One of my favorite things at work is to be asked to recommend a book, especially by someone who just returned a historical fiction novel or a recent bestseller. My common reply is, "Oh, you don't want me to recommend something. Let's ask [insert any number of other coworkers]."
It's not that I think people won't enjoy my recommendations, it's just that we all kind of like what we like and getting suggestions outside of our normal tastes can be unpredictable. Most people have to be in an adventurous mood to go on an adventure, you know? And a lot of people don't want to go on an adventure to space with a rogue AI that's trying to kill everyone.
But also maybe I should give people the chance to go on the adventure, at least. Maybe next year.
That said, I do get asked a lot for my recommendations, and I take great joy in sharing the things I love with the people I love.
How I Track My Reading
I get asked about reading trackers a lot! Like, a surprising amount. And there are just too damn many of them out there! Goodreads, Fable, Storygraph, and so so so very many others. I used to keep a good ol' spreadsheet, but making it every year was kind of annoying. I always wanted to change it up.
Personally, I'm a big fan of Hardcover.app. I've bopped around to different apps over the last year, and this one has had the most staying power for me.
I love how transparent the developers are. They send out monthly updates about what's going on with the website, any new features, different plugins or other developers tools that use the API... it's just pretty cool how open they are about the entire thing.
If you feel like trying it out, you can add me as a friend, if you feel so inclined: hardcover.app/@birb.
And on with the important stuff!
My Top 5 Books for 2025
A Physical Education, Casey Johnston
This book that taught me more about how bodies work than anything I’ve ever read or experienced before, and my husband has been trying to explain it to me for years. Also, got me into lifting, which I guess everyone is doing now, but my husband is extra happy I'm doing. We go to the gym together! Who am I?
It Lasts Forever and Then Its Over, Anne de Marcken
Truly beautiful and heartbreaking. I don't know what else to say.
The Everlasting, Alix E. Harrow
Infinitely romantic, sexy, exciting, grand adventure through time with two of the most likeable characters I've ever met... and one of the least sympathetic villains I think I've ever encountered.
Wearing the Lion, John Wiswell
A beautiful version of the Heracles labors. It started out so funny, got me hooked, and then kept me on the line with it's clever and emotional storytelling. I loved all of the characters. I loved the entire thing. No notes.
Why Fish Don't Exist, Lulu Miller
I can't provide a review for this. You must go in to reading this book blind. Know nothing. It is the only way.
Happy everything, everyone!
