reflections on a lackluster reading year.
& monthly favorites, 2025 resolutions, etc.
When November rolled around, I’d only read 40/75 books. This must be how athletes feel as they age, I thought as I looked back at previous years’ reading challenges.
While I avoid judging myself on quantitative metrics, they can be useful—i.e. I’m reading less, does that mean I less interested in reading? Maybe. I find myself catching up to popular releases while feeling pressure to discover “niche” books.
I suppose that’s not all bad, since I have a few new favorites to report:
monthly favorites.
To be honest, I don’t remember or care for any of these books. Onto the next month.
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder (march)
With a side of mommy issues, Rachel’s obsession with food and control is hindered by the new worker at her favorite fro-yo shop—who insists on overfilling her cup. Did I mention that Rachel is detoxing from her mom?
So Sad Today by Melissa Broder (may)
A collection of personal essays grappling with love, self-esteem, addiction, etc. Broder is as witty as she is existential, earning her a place among my favorite authors.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (june)
A young woman marries a wealthy widower—only to be haunted by his first wife, Rebecca. The writing is immersive, albeit flowery (literally), creating a suspenseful drama I couldn’t look away from.
They’re Going to Love You by Meg Howrey (july)
A woman reflects on the rift between her and her dad—all under the backdrop of ballet. Deeply human and added too many entries to my crying tracker.
“I need a crime to justify the wounds. The one I received and the ones I inflicted”
In the Dreamhouse by Carmen Maria Machado (august)
A memoir that processes domestic abuse through various forms of storytelling—Chekov’s gun, choose your own adventure, hypochondria. A book that every writer dreams of writing (no pun intended, really).
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (september)
Peter balances two romances while his socially awkward brother, Ivan, meets an older woman. The two brothers confront their relationships as they grieve their father.
There’s a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes Jr. (october)
A collection of bizarre, black mirror-esque short stories centered on the Central-American identity.
This Love by Lotte Jeffs (november)
A decade-long portrait of messy relationships, centered on Mae and Ari’s platonic bond as they find their place in the world.
Mrs. S by K. Patrick (december)
Set in a repressive girl’s boarding school, a newcomer navigates her illicit affair with the headmaster’s wife, Mrs. S. Gorgeous atmosphere with rich characterization.
resolutions.
Read more mindfully.
That’s it.
While I’ll always play minesweeper while listening to audiobooks and skim when I’m too tired, I will keep a reading journal this year. This resolution also means focusing on my experience as a reader—rather than removing myself to become an “objective” reviewer.
Also, what types of articles would you want to read? Book reviews? Recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
call me back,
sophia <3
your taste in books is so good!!