Hi friends, and happy Tuesday! Here we are, halfway through 2025 and I’m flummoxed at how we got here and how so much has happened. It’s very overwhelming, and it’s okay if you feel that way too. I try to get outside for a little bit at least once a day to help keep myself grounded, and it’s doing great things for my mental health. I tried doing this last year and had gotten away from it a bit, but I’m currently back at it! (Even though it’s a million degrees outside.) As for books, I’m currently in the middle of a couple I will be rolling over into July. On audio, I’m listening to Untamed by Glennon Doyle, my current ebook is a debut by Alice Martin called Westward Women (thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy to read!), and the physical book I am reading is a graphic novel called Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. I’m really struggling with not feeling overwhelmed with the graphic novel even though it’s only in black and white. Does anyone have any tips for reading a graphic novel? Is there a different one I should try that wouldn’t be as overwhelming?
Books I Read in June
There’s Always Next Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif Abdurraqib
This book was our book club’s pick for the month of June, and not only was it a stretch book for me, it’s not really about basketball.
The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley (special thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing for a copy to read and review; this book is now available)
I wanted to love this sophomore novel more than I did. If you’re interested in checking out Leila Mottley’s work, I highly recommend her debut novel, Nightcrawling.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A female scientist trying to become an astronaut is the setting for this found family and coming of age novel. I really enjoyed it. My biggest pet peeve was that my hometown got a shoutout, but it was more of a whisper because if you didn’t already know the detail you wouldn’t know it after reading either.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Brutal is the word I would use to describe Haymitch’s story. Definitely make sure to read the Hunger Games Trilogy first.
Halfway Favorites of 2025
I limited myself to six (one per month), and linked the reviews I have for each of them (although in . What are your favorites so far this year?
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
A popcorn drama read that will leave you with all sorts of feelings. Full review in this post!Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
A suspenseful and atmospheric read, this one would make a great fall read!Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
This book is such an important read about healthcare, and it takes place not that long ago! A must read for everone!You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego
A twisty entertaining murder mystery, I’m sure it will keep you guessing! Full review in this post!Real Americans by Rachel Khong
I really really enjoyed this multigenerational tale that asked the question “who am I?”
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
This is great in audio form and a perfect introductory read for someone who isn’t sure about nonfiction. Assuming they’re interested in the history of consumption and how it still impacts our world today.
What I’m Loving
The book club I’m in celebrated two years together this month, and it’s been so much fun. I’ve greatly enjoyed something on the calendar that doesn’t require much planning or preparation, but is a huge return on investment for me. Some of my favorite books we’ve read include Peach Blossom Spring, A Woman is No Man, The House is on Fire, True Biz, and The Island of Sea Women.
Our flower garden is bursting with color, and I absolutely adore going out to create bouquets throughout the week. Having fresh flowers in our home has been such a joy this Summer, and sharing them with friends and neighbors has been a delight!
Those random few times when all three of my children nap simultaneously — like today!