Reading Wrap-Up: August 2025
I read three books in July, and in August… I didn’t actually finish anything.
My kids were home for the whole month until this week. No summer camp, no quiet time to disappear into a book. Between running my business and parenting (and trying to get any writing done between snacks, swimming, and the laundry pile), reading time got shoved into tiny pockets. Add in that two of the books I’m working through are quite long, and suddenly “finish a book this month” felt unrealistic.
That said, I’m okay with the pace. Reading is supposed to be fun, not another item on the to-do list!
What I’m Still Reading
📘 A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara – I started this in July and I’m still moving through it. Dense, beautiful, and heavy in all the ways I expected. I’m taking my time with it and plan to continue into September.
📗 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker – I tried this on Audible once and couldn’t follow it, so I’ve been giving it another try in print. It’s very layered and character-driven. So far it’s been a much better experience. I’m about 70% through it.
📕 Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – A lighter palate cleanser I picked up between the heavier reads. I’ve started it and enjoy the tone. Planning to finish this one sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead: September TBR
📘 Finish A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
📗 Finish All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
📕 Finish Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
📙 We are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter – Virtual book-club pick. I’m looking forward to the messy moral questions and the character-driven twists.
📘 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – I didn’t get to this in August, but I’m still planning to revisit it in September. The book is equal parts dark and hopeful, and I’m curious to see what hits me differently this time around.
📗 The Alice Network by Kate Quinn – In-person book-club pick. I’m hoping for historical perspective, strong female characters, and a novel that’s emotional enough to fuel conversation but not so heavy I can’t keep up with life!
Let me know what you read this month or what’s on your September list—I’m always down for new recs!
“You can do anything, but not everything.”
