26 Books into 2025: Mid-Year Reading Wrapped
Well. I’m obsessed with books as much as I am travel and crafts. So, why not share about that here too? The blog is about my life, after all.
I think I’m gonna do a semi-annual reading wrap up. Every 6 months, let’s meet back here to discuss all the books I’ve read!
We’re past the half way mark of 2025 but better late than never.
My Reading Stats
Total books read: 26 (My yearly goal is 24)
Genres: It kinda pains me to say that I’m a romance girl. If you let me tell it, I’m not a romance girl. Smut, yes. Romance, nah. But the data doesn’t lie.
Formats: Mostly audiobooks with some physical books thrown in there if I can’t find a digital or audiobook copy from Libby or Kindle.
As of August 23rd, 26 books read and clearly I love a book that’s gonna take me through it.
I love my other hobbies too much so most books this year have been audio format.
Who knew?! I guess I’m a romance kinda girl.
My Top 3 (So Far)
For me, a “favorite” is simple: it’s a book I can’t stop thinking about in the best way possible. The ones that stick with me long after I finish them. Here are my top three for 2025 so far:
- Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine – A haunting speculative fiction story that didn’t give me the fairy tale ending I wanted, but the one that made the most sense. It’s stayed with me ever since.
- The Mortal Affairs by Granger – UGH! (In the best way)- If there’s one author, I would say that I’m obsessed with it is Granger. I know that according to Storygraphy it doesn’t look that way but I am. This author has done a fantastic job of bringing into this very mystical, very black, very amazing fantasy world and I don’t want to leave!!
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins- This book had me SAT! I really enjoyed reading about Haymitch.
Bookish Highlights of the Year
Black Romance Book Fest (May 2025): So, I didn’t actually attend lol. My mom went and I tagged along. Who can resist a trip to Atlanta? Not me. I definitely didn’t get the whole BRBF experience but it was great to see all the bookish girls in their element. We stayed at the host hotel (JW Marriott Lenox Mall) and the vibes were fantastic. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snag tickets for 2026 (IYKYK) but I’m looking forward to hopefully attending another bookish event instead. Stay tuned! This was a whole vibe! A celebration of Black love stories, incredible authors, and readers coming together. Of course, my TBR was even more never ending after this trip.
Forever by Judy Blume: I read this classic so I could watch the Netflix adaptation produced by Mara Brock Akil. It was fun to see how the story translated from page to screen. Mara really did her big one. I thought the Netflix adaptation was a beautiful retelling of this story through the lens of the Black experience.
Looking Ahead
With five more months to go, I’m curious to see how my reading stats will change by year’s end. I’m already eyeing a few books for the rest of 2025, so stay tuned for my full-year wrap-up where I’ll share more favorites, surprises, and all the final numbers.
I really want to dive into more Black classics. Here’s what is on my TBR (some of these books I’ve already read but I wanted to include here in case you’re interested)
James Baldwin Giovanni’s Room
Ann Petry The Street
Nella Larson Quicksand
Nella Lason Passing
Ralph Ellison Invisible Man
James Baldwin If Beale Street Could Talk
Richard Wright? Native Son
Chinua Achebe Things Fall Apart
Not necessarily a Black classic (per my definition) but definitely required reading as a Black person (in my opinion), The Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Until then, I’d love to know: what’s been your favorite read of the year so far?