This was a surprisingly difficult reading year for me. Not many books truly grabbed me, but the ones that did were memorable for different reasons. If I had to recommend one standout title, it would be The Doorman by Chris Pavone—a fun, tightly written page-turner that’s hard to put down. Pavone captures the cultural and political absurdities of modern America and wraps them in a fast, entertaining plot…with a dash of gratuitous violence for good measure.
I also enjoyed Walter Mosley’s novel Been Wrong So Long It Feels Like Right, the only other work of fiction on my list. Mosley has written a series of detective and mystery novels that I have enjoyed. In this book, he’s able to solve two mysteries simultaneously, including one of a deeply, personal matter.
Notable Nonfiction
1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in History by Andrew Ross Sorkin
A detailed, absorbing look at the lead-up to and during the Great Depression. It’s a cautionary tale for what could happen to the economy today. It’s excellent—if a bit long. If you prefer the highlights, Sorkin has several worthwhile YouTube interviews that cover the major themes of the book.
King of Kings by Scott Anderson and The Mission: The CIA in the 21st Century by Tim Weiner
These are the kinds of books certain corners of the political world would prefer never be published. Both portray America’s intelligence services, diplomatic corps, and various administrations as shockingly short-sighted and often incompetent—and that’s before Pete Hegseth enters the picture.
Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus by Elaine Pagels
I had high hopes for this one. I’m always looking for a thoughtful, persuasive argument that might ease my agnostic skepticism. While Pagels is insightful as always, nothing here challenged my doubts about God, Jesus, or Christianity in any meaningful way. But it is excellent in understanding the times and culture that Christ lived and examining many of the controversial sections of his life.
Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful by David Enrich
A sobering look at how political, economic, and cultural pressures are weakening the First Amendment and undermining journalism. Enrich offers example after example of how free speech and a free press are being chipped away—and it’s hard not to feel discouraged by what now passes for “journalism.”
Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success by Russ Buttenger and Susanne Craig
If you’re not a Donald Trump fan, this book will reinforce every doubt you’ve had about his business skills, judgment, and competence. Stories about Trump’s forays into real estate, the USFL, the casino industry, and other businesses. If you are MAGA, it’s fake news.
On Her Game Caitlin Clark, and the revolution in women’s sports by Christine Brennan Caitlin Clark may have been the best female collegiate basketball player of all time. But she met a lot of resistance from other players and from management when she entered the WNBA. Brennan documents how Clark’s biggest problems were not necessarily on the basketball court but off it.
Winter Journal by Paul Auster Boy could I relate to this book! Excellent written memoir of the author, who is 64, reviewing his regrets, experiences and dreams from youth to “old age.” For those of us who are in the “winter” of our lives, this book will inspire you to be more reflective and accepting of our lives – – successes and failures, both.
Esot-eric 