pickI liked this one. I thought it was different and intriguing. I really liked Sally as a character. This book is definitely more of a heavy read, but I still enjoyed the story and character development. I was very disappointed by the ending that completely ruined any character development that happened throughout the book. 4/5
pickI know little of New Zealand, its culture, or its politics but was fascinated by Jacinda Ardern‘s account of what inspired her to become the leader of her country from in the tumultuous years from 2017-2023. I wish her goal to lead with kindness had inspired the world to adopt her paradigm.
pickI had picked this one up a couple of months ago, and couldn't really get into it, and put it aside, thinking it just wasn't the right time. Turns out #AuldLangSpine was totally the right time! I whipped through this one in three days (yes, I was overly eager and started early, too @CBee 🤣). I love Chidgey's ability to tell the story hidden behind the story, the sense of unease and apprehension she lends with just a few well placed glimpses. 👇
pickA 10-year old kid narrates this story of a summer vacation, complete with a missing kid mystery, and intense friendship, suspicions about a parent‘s affair and more. It‘s pretty jam packed but only feels rushed toward the end. A light pick
#top25of2025 I divided it up between fiction & NF. These were my favorite fiction books of the year. I generally read more NF & I read some good fiction but these were my standouts for the year.
#12Booksof2025 July
I read 4 of the books in my top 25 in July, Wood Working, Fundamentally, Better Days and this one, my favourite of the year.
Here‘s my best 25 book of 2025. The Axeman‘s Carnival is number 1, the 6 to the right of it the next tier, in no particular order, and the best of the rest below, again in no particular order. #Top25of25
This novel was kicking around on my shelf for years and somehow, I had managed not to read it or anything else by Catherine Lacey. But this book knocked me sideways. Lacey has the kind of voice (edgy, quirky, unapologetic) I will follow wherever she wants to go. I will be reading more of her work in 2026!
#12Booksof2025 @TheEllieMo
My favorite book of April is Greta & Valdin. I listened to it over audio, definitely recommend. I loved this book so much I need to buy a copy for my shelves. #12Booksof2025
