Category: News/Misc. Page 8 of 225

Saturday Miscellany—12/13/25

On December 13, 2025

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Yeah, this is late. Was busy grandparenting, so I don’t feel too bad. Priorities for the day: Grandcritter #1. Several steps down: You, dear reader. One step lower: Reading something. (well…maybe a half-step, maybe a quarter-step…possibly the same step…somewhere in the general vicinity anyway). A few steps lower: everything else (Hi, wife and kids!)

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet Sophie Kinsella, ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ Author, Dies at 55
bullet PW’s 2025 Person of the Year: Nihar Malaviya—for his efforts countering book-banning, censorship, etc., PW named Penguin Random House CEO, Nihar Malaviya, their Person of the Year.
bullet New Kindle Feature Uses AI to Answer Questions About Books—And Authors Can’t Opt Out—this is ridiculous (and more than a little maddening)
bullet The Empty Lab, in Science and in Fiction
bullet To New Beginnings: Growing Past Percy Jackson: On aging past our childhood heroes, and leaving room for the next generation of fans—(this can apply to other fandoms, too, not just Percy)
bullet FFA’s Most Anticipated Titles of 2026 (so far)—oh, 2026 is going to be a busy year for my TBR.
bullet 746 Books is 12 today!—heckuva landmark.
bullet Over on Bluesky, Adam Holcombe posted his 2025 Wrapped: Author Edition—a fun way to look at his year. By the way, if you haven’t checked out his Bounty, Inc., you really should.
bullet And now, it’s time for some more Best Of ’25s:
bullet The Best Debut Crime Novels of 2025—according to Crime Reads
bullet Reviewers’ Choice: The Best Books of 2025—Reactor’s Reviewers have a veritable cornucopia of books to tempt you with
bullet 20 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Authors Pick Their Favorite Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books of 2025—io9 got a bunch of authors to do the same
bullet The Hard Word is going for something a bit more ambitious, but I’ll lump them in with this anyway: Top Twenty-Five Crime Novels of the Last Twenty-Five Years (20-25)
bullet A.J.’s Completely Random Book Awards: 2025—I love these categories (and agree with several of the choices)
bullet Book’d Out brings us Five Books Best Nonfiction Books of 2025
bullet Best Books of 2025 TFF To-Read Festivus Guide—from The Forgotten Fiction
bullet Jo Linsdell compiled Book Bloggers’ Picks: One Must-Read Book We Loved This Year
bullet And with a few shopping days left before Giftmas/Santaween/whatever you call December 25th (or your gift-giving holiday of your choice), here’s a couple of more gift guides
bullet The 2025 CrimeReads Holiday Gift Guide
bullet Gifts for Readers: 50+ Ideas Book Lovers Actually Want —another great compilation from Jo Linsdell

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet The Four Beardsmen’s Big Fat Bookish Quiz of the year!—this looks like a blast.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet Dry Bones by Craig Johnson
bullet The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall—I’m kicking myself for not continuing with this series (didn’t realize it’d been this long since I’d dabbled)
bullet The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes—another series that I should’ve stuck with…
bullet Stepdog by Nicole Galland
bullet And I mentioned the release of The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon (and one from last week that I forgot about):
bullet Lit by Tim Sandlin—a twisted-looking cozy mystery
bullet The Wizard’s Cat by Nathan Lowell—I had a lot of fun with the first in the series, looking forward to dive in.

WWW Wednesday—December 10, 2025

By HCNewton

On December 10, 2025

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

I’ve been on a roll lately–or so it seems–lotta good books, mostly that I’ve put off reading for too long (well, one was because of a massive line at the library, but I still feel like I put it off). Here’s hoping the streak continues.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:

What are you currently reading?


The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis	Ghost Story by Jim Butcher, read by James Marsters

I’ll be starting The Silver Chair here in a bit. I’m not sure what else to say. Good times and Puddleglum await (even good times with Puddleglum, as odd as that sounds to say)

Ghost Story is my least-favorite of the Dresden Files–but each time I read/listen to it, it grows on me. Who knows? By the end of the week, I might be dropping the “pretty” from my short eval and just call it “good.”

What did you recently finish reading?


Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw	Too Old For This by Samantha Downing, read by Elizabeth Wiley

Strange Practice is this great UF hybrid of McGuire’s Incryptid series and Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate with far less snark and innuendo. That’s not a great way to describe it, but it’s the best that I can do. It’s a lot of fun with a bunch of heart.

I’m still chewing on Downing’s latest–but in short, I’m glad I read it and will be recommending it.

What do you think you’ll read next?


Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by ABenjamin Stevenson	Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger, read by David Chandler

The length of Stevenson’s third book (190ish pages) is one of the big selling points, I wondered a little bit that the second book was stretching things. A compressed tale could help a lot.

I had Iron Lake in this spot a few weeks back, but the download got corrupted and I had to delete it and then re-check it out. So…let’s try this again: I’ve been assured that I’ll enjoy Krueger’s Cork O’Connor books, and that lighter fare than his others. (not that I have a problem with his others, but I’m not going to listen to them while working/driving). Am used to David Chandler’s voice, his work on the Joe Pickett books is solid. Should be a good time.

How’re things going for you? Read anything good lately?

MUSIC MONDAY: “I Want An Alien For Christmas” by Fountains of Wayne

By HCNewton

On December 8, 2025

In News/Misc.

The Irresponsible Reader's Music Monday logo

Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.

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Saturday Miscellany—12/6/25

By HCNewton

On December 6, 2025

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

I’ve once again been taught the lesson that I’m not in my early 20s anymore (you’d think the two grandchildren and that all of my children have reached 21 would teach men that…). I went to the theater last night for a 4 hour and 40 minute movie and thought I could accomplish things when I got home.

So anyway…this is running late 🙂

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet South Korea’s Experiment in AI Textbooks Ends in Disaster—I’m shocked–shocked!–I tell you.
bullet Autism is not a genre—this is good enough as it is–but you can fill many, many things in that title for “Autism,” and make it so much better.
bullet What Keeps You Reading?—Molly Templeton talks about the difference becoming a reader and staying a reader.
bullet 3 things readers need to STOP doing—some good thoughts, fun video–but don’t expect me to follow in lockstep.
bullet How to Get the Most out of Your Time on BookSky—I need to work on this if I’m ever going to break away from that one site like I want to.
bullet The Indie Author Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror New Release List: December 2025—I keep intending on sharing AJ’s monthly posts, and think I succeed 1-2 times a year. Shame on me.
bullet Another Batch of the Best of 2025
bullet The 10 Best Books of 2025: According to Slate’s book critic.—I’ve heard of few of these. Slate and I do not share algorithms.
bullet Crimereads: The Best Books of 2025: Crime Fiction, Mysteries, and Thrillers—on the other hand, I’ve heard about most of these, read a couple (and have got some new TBR entries)
bullet Scientific American’s Best Nonfiction of 2025—their first such list, and it looks great!
bullet AudioFile’s Best Audiobooks of 2025
bullet Find out the New York Time’s Best Books of 2025!—Books of Brilliance was nice enough to provide the list without having to get through a paywall.
bullet Best of 2025 reads—from reader@work
bullet It’s also the time of year for Gift Guides, like these:
bullet The 2025 Whatever Holiday Gift Guide, Day Two: Non-Traditional Books—The rest of Scalzi’s Holiday Gift Guides are worth your time, but this is my favorite
bullet It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: The 2025 Adult Books Edition—from our pal, Jodie at Witty & Sarcastic Book Club
bullet Books as Gifts 2025—from another pal, Carol, at Reading Ladies Book Club
bullet More Bookish Gift Ideas… What to Get Your Favourite Bookworm—The Organgutan Librarian has some good ideas, too.
bullet Feeling less-than-good about how much you’ve read this year? This video should help

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet SFF Addicts Ep. 183: Our Favorite Reads of 2025 LIVE (with Talking Story & OWWR Pod)—I enjoyed this, but my TBR is upset with me

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker
bullet Indexing: Reflections, Episode Nine: Feline Cobbling by Seanan McGuire
bullet Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke
bullet Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart
bullet Unseemly Science by Rod Duncan
bullet I talked about the release of the updated version of The Revolution was Televised by Alan Sepinwall (one of the best books on TV you’ll ever read)

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Ace Atkins—You’ve gotta read the whole blurb at the link there, but let this whet your appetite: “Elmore Leonard meets Robert Ludlum in a rollicking comedic thriller set in 1985 from acclaimed author Ace Atkins, in which a suburban teen suspects his mom’s new boyfriend is the ultimate bad guy—a KGB agent.”
bullet Only Way Out by Tod Goldberg—”A luckless thief’s wrong turn becomes a crooked cop’s fortune in a wild ride of a thriller”

WWW Wednesday—December 3, 2025

By HCNewton

On December 3, 2025

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

I’m not going to finish off all my reading challenges for the year, I know. But two of them will be complete when I read the books mentioned here. So that’s something.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:

What are you currently reading?


How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler	Changes by Jim Butcher, read by James Marsters

I’ve only heard good things about Wexler’s book. I’ve only dipped a toe in, but what I’ve read so far makes me want to go on.

Changes is just one of those books that blew me away when I read it the first time. And it’s gotten better in each subsequent read. This time (2nd time in audio, and maybe 6th time overall) is no different.

What did you recently finish reading?


The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis	What If…Kitty Pryde Stole the Phoenix Force?

I’ll gush about the Lewis book in a day or two. Like Changes, I got something new out of it this time, I can’t even guess how many times I’ve read this one.

This What If… book didn’t really click with me until the last 30% or so, but that last bit made up for the rest.

What do you think you’ll read next?


Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw	The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century by Joel F. Harrington, read by Jame Gillies

Strange Practice was added to my TBR because I walked into a bookstore with money to spend, and all the books I wanted weren’t in stock. So, the helpful bookseller put it in my hand. A year later, here I am, ready to open it.

I’ve had two friends raving over The Faithful Executioner lately (I posted a small bit of that raving a couple of weeks back). I assume I’ll be raving soon.

How’s December looking for you? Any last-minute things you just have to get read?

End of the Year Book Tag ’25

By HCNewton

On December 2, 2025

In Book Tag, Books, News/Misc.

End of the Year Book Tag '25
This was created by Ariel at Books Unbound, and according to Biblio Nerd Reflections, you can find the latest version on their podcast: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/. I did this tag back in 2019, 2022, and 2023, then completely forgot about it until I saw it at Biblio Nerd Reflections last week.

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?


Wisdom for Life: 52 Old Testament Meditations by Michael P V Barrett	Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism by Zacharias Ursinus	Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks

There are my three “project reads,” that I’m scheduled to finish—and then any that I start between now and then I’ve got a couple of reading challenge books, but not much. Really, it’s just finishing what I start.

(and being strategic about what I start) 😊

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

I don’t think of books seasonally—I definitely don’t have an annual book for this kind of thing. I think Callus and Crow served well that way. You’ve got creepy vampires, an autumnal atmosphere. Something Wicked This Way Comes did, too.


Callus & Crow by D. B. Rook	Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for?


	Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Ace Atkins

Ace Atkins’ Everybody Wants to Rule the World looks so good, and is apparently “hilarious” (according to Robert Crais, anyway). I don’t think there’s anything else I’m waiting for—I could be wrong, but I think I’m done with big ones for the year—which is good, because I’ve already started collecting them for next year.

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?


How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler	Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw	Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

Well, there’s the Holiday TBR from last week (I’ve read two of them). But I’ve already talked about them, so let’s go with these.

Is there a book you think that could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

Probably—almost anything that I start now. The Atkins or Lewis books I mentioned above are possible. Especially a book that I end up reading in the next month or so that I haven’t thought about until now. I don’t have any I could predict—but I’m prepared to be surprised. I will say, they’d have to be fantastic, ‘cuz I’ve read some spectacular books this year.

Have you already started making reading plans for 2026?

Yes, I have started making plans. They’re very much scaled-back compared to the last couple of years. My goals are to focus on whimsy, impulse (irresponsibly so), and attacking books I own. Raven Crime Reads spent 2025 focusing on “Reading like No One’s Watching.” I think I want to try to do that, too.

Another way to think about 2026 for me is Butcher’s Twelve Months, Pierce Brown’s Red God, and a bunch of other things TBD that really don’t matter as much.

As usual, I’m not tagging anyone in this—but I’d like to see what you all have to come up with.

MUSIC MONDAY: “Christmas TV” by Slow Club

By HCNewton

On December 1, 2025

In News/Misc.

The Irresponsible Reader's Music Monday logo

Music Monday's originated at The Tattooed Book Geek's fantastic blog and has shown up hither, thither, and yon since then.

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Saturday Miscellany—11/29/25

By HCNewton

On November 29, 2025

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet Napoleon’s Kindle: See the Miniaturized Traveling Library He Took on Military Campaigns—Ooooh! I want one! I want one! Sure my tablet is a technological marvel that I could’ve only dreamed about as a kid, but…come on. This is just cool. (yes, Samuel T. Cogley, is possibly my favorite ST:TOS character)
bullet The best mystery novels of 2025—I learned ages ago that when Oline Cogdill speaks, I should listen
bullet Does Rating a Lot of Books Low Mean You’re “Bad at Choosing Books?”—With all due respect to Pages Unbound, this is a stupid question. But if you’re going to answer one of those, this is a good way to approach it.
bullet Captivating Characters of November—I’m enjoying these posts…I just need to contribute 🙂
bullet It is that time of year:
bullet Manga Gift Suggestions—from the Firsty Duelist via Wity and Sarcastic Book Club
bullet 2025 Holiday Gift Giving Guide—from This Dad Reads (so you know it will be a little heavy on a particular fandom based in a galaxy far, far away)

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet Get It Write talks to Mike Chen about writing for existing IP.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
bullet Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple—note to self: read this again
bullet The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
bullet Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
bullet The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
bullet Hit by Delilah S. Dawson—I’m glad Dawson put this out a decade ago, it was harrowing then. Updating it to fit 2025 would be…well, I dunno, “worse” seems obvious and not stark enough.
bullet Indexing: Reflections, Episode Eight: Holly Tree by Seanan McGuire
bullet And I mentioned the releases of: Luke Skywalker Can’t Read by Ryan Britt; Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe; and Santa 365 by Spencer Quinn

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Robert B. Parker’s Showdown by Mike Lupica—”Spenser may have uncovered an explosive secret that threatens the career of a controversial figure” (which is mostly correct). I enjoyed it, and have a post drafted for Monday about it.
bullet Queen of the Dead by Sarah Broadway—”Speaking with the dead is nothing new for Lou. It’s a curse she’s learned to hide from everyone – sometimes even herself. After running away from a past that took advantage of those abilities, Lou finally carves out a normal life for herself. That is, until she receives a mysterious message from a ghost – the Veil is thinning – and a cult of necromancers infiltrates her small town.””

Holiday Reading TBR

By HCNewton

On November 28, 2025

In Chris McDonald/Frost, Currently Reading, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc., YA/MG/Children's Books

I hesitate to call my shot here, especially the way that has gone for me this year. But I think this is safe enough.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, so it’s time to start focusing on the next big holiday. About the time this post goes up, I’m sure Mrs. Irresponsible Reader will have the tree up and will be decking our halls. I’m not the biggest holiday kind of guy–as my family and coworkers will tell you. But I seem to find myself reading more books about it (I don’t count the Andy Carpenter Christmas books, because there is so little of the holiday in them). Unless Fahrenheit Press puts out something Christmas-y–as they’re wont to do–this will be my list for the year.

That Christmas and Other Stories

by Richard Curtis, Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

I thought the movie based on these stories was pretty cute, and have waited since last year to see what the various storylines looked like in their original format. Besides, if you ignore all the many questionable choices he made in Love, Actually, Richard Curtis is just a fun storyteller.

The Christmas Tree Killer

by Chris Frost
I’m game for any mystery Chris Frost (or his alter ego, Chris MacDonald) writes–and I’m curious to see how things go for DI Tom Stonem this Christmas. He’s sorta like the holiday’s Jessica Fletcher.

Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

by Matthew Norman

Norman’s rom com sounds perfectly charming–just the kind of cozy read that’s perfect for this time year. Literary Hot Cocoa.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

by Benjamin Stevenson

Stevenson’s series has been fun so far–and this shorter “Festive mystery” promises to be fun.

Do you have any Holiday Season-related reads coming up?

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from one, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Thanksgiving 2025

By HCNewton

On November 27, 2025

In Calendar Items, News/Misc.

Happy Thanksgiving/Turkey Day/Thursday

(depending on your practice/preference/location)

On this day that has been set aside these U.S. for expressions of gratitude, it’s been my custom to take a moment or two and mention a few of the things that The Irresponsible Reader is thankful for. This is just about my favorite of my annual posts, and yes, is different than previous ones (even if it doesn’t look like it).

So, this year, I’m thankful for:

The readers of this blog. If I knew your names, I’d thank you all personally.
The authors who’ve corresponded with me, encouraged me—even promoted my words.
Those authors, publishers, and/or publicists provided books for me to read.
Books (print, electronic, or audio)—the stories, characters, and/or things I learn are what keep me sane, entertain, and inspire me.
Authors! If not for them, I wouldn’t have the above.
Talented narrators and illustrators—ditto.
Coffee (and other beverages both caffeinated and adult).
The authors and bloggers who’ve taken the time to help my try to launch my YouTube page.
All the authors who’ve stopped by for a Q&A or a Guest Post this year. I’ve really been blown away by the work you’ve put into making my patch of cyberspace better.
Time to read (which is getting scarcer in my life, so I’m even more grateful for it).
The Nampa Public Library, The Caldwell Public Library, (and The LYNX! Consortium)
Shared Stories, Oldspeak Bar, Rediscovered Bookshop, and Libro.fm.
Local book fests like Treasure Valley Book Fair, Fall Into Fiction, and Middleton Author Palooza.
My Real Life friends and acquaintances who give me feedback and encouragement via text or face-to-face. You all could help my stats by using the comment forms, however 🙂 But I truly appreciate you reading and talking to me about this.
My supportive, understanding, and encouraging wife and kids. They all do a pretty decent job pretending to care when this old man drones on and on about what he’s reading or what’s going on with the blog. Helping me with technical issues, testing things, and general brainstorming is particularly appreciated.
I should give a specific thanks to my daughter, who serves as wingperson when I go to local events and has helped me connect with several authors that I wouldn’t have been as successful with on my own. It’s amazing what people skills can do.
Again, all of you who read this page, follow, like, tweet, comment, email, etc.—you have no idea how much every little bit is appreciated.

For my fellow Americans, I hope you have a pleasant day with your friends and/or family. As for the rest of you, I hope you enjoy today and that you enjoy having the same pant size tomorrow as you do today.