my reading year (so far)

Hey! You’re here. Thank you.

How are you? Forever the silliest question, and yet here I am asking you.

As for me, the coffee is percolating, spring is (maybe? maybe???) showing her face, and I am thinking about books.

spring/summer reading vibe is this random photo of Kristen in an old car reading Proust.

I am also thinking about Kristen Stewart, but that’s another conversation.

As we get into iced-coffee-as-big-as-your-head-reading-in-the-sun season, I figured it would be a good time to step back and check in on how this reading year has hit thus far.

Let’s get into it, nerds!

I’ve read 23 books so far this year.

Reason number one thousand and three why you should make the switch from goodreads to Storygraph is they make these amazing/hilarious charts that keep track of the moods of your reads.

Just your favorite reflective, emotional, lighthearted weirdo clocking in for another day at the office.

Tell me in the comments - how is your reading year going so far? Your girl wants to know!

The Front of the Pack

23 books in, there are have been some clear stand outs - the books I just don’t want you to miss.

One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad // I don’t expect I will ever stop thinking about this book. I’ve brought it up in conversation more than anything else I’ve read this year. Please read it.

Stag Dance by Torrey Peters // Torrey Peters is back and taking no prisoners. I loved this vast, wild ride. Plus, she was on The Stacks with

Traci Thomas

and it just might be my favorite episode so far this year.

Dog Songs by Mary Oliver // This was the first book I read this year. Early morning, new year’s day, just a cup of coffee, me, and Mary. And of course my two little dogs still in bed sleeping like the surly teenagers they are. This one is Rosamond canon. I’m making that a thing now and this is the first book on the list.

Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones // This generous, warm hug of a book came out this week and it’s been an absolute joy to witness, even from afar. I feel like I know Annie and the whole Bookshelf crew, and a person can’t help but just cheer and beam for this book, this author, and this community.

Trust & Safety by Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman // This book was a complete surprise to me, and, frankly, I don’t think I’ve talked about it enough. A contemporary novel of manners that’s a take down of millennial culture, crunchy queers, and just about everyone else. No one is spared in this biting, hilarious book, and lord I had a good time. This is another book I can’t stop bringing up in conversation - the real sign that a book is going to stay with me (and that I am annoying my friends and loved ones). I even recommended this one to my bestie

MJ

and that’s the strongest endorsement I can give.

Re-Reads

One of my 2025 reading goals was to re-read at least 12 books. It’s April and I see now that this may have been overly ambitious. There are so many books I long to return to, and so many new releases calling my name. What’s a little nerd to do?!

Anyhow I have re-read two books this year and both reading experiences were top tier.

Upstream by Mary Oliver // This was the first pick of my new in-person western mass book club (hi buds!) and a re-read for me. I read this essay collection back in May 2020 (I figured this out by scrolling wayyy back in my instagram), and I didn’t remember much about it beyond how it made me feel (alive). Mary knows exactly what she is doing. There is an essay about a seagull in here that rearranged my brain chemistry. I’m not ready to talk about it yet.

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On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong // Ever heard of it?? lolol jk. I can’t shut up about what Ocean’s work means to me. You know I had to go back and re-read On Earth before the big one comes out in just a few weeks. From scrolling back in my sacred google doc that lists every book I’ve read since 2013, I see that I have read On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous four times, and you know what? It’s new every time. I swear.

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Baby Rosamond (in 2019 lol) knew what she was doing.

I’m just a girl, but you gotta believe me when I tell you that reading On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous & The Emperor of Gladness back-to-back is a once in a lifetime reading experience. Every time I crack these spines I feel like the luckiest reader alive. I am. We are.

Throwback to that time I found some copies tucked away at Dollar Tree. Keep your eyes open for beauty, people!

Romance

One of my other big reading goals for this year was to read at least 12 romance novels. I am on track with four read so far, but I can’t take my foot of the gas! Luckily my romance fairy godmother, Grace, won’t let me.

Here’s what I’ve read:

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava // A workplace romance featuring two Native MCs. This wasn’t my favorite romance I’ve ever read, but it was cute, and I was smiling at the end.

Wherever is Your Heart by Anita Kelly // A novella about a bartender and the long haul trucker who comes into her bar every time she drives through town. The title comes from a Brandi Carlile song. Swoon SWOON swooooon. Heaven is this little book. Thank you, Grace!

Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao // Another Grace rec so you know it slapped. I wrote about this one here. Smart, lovely, and gay as hell. This book is it.

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory // I am so sad to say that this that this one was not for me. I’m a Jasmine Guillory fan for life, but this one was just … boring? I’m not convinced that I’m not the problem here honestly. I just couldn’t sink my teeth in this one.

Okay, Yaya stopped listening a long time ago, and Dunkin says it’s time to pack it up.

Thank you for letting me yap about books.

Meet me in the comments to yap some more?! What’s the last book that knocked your socks off? What’s next on your TBR? What’s your favorite Kristen Stewart role and how do you feel about her recent nuptials? Let’s get into it.

May the rest of your week be peaceful and full of life’s sweetest blessing - some quiet time to read.

I love you.

Love,

Rosamond