2025 reading… (So Far)

Mid-Year Reading Reflection: 6 Months, 41 Books, and a Lot of Feelings!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year. Six months, dozens of bookmarked pages, and several emotionally devastating cliffhangers later—I thought it was time for a proper reading check-in. Whether you’ve been devouring novels like snacks or struggling to finish a single chapter (no judgment here!), I hope this roundup inspires, entertains, or helps you find your next great read.

By the Numbers:

• Books Read: 41
• DNFs (Did Not Finish):We don’t do that here!
• Genres Explored (According to StoryGraph): Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Historical, Literary, Science Fiction, Romance (WHAT?),LGBTQIA+,YA, Contemporary, Dystopian, Short Stories, Crime
• Pages Read: A whopping 15,578 pages!
• Favorite Reading Spot: My bed!

Favorites So Far (From Each Month):

1. January: Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Monsters, Misfits, and the Magic of Friendship

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a novel that unapologetically throws horror, historical fiction, and fantasy into a bubbling cauldron, stirs vigorously, and serves up a concoction that somehow works. And when it tosses in a hearty helping of character-driven friendships—particularly the kind built on quirks and oddities—you know you’ve found a book worth sinking your teeth into (preferably not literally, unless you identify strongly with a vampire in the story . . . was there one? I don’t remember).

What struck me the most about this novel wasn’t just its eerie atmosphere or mind-bending plot—it was the friendships forged in the trenches of peculiarity. The characters didn’t just tolerate each other’s weirdness; they thrived in it. It’s a refreshing departure from the real world, where too often differences are treated like battle lines rather than bonding opportunities. Imagine if we approached life the way these fictional misfits do: instead of side-eying the person who puts ketchup on their scrambled eggs, we embraced their chaotic breakfast energy and learned to appreciate their bold choices. Maybe we wouldn’t all be best friends, but we’d certainly have a lot more fun along the way.

This book made me think—what if, instead of fearing the unfamiliar, we leaned into it? What if we welcomed oddities with open arms, celebrated eccentricities, and found kinship in the bizarre? Perhaps reality could take a page from fiction’s book (pun very much intended). After all, if a ragtag group of supernatural creatures, cursed souls, or time-traveling historians can form unbreakable bonds, surely us mere mortals can figure out a way to get along—ketchup and all.

2. February: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawton

Justice, Ice, and the Unbreakable Will of a Midwife

There’s something about historical fiction that makes you appreciate the sheer resilience of people who lived before modern conveniences. The Frozen River takes that to the next level—because if you thought your winter commute was rough, imagine dealing with crime, scandal, and medical emergencies in 18th-century Maine, where the river itself is both a setting and a silent witness to the town’s darkest secrets.

At the heart of this chilling (pun intended) novel is Martha Ballard, a badass midwife who doesn’t just deliver babies—she delivers justice when those who have been bestowed to deliver it are the enemy. When a frozen corpse turns up in the Kennebec River, Martha finds herself entangled in a murder mystery that threatens to unravel the fragile social order of her town. And let’s be honest, if history has taught us anything, it’s that women who know too much tend to make powerful men very uncomfortable.

What makes this novel so compelling isn’t just the mystery—it’s Martha’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth, even when the odds (and the patriarchy) are stacked against her. She’s the kind of protagonist who reminds us that intelligence, grit, and a well-kept journal can be more powerful than any courtroom spectacle.

And let’s talk about the setting—because nothing says “high stakes” like a frozen river holding onto secrets like it’s got a personal vendetta. The novel’s atmosphere is thick with tension, the kind that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and sip something warm while Martha does the heavy lifting.

Ultimately, The Frozen River isn’t just about solving a crime—it’s about resilience, justice, and the quiet power of women who refuse to be silenced. It’s a reminder that history is shaped not just by those in power, but by those who dare to challenge it.

3. March: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Chaos, Crime, and Coffee: The Finlay Donovan Experience

Some thriller and mystery books keep you on the edge of your seat. Others make you laugh until you snort your coffee. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It does both—often at the same time. Elle Cosimano delivers a mystery that’s equal parts thriller and comedy, following Finlay Donovan, a struggling novelist and single mom who accidentally gets mistaken for a hitwoman. Yes, you read that correctly.

Finlay’s life is already a mess—her ex-husband is the human embodiment of a headache, her kids are adorable chaos machines, and her latest novel is so overdue it might as well be fossilized. But when a stranger overhears her discussing murder plots with her agent and assumes she’s a contract killer, things spiral into a level of absurdity that would make even the most seasoned crime writers say, “Yeah, that’s a bit much.”

What follows is a series of mishaps, misunderstandings, and moments of sheer comedic brilliance. Finlay, with the help of her ride-or-die nanny Vero, stumbles through crime scenes, dodges mobsters, and somehow manages to keep her kids alive—all while trying to figure out how she ended up in this mess in the first place. It’s like watching someone attempt to parallel park in a space that’s clearly too small: you know disaster is imminent, but you can’t look away.

The humor in this book is spotless, the pacing is relentless, and Finlay herself is the kind of protagonist you root for even as you scream, “No, don’t do that!” at the pages. If you’ve ever felt like your life was one bad decision away from total chaos, this book will make you feel seen.

4. April: Three Sisters by Heather Morris

Survival, Sisterhood, and the Struggle of Too Many Good Books

You know it’s been a month when every book you pick up is so compelling that you start questioning whether sleep is really necessary. Three Sisters by Heather Morris was one of those reads—the kind that grips you emotionally, refuses to let go, and leaves you staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, contemplating the sheer resilience of the human spirit.

This novel follows Cibi, Magda, and Livia, three Slovakian sisters who make a childhood promise to stay together—only to have that vow tested in the most harrowing way imaginable. As they endure the horrors of Auschwitz, their bond becomes their lifeline, proving that love and loyalty can withstand even the darkest of circumstances. It’s a story of survival, courage, and the unbreakable ties of family, told with Morris’s signature depth and emotional weight (she’s one of my favorite authors and I wish more people spoke about her!).

And let’s talk about the emotional rollercoaster—because wow. One moment, you’re marveling at the sisters’ strength, the next, you’re clutching the book like it’s personally responsible for your heartbreak, using it to wipe your tears. It’s the kind of read that makes you want to hug your loved ones a little tighter and maybe send an unsolicited “I appreciate you” text.

But here’s the real dilemma: Three Sisters wasn’t the only standout book this month. When you’ve got a lineup of incredible reads, choosing a favorite feels like an impossible task. Do you go with the historical fiction that shattered your heart? The fantasy that transported you to another world? The thriller that made you question every shadow in your house? It’s a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless.

Ultimately, Three Sisters is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of promises kept. It’s a book that lingers long after the final page—just like the rest of this month’s literary gems.

5. May: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Twists, Terror, and a TBR That’s Out of Control

Some months, you read a few books, you know, the usual. Other months, you devour fifteen—mostly thrillers and horror, because apparently, I have no other use of my time. This was one of those months, and Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney was a standout in the lineup of spine-chilling, mind-bending reads.

Feeney is known for crafting thrillers that make you question everything, and Beautiful Ugly is no exception. The novel follows Grady Green, an author whose wife, Abby, mysteriously vanishes one night after stopping her car on a cliffside road. A year later, still drowning in grief and writer’s block, Grady heads to a secluded Scottish island to restart his career—only to find himself haunted by Abby’s ghost (or is it something worse? Hmmmmmm). The story unfolds through dual perspectives, weaving together psychological tension, eerie isolation, and the unsettling blur between reality and fiction.

This book is the kind of thriller that keeps you second-guessing every character, every motive, and possibly your own sanity. It’s packed with twists that hit like jump scares in a horror movie—except instead of screaming, you just sit there whispering, “What just happened?” to your book.

And let’s talk about the sheer volume of great reads this month. Fifteen. That’s not just a reading streak; that’s a literary marathon for me; I think the most I’ve ever read since beginning my reading journey. Thriller after thriller, horror after horror—each one pulling you deeper into the abyss of suspense and psychological torment (in the best way possible). If books had a warning label, this month’s selection would read: May cause excessive page-turning, sleep deprivation, and an irrational fear of shadows.

Ultimately, Beautiful Ugly was a perfect addition to this month’s lineup—a novel that’s as unsettling as it is addictive, proving once again that Feeney knows exactly how to keep readers hooked.

Biggest Disappointment (Whomp): Perfume & Pain by Anna Dorn

Perfume & Pain: More Pain Than Perfume

There’s nothing worse than eagerly diving into a book, expecting brilliance, only to find yourself slogging through something that feels more like a chaotic mess than a compelling narrative. Perfume & Pain by Anna Dorn was one of those reads for me—a novel that promised sharp wit and a nod to lesbian pulp fiction but instead delivered a protagonist so grating that I found myself actively rooting against her.

Let’s start with Astrid Dahl, the main character. I get that she’s supposed to be flawed—deeply, unapologetically flawed—but there’s a fine line between a complex, messy character and one who’s just exhausting. Astrid bulldozes through life with a cocktail of Adderall, alcohol, and bad decisions, leaving destruction in her wake. Some readers might find her brand of chaos entertaining, but for me, it was like watching someone repeatedly touch a hot stove and then complain about getting burned.

And then there’s the way she talks about lesbians. I understand that the novel is playing with themes of pulp fiction and satire, but there’s a difference between critiquing stereotypes and perpetuating them. Astrid’s perspective often felt dismissive, even degrading, and while that may have been intentional, it didn’t land in a way that felt insightful—it just felt frustrating. There are so many incredible books that represent the LGBTQIA+ community with depth, nuance, and respect, and this one simply didn’t measure up.

Beyond that, the plot itself felt aimless. I kept waiting for it to take me somewhere—anywhere—but instead, it meandered through Astrid’s self-inflicted disasters without much payoff. If I wanted an in-depth exploration of someone’s sex life, I’d just watch porn. At least then, I’d know what I was getting into.

The worst part? I was excited to read this. I love books that challenge norms, that play with genre, that offer something fresh. But instead of a sharp, engaging read, I got a novel that felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy without actually saying anything meaningful. Some people might love its chaotic energy, but for me, it was a disappointment.

If you’re looking for a book that truly celebrates and explores LGBTQIA+ themes with depth and authenticity, there are far better options out there. This one? I wish I could unread it.

Unexpected Favorite:

Polybius by Collin Armstrong

Polybius: The Arcade Nightmare I Didn’t Know I Needed

Every once in a while, a book sneaks up on you—one you pick up with mild curiosity, only to find yourself completely obsessed, talking about it so much that even your mom starts giving you the look (so much so you can see it through the phone). That was Polybius by Collin Armstrong for me.

This novel taps into the eerie urban legend of the same name, blending horror, sci-fi, and psychological suspense into a story that feels like Cell by Stephen King had a chaotic love child with Stranger Things. The premise? A mysterious arcade game arrives in a small town, and suddenly, people start experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, and violent outbursts. It’s the kind of slow-burning horror that creeps up on you, making you question whether you should ever trust a vintage gaming cabinet again . . . or the government (but some already don’t).

I loved this book. The tension, the gloomy atmosphere, the way it builds dread with every turn of the page—it had me hooked. And trust me, my mom can confirm how many times I brought it up, probably to the point where she regretted ever asking, “What are you reading?” though I’d just tell her without her having to ask! (Sorry, mama!)

The only thing that kept it from being my absolute favorite for May? The shifting third-person POVs. While I appreciated the depth it added to the story, the constant jumps between characters sometimes left me feeling disoriented, like I was trying to follow multiple horror movies playing at once. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did make me wish for a little more narrative stability.

Still, Polybius was an unexpected gem—one that delivered chills, thrills, and just the right amount of paranoia. If you love unsettling horror with a side of conspiracy, this one’s worth the read.

Looking Ahead:

I’m heading into the second half of the year with these on my TBR (see landing page for what I’m reading now):

• Dearest by Jacquie Walters
• Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel (Sorry, C, I’ll never actually listen to you hehe)
• Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine
• Starter Villian by John Scalzi
• youthjuice by E. K. Sathue
• Jawbone by Monica Ojeda, Sarah Booker
• Daphne by Josh Malerman
• Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
• American Rapture by C.J. Leede
• Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
• The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
• Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman
• Lightlark by Alex Aster (yes, finally!)

Final Thoughts:

This year, I’ve been reading more intentionally, delving into the genres I really love. Fantasy is quickly fading from view, making way for the thrillers and horrors which have quickly become my favorites over the past five months. I’m less interested in racing through books and more focused on sitting with them. Letting them haunt me. Letting them change me.

If you’ve read something that gutted you in the best way—or if you’re in a slump and need a nudge—drop a comment. Let’s talk stories, characters, and all the things we carry between the pages.

Until next chapter,

M. A. Skallberg