2025: A Brand New Year for Reading and not reading

“I haven't any right to criticize books, and I don't do it except when I hate them. I often want to criticize Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can't conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.”

― Mark Twain

Same Mr. Twain, same. As many times as I have tried, I absolutely cannot get through any one of her pieces of literature. Lord, have mercy.

So, on the heels of THE most successful year that I have experienced in terms of number of books read - I am excited to continue my tradition into 2025. The goal was 24 and I ended up reading 40 books - much credit being owed to the audiobooks found on my precious hoopla app. I have discovered the joy of winding down after a long day with a book on my 50+ min trek home and the results speak for themselves.

Naturally, with a renewed sense of vigor, I dusted of my list of Reading Challenges to make sure that I was sufficiently attempting to conquer the books named. There are several Austen suggestions that will be ignored because I JUST CAN'T PRETEND ANYMORE. And, this year, I'm giving myself permission to not finish reading any book that detracts from that precious reading enjoyment. There were a few last year that, halfway in, I knew were just a waste of my time. Time is just too short to spend it with books that drain my soul.

The goal is still 25 books in 2025. Let the joy begin.

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

Cait shares a memoir about her journey to shopping less, giving away her material goods and discovering herself along the way. I picked up the read based on the title only, but I felt (still feel) inspired to try a year of less. It would certainly help with our budget, but also with peace of mind. The generational sin of clutter remains in our home and it would be a relief to let the chaos stop with us. (1)

The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglas and Their Battle to Save America's Soul by Brian Kilmeade

I love these books where I learn the more complicated part of history than the sanitized one that lingers in my memory from history class. Probably one of the largest revelations was that Lincoln didn't start out trying to end slavery, but rather came to support the abolitionist cause through a series of events within the Civil War and influence from inspirational people like Frederick Douglas. Douglas is an un-sung American hero who should have equal ranking in the memories of US citizens. I hope, like the author hopes, that this will change in the collective minds of our country. (2)

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Woof. This one hits hard because, God forgive me, I have way too much hurry, noise and possessions in my life and that is impeding my life with Jesus. There are quite a few nuggets in here from this Protestant pastor and I couldn't help but think how close he is to several Catholic practices like Adoration as he describes our human nature and innate desire for quiet and solitude to simply hear God's voice. Quick read, highly recommend. (3)

Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche by Nancy Springer

What a delight! Sherlock Holmes has a younger and sassy sister who is just as brilliant and creative a detective as he is. It would appear that these books were written for a young adult audience, but truly- it doesn't matter. This tale was a quick read (listen) and quite engaging. A twin sister has gone missing- reported to be dead by an estranged husband- but of course there is more than meets the eye. Sherlock and Enola team up in this quandary with the faithful Watson playing an important part as always. Naturally, I've reserved the rest in this series to enjoy when I need a quick fix of mystery, suspense and clues along the way. (4)

Nobody Wants Your Sh*t by Messie Condo

The Art of Decluttering Before You Die. I don't know if the author's name is a joke or pun directed at the recently famous Marie Condo art of decluttering and only leaving the things that 'spark joy.' But this book helped me understand the Swedish art of death cleaning in a flurry of swear words. What a crass and fun way to be put in my place about my own messy and hoarder-like tendencies at home. In fact, this book, along with The Year of Less read last month, has inspired me to taken on my own death cleaning challenge during Lent. We all need to read this book! (5)

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

The third in the Inheritance Series - Eragon and his dragon Saphira meet more adventures in the kingdom of Alagaesia as they work to overthrow the evil king- Galbatorix. My only complaint is that sometimes I don't always finish the book before the hoopla rental expires. And at 30 hours, I was so close. But apparently, I am third in line for this book again. That's fine, I'll just my time instead to see if there is a way that I can get myself a pet dragon. That would be a great addition to the MaHomestead, right? (6)

The Entitlement Cure: Finding Success in Doing Hard Things the Right Way by Dr. John Townsend

I started reading this book because I recognized the trait of entitlement in a few other people in my life. However, I was immediately struck with the truth that - in fact - we ALL possess the trait of entitlement to a certain extent. However, we do not need to remain stuck there - The author offers a few skills and viewpoints that, when adopted, can help one deal with others who have an entitlement mindset as well as identifying areas in your own life that are keeping you back. The methods are simple- but I truly recommend this quick read! (7)

San Fran-sicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities by Michael Shellenberger

You want statistics and facts about the epidemic of homeless, addiction & drug use and political agendas that have increased problems in progressive cities? You've got it here. It's wild to read - the compassion that progressives demand actually hurt more than they help. There is so much in here to unpack and I like that the author lets you draw conclusions, but presents both sides and the way that they try to convince the masses. I still believe that Progressives Ruin Cities - especially San Francisco. (8)

The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas are Killing Common Sense by Gad Saad

If a Lebanese Jew can't speak out against the ideologies that are ruining our country, then who can? I find his self-identified sarcastic humor hilarious and his fervor to stand up for freedoms that most take for granted inspiring - highly recommend! (9)

The Dead Mountain by Daniel Turmoil

The bizarre true story of the 1959 Dyatlov Pass Incident. A group of 9 experienced hikers went on a trek in the Ural Mountains of Russia and they all died mysteriously. And even though their bodies were found weeks later, the world didn't hear about it for years. Numerous conspiracies about how they died surfaced, but no one knows for certain about the tragic deaths. Short but interesting listen. (10)

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

The final book in the series about Eragon-Shadeslayer Dragon Rider and his dragon Saphira Brightscales and the final battle with Galbatorix for the victory and freedom of Alagaesia. Spoiler (or is it?) the good guys won and the bad guys lost. And that's when I lost it. Not because I was saddened by saying goodbye to characters that I had grown fond of and attached to during this lengthy book series... but because the ending was an absolute tragedy. I was/am furious about an ending that didn't match the magic and wonder and epic-ness that the series contained. IT DIDN'T HAVE TO END THAT WAY. It felt rushed and forced and void of any creativity. And to add insult to injury, the author confirmed as much in his interview with the editor at the end of the book: "I was running out of time" etc etc. Fortunately, my own imagination affords several possible endings that are much more gratifying and include many more dragons. (11)

It Didn't Start with You by Mark Wolynn

How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle: This approach is fascinating. I believe that the veil between the natural and supernatural is paper thin, so it would make sense that our families shape who we are in every sense- down to the last fragment of DNA. There are some practical exercises in the book that were hard to full participate in because I was listening and driving. But overall, I recommend these new considerations in mental health. Although, I am going to run them past my own therapist for perspective. (12)

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Wowza - This is a fascinating read- particularly because the author shares perspectives and history of how we learned about trauma in the first place. Some of it hits quite close to home, and so have your therapist on your schedule. And if you don't have a therapist- GET ONE. This is one that I didn't finish all the way through. I might revisit later- but I did enjoy what I completed. (13)

Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie

I'm obsessed with Agatha, or maybe Aunt Jane...err, Miss Marple. The older Victorian woman who solves murders and crimes while she counts her stitches... contented sigh What a delight! And this collection was perfect because it allowed me to enter into multiple stories of mystery. There was only one time that I thought I figured out the mystery, but turns out I wasn't close. Someday I'll get it! But until then- I'll just add more of Agatha's literature to my shelf. (14)

Watership Down by Richard Adams

I absolutely love that this book was originally created on a long car ride with this author and his family. The story about rabbits was for his daughters and makes me feel like I can write about our homestead. People want to hear these stories. It's a story for children and for adults. The adventure level is absolutely fantastic! (15)

In Process

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

Today's food culture is hurting us more than it helps. The author articulates precisely the mentality behind why we wanted to move out to the country, grow our own food and get back to a life where food sustains us and isn't a tool in a battle of corporations and governments to gain more profits.

I do so love seeing authors cozy in chairs and beds putting pen to paper. It is my favorite way to write and it is validating to see others write this way also. It's been a theme of these posts - authors in cozy chairs or beds. I FREAKING love it.