This has been a busy year for me outside of the reading and
writing life, but I’m on track to read my average of 50-ish books this year,
albeit most of them are shorter than in previous years. These are my favorites
of 2025 so far. There are still three months left to change that, but I have a
feeling most of them will stay put.
The Book of Stillmeadow by Gladys Taber – This cheerful
book, published in the 1940s, follows a year at an old Massachusetts farmhouse
that Gladys Taber and her family restored and turned into a homestead. Each
month is a chapter full of their experiences, notes on the natural world around
them and their bevy of cocker spaniels, and Taber’s humorous remarks on all of
it. Thankfully, she published several more books like this, and I can’t wait to
read them.
Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear – I’ve
been on a Beatrix Potter kick this year (it started late last year with Beatrix
Potter’s Gardening Life). This comprehensive biography solidified her as a
person I admire and respect. I learned many interesting things about her varied
life; she wasn’t only a children’s book author and illustrator. She took all her
roles seriously: naturalist, farmer and landowner, businesswoman, daughter, wife,
and more, excelling in everything she put her hand to.
The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert –
This series of eight cozy mysteries are addictive. Taking place in the Lake
District in Northern England where Beatrix Potter bought a farm with the
proceeds of her books, they’re classic cozy mysteries with a cast of village
characters. But they’re unique in a few ways. There’s a fantasy element with
animals who talk to each other and fairies and dragons making appearances in a
few of the books. There’s also a historical element because the author tried to
be as accurate as possible to what we know of Beatrix Potter’s life. It’s an
interesting mix, and certainly never boring!
The White Witch by Elizabeth Goudge – While not my
favorite of Goudge’s books, it’s almost impossible for a Goudge novel not to be
on a list of my general favorites. Taking place during the English Civil War (mid-17th
century), it’s fully in her typical style: beautifully descriptive writing, a
fascinating cast of deeply developed characters, and far-reaching spiritual
truths that resonate with me and quiet my spirit. Note, however, that I
wouldn’t recommend this Goudge novel to everyone … a few scenes dip into
the dark, disturbing side of the spiritual world. I did not like that aspect.
The Iron Ring by Lloyd Alexander – This YA fantasy
novel is inspired by India. With a tight, well-written journey plot and plenty
of twists, a wonderful cast of memorable characters, and a surprisingly deep
theme about identity, honor, humility, and kindness, this is the kind of book that
typifies how reading can be the best kind of escape—fun yet thought-provoking.
