I read a lot of great books in March but Katabasis came out on top #ReadingBracket2025 #BookaBracket2025 @CSeydel

This nonfiction book about women working in propoganda during WWII focuses on the work of 4 remarkable women, including a journalist, an immigrant, and famous German actress Marlene Dietrich. They did remarkable work at home and overseas, often going up against sexism within their own ranks, to help bring an end to the war. A fascinating read.

I didn't get to all the books I wanted to read for the #TransRightsReadathon but I've got a few more I hope to read / finish in April.

A young trans man in Victorian England with violet eyes is sent to an institution for girls with "veil sickness" when he's caught trying to commune with spirits. The institution and being forced to live as the girl he is not would be bad enough, but something even more sinister is going on here--and Silas is determined to find out what. A dark and heartbreaking read, mostly because despite the supernatural elements so much of it is based in truth.

All nonfiction all the time this weekend #WeekendReads

Had a little time at the coffee shop today to start this biography of Marsha P. Johnson

A woman who's never learned to say what she wants goes on what was supposed to be her suprise honeymoon with her best friend. When Ginny tells her Elsie can have whatever she wants as long as she asks for it, Elsie realizes that what she wants is... them. But can several perfect, sex-filled days of vacation lead to a lasting relationship in the real world? The third act relationship drama was WAY overblown imo but I really enjoyed the rest of it.

Finished My Best Friend's Honeymoon this afternoon and started The Spirit Bares Its Teeth. I adored Andrew Joseph White's dystopian religious supernatural horror novel so I'm hoping this one will be just as good. Then I've got a historical fiction book queued up to start after that. #TransRightsReadathon

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get to all the books I wanted to read during the #TransRightsReadathon but dang if I'm not going to try

Lord Eden needs a wife and a new valet. The problem is, he doesn't want either. But James Harding isn't the valet he was expecting. Sure, he's uptight and handsome and determined to dress Christopher--something he absolutely will not allow--but he's also surprisingly tolerable. The secrets both men are hiding could ruin everything--or lead to something wonderful. A lovely historical trans romance. If you enjoyed A Lady for a Duke, this is for you.

Reading with my new foster kittens 😻

I'm finishing up Propoganda Girls on audio this weekend and reading A Gentleman's Gentleman and My Best Friend's Honeymoon for the #TransRightsReadathon

#WeekendReads

Library haul

I think the tagline pretty much says it all:
https://bookriot.com/banned-historical-fiction-books/

R. F. Kuang's done it again! She sure does know how to craft an unputdownable book. I will say, this is very much a book for and of writers and academia. I think lots of other people will like it regardless, but it's set in academia and clearly heavily influenced by Kuang's experiences with it. But a trip to hell to save your abusive advisor? Now come on, that's a premise! TWs hidden in a comment below.

I'm already loving Katabasis and hoping to start this other two this weekend as well #WeekendReads

Just read through these two adorable little picture books I'm gifting my nephew for his third birthday (along with an amigurumi version of my snake Casper), and I'm obsessed. Dreamy illustrations and quirky little stories about woodland creatures marching to the beat of their own (literal or figurative) drum.

I was inspired by @BookmarkTavern 's post to make a #TransRightsReadathon tbr. The readathon goes from March 21-31 this year.

The great granddaghter of a Lutheran preacher discover a crumbling old journal recounting the confessions of a Blackfeet man called "Good Stab" recounting how he was turned into a "catman" (vampire) and all the lives he's taken since. But is he really looking for absolution-- or revenge? Incredible work of fiction as always from SGJ. Historical fiction meets horror. I'll include trigger warnings under a spoiler in the comments.

Rom-com meets cozy murder mystery in this novel about actors with complicated feelings for each other and the roles they once played across from each other in a cult TV show. Now they've reunited for a podcast and a reunion special, but instead of talking up the show they've decided to find out what really happened to the beloved makeup artist who died on set. A fun read though there were so many characters I sometimes had trouble keeping track.

This beautiful novella features harp and flute music recorded by El-Mohtar and her sister--especially appropriate since this is a story about sisters and sisterhood! Eleanor and Isabelle live alongside the river Lyss, their singing an integral part of keeping the magic of the trees alive. But Eleanor's love for one of the fae from nearby Arcadia complicates her determination to never leave her sister. Loved the concept of magic as "grammar."

#WeekendReads

Book mail! I haven't loved the alternate covers for the last two Owlcrate adult fantasy book boxes. Excited for the books themselves but kinda bummed that the original covers are prettier in my opinion 😓

Surprisingly all my favorite reads of the year so far are romances! Even my top 2 pick for February (Deep End by Ali Hazelwood) is romance. But I have been enjoying the escapism of romance lately. Well see if the trend continues into March but with Katabasis and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter on my tbr for the month, I kind of doubt it. @CSeydel

What are you reading this weekend? #WeekendReads

My first five star read of the year! I usually like my romance books a little less messy but when one of the main characters is the somewhat dysfunctional daughter of two rockstars, things are going to be a bit disastrous. I loved Ramona and Dylan's second-chance romance. Another great book from Ashley Herring Blake. I'm already anxiously anticipating the next book following Ramona's tattoo artist friend April.

Using the nice weather as an excuse to finish my book outside

Screaming, crying 😄😵😭

The daughter of an actress heading to a small town to escape a recent scandal and a cute mechanic hit it off and have a fling in this fun, spicy romance. But when the chance for something more between them comes up, will Jessica be able to take it or will she leave Vinnie waiting in the dust?

This is a wonderfully absurdist short story about human nature and relationships set in an apartment building where a growing pile of junk is wreaking havoc. Fredrik Backman really knows how to write a great story.

This was a hard read to get through. A story about queer / trans people being violently targeted by a bigoted pastor and his followers in small town Appalachia felt a little too much like reality right now, even though the story is set in the past. That said, it's well written and a good story. I particularly liked that Les and Stevie didn't tamp down their anger / desire for vengeance at the end.

Working my way through these three very different books this weekend. Two ebooks and one audio. #WeekendReads

What are you reading this weekend? #WeekendReads

Where are my knitting / crocheting readers at? I'm really tempted to makes the banned book cowl I included on this list and also the adorable little bookworms. And maybe the book clutch. Gah so many great options! Not like I already have about 5 different projects going either 😅

https://bookriot.com/bookish-crochet-and-knitting-patterns/

I ended up enjoying this cozy Korean fantasy novel but it was a bit more cliche than I had hoped in some ways. A young girl goes to a magical market to change her life but none of the possible futures she sees seem to turn out as well as she'd hoped. Not only that, but a thief if plaguing the marker. Along with her magical cat companion Issha, Serrin will have to decide what exactly it is she's looking in life.

A little naptime reading

I usually go through a few slumps a year ranging from a week to a month. I'm still able to read it just takes me longer because I'm unable to focus as much or am less invested.

I find shorter bites like graphic novels and short story collections can be helpful. Something about finishing a story all in one go is satisfying. Fanfiction is another go-to, though I usually don't think of that as reading in the same way 😅

@BookmarkTavern

#WeekendReads

Valentines weekend seems like a good time to pick up a new romance book by one of my favorite authors ❤️

This was a phenomenal graphic novel by the creator of Witchy about a planet where the children of recent refugees sometimes develop powers. After the stress of deferring college, Oberon's dreams start coming to life--literally, the things he dreams manifest in the real world. One frequent player in his dreams? His high school crush. I occasionally had trouble following the dream illustrations, but the artwork was so gorgeous it made up for it.

The mythology of Wales, England, and Scotland come to life in this fantasy novel about Jenny Greenteeth who finds herself going on an unlikely quest when a witch is drowned in her lake. Along with Temperence and a goblin named Brackus, she'll have to fight off a posessed pastor and protect the heart of Britain's magic. It's a charming and heartfelt story. A bit slow in the middle but great fun overall.

Some fun #WeekendReads

So excited about these romance books coming out this year by some of my favorite authors. What romance books are you looking forward to this year?

bookriot.com/2025-romance-books-by-your-favorite-authors/

Some super exciting book mail!

A super spicy little novella from Adriana Hererra following a sexy stowaway and the grumpy run runner captain and the cheeky nephew of a mob boss who realizes they just can't get enough of her--or each other. I love when stories choose polyamory instead of a love triangle.

Maybe my favorite Ali Hazelwood book yet--and possibly also the spiciest. A competitive diver recovering from an injury and an Olympic swimmer realize they're into the same kinks and decide to have some fun. But are either of them ready to admit their feelings extend far beyond the bedroom. Still lots of STEM, but I loved the competitive sports angle in this one as well. If you like Ali Hazelwood's other books you're gonna love this one.

This was a cute, cozy locked-room murder mystery set on a spaceship where everyone's memories are kept in digital books so people can be placed into new bodies over the course of the long space journey. When the ship's detective awakens in a strange body with her memory book erased and a murder to solve, she has to figure out who's killing people by erasing them--permanently.

Two very different #WeekendReads 😂 I just started a new translation of The Odyssey (the first by a woman, I believe) and snagged an advanced audiobook of Ali Hazelwood's new romance.

Well this will definitely be my entertainment on my flight home tonight! I'm flying out of Reagan (where the collision happened a few nights ago) so the flight anxiety is going to be terrible. An audiobook and some crocheting is likely all I'll be able to focus on. So excited that this was one of Libro.fm's February alcs.

5am flight fuel