Happy New Year, all!
The 30th of December marked the second anniversary of this newsletter, and I am extremely proud of what I have built here. What started as a simple passion project, a place for me to record my monthly reads and chat with fellow book lovers, has grown into so much more.
I have three book-related hobbies, and each is distinct from the others:
Buying books.
Reading books.
Talking about books.
Now, I get to share those loves with all of you.
December Reading: John Gwynne
My December reading consisted of the final three books in The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne. Those who have followed me for a while will know that 2025 saw me devouring his Bloodsworn Trilogy and loving it, so I was eager to dive into his debut series.
The first book, Malice, which I read back in November, was good—but it didn’t quite “wow” me. I don’t want to put people off, as it is a solid read; it just didn’t initially measure up to my love for Bloodsworn.
However, in December, I picked up the second instalment, Valour, and from then on, I could not put the series down. I binged the remaining books one after another. This is extremely unlike me, as I normally take a “breather” between books, but the momentum was undeniable.
Having finished the saga, I have to say it is as good as Bloodsworn, if not better.
If you enjoy strong characters, multiple points of view, and epic fantasy, you will love either series. I have one more trilogy of his to tackle before I have read his entire back catalogue, though I believe a new series is being released this year. Gwynne has officially become an “automatic buy” author for me.
My Top 5 From 2025
If you follow any book content creators, you will likely have seen a plethora of “Top Five” lists recently. Not wanting to be left out, here are my top five books from 2025, in order.
1. East of Eden – John Steinbeck
My favourite read of the year is, without a doubt, East of Eden. This is a sprawling tale following two families: the Trasks and the Hamiltons. It was not a quick read for me; rather, it was a book to be savoured.
I adored the characters and the narrative; even the most flawed individuals kept me entertained. Steinbeck is a master of telling a simple tale most beautifully while keeping you turning page after page. These characters have stayed with me all year.
2. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
In any other year, this would have been my top pick, and it remains a very close second. The Grapes of Wrath is another beautiful, yet harrowing, tale following a family struggling through the Great Depression.
It follows the Joad family as they are forced to embark on a gruelling trek along Route 66 in search of work. The characters are so well-written that you find yourself desperately rooting for their survival against all odds.
3. The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt
Since The Secret History has been a long-time favourite, it was inevitable that I would explore more of Tartt’s work. She is another writer who maintains exquisite prose throughout her storytelling.
The book follows Theo Decker, who, at the age of thirteen, finds his life upended when his mother is killed in a terrorist attack. We follow Theo through a life defined by drug abuse, art forgery, and international crime.
While it is a story of trauma, Theo is a character you root for despite his flaws. Ultimately, the story radiates a sense of hope.
4. Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
It appears that every Steinbeck I picked up this year stayed with me long after the final page, and Cannery Row was no exception.
Rather than focusing on a single family, this book explores a community living in California during the Depression. It follows a diverse cast of characters and the ways their lives interconnect.
It is a poignant, and often funny, meditation on community and friendship.
5. The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune
This “cosy fantasy” will leave you with a profound feeling of joy. I related to it deeply, as I work with children who are often cast out from society due to their specific needs and behaviours.
The story follows a home for extraordinary children and one man’s journey to find himself. When Linus Baker is sent there to inspect (and potentially close) the home, he meets six magical children considered “dangerous” by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth.
Like Linus, the reader cannot help but fall in love with them. It is a whimsical tale about found families and looking beyond labels. It is a book I will return to whenever I need a “safe place.”
Book Club
It will not have escaped your attention that three of my top five books are by John Steinbeck. Therefore, it felt only fitting to launch my book club with another of his classics: Of Mice and Men.
As I mentioned at the start, one of my favourite hobbies is talking about books, hence the launch of my own free book club right here in this newsletter. I would love to have you join me.
You can find more information about the club and the other titles we will be tackling this year in the article below.
Until next Friday: Read to learn. Read to escape. Read to smile.
Sam
