While there’s no formal Book Club for 2025, I’d like to share some of the books I’ve enjoyed so far this year. If any spark your interest, reach out to me! I’d love to discuss.
Classic Works of Horror – Edgar Allen Poe
A collection of short stories and poems by one of the most influential gothic horror writers in the U.S. While mostly dealing with horror, suspense, and mystery, a few short stories highlight Poe’s talent for satire, making “Some Words With a Mummy” a truly stand-out read. Find it on Bookshop.
The Romance of Archery: A Social History of the Longbow – Hugh Soar
A historical dive into how longbows went from weapons of war to sporting equipment for Britain’s leisure class. Dry, thorough, and informational, this book is definitely not for the weak, but author Hugh Soar injects a level of enthusiasm that indicates a clear passion for the subject. Currently out of print, but likely at your local library.
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (Yokohama Shopping Trip) – Hitoshi Ashinano
Published in English for the first time, Hitoshi Ashinano’s award-winning manga follows Alpha, an android, as she runs a cafe as the world comes to a quiet end. With stunning landscapes, memorable characters, and incredibly unique world-building, this manga has made its impression both with critics (as winner of the 2007 Seiun Award) and with teenage Cyndy, who read it on a cracked scanlation site 10 years before it had an official translation. While it’s a reread for me, I cannot stress enough how much this manga altered my brain chemistry. All five volumes are available on Bookshop.
Tea Reads 