Bryan's Reading for 2025

Hi, I am Bryan and have been reading a hundred books a year or more for the last 15 years.
Last year I managed 117 books, an average of 519 pages and would like a repeat this year.
I read mainly modern fiction, classics and fantasy.
Good luck to all of us this year !

Good luck with your 2025 reading, Bryan!

Looking forward to seeing your reading again!

Hi Bryan. Welcome back, and best wishes for another year of great books.

Thanks Tess, Meredith and James and may we all have a great 2025 of reading!

1. City of Last Chances, Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Having read his Guns of the Dawn and really enjoyed it so had to pick up this the first in a fantasy series entitled The Tyrant Philosophers. It took me a while to get into the plot and characters but I found it interesting enough to be getting into the second book soon.

2. James, Percival Everett.

This 2024 book is a retelling of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn but from Jim the slaves' perspective. This is an important work of fiction regarding slavery, relationships and humanity. This was my first book by Everett and I'll be reading more of his work soon. Highly recommended.

>6 bryanoz: All the rage last year. I would like to get to it this year. It's been 50+ since I read Huckleberry Finn and was hoping to re-read that first.

>6 bryanoz:, >7 Tess_W: I have been looking forward to reading this, having bought it a while ago, but like Tess, it has been a long time (also more than 50 years) since I read Huckleberry Finn so I will probably re-read that first, to get properly match fit!

Tess and James, I didn't reread Huck Finn and that might have added to the experience, I'll be interested to read your thoughts.

3. Empire of the Damned, Jay Kristoff.

Second in the Empire of the Vampire series and a continuation of Gabriel de Leon and Dior Lachance's story. One reviewer describes the series as a 'gothic bloodbath' and that's as good a description as any, I'll be reading the next one as soon as it is published.

4. The Duke's Children, Anthony Trollope.

I really enjoyed this sixth and final volume in the Palliser series. As with the other books, the politics was of little interest but the relationships and their resolutions were engrossing, one of my favourite Trollopes!

5. The Women, Kristen Hannah.

A book club read but I enjoyed this inspiring novel of women nurses involved in the Vietnam War and their issues on their return back to home.

6. Dreamcatcher, Stephen King.

One of my reading projects is to read all of Stephen King's books but sadly this was not one of his best works.

57 out of 78 books read.

7. House of Open Wounds, Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Second in the Tyrant Philosopher series and an intriguing, and at times humorous story of an army field hospital that employs magic, necromancy, demonology and Gods with unpredictable results!

8. The Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett, third reread of this discworld classic.

9. Molly, Rosalie Ham, bought this for Chris for Christmas, she enjoyed this and so did I. A prequel to The Dressmaker and a fun Australian story with a serious message.

10. When Fear Falls Away, Jan Frazier, a great account of the author's spiritual awakening, giving even the most shallow of us hope!

11. The Bone Shard War, Andrea Stewart.

Third and final volume in the Drowning Empire series, and a fitting finale.

12. Cherrywood, Jock Serong.

A book club read and a change from his earlier Australian historical fiction. This novel has an historical story set in 1916 London and Melbourne and interwoven and connected with a modern story set in 1993 Melbourne. I found the novel ok and really enjoyed the 1916 sequence but found the modern story weird and unsatisfying.

13. Beneath the Earth, John Boyne.

A collection of short stories, some uplifting and some disturbing in true Boyne style!

14. The Big Fat Surprise, Nina Teicholz.

An informative account of the dietary recommendations since the 1950s and shows that political misinformation is behind many of the findings. For us low carbers it is not new but I recommend the book for anyone looking into a diet change.

>19 bryanoz: I had a big surprise----------my library actually has this book! I've put it on hold. Thanks for the suggestion.

jbegab I hope the book is good for you, I think it has an important message.

15. This is Happiness, Niall Williams.

Seventeen year old Noel lives in a small Irish Parish amidst many changes. The Rain has stopped, electricity is coming, and a stranger turns up on his doorstep. Beautifully written with humour and humanity, recommended.

16. Intermezzo, Sally Rooney.

A book club read, basically about two brothers and their relationship with each other and with others. I could identify with aspects of both Peter and Ivan to varying degrees so found the novel an interesting read.

17. Days of Shattered Faith, Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Most recent of the author's Tyrant Philosophers series and another creative venture into a fascinating world.

18. The Freedom of Being, Jan Frazier.

Excellent spiritual book!

19. The Ruby in the Smoke, Philip Pullman.

Given that Philip Pullman is one of my favourite authors I wonder why I hadn't read his four volume Sally Lockhart mystery series for young adults. I have read this before but not the others so time to rectify this. It has been many years so a reread was needed and like any favourite writer's works, it is always a pleasure to read them again.

>25 bryanoz: I listened to these in audio many years ago when they were narrated by Anton Lesser and thought they were absolutely wonderful. The tension was so high and so well articulated in one book though that I had to go get the print edition and sneak a peak at the ending! I know, I know… 🤦🏻‍♀️

Tanya I prefer to read a book the first time and then happily listen to an audio book next. I trust there will be no more peak sneaking from you !!??

20. From a Buick 8, Stephen King.

Not one of King's best works but an unusual premise and enough interest to keep me reading.

21. Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

A book club read about an American Jewish man's abduction and release and the tumultuous effects this has on him and his family.

22. Wind and Truth, Brandon Sanderson.

Fifth volume of the Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series that began with the brilliant The Way of Kings and Words of Radiance, but in my opinion lost it's way with the sequels. This latest book was a chore to read and unless I hear amazing things about book six (there are five more planned) I will probably pass.

23. Time of the Child, Niall Williams.

Recently published sequel to This is Happiness and I was very happy to revisit the Irish town of Faha. It is Christmas 1962 and a baby is found. Beautifully written, I looked at Goodreads to remind myself of the story and the review describes it as "a compassionate, life-affirming novel" and I agree.

24. The Shadow in the North, Philip Pullman.

Second in the Sally Lockheart quartet, Sally is now 22 and has set up her own financial agency.
She is soon involved in mystery and adventure and in true Pullman style all does not get solved without loss. The Tiger in the Well is next.

25. Wise Blood, Flannery O'Connor.

I have read her collection of short stories and enjoyed the 'weirdness' of many of them. So I was happy to come across her first novel Wise Blood and find it is just as weird and unique. Will get to her second and last novel hopefully soon.

26. PaSsu Diary, Chablop Passang Tshering.

A friend travelled to Bhutan recently and brought back this book. It is based on the online blogs a prominent Bhutanese teacher and covers many aspects of Bhutan life. I was interested in his thoughts on teaching, his veneration of the Royal Family and Prime Minister, and his devotion to bringing Bhutan toilets into modern time, hence the honorific Chablop - Toilet Teacher!

27. The Shadow of the Gods, John Gwynne.

28. The Hunger of the Gods, John Gwynne.

First and second book in the Bloodsworn trilogy, a grimdark Vikingish fantasy series. I have read these before but when I started to read the third The Fury of the Gods I was totally mixing up at least two other fantasy series so a reread was required.
Engaging story and characters with plenty of fighting and war.

29. A Hat Full of Sky, Terry Pratchett.

Third reread for me and it is great to see Tiffany's character development as she understands and takes on her career choice of a witch.

30. The Fury of the Gods, John Gwynne.

Final volume of the Bloodsworn trilogy, this is grimdark fantasy set in a Viking inspired world.
More violence and skull-splitting than I prefer but still a good read.

31. The Trees, Percival Everett.

After enjoying James I had to read something else by this author, and The Trees did not disappoint. This novel is an unusual murder-mystery set in Mississippi where brutal murder and comedy is intertwined. As the reader gradually works out who the killers are and their motives, the big picture presented here invokes a feeling of awe.

Well behind with my reviews, have read 40 books so far this year.

32. Dusk, Robbie Arnott.

In the highlands of Tasmania past, a puma has been killing shepherds. A down and our pair of twins decide to trap the puma for the bounty. The twins Iris and Floyd are fascinating characters, and similar to Arnott's earlier novel Limberlost the natural environment is a major feature of the novel.
Enjoyed this story.

33. Orbital, Samantha Harvey.

2024 Booker Prize winning novel, a short book of 136 pages about six astronauts aboard the Space station orbiting the Earth. I found the story underwhelming and how Orbital won over James I have no idea.

34. Eugene Onegin, Alexander Pushkin.

This is a Russian classic first published in 1825. I found it interesting to read a novel set in verse and applaud the translator's efforts to have the Penguin edition I read make sense and rhyme!

35. Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell.

I really enjoyed this historic fictional account of Shakespeare's family and particularly his son Hamnet. Recommended.

36. Storm of the Century, Stephen King.

Stephen King wrote this story as a tv script and apparently it has been made as a tv miniseries. An ok story.

37. The Ministry of Time, Kaliane Bradley.

This is a time travel novel with a difference, the British Government has discovered a method to bring certain people from the past into the near future. The protagonist is co-opted to assist a man Graham Gore who would've died on an Arctic expedition in the 1840s.
It was interesting to see how the people struggled to adjust to modern times, and with a twist or two I enjoyed the story.

38. The Safekeep, Yael van der Wouden.

Published in 2024 and set in 1961 Netherlands, this is the story of Isa who lives alone in the family home. Unexpectedly a guest comes to stay for the summer and Isa's life is soon unsettled, maybe for the worse, maybe for the better, an interesting story.

39. Juice, Tim Winton.

A book club read and a post-apocalyptic story set in Australia that was an ok read.

40. The Tiger in the Well, Philip Pullman.

Second in the Sally Lockhart trilogy, historical YA fiction. Good fun.

>47 bryanoz: Glad to hear good fun! I have the first three in the series waiting to be read.

>48 Tess_W: Hi Tess, there is also the 4th book in the series The Tin Princess, enjoy!

41. Everything's Eventual, Stephen King.

Another short story collection, published in 2002. I enjoyed the title story, Riding the Bullet and The Little Sisters of Eluria, a story from the Dark Tower universe, it was good to spend time with Roland again.

42. A Fool's Hope, Mike Shackle.

Second volume of The Last War trilogy, this is epic, dark fantasy and I am keen to read the final book Until the Last to see how things are resolved.

43. Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy.

This is Charlotte's third novel and like her earlier Migrations and Once There were Wolves, she uses fiction to highlight real environmental issues affecting us today.
The Salts are a family caretaking a small island not far from Antarctica. Rising sea levels mean they are leaving soon but then during a storm a mysterious woman washes up on shore.
Recommended.

44. The Daughter's War, Christopher Buehlman.

Set in the same world as his earlier The Blacktongue Thief we follow Galva a young woman in the Raven Knights who works with giant crows against the goblins. Good fun but didn't have quite the same impact as Blacktongue.

45. The Eighth Life, Nino Haratischvili.

I've had this big novel sitting on the shelf for a few years and with two weeks of school holidays I decided it was time.
"At the start of the twentieth century, on the edge of the Russian Empire, a family prospers, thanks to a recipe for hot chocolate that bewitches its drinkers. But this chocolate carries a bitter- some say cursed- aftertaste... Tumbling through the years, across vast expanses of longing and loss, witness generation after generation of this remarkable family as they struggle and thrive, divide and reunite, and live and die in the red century."
This was an epic saga that kept my attention until the final page with its engaging characters struggling to find their way through the problematic 20th century.
Kudos also to the translators who did a great job. Recommended.

>54 bryanoz: I love family sagas! On my WL this goes!

>54 bryanoz:. I thought that was a wonderful book, although its sheer size daunted me for a while.

Definitely noting The Eighth Life, sounds like my sort of thing.

46. North Woods, Daniel Mason.

A historical fiction novel telling the history of a house in New England from early colonisation until modern days. A range of literary forms along with great prose made this a fascinating and thought-provoking narrative.

47. We are the Dead, Mike Shackle.

This is a grimdark fantasy novel where the the people of Jia are invaded by the Egrin race and lose the battle soundly. Among the survivors are a few misfits who plot to fight back and route the bad guys. Interesting and I will gladly the next two books.

48. Memoirs of Hadrian, Marguerite Yourcenar.

Fictional account of the life of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, well researched, ok read.

49. Kaikeyi, Vaishnavi Patel.

This is fantasy with a difference, being a retelling of the villainous queen's role in the Ramayana. Reminiscent of Madeline Miller's novel Circe, I found it to be an engaging story without knowing much at all of the Indian epic tale.

50. Safe Haven, Shankari Chandran.

Book club read from the author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, this is a novel centred on the inhumane and bewildering policy of the Australian Government to place refugees in detention centres for many years, with little hope of being released. Also a gripping narrative!

51. The Geographer's Map to Romance, India Holton.

Just published, this is the second book in the Love's Academic series, after The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love. These romantic fantasy novels are hilarious and I heartily recommend them!

52. Three Wild Dogs and the Truth, Markus Zusak.

A book club read about Markus' families three dogs that they rescued from the dog pound, and their various misadventures. Despite the bites, destruction and vet bills, Markus' love for his animals is evident and makes this honest account an ok read.

53. Erasure, Percival Everett.

Having read and enjoyed Everett's two latest novels James and The Trees I was keen to find another of his novels, and Erasure is an earlier (2001) and popular book.
The novel is a satire of literature's tendency to publish stereotypical stories as the novel's author is ignored until he writes an over-the-top "black" novel that instantly is a best seller.
Once I got used to the writing style I enjoyed the ride.

54. The Tin Princess, Philip Pullman.

Fourth and final book in the Sally Lockhart series and what a great YA series it was!

55. The Colorado Kid, Stephen King.

Read this three weeks ago and cannot remember the story at all, so not one of his best!

56. Until the Last, Mike Shackle.

Finale of the Last War trilogy and a fitting conclusion to the story with a few surprises!

57. The Book of Last Letters, Kerry Barrett.

A historical fiction story that jumps between 1941 and modern days. Elsie is a nurse during the London blitz who gets an idea to compile a book of letters from injured soldiers to their loved ones.
This book is discovered in the building during renovations and Stephanie, an aged care worker and artist, and Finn, a history researcher, take on the task of piecing together the lives of the book's contributors. An intriguing and heart-warming story.

58. Cell, Stephen King.

Published in 2006, this is the story of a pulse being sent to cell phones where anyone using the phone is turned into a mindless, violent zombie. An ok novel.

59. Wintersmith, Terry Pratchett.

Reread for me of the third Tiffany Aching story and an absolute pleasure to be reunited with Tiff, the Nac Mac Feegles, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, and Horace!

60. Lisey's Story, Stephen King.

Published in 2006 and described as a "psychological horror romance novel" Stephen King describes Liseys Story as his favourite of all of his novels. Slow to begin but soon developing into a page turner, the narrative is at times difficult to follow, not one of his best stories in my humble opinion.

61. Season of Migration to the North, Tayeb Salih.

Published in 1966, this novel by a Sudanese author is about the impact of European colonialism on the Sudanese people and their culture. An interesting read.

62. Of Blood and Fire, Ryan Cahill.

After the prequel novella The Fall, this is the first novel in The Bound and the Broken epic fantasy series by Ryan Cahill. Reminiscent of The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings but there is enough originality and good story-telling here for me to continue with the series.

63. Dungeon Crawler Carl, Matt Dinniman.

Read this because plenty of booktubers have raved about it. DCC is a sci-fi, fantasy gamer style of story which had its humorous moments but didn't grab me, maybe it helps to have a gaming background. All good because I don't have to read the sequels and can get back to some more traditional fantasy!

64. The City and Its Uncertain Walls, Haruki Murakami.

Murakami's most recent novel and I was captivated by his unusual story and unique writing style, although I'm not quite sure what it was about!
I have read and enjoyed many of his works and think that when I finish the Stephen King project, Murakami will be next on the list.

65. The Axeman's Carnival, Catherine Chidgey.

This award winning New Zealand novel is narrated by a magpie! As a chick Tama falls out of his nest and is rescued by a farmer's wife. He survives and grows and is released back into the wild, but misses the comforts and nice food so returns to the house. Being an expert mimic he soon becomes a media star but while this is happening the sheep farm is not going well and there is trouble brewing in the marriage. An interesting story but be warned domestic violence is a significant part of the narrative.

66. Of Darkness and Light, Ryan Cahill.

Second novel in The Bound and the Broken ongoing epic fantasy series and this is a step up in the increasing both of complexity of the plot and of the number of characters. I was engaged throughout and will be keen to read the next two main novels (both over a thousand pages), two novellas and a short story.

67. The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin, Alison Goodman.

Following on from the fun The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies this sequel continues the story of the feminist Colebrook sisters who fight injustice in Regency England. I felt this second book to be a little darker and not so much fun, but still a worthy read.

68. Cheri, Colette.

Ever since watching the film about her life I have wanted to read some of Colette's fiction. Cheri seems to be the most popular of her novels but I wasn't particularly taken by the story. Sometime in the future I'll try her The Complete Claudine.

69. Duma Key, Stephen King.

This was a good King novel and published in 2008 it initiated a creative phase in King's writing career, with Under the Dome and 11/22/63 (one of my favourites) being published in the next few years.

70. The Underground Library, Jennifer Ryan.

This is another WW2 historical fiction based on true events. It is the stories of three young women living in London during the Blitz but more importantly the role libraries have in bringing people together particularly in tough times. An enjoyable read.

>82 bryanoz:
Thanks for the tip on that one, Bryan.
Picking up at the library today. I liked THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR by Ryan.
How’ve you been?!

>82 bryanoz: Definitely a BB for me!

>83 nrmay: Hi Nancy, I am going very well thanks, been teaching part time, some yard work on our half acre and some good books read! How are you?

>84 Tess_W: Hi Tess, hope you enjoy!

71. Air, John Boyne.

Fourth and final of his Elements series of connected stories. Not his finest work in my opinion and confronting in places, but masterfully written.

72. Of War and Ruin, Ryan Cahill.

Third novel in The Bound and the Broken epic fantasy series where characters are maturing and events are developing, just the way I like it! Next up is Of Empires and Dust also at over a thousand pages and with school holidays here in four days I am ready!

73. Never Flinch, Stephen King.

King's latest novel and another Holly Gibney story. I have enjoyed the development of her character from her inauspicious debut in Mr Mercedes but many other King fans would like to see him return to his earlier horror stories. This book was engaging enough but given I read it a few weeks ago and cannot remember much about it, not one of his best.

74. Yellowface, R. F. Kuang.

A book club read and an interesting one, being the story of two young authors who are friends, one popular and successful, the other not. Without spoiling the plot the narrator (the unsuccessful and jealous author) gets the opportunity to ... actually I am giving the plot away so no more. An interesting read particularly the first half, the second half slightly lost it's way in my opinion.

Quick update...

75. The Exile, Ryan Cahill, novella in the Bound and the Broken fantasy series.

76. Love Medicine, Louise Erdrich.

77. Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, OK but not enough for me to read the follow ons.

78. The Ice, Ryan Cahill, another novella in the series.

79. Candle Island, Lauren Wolk.

This is Lauren's new YA novel that addresses loss and being an outsider. Like her other stories the characters are engaging, the writing is beautiful and wise.

80. Of Empires and Dust, Ryan Cahill.

Fourth and most recent novel in the epic fantasy series The Bound and the Broken, I have enjoyed the traditional feel of the series and am happy to wait for the next volume.

81. The Librarianist, Patrick deWitt.

I really enjoyed this 2023 novel about a retired librarian who while looking for meaning begins volunteering at a local senior centre.
Borrowing from the Goodreads review:
'With his inimitable verve, skewed humor, and compassion for the outcast, Patrick deWitt has written a wide-ranging and ambitious document of the introvert's condition. The Librarianist celebrates the extraordinary in the so-called ordinary life, and depicts beautifully the turbulence that sometimes exists beneath a surface of serenity.'
Recommend this and also his first novel The Sisters Brothers if you haven't read it.

82. The War of the Flowers, Tad Williams.

I loved both of Williams' Osten Ard epic fantasy series so tried a stand-a-lone novel, which was also a great read! More Tad Williams to come.

83. I Shall Wear Midnight, Terry Pratchett.

This year I am rereading the Tiffany Aching series and enjoying every page!

84. Blaze, Stephen King.

85. Just After Sunset, Stephen King. Another short story collection, my favourites were N, and Ayana.

86. A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, T. Kingfisher.

On a Reddit Discworld forum I came across this title as a suggestion for a book similar to the Pratchett Tiffany Aching books. Always looking for anything Pratchettesque but with no great expectations I tried it... and enjoyed the story! The humour was good, Mona was an engaging character and the plot developed nicely. Good for YA readers and although my fantasy to read is out of control I am going to have to sneak some more Kingfisher in, any suggestions?

87. By Any Other Name, Jodi Picoult.

Read this for book club, I thought it was ok, a historical fiction that attempts to prove that Shakespeare didn't write his plays and that an unknown woman did. The author explains that she is convinced of this, might have been better to write a nonfiction account.

88. Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Haruki Murakami.

Reread for me and very reminiscent of his recent The City and Its Uncertain Walls, good read.

89. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Bronte.

It has been way too long since I have read any 18th century classics and I really enjoyed this one. Far from a perfect story but I was intrigued with the character Helen Graham and I respect Anne Bronte's railing against the treatment of women during her life.

>100 bryanoz: I read that a few years ago, and I remember that there was so much moralizing and preaching. I also hoped that I was not comparing it to Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights.

90. Black Woods Blue Sky, Eowyn Ivey.

The author's third novel and set in Alaska. The main character is Birdie, a single mother with a young daughter who works at a bar and is struggling to keep her life intact. Then she meets Arthur, a quiet mysterious man who lives in a remote cabin. When he invites them to live in the deep wilderness she leaps at the opportunity. I enjoyed being immersed in the Alaskan environment but found the story to be somewhat weird and ultimately unsatisfying.

91. The Nature of Fragile Things, Susan Meissner.

Historical fiction set in the USA in the early 1900s, "Sophie Whalen is a young Irish immigrant so desperate to get out of a New York tenement that she answers a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a man she knows nothing about."
This was an enjoyable story about friendship and female solidarity.

92. La Belle Sauvage, Philip Pullman.

A reread for me because the final Book of Dust book The Rose Field is published on 23/10 and I wanted to refresh my memory of Lyra's adventures as a baby. There was plenty that I had forgotten so a reread was well worth it.

93. Dirrayawadha, Anita Heiss.

A book club read set in Eastern Australia in the 1820s, looking at the Frontier Wars, the resistance of the Aboriginal people to the European colonisers, with disastrous results for the native people.
An important read for all, especially for those of us who had never heard of any of these truths during our school history lessons.

94. The Bright Sword, Lev Grossman.

An alternative take on the King Arthur legend where a young swordsman hoping to become a knight gets to Camelot only to find the castle and knights in disarray. I enjoyed the narrative and was entertained throughout, just like his earlier Magicians trilogy.

95. The Grace of Kings, Ken Liu.

I have read this when it was published some years ago but I have decided to read the four book series ; the Dandelion Dynasty so a reread was required. Enjoyed this story with its Ancient Chinese inspiration and engaging characters. The Wall of Storms is next in the series.

96. The Correspondent, Virginia Evans.

In her seventies and retired, Sybil communicates with a range of people- family, neighbors, authors, and more- through letters and emails. This novel was recommended by a friend and I wasn't sure at first but I was soon drawn to Sybil's story, a remarkable tale of hope, regret, compassion and life!

97. My Friends, Fredrik Backman.

Backman's most recent novel is about art and childhood friends and alternates between serious subjects and comedy. Many good moments but something about the main characters grated on me so not as good as Anxious People.

I have THE CORRESPONDENT from the library to start next. I love epistolary novels.
Wow Bryan, you’re almost at 100 bks and it’s only Sept!

Hi Nancy, you will enjoy The Correspondent I'm sure, and I am behind with my book listing (as Usual), I've read 102 books so far, many of them great reads! How is your reading going?

I’ve finished 81 books so far in 2025.
Many great ones.
Currently reading
JUBILEE by M Walker and
THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN.
Both historical fiction.
Wishing you good books, good times!

Hi Nancy, I've been waiting for The Book Club for Troublesome Women to be published in paperback, are you reading it on kindle?

98. The Names, Florence Knapp.

A debut novel with the intriguing concept of following three alternative family narratives, based on which of the names the mother gives her young son. Be warned, much domestic violence is involved.

I read BOOK CLUB on Hoopla, the library ebook site.

Only pages into THE CORRESPONDENT and l love it. I’ve always respected the art of letter writing. My favorite aunt wrote wonderful, thoughtful letters her whole life. I’ve added this book to my list of “Books with Remarkable LOLs” (little old ladies!)

99. A Journey to the Center of the Earth,Jules Verne.

Good to have read this 1864 classic, where the discovery of an ancient manuscript leads to an expedition to the Earth's core.

100. Pachinko, Min Jin Lee.

I thoroughly enjoyed this epic historical story of a Korean family who immigrates to Japan in the early 1900s. Koreans were not well received in the new society and the struggle, perseverance and strength of families make this an engaging and moving read.

101. Full Dark, No Stars, Stephen King.

Published in 2010, this is King's third collection of novellas and each is disturbing in true King style.

102. The Hallmarked Man, Robert Galbraith.

Eighth and latest in the Cormoran Strike crime series, and another pleasurable read, not the crime so much as the developing relationship of the two main characters. Some comment that the books could be a third shorter but of course for us big fat book readers, the longer the better.

103. The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon.

Historical fiction inspired by the diaries of Martha Ballard, a midwife living in Maine in the 1780s.
In the novel , a man's body is found in the frozen Kennebec River and while the official verdict is accidental death, Martha is certain that the man was murdered, and is determined that justice is achieved. Set in a time and place where a women's role was to be quietly in the background, Martha's determination for truth makes for a tense and inspiring story. Recommended.

104. The Wall of Storms, Ken Liu.

Second in the Dandelion Dynasty fantasy series and better than the first!

105. The Shepherd's Crown, Terry Pratchett.

A reread for me, Terry's final Discworld story, so alternating between happiness and sadness.

106. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade, Janet Skeslien Charles.

Another historical fiction based on a real person Jessie Carson who travelled to France during the First World War to help rebuild libraries and get French people reading again. Themes of war, resilience, friendship, compassion and the healing power of reading make this a powerful story.

107. The Secret Commonwealth, Philip Pullman.

A reread for me as I prepare for the publication of The Rose Field later this month, which brings The Book of Dust series to a close. I and many others have been avidly looking forward to The Rose Field for years although I am a little worried about Lyra and Pantalaimon, I'm trusting Philip to bring the saga to a satisfying conclusion.

108. Amity, Nathan Harris.

Nathan's debut novel The Sweetness of Water was brilliant in my opinion, one possible problem with this auspicious beginning is what about the next novel?
No problem here. his second book Amity is set in 1866 New Orleans where formerly enslaved sister June and brother Coleman are separated and struggle to find each other.
A tense, spell-binding and ultimately rewarding narrative, recommended.

Glad to learn about this one.
THE SWEETNESS OF WATER was harsh but very good.

duplicate message 🙄

Hi Nancy, Amity is also harsh but good, how did you go with The Correspondent?

109. The Veiled Throne, Ken Liu.

Third book in the Dandelion Dynasty fantasy series and the narrative is building to the inevitable explosive conclusion in the fourth and final volume Speaking Bones.

It was terribly sad but l did like THE CORRESPONDENT very much.

110. Apeirogon, a Novel, Colum McCann.

Published in 2020 this novel is about the Israeli-Palistinian conflict as experienced by two men from each 'side' who have both lost a daughter.
Based on real people this is a powerful and harrowing study of the destruction of war.

111. Three Things About Elsie, Joanna Cannon.

I enjoyed Joanna's first novel The Trouble with Goats and Sheep so it shouldn't have taken this long to get to her second novel.
84 year old Florence has fallen and is lying on the floor of her unit waiting to be found. She reflects on her life, a terrible secret from her past, and why a mysterious person associated with the past has suddenly arrived at the Home for the Elderly. I enjoyed the author's quirky sense of humour and the heart-warming nature of the story.

112. The Ledge, Christian White.

A book club read and an Australian crime story, not my preferred genre and predictably I found the plot and characters uninteresting, to the extent that when the wow plot twist dropped, I'm not sure I understood it and I don't care! To enthusiasts of the genre whom enjoyed this book I apologise.

113. The Golden Bowl, Henry James.

Although I enjoyed his The Portrait of a Lady and was looking forward to this, his final book, unfortunately James chose to write this simple story in such verbose language that I found it a labouring read.

114. Long Island, Colm Toibin.

I read this for book club and enjoyed Eilish's story. I didn't realise this book is a sequel to Brooklyn, set some twenty years earlier and I will get to Brooklyn soon.

>133 bryanoz: I've read Brooklyn and quite liked it (4 stars). I was unaware there was a sequel, off to get it now!

Tess I hope it is a good read for you.

115. All Among the Barley, Melissa Harrison.

When I was looking for authors similar to Niall Williams I came across a website Literature-Map and Melissa Harrison was suggested, and my library had this.
Fourteen year old Edie Mather lives on a farm in Suffolk just before the Second World War. The community is visited by a Londoner who is determined to record the rural traditions that are disappearing. Change is coming to the community and Edie, what will she decide to do?
Really enjoyed this beautifully written tale of nature and the rural life, and the sensitively presented coming-of-age of Edie.
By the way the novel was reminescent of Niall and I'll be reading her other works.

116. You Will Be Safe Here, Damian Barr.

A novel set in South Africa with two connected timelines, the first set in 1901 during the Second Boer War and the second set in the present. In both stories the main characters are thrust into very difficult situations not their own choosing where their resilience is severely tested. Impactful, reminds me to be thankful for my fortunate life.

117. Weyward, Emilia Hart.

Borrowing the Goodreads summary,
"Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world." I agree and recommend this novel.

I did like WEYWARD!

I did like WEYWARD!

118. Bel Canto, Ann Patchett, well written, enjoyed it.

119. Joyland, Stephen King, crime novel, OK.

120. Speaking Bones, Ken Liu, final book in The Dandelion Dynasty fantasy series, fitting ending.

121. The Rose Field, Philip Pullman.

Final book in The Book of Dust trilogy and a fitting end to Lyra and Pan's adventures, brilliant fantasy!

2026 is here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/376669

Thanks Pam, see you over there.

Been away and busy while we have been back so a quick update for 2025 and then onward.

122. The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, Terry Pratchett, reread.

123. Brooklyn, Colm Toibin, I enjoyed Long Island so wanted to find out about Eilis' earlier life.

124. The Legendary Scarlett & Browne, Jonathan Stroud, finale of the trilogy and excellent YA fantasy.

125. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens, reread, great to be back with Pip, Joe, Miss Haversham and the others.

126. Catch-22, Joseph Heller, reread, brilliant satire!

127. The Doll Factory, Elizabeth Macneal, historical fiction, pretty good.

128. The Hexologists, Josiah Bancroft, new fantasy series from the author of the highly enjoyed Babel series.

129. Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree, feel good fantasy that I had heard good reviews, and it was good!

130. Wayward Girls, Susan Wiggs, enjoyed this historical fiction based on the mistreatment of 'wayward girls' by Catholic Institutions in 1960s USA, difficult subject but ultimately a rewarding story, will be reading more of the author's works.

131. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Bronte, classic fiction and a rewarding read.

132. Revival, Stephen King, not King's best work but engaging enough.

And that ends my reading for 2025, 132 books, total of 58,023 pages at an average of 440 pages, more importantly some great reads, will post my favourites from this year soon.

Favourites 2025.

James, Percival Everett.

Molly, Rosalie Ham.

This is Happiness and Time of the Child, Niall Williams.

The Trees, Percival Everett.

Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell.

The Eighth Life, Nino Haratischwili.

The Librarianist, Patrick deWitt.

The War of the Flowers, Tad Williams.

The Bright Sword, Lev Grossman.

The Correspondent, Virginia Evans.

Pachinko, Min Jin Lee.

The Hallmarked Man, Robert Galbraith.

All Among the Barley, Melissa Harrison.

The Rose Field, Philip Pullman.

Wayward Girls, Susan Wiggs.

I didn't include rereads as the list is long enough, it is time to get reading for next year, see you all in the 2026 thread, happy new year!