Less than 80 days left of 2025. Can you believe it? I’m really surprised that I’ve been coasting with my reading goals this year.
Reading Challenge Currently: 36/20
Now it’s time to kick things into gear and try and hit 40 books! So I’m dusting off the To-Be Read list and choosing a few to look forward to.
But before we chat about what’s left to read, here’s some reviews from my last couple reads if you still need books to add to your own list!
Recent Reads Reviews:
Back in My Sci-Fi Era:
After rewatching The Martian movie based on the book by Andy Weir, which is a read I HIGHLY recommend if you haven’t already, I found he had another book being turned into a movie so I had to take a look.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
“But I have to save humanity first. Stupid humanity. Getting in the way of my hobbies.”
Rylan Grace wakes up to find he is the sole survivor, in space, millions of miles from home, with no memories. This could be a problem. As his memories slowly begin to return he realizes he is on a last-chance mission to save all of humanity. It’s up to him to figure out what he and his crew were supposed to do and he has to do it all alone. Or does he?
Another Weir book that I couldn’t put down. It had the same wit and likability of the characters as The Martian did. The science is fun, the situation is thrilling, and you feel with the characters. I did think it was a little longer than it needed to be as it dragged a bit in the middle, but overall I thought it was an incredibly enjoyable read. Though I will say, The Martian is still my favorite. 3.5/5
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
This is the story as it was told to me by Leandro the Mighty.
Earth has been a barren wasteland for 400 years, and the few who have survived now exist in the cruel city of Pocatel. For those who go it alone don’t survive long against the wandering spirits and wyrms. 13 year old Leandro and his younger sister Gabi do what they can, but those in the city do not take kindly to the Cascabel descendants who found their way to Pocatel a few winters ago.
When Gabi is caught stealing a strawberry, Leandro takes the fall, his punishment? Exile from the Pocatel, but not the way he imagined. His consciousness is placed in an ancient drone. What will he find beyond the walls?
Set after Higuera’s previous novel The Last Cuentista
(You can read my review on it here)
As a whole I liked Alebrijes more than the first book. I enjoyed the story and the plot with Leandro and his drone. However, I wish this plot had been expanded throughout the novel more than it was. The synopsis lends itself to that being the main plotpoint and I was disappointed when it wasn’t. For lovers of The Last Cuentista this is a must read. 4/5
Some Fun Fiction:
Spellbound by Georgia Leighton
Because dark magic cannot be tricked, and a vengeful sorceress has old scores to settle . . .
This is not the story you know. There is a royal heir born, she is cursed by a sorceress, but there is no prince to save the day. No endless sleep. Just three women trying to stop the future death of the princess, and a twist. Another child is left to grow up in the cursed princess’ place.
My copy of the book is a gorgeous signed edition. That is where most of my praise ends unfortunately. I was excited to read it, the twist of the misdirect felt promising but the execution was lackluster. Not many of the characters had enough development time as this book is written from multiple perspectives. The final battle left much to be desired. A wonderfully fun concept, but it just didn’t land for me. 2.5/5
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
“Smart cookie. I am smart, but I am not a snack object dispensed from a packaged food machine. What a preposterous thing to say.”
After Tova’s husband died she began working night shift cleaning at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She has always used staying busy as a way to cope with her grief, ever since her son Erik mysteriously vanished on a boat over 30 years ago. Among her many sea creature companions is the old giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus. Only she can’t begin to imagine that he knows more than anyone can imagine. Even what happened to Tova’s son.
The novel starts strong with a POV from Marcellus the octopus. The beginning mystery of Tova’s son is a compelling pull to the story and every chapter that includes Marcellus quickly piques your intrigue. However, a third POV, while plot driving, does not hold my attention or my affection to the same degree. My biggest complaint with the novel is that Marcellus appears from the get go to be a main protagonist only for him to be cast off to the sidelines. This was a great plot idea, but there were some things I think could have been changed to significantly improve it. I still enjoyed the read, though I did guess the end. 3.5/5
Some To Be Reads for Autumn:
Cozy Mysteries:
What better to pick up for October than some Agatha Christie. Picking my way through her vast collection I have added 2 to the TO READ list for 2025.
Crooked House by Agatha Christie
A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
Classics:
Both of these are books I currently own and have yet to get to. My brother, the nonreader, read, finished, and really enjoyed The Great Divorce, so obviously I need to pick it up myself.
I have a beautiful Hunchback edition brought back from Paris for me from my friend. A must read then.
The Great Divorce by C.S Lewis
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
Fantasy:
Obviously I need a few more fantasies, as I have slowly gotten back into this genre this year and am hoping to find some new ones that really pull me in. One has long been on my to-read list and another I was recommended. Let’s see which I get to before the end of the year.
The Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
The Between by David Hofmeyr
How’s your reading goals going?? Tell me all about it in the comments! Your favorite books, your most disappointing, let’s chat!
Full List of Summer Reads:
Caught by Haddix 3/5
Risked by Haddix 3.5/5
Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford 3/5
Sandover Beach Memories by Emma St. Clair 1.5/5
Revealed by Haddix 4/5
Something Other than God by Jen Fulwiler 5/5
Redeemed by Haddix 3.75/5
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares 3/5
Courtship of the Saints by Patrick O’Hearn 4/5
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 4.5/5
God’s Plan for Your Marriage by Fr. Robert J. Altier 5/5
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 3.5/5
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera 4/5
Anxiety: A Catholic Guide to Freedom from Worry and Fear by Art Bennett
Spellbound by Georgia Leighton 2.4/5
Love…
I have a goal of reading five books this year. So far, I’ve read one book and in the process of reading two more right now.
I read “Silence” which was a really good, but sad book. Highly recommend it.
You have influenced me to add Project Hail Mary to my TBR! I’ve heard such promising things and you def sealed the deal for me!
When you read it we will have to chat!!