6 month check-up
my reading habits for the first half of 2025
I enjoy doing little personal check-ins from time to time, probably just another way to grade myself1, but I’m doing this one as just more of a vibe check. So Abby, how has your reading life played out during the first half of 2025?
Well Abby, I’ve read 59 books so far2 in 2025. This is a bit less than my usual3, but I think this is due to a few factors. I’ve been slowing down my reading time a bit to take notes4 on the books5 and I’ve had a few sort of scholarly type books that just took more time to read. Also, I’m constantly waylaid by the god damn fucking shit show that is America in 2025 and so keep getting sucked into news stories that enrage and depress me so much that sometimes I just end up in a catatonic state.
Of course, the majority of these books are merely mediocre with a few stand outs and a handful of disappointments.6 I’m always fascinated by myth, lore and storytelling across the ages so I was learned all sorts of juicy stuff from The Heroine with 1001 Faces and Women’s Lore. There were some delightful voice-y narrators and a few very predictable romances that were enjoyable enough as candy bar books. I continued to dismantle the teachings I was brought up in and deeply enjoyed following my curiosity regarding the feminine aspects of the divine and searching for beauty, truth and understanding in many different realms. The ‘WTF did I just read?’ award goes to Victorian Psycho which, though its cover and premise were very fun, crossed a particular line halfway through which meant I could not longer be fully on board. What wins the award for ‘Most Mind Blowing and Rage Inducing’ book you ask? The one that made me stop and yell ‘WHAT’ out loud more than once and took me weeks to get through because it was so disturbing and disheartening? Why, that would award goes to - drumroll - Money, Lies and God! Since my dad loves pointing out ‘astroturf’ movements I’m sure he’ll be very interested in this meticulously researched book all about the funding going into ‘the moral collapse of conservatism in America.’7
I’m proud of my posts over the last 6 months too and hope you’ve enjoyed following along. We’ve hibernated, avoided cults, colored pictures, met some weak men and mystic women, re-discovered Mary, grappled with doppelgangers, gotten fooled, laughed, ate, cackled and cried and signed for delivery. 8 Thanks to all 7429 of you who open each week for reading along!
Now it is your turn.
How has your reading been over these past 6 months dear reader? Are you finding escape, knowledge, wisdom, entertainment, enlightenment or comfort in any of your books? What has the vibe been in general? Have you coped with our present circumstances by visiting similarly dystopian stories or are you evading reality for a time inside a hot romantic fantasy?10 Have you noticed any particular themes in the books you are choosing or are your preferences sporadic and mood driven? Have you read any rolling ladder recommendations and what did you think?? I’d really love to know so leave a comment by pressing the button below that says “LEAVE A COMMENT”
Also leave a comment if you’ve got your own idea for a shelf for this newsletter or have any shelf requests of me!
come on, let’s Book Talk! it’ll be fun!
much to think about
my usual average is about 10 a month
for this here newsletter and for my own interest, dissection and processing
to the outside viewer this probably looks like a lot of staring out into space and some typing into my phone with a furrowed brow. (this is a default expression and can mean both positive and negative thoughts are happening)
no spoilers!
The desired end state of Christian nationalism today is neither to win a majority nor to secure a seat at the table in a pluralistic democracy but to entrench minority rule under the facade of democracy.
wow! i’m impressed with myself seeing them all listed out like that!
jk. its like 100. but that’s pretty nifty too! especially since i’m mostly doing this for myself.
all are welcome. well actually, most are welcome.
I am so behind on my reading goal this year whereas I typically I far surpass it. Normally I average about 100 books a year, but I’ve only finished 33 so far, and the majority have been very light, as you put it, “candy bar” books. (Truly enjoyed some laugh out loud audiobooks from Portia Macintosh and the Magical Midlife Madness graphic audio series though!) The “unprecedented times” have got me down in a big way, and it wasn’t until this last month that I’ve really had the motivation to get out of my slump and read things that actually require more brain power.
Of your suggestions! I finally read The Ministry of Time and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have purchased a beautiful copy of Jane Eyre after your newsletter on it and am waiting for the perfect time to strike. I also tried a broccoli recipe from one of the veggie cookbooks you suggested! Delish. Truly I think half of my tbr is from this newsletter at this point. Hopefully my desire to read books that are more thought-provoking comes back soon.