The Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life, by Helen Whybrow
The life and work, rewards and pitfalls of a northern New England shepherd, told in closely observed, meditative prose.
Read MoreThe Uncool: A Memoir, by Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe writes about his unique experiences, traveling with rock bands at their greatest, interviewing them and writing for the Rolling Stone, all in his teen years. Mainly a story of family, his mother’s bedrock love and trust, his sisters’ sharing their love of pop music with him, his father supporting his dream of sharing the music that meant so much.
Read MoreHotshot: A Life on Fire, by River Selby
A complex memoir, a woman’s experience in the male-dominated career of wildland firefighting, a personal, traumatized past, and the history and science of fire in the wild— fascinating read.
Read MoreThe Best Short Stories 2025: The O. Henry Prize Winners, edited by Edward P. Jones
A wonderfully diverse group of stories to entertain, touch your heart, and make you think. The best of 2025, the O. Henry prize winners.
Read MoreJackson Brodie Novels, by Kate Atkinson
Best read in order for maximum enjoyment, the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson is great fun, with the protagonist someone you will enjoy spending time with.
Read MoreDinners With Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships, by Nina Totenberg
Totenberg shares her very special friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg, as well as friendships throughout her life, and making a professional path in the male dominated realms of media and politics.
Read MoreMalachi Martin: In the Shadows of the Vatican, by Robert Marro
Fascinating nonfiction book by Robert Marro about his close relationship with Fr. Malachi Martin. Sure to resurrect the scandal and debates regarding the Roman Catholic Church.
Read MoreBest Books of 2025
Do you like Best of book lists? So do I! Read my choices, then leave comments!
Read MoreLetter to the Future, by Michael D. O'Brien
This Catholic novel is one of the best books of the year, by the incomparable Michael D. O’Brien. A must-read.
Read MoreBuckeye, by Patrick Ryan
A beautifully crafted historical novel, demonstrating the traumas of war, prejudice, and lack of parental love, and how these can impact generationally. Excellent book club choice, and one of the best of 2025.
Read MoreEvery Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books, by Hwang Bo-Reum
Even dedicated readers will find pleasure in Hwang’s thoughtful essays about making reading books a significant part of your life.
Read MoreAerth, by Deborah Tomkins
A story of two planets on opposite sides of a sun, each experiencing different climate challenges, and the astronaut who travels to each. We see their choices through his eyes. Excellent novella, great for book clubs.
Read MoreThe Correspondent, by Virginia Evans
A novel of letters and emails written by and to Sybil Stone Van Antwerp, a woman in the last decade of her life, seeking to resolve deep grief, loss, and help those she cares for. Best of the year, IMHO.
Read MoreAfter That, the Dark, the Fifth Cameron Winter Mystery by Andrew Klavan
The fifth in the Cameron Winter Mystery series, Winter finds love, and a past case finds him, threatening his newfound stability and peace. Well written, highly suspenseful with great plotting and propulsive action.
Read MoreThe Dream Hotel, by Laila Lalami
Dystopian nightmare set in the near future, where corporate interests treat individuals as data for profit, and people surrender freedom for security. Well written, and so easy to see it all happening. One of the best of 2025.
Read MoreListening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution, by Amy Coney Barrett
Instructive and entertaining, Amy Coney Barrett reveals the human and thoughtful work of the Supreme Court, in this important book.
Read MoreReplaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy, by Mary Roach
Another educational lark with Mary Roach, this time to learn the science and practice of replacing human body parts. Not to be missed.
Read MoreThe Impossible Fortune, by Richard Osman
Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron return with another exciting, entertaining mystery, the fifth in the series. Be sure to watch The Thursday Murder Club movie on Netflix, too.
Read MoreBroken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall
A coming-of-age novel, with two deep loves, a grievous loss, and a mystery all entwined. Well-crafted novel, a stand-out.
Read MoreThe Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, by James Patterson and Vicky Ward
For a sensitive, complete report of this tragedy, the individuals lost, the perpetrator, and the community of family and friends impacted, this is the book to read.
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