January 2025 - what are you reading?

[Anonymous]

I also loved the Potato Peel Pie Society. It was one of those books I'd borrowed from the library but was so involved with the story, characters and time that I wanted to keep the copy. I didn't, obviously.

[Anonymous]

I usually read fiction, but I’m currently reading two non-fiction books that I’m really enjoying:

Salt, A World History (came out years ago but I’m just reading it now) and

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman (about two female reporters who raced around the world in the late 1880s).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually read fiction, but I’m currently reading two non-fiction books that I’m really enjoying:

Salt, A World History (came out years ago but I’m just reading it now) and

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman (about two female reporters who raced around the world in the late 1880s).

Try Longitude next

[Anonymous]

I’m about to finish “The Bright Sword” and am so sad. It was the perfect escapist book for this dreary January.

[Anonymous]

Just finished the 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It’s several years old, but I was in between books I had on hold on Libby, so I thought I’d try it. Bonkers format that I wasn’t sure I’d stick with, but I found I actually wanted to know who killed the titular character, so I hung with it. Not sure I’ll read any of the other books by the author, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually read fiction, but I’m currently reading two non-fiction books that I’m really enjoying:

Salt, A World History (came out years ago but I’m just reading it now) and

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman (about two female reporters who raced around the world in the late 1880s).

I’m sure you’re aware, but Mark Kurlsnsky is pretty prolific. Of the books of his I’ve read, I’ve liked Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World the best followed by his book about the Basques. I’ve also read his books about oysters, paper, and milk, but I didn’t enjoy them quite as much. Still, he takes subjects that could be obscure and/or pretty dry and makes them accessible.

[Anonymous]

The Midnight Library

[Anonymous]

I have finally finished Life after Life, and loved it. I think I reported being stuck in the book and close to DNF in December (or maybe even November!) on DCUM--mostly I think because I started on audio and the structure of the first ten or so chapters is pretty confusing (even in text). Got it in book form, and it was a completely different experience--ripped through it and only slowed down at the close because I didn't want it to end. (So thank you to the poster who responded just that she "loved it" to my earlier post!)

Now listening to Wedding People (a much better fit for audio). I'm about half-way, and I'd rate it "good enough." It isn't so good as to transcend the genre (divorcee figures herself out at midlife) but it is good enough to make the read/listen worthwhile.

Also picked up Keegen's Small Things Like These, though only a couple of chapters in (so will report back in Feb )

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I usually read fiction, but I’m currently reading two non-fiction books that I’m really enjoying:

Salt, A World History (came out years ago but I’m just reading it now) and

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman (about two female reporters who raced around the world in the late 1880s).

I’m sure you’re aware, but Mark Kurlsnsky is pretty prolific. Of the books of his I’ve read, I’ve liked Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World the best followed by his book about the Basques. I’ve also read his books about oysters, paper, and milk, but I didn’t enjoy them quite as much. Still, he takes subjects that could be obscure and/or pretty dry and makes them accessible.

I love Cod. Terrific and short.

[Anonymous]

I officially declared Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan a DNF yesterday. I was listening to the audiobook but couldn't get into it and didn't finish before the Libby loan expired. I requested it again (had to wait on hold), and I was just not interested in any of the characters or what was happening. I considered skipping to the end but didn't care enough to even know how it ends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Finally reading The Women, by Kristin Hannah.

I'm a female veteran, and I normally avoid war stories, but I am really enjoying this. I'm almost finished, and just started late Saturday evening.

I finished this, and immediately moved on to Four Winds, also by KH. Both are so easy to read, even if a bit repetitive at times, and have strong female leads. I'm also strangely comforted by the fact that the US govt has always had major issues and internal crisis. It helps put perspective on current events.

[Anonymous]

I’m wrapping up the frozen river. Very good.

[Anonymous]

The Woman Who Knew Everyone: The Power of Perle Mesta, Washington’s Most Famous Hostess
by Meryl Gordon (Author)
A TOWN & COUNTRY MUST READ BOOK OF 2025
AN AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH - BIOGRAPHIES & MEMOIR

[Anonymous]

Pre-order this. I read galley proofs for publishers. I have a special interest in women's lives in DC. I am a liberal Democrat, and this memoir is from a young woman who was very close to the Reagan administration. I loved it. It's perfect for a DC woman's book club (or any book club.) Don't sleep on this gem.
"Honestly, She Doesn't Live Here Anymore" Hardcover release – April 8, 2025
by Pamela Wick (Author)

[Anonymous]

Husbands & Lovers. Waited at least a month on the library list. Do NOT like this book. Half of the story is good but the other half is not good. I am ready to be done with it.