Inventing the Heart, Gloria Holt
I had the pleasure of meeting Gloria Holt at an event, and I’m so glad she shared a copy of Inventing the Heart with me. Though brief, the story is anything but small in impact. It’s tender, beautifully written, and carries a depth that lingers. The love story at its center feels both timeless and refreshingly unique, with just the right touch of quirkiness to make it stand apart. I’m grateful to have read it, and I’ll be carrying this story with me!
Right Thing Right Now, Ryan Holiday
This might be the strongest entry in Ryan Holiday’s Virtue Series so far. It really hit home for me – thoughtful, relevant, and deeply reflective. Holiday does a fantastic job connecting timeless Stoic principles to the challenges of modern life, encouraging readers to slow down and really consider what it means to live with integrity. In today’s world, this message feels more important than ever. A powerful, necessary read that stays with you long after you close the book.
Maggie’s Grave, David Sodergren
This delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a campy B-horror novel-and then some. It’s creepy, gory, and delightfully over-the-top in all the right ways. I found myself laughing one moment and feeling utterly disturbed the next. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the pacing keeps you hooked. My only wish is that there had been a bit more explanation behind the events to tie everything together. Still, a wildly entertaining and gruesome ride.
Death Spell, David Sodergren
This was one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read – and I mean that as a compliment. Every possible trigger warning applies here. It’s raw, brutal, gory, and psychologically twisted in all the best (and worst) ways. If you’re into that kind of mind-warping, blood-soaked horror that leaves you equal parts horrified and impressed, this book is absolutely for you, you sicko.
The Art of Spending Money, Morgan Housel
Another absolutely brilliant book from Morgan Housel. I think I’ve loved every word he has ever written, and this book is no exception. It’s every bit as good as The Psychology of Money – maybe even better. The insights are sharp, the writing is effortless, and the lessons are both practical and deeply human. It’s one of those rare books that makes you rethink not just how your relationship with money, but how you live your life. Everyone needs to stop what they’re doing and read this book.
Slewfoot, Brom
A vivid and luscious work of dark folklore, steeped in historical horror like no other, this instantly earned a place among my all-time favorites. It’s hauntingly atmospheric – you can practically smell the earth, feel the chill of the woods, and sense the dark magic lurking in every shadow. You uncover the truth alongside the characters, and everything feels perfectly paced. Every scene, every moment, feels intentional and alive. From start to finish, this story is utterly captivating. Truly a masterpiece of dark, immersive storytelling.
In the Beginning, Robert Siblerud
This had me intrigued at first – I love reading alternative creation theories and was excited to dive in. Unfortunately, it quickly shifted gears into something more like a scattered and disjointed historical overview that may or may not be accurate. The pacing dragged, and the ideas never quite connected in a way that kept me engaged. It read more like a stretched-out Wikipedia entry than a compelling exploration of ideas. I was hoping for something a bit more imaginativ. It was tough to finish – next time, I’ll probably pick up Chariots of the Gods instead.
Dark Lord, James Luceno
A fascinating look into the early days of Darth Vader and the inner conflict between who he was and what he’s become. I really enjoyed seeing Anakin’s lingering humanity wrestle beneath the armor. While I wish the story had leaned a bit darker and focused more deeply on Vader himself, it’s still a solid, engaging read that adds great depth to one of Star Wars’ most complex characters.
How to Know a Person, David Brooks
This is exactly the book I didn’t realize I’d been waiting for. Within minutes of starting it, I felt something click – like Brooks was finally giving language to the way I see people, relationships, and the strange hollowness that can creep into modern life. His insights are compassionate and clarifying, offering both a diagnosis and a hopeful path forward. It’s the kind of book that shifts how you move through the world. Truly a must-read for everyone.
Twice, Mitch Albom
This is a thoughtful and engaging story, delivered with the warmth and emotional clarity that Mitch Albom is known for. I was invested from the start, and the premise kept me turning the pages, but it didn’t quite hit the same powerful highs as some of his strongest work. Still, it’s a compelling read with plenty of heart, and fans of Albom will definitely find moments that resonate.
Wisdom Takes Work, Ryan Holiday
A solid and thoughtful close to the series, filled with the reflective, perspective-shifting insights he’s known for. That said, parts of it veer unexpectedly into political territory, and the extended focus on Elon Musk starts to feel more like a personal critique than a simple illustrative example. Still, the core material lands well, offering plenty of meaningful moments that prompt you to pause and think. Overall, it’s an enjoyable and worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates Holiday’s style.
What Stalks the Deep, T. Kingfisher
This book followed the pattern of the series for me: a slow start that eventually unfolded into a story I really enjoyed. Once it got going, the atmosphere and tension pulled me in, and it delivered exactly the kind of creepy, imaginative horror Kingfisher excels at. Even so, I still feel like the first book should have remained a standalone—the continuation of the series feels a bit forced at times. Still, this was a solid and engaging read that I’m glad I stuck with.
Quiet, Susan Cain
This is a thoughtful and engaging look at what introversion really is and why it’s so often misunderstood. It explores how society tends to favor extroversion, highlights the strengths introverts bring, and examines how different cultures and leaders embody these traits. It’s not a self-help guide, but rather a well-researched exploration of the human psyche, offering a nuanced understanding of how introversion and extroversion can coexist within groups—and even within an individual. Overall, it’s a meaningful and informative read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves or the quieter people in their life.
Son of Man, Charles Martin
A powerful retelling that offers a clearer, more accessible way to understand the life of Jesus. For readers who struggle to connect with or interpret the Bible, this provides a meaningful and approachable alternative. While I didn’t always love the writing style—it felt a bit difficult at times—the heart and intent of the book shine through. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and worthwhile read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding in a more narrative, relatable way.
Da Red Gobbo’s Last Stand, Andi Ewington
I always love a good Ork story – especially the annual chaos and charm of Da Red Gobbo – and this one delivered plenty of that festive mayhem. While this wasn’t my favorite entry in the series, it was still a really fun read. The tone leaned more toward straightforward boarding action than the wonderfully unhinged antics of past stories, which made it feel a bit less unique. Still, it’s a solid, energetic adventure that scratches that seasonal Orky itch. Looking forward to the next one!
iWoz, Steve Wozniak
A fascinating and refreshing look at the early days of Apple, told with the humility, clarity, and genuine curiosity that only Steve Wozniak could bring. Hearing the story from Woz’s own perspective makes it feel entirely different from other tech memoirs – his ethical lens, his love of elegant engineering, and his sheer joy in solving complex problems shine through on every page. His explanations of how he approached technical challenges are both inspiring and deeply revealing of how a true engineer thinks. There’s no ego here, just pure passion. And his candid acknowledgment of how his strengths paired with Jobs’ very different ones to build Apple from the ground up adds a thoughtful and grounded honesty to the narrative. This is a must-read for anyone who loves technology, creativity, or the minds that build the future.
Chariots of the Gods?, Erich von Däniken
I read through parts of this as a teenager and it stuck with me. I’m happy that I finally read it in full. While some of the specifics are clearly dated, the heart of the book still works?-?the challenge to question accepted narratives and to remain open to possibilities about humanity’s distant past. What makes it compelling isn’t whether every claim holds up, but the reminder that there is so much we don’t know, and may never know. It’s an imaginative, thought-provoking read that rewards curiosity and encourages unconventional thinking.
Scary Book of Christmas Lore, Tim Rayborn
This was a fun and surprisingly interesting read that I enjoyed quite a bit. While I expected more traditional horror-style storytelling, the book focuses on the history and folklore behind dark Christmas traditions from around the world. The lore itself is fascinating, and learning about the darker traditions and myths surrounding Christmas was still very entertaining. An entertaining look at the darker side of the season and a great pick for anyone who enjoys holiday lore with a macabre twist.
A Christmas Story, Jean Shepherd
This collection of stories that inspired the classic film was an absolute joy to read. Shepherd’s humor, warmth, and sharp observational style shine on every page, making the familiar moments feel fresh and even more meaningful in their original form. I can’t believe I waited so long to pick this up. A holiday classic worth revisiting year after year.
Star Wars: Jango Fett?-?Trail of Lost Hope, Ethan Sacks
A fast, fun, and highly enjoyable read. The story moves quickly without feeling rushed, and the action and pacing make it hard to put down. The tie-ins to the wider Star Wars universe were especially cool and added extra depth without weighing the story down.
Wishful Drinking, Carrie Fisher
This is sharp, funny, and deeply honest, filled with Carrie Fisher’s trademark wit, self-awareness, and self-deprecating sarcasm. As a written version of a stage show, it can feel a bit awkward on the page, but the voice and humor still shine through. I highly recommend pairing it with the audiobook, which captures the rhythm and energy of her performance and makes it feel much more like experiencing the show itself.
Krampus: The Yule Lord, Brom
A great blend of fantasy and horror, wrapped in a darkly humorous holiday tale. It’s unapologetically vulgar and definitely not for everyone, but that edge is part of its charm. The story is fun, twisted, and festive in the most unsettling way. Brom’s artwork is stunning and adds a lot to the overall experience, making this a memorable and twisted seasonal read.