Hello, 2025
Book goals, and what I’ve read already
Let’s cut right to the books:
The Once and Future Witches, Alix E. Harrow
This is like an alternate history novel of Salem, two hundred years after the witch trials. The story imagines, what if Old Salem burned to the ground and all the (self) righteous politicians and church leaders “started over” with New Salem? Little do they know, the women are stronger than they thought. I enjoyed the writing, characters, and mystery. It was very long and felt a bit bloated in the middle.
Dangerous Women, Hope Adams
LOVE the title, was very excited about the premise, ultimately disappointed by this book. It was too nice, too happily ever after. I also wanted more back story on the characters. This was the January pick for our library book club.
The Midnight Library, Matt Haig
My first audiobook novel in...ever? Definitely +/- 9 years. This book went really well for me in audio. I suspect I might have sometimes been bored or frustrated with a physical copy. It was the perfect level of cozy for listening with headphones and sitting on the couch sewing. Lots to think about in this book! I was incredibly annoyed that Nora would drop into these lives with no context for what her life was like there! How was she supposed to live a life if she doesn't know anything?? This also led me to predict the ending pretty early. This is the January pick for my friend book club.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, Katherine May
I think much of 2024 was, for me, what Katherine May would call a winter season- a time in our lives when, due to illness, mental health, family needs, or something else, we are in need of more rest than our culture tends to support. She writes about how drawing a smaller circle around ourselves, connecting with nature, and generally seeking comfort, can help us to weather these stormy seasons. I enjoyed all of the exploring she did in Nordic countries where surviving winter is a big deal. I also liked the way she structured the book, from November to March.
Last year, I was experiencing a jumble of undiagnosed ADHD, rampant anxiety, general loneliness and situational depression, all on top of the difficulties of 2023 which were... unpleasant. IYKYK. ANYWAY, too bad I hadn't read May's book yet, because now I feel empowered. In 2025, I no longer feel a pressure to be quiet about things that are important to me. I won't bend to other people's opinions. I'm pursuing my own faith for myself and my family and no one else.
Currently reading:
Weyward, Emilia Hart
My reading experience of this book is definitely 5⭐, I am absolutely loving it. It reminds me a lot of Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson. My only criticism is I wish so many women struggling against controlling men didn't always have to also deal with pregnancy 🙄. Why is a positive pregnancy test so often a major plot point? It drives me batty.
2025 Reading “Goals”
2024 is the first year I can remember that I didn’t set specific reading goals. I enjoyed that, and it was good for me for where I was at (as mentioned above!) This year my reading goals are to follow my own interests with my book choices, and to pick up recommendations from fellow readers. I don’t want to just automatically be reading the book that is next due back at the library. I can always borrow it again! That’s the joy of the library!