This Is Not About Running, Mary Cain
This wasn’t the quick read I thought it was going to be. The structure felt a bit pieced together at times, which made it harder to settle into a cohesive narrative. And the experiences are intense and often difficult to read. The emotion behind it all is raw and convincing, and it paints a stark picture of how damaging high-pressure environments can become; not just in sports, but in competitive systems more broadly. Her anger feels completely real and, in many ways, justified. I found myself sharing it. What complicated things for me was a sense that the perspective could be a bit one-sided at times. While her pain and frustration come through clearly, I was left wanting a bit more reflection on broader systems and the people within them, many of whom seemed caught in the same cycle. It doesn’t excuse anything, but a little more nuance might have added depth. Still, an important and thought-provoking read.
Grombrindal: Ancestor’s Burden, Chris Thursten
This was a bit of a tough one to get through. There’s so much going on that it’s hard to keep track of what’s actually happening. For a while, I couldn’t tell if I was reading a collection of separate stories or one continuous narrative; turns out it’s one… I think? There are definitely some fun moments, but overall it felt more confusing than engaging. The novella toward the end was a bit stronger, though still not the easiest to follow. This might be one that improves on a re-read, but for now, I’m just glad to have finished it.
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Haruki Murakami
One of those books where it’s hard to even know where to start… it’s just incredible. It’s mind-bending, thought-provoking, and dreamlike, but still somehow completely engaging and surprisingly easy to follow. The balance in the storytelling is incredible. It’s always a page-turner, but never confusing; intriguingly puzzling, but dropping just enough timely clues for the reader to anticipate the connections. There are a number of different theories that come to mind after finishing this. And the best part? Every single one feels fascinating and valid in its own way.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Akira Himekawa
This was a really fun surprise. Manga isn’t usually my go-to format, so I went in not knowing what to expect, but I ended up enjoying it a lot. It does a great job of bringing Zelda lore to life in a way that’s easy to follow and quick to read. Honestly, it just made me want a full novelization of these stories. That said, for what it is, it works really well; and I’m definitely excited to keep going with the rest of the series.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons / Oracle of Ages, Akira Himekawa
Not having played these games, the story felt a bit disjointed at times, like there were gaps that longtime fans would probably fill in more easily. That said, it was still a fun read. There’s something enjoyable about seeing the different threads come together, and the world itself is engaging enough to carry you through.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, Akira Himekawa<.h4>
This was a really fun one! I haven’t played this game either, but the story was easy to follow and I had a great time reading it. It did a particularly good job of pulling me into the world without needing any prior knowledge of the game. By the end, I was ready to go back and actually play Four Swords for myself!
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap / Phantom Hourglass, Akira Himekawa
These were both really fun, easy-to-follow stories. They capture the adventure and charm of Zelda without ever feeling complicated or overwhelming. Reading these with my daughter made them even more enjoyable. A fun read and a great way to experience these stories together!
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask / A Link to the Past, Akira Himekawa
This was a great way to wrap up the series. I really enjoyed both stories, and it was a fun final trip through the Zelda universe. I do wish A Link to the Past had stuck a little closer to the game, but even with the changes, it was still a super enjoyable read. I want more!
Misery, Stephen King
This grabs hold from the very first page and never lets up. It moves quickly without ever feeling rushed, and the tension is constant throughout. It is so immersive, you feel like you’re right there with Paul, experiencing every moment alongside him. The horror, the gore, the psychological tension. An incredibly gripping, intense read. I loved every page.
Carrie, Stephen King
This was just amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the story is told through different perspectives and switches between narrative and other pieces of context. It made the whole thing feel even more real and engaging. My only regret is that I waited this long to read it. What a story.
Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness, David Attenborough
high-level education about the oceans; their different habitats, ecosystems, and the sea life that calls them home. Instead, the book felt more like a recent history of humanity’s impact on the ocean and an overview of what’s being done (and what could be done) to address it. It was interesting and informative, but I think the focus makes it a book that will feel somewhat dated in a few years as the science, policies, and conservation efforts continue to evolve.
Nettle & Bone, T. Kingfisher
This was a really fun read. It felt less like an epic fantasy adventure and more like a strange, dark fairy tale; and that was exactly what made it so enjoyable. It’s silly, engaging, and easy to get through while still being full of interesting ideas and memorable characters. There are some genuinely fascinating concepts throughout, but they never get in the way of the story moving along at a great pace. This one is well worth a read!
Uncle Sam, Steve Darnall
This was just as powerful today as it was when it was published in 1997. I’m sure this book will offend some people and energize others, but either way, it’s impossible to read without thinking about what it has to say. It’s eye-opening, uncomfortable, and hard-hitting, with a message that still feels remarkably relevant. And, of course, Alex Ross’s illustrations are absolutely incredible. The artwork alone makes this worth experiencing, but the combination of the writing and visuals makes this one special.
Marvels, Kurt Busiek
This has been one of my favorite comics for a long time, so I decided to revisit it after not reading it for years. It still holds up. Phil Sheldon’s journey through the Marvel universe from an everyman’s perspective is what makes this story so special. Seeing these larger-than-life heroes through the lens of ordinary people – their struggles, fears, and emotions – gives the Marvel universe a completely different kind of weight. Still one of the best.
The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown
This one wasn’t so great. There were plenty of moments where I found myself rolling my eyes, and it’s definitely not the strongest in the series. But I have such a soft spot for Robert Langdon that I still couldn’t help but enjoy it. Even when the story got a little ridiculous, I was having fun.
Skaventide, Gary Kloster
I picked this up because I wanted a snapshot of where the Age of Sigmar setting was at, and it does a pretty good job of that. The different protagonists offer some interesting perspectives, particularly on Stormcast culture, but the real highlight for me was the Skaven. They’ve often been portrayed as more comedic villains, but here they’re genuinely nasty, creepy, and horrifying. The book doesn’t hold back on some properly disturbing stuff, making the Skaven excellent villains. It starts off strong but dips a bit in the middle. Its biggest strength is the world-building and the way it gradually introduces its characters and different perspectives. Overall, I enjoyed it, and the creepy, gory Skaven were easily the best part.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Ethan Sacks
A fast and fun read, and the perfect way to start getting ready for my upcoming trip to Disney World. It was a great little introduction to the world of Galaxy’s Edge, and now I’m even more excited to see some of it come to life in person. Can’t wait!