2025 Favorite Book From Every Month

1. The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. This was my first book by this author. I learned that your words matter and shape the narrative being created. Writers and creators have to be cognizant of how words impact the reader and the broader culture. 
2. Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community by Martine Luther King Jr. MLK is watered down in our culture, but this book allowed me to peek into some of his more radical ideals. He touches on the importance of community involvement, particularly for privileged individuals, in achieving true freedom. I didn’t agree with everything, but I found myself in conversation with the book. 
3. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. This was my first buddy read with my coworker, and it was a win. It is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller. I have criticisms of this book, but it has stuck with me all year. The world was fascinating, and watching the TV show enhanced my enjoyment. 
4. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. I have to reread this book. Not only is it prophetic, but it has layers of themes. It is a bleak story, but it does highlight the lengths people will go to in order to believe in something, even if it means creating their own religion. 
5. The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown. I usually don’t rate novellas highly because it always feels like the story isn't complete or is missing something. But this book had my heart rate up. It was tense and creepy. The author built a world that locked me in from page one. If you want a tense sci-fi and horror blend following the last of humanity trying to get back to Earth, then this is the book.
6. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby. It was hard picking just one because this was my best month. This book was my first S.A. Cosby. The story was great, with multiple points of view, which gave me insight into the family dynamics and the strategic moves being made. These were morally grey characters who made you ask yourself, 'how far am I willing to go to save my family'. It also highlights the ways trauma can affect people in different ways. 
7. Darkest Prayer by S.A. Cosby. Nathan is the guy his people go to if they have no other options. He has past trauma, and this drives his desire for justice, although the line between justice and vengeance can be blurred. The book kept me hooked, but it does have flaws. I found myself rooting for Nathan, even though I questioned many of his choices. He made me confront my views on justice and vengeance. 
8. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Coates is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. His poetic prose and universal truths pull me in. In this book, he writes to his son, delving into the realities of growing up Black in America, the pervasive fear that accompanies that experience, and the struggle to shield his son from those same fears. He then goes on to explore the vulnerability of the Black body, emphasizing how, despite efforts to protect it, a single moment can irrevocably alter a life. The book was powerful and emotional. 
9. The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi. With the state of the world, I wanted to learn more about the historical context of this war. This book provides a historical and personal analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author makes the argument that from the late Ottoman period, through British rule, and into the modern era, Zionism functioned as a national and colonial-settler movement. I came away understanding how the propaganda has not changed over the years and how ingrained Zionist beliefs are embedded in our government. 
10. The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan. A satisfying end, offering closure to a really good series. The second half of the book is very gripping. The series is well-written, with a gritty, horror-fantasy atmosphere. The subversion of the hero's path, told from Helena's perspective, adds depth to the narrative. I recommend this series. 
11. Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon. November was a slow reading month. This book took me out of my comfort zone. It is a detective-led crime mystery. This book takes place in Venice, Italy, and follows Commissario Guido Brunetti. A world-renowned conductor died from poisoning during an intermission at La Fenice. The story follows Guido as he investigates the death and uncovers the secrets this unlikable conductor was keeping. It was a good palate cleanser, and I recommend it as an audiobook. 
12. Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang. The book's themes are not subtle and can seem to hit you over the head. However, I think that is the point. The book explores sexism, racism, and imperialism. That exploration is what kept me interested even during the slower-moving portion of the book. Since finishing the book, I have been thinking about how the different versions of the oppressed and oppressor are represented. 

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