2025 was one of the best reading years I’ve ever had - 52 books and just wicked reads! It’s funny how the more I read, the better I feel, mentally, creatively, physically. And I read so many incredible books this year, and it was so hard to narrow down my favorites. ⭐️ #1 Favorite Read of the Year - The Reformatory by Tanaraive Due A must-read for horror fans. The hype here isn’t just valid; it exceeds expectations. Due takes readers on a harrowing journey of survival in Gracetown, Florida, 1950. The rules of survival for Black characters are disturbing, so well-executed, and put readers right in the shoes of Robbie and Gloria. There is so much empathy to be gained within these pages. I will never forget this book And thank you to the Why I Love Horror collection of essays, and its curators and contributors. This book made me finally pick up The Reformatory. 🍿 Favorite Nonfiction Read - Scream With Me by Eleanor Johnson Scream With Me is a must-read for horror fans. It is illuminating and validating. Infuriating and hopeful. Johnson takes readers through some of the best horror films of all time and explores them through a feminist pov. I’d absolutely reread this, and it made me pick up William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist. I am eager to watch the film, but I had no idea what the actresses endured during filming—Johnson touches on this briefly, and I’m glad she did. 🎧 Scream With Me is excellent on audio, too 😱 Scariest Read of 2025 - The Long Low Whistle by Laurel Hightower Claustrophobic. Gory and shocking. Grief Horror. Survival Horror. I’ll read anything Laurel Hightower writes. ✨ Thank you to the publisher for my copy - @shortwavebooks 🎉 Favorite Debut: Do Better by Adam Allen A creepy, yet heartfelt tale of toxic masculinity. It evokes reflection, particularly of men, and uses some of the best horror tropes to do so. I can’t wait to see what Adam does next! 🩸 Favorite Ending: The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas I won’t ruin this for anyone but holy hell. Go read this book ✨ Thank you to the publisher for my copy - @berkleypub