Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag—2025

Yes, I realize that 2/3 of the second of 2025 is over, but better late than never, right? I started all this a month or so ago, and…whatever. Thanks to A Literary Escape for reminding me to do this (although that post went up on time).

How many books have you read so far?

At the end of March, the number was 66 (was 92 at the time I finally finished this post)

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2025 favorite?

My Documents by Kevin Nguyen

My Documents really got under my skin in a way that not enough books do (which is probably good for my mental health, actually).
I could probably name another 5-6, too, the year started strong. But Nguyen’s was the first that came to mind, so let’s stick with it.

If not what was your favorite book you read that wasn’t quite five-star?

Memes & Mayhem by Ashley DeLeon

I’ve alluded to others that were as good as My Documents, so let me just mention Memes & Mayhem, which was just ridiculous and fun.

Any 1-star books / least favorite book of the year?

Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade, read by John Pirhalla

While there’s some competition for this one (alas!), I’m going to go with Johnny Careless. Lazy writing, predictable, too-reliant on Dickensian coincidences, and a little causal racism that just chafed me.

Most read genre so far?

As of the end of the first quarter, it was Mystery/Thriller. I’d have guess Fantasy, honestly. If it weren’t for the table, I wouldn’t believe it.

A book that surprised you?

Three jumped to mind:

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr	Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang	The Price of Power by Michael Michel

Dead Money, becuase of the ending and I’m still trying to decide what I think of it. (the rest of the book was great! I’m just trying to decide what I think of the resolution)
Blood Over Bright Haven, because of the ending–it really upped my appreciation for what Wang was doing.
The Price of Power. I assumed I was going to like it–just not as much as I ended up liking it. I’m seriously close to camping out on Michel’s doorstep waiting for the rest of them.

A Book that’s come out in 2025 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?

Ooooh…too many. But the 6 that are bugging me the most are:

Cold Iron Task by James J. Butcher	Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg	His Truth Her Truth by Noelle Holten
Death Rights by Shannon Knight	When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi	24-Hour Warlock by Shami Stovall

One goal you made that you’re succeeding at?

I don’t really think I’m doing that great on any of my goals, really. I’m not failing, per se. But I’m not feeling bullish.

One goal you made you need to focus on?

My 25 in 25, if I have to pick one. I haven’t even touched it. Maybe writing more? That’s a better goal.

New to you Booktubers/bookstagrammer/booktokers for 2025 you recommend?

I’m going to go with Book’d Out and Blogging with Dragons. I like their style, what they cover, and their site’s impression. Also, I’m a little envious of both of their names.

As usual, I’m not tagging anyone in this—but I’d like to see what you all have to come up with. You know, in case, you, too have been let a couple of months slip by.