is exquisite. Beauty and pain.
AUDIBLE
3. Fan Favorite, Adrienne Gunn (Audible) – I’m laughing out loud and relating as a single woman even though the protagonist is a never married woman vs the divorcee that I am. This was a fun read which accompanied me on many a drive in the car.
4. Beautiful Ugly, Alice Feeney (Audible) – I listened to this one also on my three week U.K./Ireland journey. It was entertaining, if a bit melodramatic for my taste. I always enjoy a psychological thriller, but this one definitely pushed the limits of plausibility!
5. We Are the Brennans, Tracey Lange (Audible). This grabbed my attention from the very beginning about an Irish-American family. It was an entertaining listen on many a drive, walk, or while getting ready in the morning.
BOOKER PRIZE SHORTLIST
6.The Rest of Our Lives, Ben Markovich – Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist – such an authentic slice of life of a marriage unraveling as the empty nest arrives (oh that is my whole Second Chapter Nomad premise!). The protagonist drives through Pennsylvania on a road trip to drop his daughter off at college. Every detail was spot on. I started reading it on my road trip from Ohio to West Virginia. which made it feel even more relevant.
7. The Land in Winter, Andrew Miller – Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist. While beautifully written, with interesting characters and setting in rural U.K., it is very slow. It took awhile to keep track of the characters as well. Once I settled into it, I felt like I too was nestling into a big storm. Sense of place very strong.
NONFICTION
8. Malala – I feel like Malala’s confidante and best friend as I read her extremely honest and vulnerable book, covering her time in Oxford, and her relationship with her now husband. I was delighted when I discovered the copy of the book I purchased at my favorite Godmothers bookstore was signed! This was by far one of my favorite books of the year.
9. Let Them, Mel Robbins – Wow! I needed this book back during my separation and divorce. It is relevant for every aspect of my life, and also helps me with my loved ones, in providing the tools to help them as well. Let them! Let me! Oh I love this mantra. I’m going to reread it, and refer to it contantly. This is a liberating lifestyle.
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