Welcome to a new year of reading!
I read 28 novels and 26 graphic novels last year. Not bad! This year, I’m putting recent acquisitions and reads at the top. That does not mean READING order, just PILE order. As of 11.30.25, I’ve read 34 novels and the Courtney series of GNs.
Enshittification, Cory Doctorow. His book that breaks down the total destruction of the internet and how corporations have managed to do this. It covers Meta, Amazon, Twitter, and pretty much everything else that we’ve watched turn to SHIT. Everyone should read this book.
Blood, Bones & Butter, Gabrielle Hamilton. Byline “The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef”, which was why I bought it. A very good read! I saw a LOT of myself in her – not the work parts, but the interaction with people parts.
The Book of Salt, Monique Truong. You might remember her from Bitter In the Mouth that I read last year. This is her first novel and it is NOTHING like I was expecting! This is a story of a man who travels the world as a cook in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is a pretty good read, but I liked Bitter more.
The Sweetest Fruits, Monique Truong. She fascinates me.
The Secret Life of Groceries, Benjamin Lorr. Byline “The Dark Miracle of the American Supermarket. I watched a documentary about groceries recently, so this caught my eye. Very interesting so far. He did a TON of research for this book! He rode with truckers, worked in stores, talked to execs. It’s well done.
Gifted from the Kiss My Acid Goodbye guy:
Prison Break, Jason Goldman. While I truly do like JG, and the KMAG product does help with VSG GERD, he has a background in coaching, so he tends to be a little on the rah-rah side. Not my bag. This book is all about not being a victim (he uses prisoner) and taking charge of your shit (he uses self leadership). Nick and I are “self leaders” from way back, so all I do is nod at the obvious (TO ME) and do a lot of skimming. I can see how this sort of coaching would be helpful for LOTS of people — just not me in particular. It’s a conversational style, easy read. If you have GERD, you should look into kissmyacidgoodbye.com. You’re welcome.
Ollie’s Hurl September 2025
Find Me, André Aciman. This is the guy that wrote Call Me By Your Name, which was made into a movie that I did not see. I might get that book, too, though, because this book is quite good! It’s set in Italy but the main character is American. The characters are well written and the dialog is good, too. I’ve just started this one.
A Bright Ray of Darkness, Ethan Hawke (yes, THAT guy, who is also a writer!).
Dream Girl, Laura Lippman.
The Golden Gate, Amy Chua.
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus. I’d seen comments that this book was terrible, as compared to the limited series on AppleTV and I’d have to agree. Every single character in the book is unlikeable. She also gives the dog full character status, as in: the dog is given the ability to reason like a human and has running commentary. Skip the book and watch the limited series with Brie Larson and Lewis Pullman (yes Bill Pullman’s look alike son).
Attainable Sustainable Pantry, Kris Bordessa. EXCELLENT cookbook for assembling your pantry and canning foods. The canning section is SO well done! It’s all vetted for proper canning info. I love it!
When the Moon Hits Your Eye, John Scalzi. I had to start this as soon as I got it. It’s an absurd notion, housed as if it really happens and people have to deal with it. It’s got plenty of Scalzi humour and I’m liking it, despite its silly premise. In mid-read.
Never Flinch, Stephen King. This was a surprise from Amazon, we’d pre-ordered! I started it immediately after I finished Bazaar of Bad Dreams. It is another Holly book – he just can’t quit her!! This novel was good – not great. I do fervently wish the next book is called Two For Flinching, however.
Continue reading “2025 Reading List”
