Mid Year Book Round Up

 

Last year I set a goal of reading 20 books. I did it..just barely.  This year I set the same 20 book goal and last week already hit it.  I'm thankful to be reading more this year. 

I use Goodreads to track and rate the books I read. I also use Storygraph to check content warnings before reading books.  So without further ado....here are the 20 books I have read so far in 2025 (and any reviews that I wrote):

1) Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe

2)  Gifts by Ursula K. LeGuin

3) The Odyssey by Homer (this was an audio book)

4) Voices by Ursula K. LeGuin

5) When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons 

There are some books that I read and never really pick up again; and then there are books like this where I underlined so much and will return to over and over again. Ruth's honesty and compassion flows throughout her writing.
 

6) Between the Lines by Melissa Bourbon 

7) Powers by Ursula K. LeGuin

8) Worlds of Exile and Illusion by Ursula K. LeGuin

9) Caught in the Flames by Sara Wright

This is a hard book to review. I have really enjoyed reading The Comstock Chronicles by Vanessa Thurgood so when she mentioned contributing to this anthology I was excited to check it out. Her short story (the last in the book) did not disappoint. I'm really hoping that, in the future, she expands on the story.

Having said that, the rest of the stories were a mixed bag. I also enjoyed Flames of Evolution by Tyler Tarter. The other stories were just okay and one was written so bad that I couldn't even read it; the dialogue, editing, etc. were just awful. I would also say that most of these stories were more middle reader level than YA.

This is on Kindle Unlimited so I'd say check it out for Tyler's story and for Vanessa's story the others would be a skip for me at this point.

10) The Bibliomancer's Daughter by Melissa Bourbon

If you're looking for a light read and willing to suspend reality... It's an okay read. The book magic was fun but the other ways things were revealed had me rolling my eyes. Everything gets neatly tied up at the end which is fine but the author makes huge leaps to make sure everything is revealed and it all fits. Not sure if I'll continue the series.  (At this point I'm not going to finish it; so many other great books to read)

11) The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. LeGuin

12)  God Knows by Lisa Whittle

This book was full of great reminders about God's omniscience and that it is ALL about and for Him.

I wouldn't say there was much new but several things that are helpful to hear again, as we often get distracted and forgetful. I found myself underlining several quotes.

I was disappointed that this isn't really a study. I found myself really wishing for more Scripture, and that the end of chapter questions and activities were more of a deep dive into the Truths of God. There was nothing wrong with what she said, I was just looking for more. Maybe she'll write a study guide in the future. 

13) All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore

I have done a few Beth Moore Bible studies. The depth and heart of those has blessed me. Knowing some of her story, I knew this would be a raw read. Growing up in the church as a PK I'm very aware of the issues in the church and grew up under a lot of the same teachings as Beth. I so appreciate her honesty and care in sharing very personal things.

This was a fast read for me. It had me chuckling at points and crying at others but most of all it had me praising God for His faithfulness in every season of our lives. 

14) The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar

15) How to Pray by R.A. Torrey

While this book had some helpful thoughts on prayer; I can't say I'd recommend it. The author often veers into legalism. At one point he cautions against legalism but then tends to go that way in several places. His own pet peeves make it into the book a lot and he goes off on rants at times.

There were some helpful things to think about; making sure your heart and motivations are surrendered to God. I also appreciated his reminder to not rush into prayer. To ask the Holy Spirit to lead and take time when praying to wait on Him.  

16) Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

17) About Grace by Anthony Doerr

I'm still processing this book. I've found that Doerr's books tend to deal with a theme running through a story rather than a fully developed plot line. This book was no different. The themes of grace, of choices being made with limited information, of wanting love and family...belonging. All of these are explored. He has a deep knowledge of the natural world and also explores this a lot.

While I loved the themes I didn't love the characters. Doerr's books are also a slow burn as he uses a lot of descriptive language inviting readers to slow walk through the thoughts and environments of the characters. Knowing this is how he writes kept me reading. However, the main character infuriated me at times.

The main character doesn't pick up on social cues, social boundaries and gets hyperfocused on his interest in his surrounding and the people in his life. He crosses boundaries with stalkerish behavior, disregards the wishes of others, is so focused on wanting grace and forgiveness for himself that he doesn't consider the thoughts and feelings of others.

The more I read the more I didn't like him. The ending is especially infuriating and improbable. It was an okay read but I much preferred his other books; All The Light We Cannot See and Cloud Cuckoo Land. 

18) The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

Mukesh is close to 80 years old, a recent widower. Aliesha is 17 years old working a summer job at the library...when their worlds cross.

A story of how books connect, heal, and push back loneliness. A story that crosses generations and encourages each of us to step out of our comfort zone and the beautiful things that happen when we do. I loved this book.
 

19) The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

A fast and interesting read about one of the biggest art thieves. Part heist book, part psychological study. Really interesting. 

20) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

 

What are you reading?  I love to get book recommendations!