Brittany Kelley
After finishing 90 books in 2024, I set a goal for myself in 2025 to read less.
Although reading is definitely a passion of mine, I found myself — as silly as it sounds — lost when I wasn’t reading. It was like when I wanted to do something different, I couldn’t think of another option. So, to combat this, I set out to watch more television shows and movies, see my friends more and work on my other hobbies.
I would argue that I came out successful as, by the end of the year, I accepted every offer to hang out that was extended, found three new favorite shows — while revisiting a couple of old favorites — watched multiple movies and read 19 less books.
Despite lessening the amount of literature consumed, I actually ended up with more five star reads than the year before. I attribute this to being more selective with my decisions and trying to hone in on what I really enjoy in each read.
Similar to last year, I thought I’d recount some of my favorites and perhaps allow you to find a new book to try.
Five star books are what I would say are my perfect reading experience. This means that they’re not all actually perfect, but my enjoyment and time spent with them was so monumental and enjoyable (or heartbreaking) that they stick in my head. Sure, maybe it dragged for a few chapters or there’s a character that annoys me, but, overall, they made an impact, whether through simply having a great time, molding my tastes or shifting my perspective.
I’m not sure the exact ranking of all of them, but these are definitely my top three reads of the year.
“One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune
This book follows Alice revisiting the lake she grew up spending summers at, while she’s taking care of her grandmother, and reconnecting with her passion — photography.
I read this book in May, when I was admittedly going through a difficult time, particularly at work. So, when the first page of the book details Alice taking the perfect photo, excelling at her job, which is quickly followed by “I’ll crash later, alone in my empty condo, but right now I’m in my element.” I knew this book was going to feel personal. And it was.
On the outside, an audience may look at this book, which has been categorized as a romance, as nothing more than that — a woman finding solace in the summer with a hot, tanned man on a jet ski, but really, it’s more. It’s difficulties with parents, feeling behind in life, struggling to find your spark again and learning to choose yourself.
This book came at the moment I needed it most. I saw myself within Alice and forced myself to ask the same questions she was asking herself. The result was sitting down and really evaluating how I want to treat myself and what my goals are.
I also love when books focus on more than a relationship. The main couple has growth within themselves and eventually come together to be there for one another, rather than creating their entire identities around their relationship.
Overall, a five star read that brought tears to my eyes and told me to get it together, while also making me kick my feet and giggle.
“The Girls Who Grew Big” by Leila Mottley
One of my goals in 2025 was also to read more literary fiction. As someone who loves fantasy and romance, I know there are important stories that I should consume in other genres. So, I often set out to look for new releases that I could pick up. One of those being “The Girls Who Grew Big.”
The book itself follows three young women who are part of a group dubbed the Girls — all of which were or currently are teenage moms — in a small town in Florida. There’s Simone, who is now 20 and raising her twin toddlers, 16-year-old Adela, who got shipped down to live with her grandmother after her parents found out that she was pregnant, and Emory, who has a newborn and is determined to make it out of Padua Beach.
Everything about this book caught my attention. Not only the title, which was reminiscent of a child describing pregnant women — a perfect reference to how young these girls are, but also the cover that depicts someone taking a mirror selfie of their body. And if that didn’t interest you, the first paragraph certainly will. Honestly, for the entirety of the first three and a half pages, I couldn’t tear my attention away. The reader is introduced to Simone, as she’s giving birth in the pack of a pickup truck. I had never read something so graphic, yet honest.
Beginning with a jarring moment is exactly what this book needed to do because the whole thing is baffling. Mottley almost dares the reader to stoop down to the same level as those in the town are by judging the Girls' decisions. We’ve all been in the position where we’re making assumptions of others and this book served to shed light on the behind the scenes that some of these people could be experiencing. The pressure of societal standards, the challenges mothers face, small-town mindsets and the feeling of just wanting to be enough are all explored in this book.
Sometimes we need a reminder that just because someone’s story doesn’t look like yours, doesn’t mean it’s not important. I was so grateful to be educated and humbled by this book.
“Her Radiant Curse” by Elizabeth Lim
The prequel to “Six Crimson Crows,” “Her Radiant Curse” follows Channari — Channi — the step-mother of Shiori. In the original book, Channi is perceived as evil and unnecessarily cruel. The prequel serves as an opportunity for readers to learn more about her childhood and understand her future decisions.
Honestly, this story took me by surprise. I wasn’t a huge fan of “Six Crimson Cranes,” due to the plot falling flat in the middle and pacing issues, but when my friend gifted me the prequel, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try it out. At the jump, “Her Radiant Curse” felt different from its predecessor. Rather than focusing on adventure and whimsy, we were introduced to brutality from the first chapter.
“I was not born a monster,” the first line reads. We’re told the story of her father attempting to sacrifice Channi, who was not as magnetic as her newborn sister, to the jungle in an effort to save his wife. The result is Channi being cursed with the face of a snake; the only cure being to deliver her sister to the witch on her seventeenth birthday.
I would argue that, although there is certainly a plot, this is a very character-driven narrative. Following the complicated relationships that Channi has between friends, a lover and, especially, her sister, was fascinating. As an only child, I often find myself drawn to books with siblings. I find their connection so interesting, the way that they understand and accept each other so easily. I’ve never had that and always search for ways to experience it vicariously.
This may be a young adult fantasy story, but, similar to the others mentioned, there were several lessons to learn throughout the book. The difference is that alongside them was constant heartbreak after heartbreak. Channi can never face a moment of peace. That being said, I think it’s good to hurt sometimes.
A book of fairy tales, but in the traditional sense. The stories that exhibit the savageness of the world and don’t end in happy endings. I felt like this book offered the perfect mixture of pain and laughter, love and loss.
If you’re inspired to pick up any of these, I’d love to know what you think about them.
Curious as to what my other five star reads are? I’ll shout them out below as honorable mentions:
“Magnolia Parks” by Jessa Hastings
If you get it, you get it. I’m aware it’s toxic, but the drama was too good.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
This is self explanatory. It’s what I thought “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” was going to be, only so much better.
“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” by Rufi Thorpe
I would call this a chronically online book, since I truly never thought I’d be reading about someone’s trials and tribulations as an OnlyFans star. (It’s more than that, but you know what I mean.) Bonus points for all of the wrestling talk.
“A Forgery of Fate” by Elizabeth Lim
I truly think Elizabeth Lim can do no wrong, plus there are dragons. So, it’s automatically a win.
“Wings of Starlight” by Allison Saft
This one’s for all of the girls that grew up playing Pixie Hollow and watching Tinker Bell.
“Kiss Her Once for Me” by Alison Cochrun
A Christmas second-chance romance reread that is always going to do it for me. I love, love.
I hope you all had a fabulous reading year and that we all continue to find important, fun and comforting stories in the new year. Happy reading!
Kelley is news editor of the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch. She can reached via email at [email protected].
