30 Comments

Some, yes! Some, no! And some, really? But it is those “really?” selections that just may be

The Goldilocks Choices.

I had to read Huck Finn in high school. The teacher said it was for our humor section in American literature. I was so disappointed not to have a few weeks of good laughter I have avoided Mark Twain ever since (50+ years of avoiding this man). Poorly taught books are a crime in my estimation. Lifetime ramifications.

Expand full comment

Intriguing list, Jeremy - thank you! I usually opt for the fiction titles, as I don´t manage to read two (let alone three) books from your tracks simultaneously, but I also finde some of the non-fiction titles fascinating. Happy to end the year with a Dickens title again. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Expand full comment

Thanks Stefanie! And ditto!

Expand full comment

Because I already belong to two book groups, reading anything on this list this year has been hard. I've enjoyed reading everyone's weekly thoughts on Go As a River, though. I read the book a year ago and absolutely loved it. I'm looking forward to trying to read some on the 2025 list-When Breath Becomes Air is one of favorite books and I think it is one of the most beautiful and evocative titles I've ever come across. Happy Holidays to all!!

Expand full comment

Thanks Viriginia! Happy holidays to you as well!

Expand full comment

I can't wait to start. It's not too late to add some of these to my Christmas list. Thank you for selecting such a wonderful list of books. I am looking forward to the next Big Read.

Expand full comment

Oh my gosh!!! So many books on this list that I want to read!! I’m going to have to make some more time in 2025 to try and keep up with the pace :)

Expand full comment

I love the two book track. Three was too many for me, especially since I’m trying to get a Lonesome Dove re-read in.

There are a lot of ambitious titles on here. I hope to tackle most of them.

Expand full comment

Lots of great books on this list. Kim Cross is great— if you talk to her, you will love her.

Expand full comment

Those are some good reads. I may tune in to June just to hear what you have to say about the archbishop. I'm so glad you are reading David Copperfield. Its not my favorite Dickens but I feel like it has diminished from the aura surrounding Demon Copperhead. Silas Marner and Middlemarch are vastly different, both excellent, but Middlemarch is more like Mill on the Floss. Silas Marner is more similar to Felix Holt, the Radical, a profile of a person.

Expand full comment

Good to know, thanks Marjorie!

Expand full comment

White Noise by Don DeLillo.

Expand full comment

Tis on my lifetime list for sure!

Expand full comment

Thank you! This is exactly what I need - I read James and Demon Copperhead in a last few months but I’ve never read “the original” books. I would definitely appreciate a friendly hand during reading as it is so hard to find motivation to read these books. That’s my goal for 2025 and will be happy to join you in this adventure! See you in January

Expand full comment

Wonderful, thanks Agata! That was definitely part of my reasoning as well with David Copperfield and Huck Finn. I've never read DC and haven't read Huck Finn since high school or college.

Expand full comment

This is a cool list of books, Jeremy! I'm looking forward to 2025!

Expand full comment

Such a wonderful list! Excited to revisit a few favorites (Razors Edge, All About Love, When Breath Becomes Air) and finally read a few books that have been on my must read list for awhile (Death Comes for the Archbishop, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, David Copperfield, Confessions). I’ll join for others too, since I have loved being part of this reading community you’ve thoughtfully created here. Thank you!

Expand full comment

I'm so glad to hear that — thanks Kara!

Expand full comment

I'm looking forward to sitting down sometime soon with a cup of tea and loosely planning out my 2025 reading. I won't be able to commit to all of these picks, but am excited to integrate at least a few!! I found myself overcommitted with slow reads and book clubs this year, so am intending to pair back a bit next year. It's fun to have such a variety to choose from here, with shorter timeframes making it easier to dip in and out.

Expand full comment

That was the idea! Glad you’re seeing a few you’re interested in 😀

Expand full comment

So many good ones! I read David Copperfield and Silas Marner this year--excellent choices.

Expand full comment

I am excited to read so many of these books! Fantastic selection!

Expand full comment

Excellent list Jeremy. Finished Ellison’s book earlier this year, and especially recommend the audio version done by actor Joe Morton.

Expand full comment

Great to know!

Expand full comment