I thought “Stoner” by John Williams might end up being my book of the year for 2025, but 2 later reads really came on strong, “We Were the Lucky Ones” and “Open Water.” Both were 5 star reads for me, but, in the end, “We Were the Lucky Ones” edged out “Open Water.” Both books are worth your time.

A collection of short stories, this didn‘t really come together for me. Krauss is a talented writer, but it seemed as if the author wasn‘t sure what she wanted to say. I‘m not even sure why the book was titled “To Be a Man,” except it was the title of the last story in the book. Maybe book club discussion will provide some understanding when others share their perspectives. 🤷🏻‍♂️ #FirstSaturdayReaders

Merry Christmas, Litsy friends.

Some of the holiday greetings I received during the 2025 Litsy #HolidayCardSwap — not pictured are the accompanying stickers, bookmarks and Post-It notes that were included as bonus goodies! Book people are the best people! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Holiday lunch with some of the book group peeps! Love these people—I‘m a lucky guy! #FirstSaturdayReaders

January, 2026 selection for book club and current read. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Gripping read, and quick! Good story, well told. I liked this much better than THE LOST CITY OF Z by the same author.

Current read.

Book club tomorrow! #FirstSaturdayReaders

Just finished, and… wow! What a book! Made this jaded reader cry, no minor thing, I assure you. Powerful and moving and all the more so because it is based on a true story! The human capacity for resilience is an amazing thing, especially in the darkest of times. Make sure to check out the author‘s website for a wealth of information including photographs of the actual people on whom the book is based.

Me today for sure. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful!

So I went clothes shopping today. I think these are going to look good on me.

Line ‘em up! Book club, 2026, January thru December. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Next for book club. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Current read. After reading “Monsters; A Fan‘s Dilemma,” by Claire Dederer, I decided to reread “Lolita.” Dederer spends an entire chapter discussing“Lolita” and she makes the reader (at least this reader) reexamine everything I previously thought about Nabokov‘s novel.

This monster waits for me in the new year… all 857 pages. February and March, 2026, for book club. #FirstSaturdayReaders

That‘s book group for next year, finalized at today‘s meeting. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Book club today. Book club day is always a good day. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Current read. Short but powerful novel. Had seen this on social media and decided to give it a go after recalling it languishing on my Kindle for a few years. I‘m glad I read this.

Current read, the selection for our next book group meeting. Thought provoking, thoughtful, emotional, illuminating, recommended. Can‘t wait for the discussion at book club. #FirstSaturdayReaders

I loved this book. The language is so spare yet so evocative. Reading this was like reading poetry. A powerful and moving book. This may turn out to be my book of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book club day is always a good day! #FirstSaturdayReaders

Current read.

Still journaling, and still enjoying the results.

Philadelphia Museum of Art today with some book club members. #FirstSaturdayReaders #GettingOurCultureOn

Current read, up next for book club. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Book club tomorrow means review and prep tonight. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Current read. Kickstarting spooky season.

Delivered this morning. I‘m excited to read this.

Up next for book club, and my current read. #FirstSaturdayReaders

…and that‘s the rest of the year sorted for book club. September, October, November and December selections. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Current read.

It was beautiful this afternoon, not too humid, not too hot. I didn‘t want to go back to work after lunch. My current read.

Really, really unlikable characters, but a compelling novel I had trouble putting down. Credit to the author for writing a book that makes the reader feel so goddamned STRESSED, but the ending is very, VERY unsatisfying.

Up next for book club, our theme for the month is Summer Read. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Tracey, you make me feel seen.

So much this. Happy 4th of July?

Current read.

Current read.

Meeting Joyce Carol Oates last night with some fellow book club members.
#FirstSaturdayReaders

#ThriftStoreBookHaul Went in on a whim. Sale was buy 4 get the fifth free.

When you finish a “contemporary classic” but you found it to be… problematic. The ick factor is a real presence. I don‘t get why people are over the moon about this book.

Current read, next selection for book group. #FirstSaturdayReaders

I‘m always hesitant when a book is hyped, but on an impulse I grabbed a copy of this book and it did not disappoint. And, yeah, I sat in my living room and cried as I finished it.

Current read. Let‘s see what all the hullabaloo is about.

I wanted to like this more. After waiting and waiting for it to be one of our book club picks, I felt kind of let down. It was… ok. It feels more like a bunch of stories spoken into a tape recorder and then transcribed. Also notable for what he doesn‘t talk about. #FirstSaturdayReaders

Just finished and loved this!

Another one of those serendipitous moments that always seem to happen with books and book club. Me: begins thinking about a possible summer read for book group... Also me: Opens the latest issue of Bookmarks magazine and sees the table of contents.... #FirstSaturdayReaders

Book club, not book club, book club.

PA Book Festival in Doylestown today with this lot. #FirstSaturdayReaders