I added a bunch of books to my read shelf for 2025, but since I did it in bulk, I didn’t have a chance to post each review. So, here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts.
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Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata (translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori): 5 stars. Simply a joy to read. Beautiful writing, beautiful ideas. Superb. No hesitation or doubt that this was a five-star read.
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Gliff by Ali Smith: 4 stars.
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Skinship by James Reich: 4 stars. It was a very fast read, so nicely done with writing craft, which made it flow so smoothly. I’m a sucker for a generation ship novel.
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Aurora Floyd by Mary Elizabeth Braddon: 4 stars. Not quite as good as Lady Audley’s Secret, but still a great romp of a novel. Braddon’s writing style simply compels you to keep reading, even if the situation feels incredulous!
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The Clone by Theodore L. Thomas & Kate Wilhelm: 1 star
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Girlmode by Magdalene Visaggio/Paulina Ganucheau (illustrator): 4 stars
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Banal Nightmare by Halle Butler: 2 stars.
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How the World Made the West: A 4,000 Year History by Josephine Quinn: 4 stars.
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Lifeboat by James White: 3 stars.