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Read-along Recs! 📚
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items Follow along with my reading journey through 2025. I am mainly a fiction (sci-fi and fantasy) reader, but have been known to branch out into historical fiction, nonfiction, and biographies. This list includes everything I have read throughout the yea...
Sections
4
Nonfiction
Fiction
Apps
Where to buy?
Nonfiction
All of the non-fiction books I've read this year. Everything from memoirs and biographies to self-improvement.
A nonfiction book that truly reads like a thriller. The mystery and intrigue of the World's Fair overshadowed by many people disappearing never to be found again. (Affiliate Link)
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at ...
If you're looking for a raw, emotionally charged memoir, pick this book up. The author grapples with identity, cultural heritage, and the bond of family when it comes to overcoming a loss. (Affiliate Link)
Crying in H Mart (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Michelle Zauner, ...
I simultaneously listened to the audiobook and read this one. If you want a straight shooter's guide to prioritizing your personal values while embracing the challenges of life, this is your book. The audiobook being read by the author is a huge plus...
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach ...
A nonfiction book focused on practical science backed strategies to improve your daily routines and help you build habits that stick. (Affiliate Link)
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones ...
Want to learn practical strategies to manage your money and achieve financial freedom? Check out this book. Sprinkle in a hard look at systemic financial inequality. (Affiliate Link)
Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy's Bullsh*t to Master Your ...
If you're curious about the early science and history of London during the cholera outbreak this is a fascinating read. Quite dry, but interesting. (Affiliate Link)
The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It ...
As an industry professional I loved this book. Jason knocks it out of the park yet again. From the early days to the current and potential future of Blizzard with many discussions from current and former Blizzard employees. (Affiliate Link)
Play Nice: Rise, Fall & Future of Blizzard
Currently listening to this audiobook now. Unfortunately it is not read by Britney, but the narrator does an excellent job. If you want to hear about Britney Spears' life from her perspective and the struggles she faced, it's a quick read/listen. (Af...
The Woman in Me: Spears, Britney
An excellent read all about game design and a production mindset. This one gets my creative gears turning evey time I open it. (Affiliate Link)
A Playful Production Process: For Game Designers (and Everyone)
Fiction
All of the fiction books I've read this year including science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction and classics.
Looking for a psychological thriller that is fast paced and will keep you guessing? Verity is it. This was my first Colleen Hoover book and it was what I needed after the disappointment of Dark Places. This still isn't my favorite book this year for sure, but it's kept me guessing until the very end. (Affiliate Link)
Verity by Colleen Hoover, Paperback
The first in a trilogy, A Discovery of Witches covers witches, vampires, and demons all in one go. If you enjoy mysteries set in somewhat deary England in modern day (and jumping to the past) it's a fun read. There is also a show based off of the boo...
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Series #1)
If you're looking for a dark twist on a fairytale that is a quick novella, I highly recommend this one. T. Kingfisher's books always keep me hooked. (Affiliate Link)
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher, Hardcover
By the Author of Gone Girl, Dark Places is another mystery thriller that will keep you guessing. I have to say I didn't think this book was nearly as strong as Gone Girl and a bit predictable once you know Flynn's formula. (Affiliate Link)
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn, Paperback
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A funny emotionally rich, genre-blending story that explores how love and relationships are tested by extraordinary circumstances over time. (Affiliate Link)
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Paperback
Back on my fantasy/fiction kick. Haven't gotten far yet, but I am reading and simultaneously listening to the audiobook for this one. I really like the narrator so far. (Affiliate Link)
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, Paperback
A cozy slice of live novel. If you're a fan of The Midnight Library, this is an excellent next book. A heartwarming story about finding acceptance in life and the power of books. (Affiliate Link)
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop
A heart warming tale that made me laugh and cry all in the same chapter. Set in current day Sweden this book follows a grumpy old man who learns to overcome his struggles of loss with the help of his community. (Affiliate Link)
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Paperback
Based in 1939 Germany following Liesel; a German girl; who lives in a foster home that is also hiding a Jewish man. This story switches POV from Liesel to Death and the challenges of WWII. (Affiliate Link)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Paperback
Absolutely loved this classic that's been on my list for YEARS. If you want something a bit spooky, horror without the gore go for it. Honestly I knew the twist before I began and it still pulled me in. (Affiliate Link)
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Signature Classics) by Oscar Wilde, Paperback
A fairy tale style story with a female lead born to a king who is cast out of the kingdom. She lives among wild creatures, while learning timeless lessons on letting go of materialism. (Affiliate Link)
Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison, Paperback
Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Murder, She Wrote in this lighthearted supernatural mystery. The quirky characters made it for me, the main character being an excellent older female librarian. (Affiliate Link)
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C. M. Waggoner, Paperback
The first in the Chaotic Orbits series. It's a fast-paced sci-fi with a dash of romantic tension all wrapped around a heist. (Affiliate Link)
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis, Hardcover
The second book in the Chaotic Orbits series and now I cannot wait for the third. More light romance, more tension, more mystery and intrigue. I was hooked. (Affiliate Link)
How to Steal a Galaxy|Audiobook
Want a book that will raise eyebrows when you read it in public? This could be it! Truly it is a dark humor, morally ambiguous thriller. The story telling style switches between multiple main characters and their POVs. (Affiliate Link)
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide
This is a historical fantasy with diverse characters all wrapped around mystery and magic. If you've wanted to check out a fantasy set in Egypt, this is quite good. (Affiliate Link)
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark, Paperback
I was not expecting the twists and turns in this book, I could not put it down. This book focuses on the tangled web of fame and love through the lens of a fantastic storyteller. (Affiliate Link)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Paperback
Morally complex characters? Check. The realities of war and power? Check. A determined and strong female protagonist? Check. Finally add a dash of the supernatural. Check. (Affiliate Link)
The Poppy War (Poppy War Series #1) by R. F. Kuang, Paperback
The first book I read this year and it was perfectly timed as this book focuses on a new years celebration gone repeatedly wrong. If you enjoy fast paced, witty fantasy mysteries with a heavy dose of time-bending mystery. This one is for you. (Affili...
The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso, Paperback
Apps
I used to be a big Goodreads person, but it didn't let me filter lots of ways I wanted to. I absolutely love Storygraph and use it daily to track my reading and work towards my goals. Beautiful UI, easy UX, grab it! You can even auto import all of yo...
StoryGraph - Apps on Google Play
Likewise for the google play link for StoryGraph, if you're on iOS this is the one to follow! (Affiliate Link)
The StoryGraph Apps on the App Store
Of course if you're ever looking to borrow kindle or audiobooks from your local library Libby is great. Just enter your local library and your library card and you'll be on your way to borrowing books in no time. (Affiliate Link)
Libby
If you try out Storygraph and decide it's not for you, you can always go with Goodreads. I used it for years before transferring everything to Storygraph. (Affiliate Link)
Goodreads: Book Reviews - Apps on Google Play
Where to buy?
Looking to grab some books and save some cash? I discovered Book Outlet a couple of years ago and my wallet has thanked me! (My bookshelf, maybe not so much considering the overflow). 😅
Book Outlet
Obviously a solid option for any books. I mean they started in books before anything!
Amazon.com: Books