Prior to the fire that swept through our town, I used to read a lot. However, since then I have struggled staying focused enough to read, often feeling anxious while doing so. However, this year I tried to overcome that feeling and did my best to plow through it. Sometimes, I had to also involve the audio version in order to keep making progress with a book. I prefer reading though more than listening because it is faster and I don’t take in information very well by listening. Just ask my former teachers.
A few blog posts ago, I asked the reader what we might talk about if we had the chance to sit in the backyard together. One of my favorite people commented that they’d like to discuss the books I’ve read. So, I am posting the photos of every book I read in 2025. Currently I am reading a Ron Chernow biography of Mark Twain. Typical of Chernow’s work, it is exhaustive, over a thousand pages. It will have to go into the 2026 reading list.
Every night I sit in one particular chair and read – that is until Benny comes in requesting my undivided attention. This is how he looks at me.
So here are the books I completed reading in 2025. I am sure my selection of books says something about me, but I don’t know what…
The only prayer I am very good at is just saying “Thank You.”It is really concerning what social media has done to our children.Wonderful short essays from a wonderful poet.Spotify ain’t coolLoved this story!Richard Rohr has been a blessingI failedLonesome Dove and The Last Picture Show! Enjoy reading about authors and creatives. I love living in California with its good and bad. Good book!Things we think we know…Little stories about big accomplishmentsFascinating look at what different presidents did with their lives after office.My father’s hero. Heard many stories about Rocky. Nobody’s perfect regardless of your victories.A few ideas have stayed with me. I think about them from time to time. Trying to put the pieces togetherJim Thorpe was almost mythical in my boyhood mind. His story though is very much human. The clerk at Barnes and Nobles got a little bonus for every one of these she talked people into buying. Nice little murder mystery. Made me want to read some old Travis McGee novels again. A look at Orthodox ChristianityAn incredibly heartbreaking review. Hit deeply. The atrocities are extremely redundant and took place where we walk today. Not a fan of Grisham’s fiction, but his non-fiction is powerful stuff. I am opposed to the death penalty partly because of all those who have been wrongfully convicted. Great profiles of influential artists.I haven’t mastered this yet.I’ve read a lot about Teddy but not much about Booker T. This was a good introduction .I always thought when the Creation Story said we were made in God’s image it meant creativity is part of who we are. I did not like this book, but I guess millions do. The Bible confuses me.An excellent look at religion, culture, environmental disasters and why people often vote for the very things that will harm them.I can’t stand Trump and I would have voted for a monkey before voting for him. However, I don’t understand what Kamala’s purpose was in writing this book. Money? Get even? I don’t think she did herself any favors with this book. I read The Da Vinci Code, figured it was time to read a second one of his. Interesting life, crazy experiences. Started writing for Rolling Stone while in high school.
Another Picture On The Wall 