Reading Round-Up: February 2025
Little Fires Everywhere
So, I have to be honest—when I first picked up Little Fires Everywhere, I wasn’t sure what to think. I didn’t even read the back. I had just heard good things about it! But, it’s one of those books that starts with a bang (literally—there’s a fire) and then rewinds to slowly reveal how everything unraveled. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get into it, but wow... by the time I finished, I loved it!
Celeste Ng has this incredible way of pulling you into the lives of her characters, making you feel their emotions so intensely. The story revolves around two very different families in Shaker Heights, Ohio—the seemingly perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic Mia Warren, a single mother and artist, who moves to town with her daughter, Pearl. What starts as a small clash in lifestyles and parenting choices soon turns into something much deeper, with secrets, moral dilemmas, and some truly gut-wrenching choices.
By the end, I realized I’d been completely absorbed, and the characters stayed with me long after I turned the last page. If you haven’t read this one yet, I definitely recommend it!
II. One of Our Kind
When I heard that Nicola Yoon was coming out with One of Our Kind, I was really excited for something new/different from her! I’ve loved her previous books (Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star were both amazing), so I couldn’t wait to dive into One of Our Kind. But now that I’ve finished it… I honestly don’t know how I feel about it.
The premise is super intriguing—it’s a social thriller set in a seemingly perfect, exclusive community for Black professionals. But of course, things aren’t as perfect as they seem. There are eerie Stepford Wives vibes, lots of social commentary on race, privilege, and assimilation, and a creeping sense of unease that builds throughout the book.
And I’ll give Nicola Yoon credit: the writing is immersive, and the themes are important. It was a good read and kept me intrigued the whole time, wondering just what was going on. But, I think that is all I will say about it because I don’t think its really my place to decide whether the message was a good one or not.
That said, I don’t regret reading it (it was a good read). It’s definitely a conversation starter, and if you like books that explore complex social issues in a high-stakes setting, it might still be worth picking up. I’d just say to go in with slightly different expectations—this isn’t the swoon-worthy, emotional Nicola Yoon romance you might be used to.
III. A Curious Begining
I loved this book. A Curious Beginning is such a fun, smart, and fast-paced historical mystery, and Veronica Speedwell might just be one of my new favorite protagonists.
From the very first chapter, I knew I was going to like her. Veronica is fearless, witty, and completely unapologetic about who she is—a scientist, a world traveler, and a woman who refuses to conform to the expectations of Victorian society.
The adventure itself kicks off when Veronica narrowly escapes an abduction and ends up entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. What follows is a whirlwind of mystery, secrets, and action, all wrapped up in Deanna Raybourn’s wonderfully writing. By the time I finished, I immediately wanted to grab the next book. Seriously, if you love historical mysteries with a strong, independent heroine, a hint of romance, and plenty of adventure, you need to read this one.
IV. In Order to Live
This memoir follows Yeonmi Park’s journey from her childhood in North Korea, her harrowing escape through China, and the unimaginable struggles she faced before finally finding freedom. This book was both intriguing and heart-breaking. I learned so much about how people in North Korea live, why they might try to escape, and what they will endure to move someplace else. While it is heartbreaking and can be difficult to read in some parts, it is worth it!
V. Burnout
I finally read Burnout, and I have to say—I got a lot out of it! It made me rethink how to handle stress, especially as a woman. The Nagoski sisters do a great job of breaking down the science of stress and why so many of us feel exhausted all the time. And honestly? Some of the insights were game-changers for me.
One of the biggest takeaways was their idea of the "stress cycle"—how stress isn’t just about the external pressures we face, but also about how we process those pressures physically and emotionally. I hadn’t really thought about how important it is to complete the stress cycle, rather than just pushing through and hoping it disappears on its own. Their suggestions—like movement, deep breathing, and even creative expression—felt surprisingly practical and doable.
That said, while I found a lot of value in the book, there were parts that didn’t totally work for me. Some sections felt repetitive, and at times, the tone was a little too conversational in a way that made it harder to stay engaged. I also think some of their points about systemic issues (like workplace culture and gender expectations) were important but could have been explored in more depth. It felt like they were acknowledging these problems, but the solutions mostly fell on the individual, which isn’t always realistic.
Still, overall, Burnout gave me some useful tools for managing stress, and I definitely walked away with a better understanding of how my body and brain respond to it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life (so… basically everyone?), this book is worth a read.
VI. Funny Story
I’m a huge fan of Emily Henry, so knew I was going to love this book and I was right! This book is full of witty banter, lovable yet flawed characters, and a charming romance. The story follows Daphne after fiancé breaks up with her and moves in with her ex’s new fiancée’s ex-boyfriend, Miles. Their forced proximity creates hilarious and heartfelt moments that I loved reading!
Another thing I enjoyed about the book was how the romance was there, but didnt feel like the sole focus of the story. The book was about Daphne’s life post breakup and trying to figure out who she is outside of the relationship she built her life. And in that process, she happened to fall in love with Miles. That being said, I did love the romance. Miles is one of those love interests who feels refreshingly real—he’s messy, impulsive, and not the typical brooding hero, but that’s exactly what makes him so endearing. I loved the way he and Daphne complement each other, helping one another heal and grow.
Overall, Funny Story is everything you want in a rom-com—genuine emotion, swoon-worthy romance, and plenty of moments that will have you laughing out loud. It’s a book about moving on, finding joy in the unexpected, and letting yourself love again. If you’re already a fan of Emily Henry, you’ll adore this one. And if you’re new to her books? Well, this is a perfect place to start.