July 2025 Reading List

Goodreads has let me know that I am 7 books ahead of schedule for my 175 book goal for this year. I have read 108 books as of yesterday, August 31st. Reading is a change in perspective, an escape, a goal each day – it makes you think and feel. Reading makes a difference.
Fiction

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger
A terrible accident leads a family on a journey through secrets, chatbots, autonomous cars, drones, and other nonhuman forces in ways that are thrilling, challenging, and unimaginably provocative. Our world is changing and we need to think, explore and move forward.

Tony’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani and Edoardo Ballerini
Performance, money, family, tradition, tragedy and trials all set within a deeply Italian-American culture.

Blue Shoe by Anne Lamott
Divorce, family secrets, love and life all happening through the talisman of the “blue shoe”.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
A shocking discovery and a mystery solved. What happened to all those girls and who is responsible?

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
An epic love story one hundred years in the making brought to life with a little bit of magic.

A Meditation on Murder by Susan Juby
A murder mystery wrapped up in social media influencers with a butler-detective who saves the day.

Mother’s Milk by Edward St. Aubyn
This novel is a dissection of the mores of marriage, adultery, assisted suicide, motherhood, wealth and giving away all your wealth. What does it mean to be a mother? It is definitely different for everyone.

Non-Fiction
Surrounded By Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behaviour and How to Effectively Communicate With Each in Business by Thomas Erikson
This book breaks down the 4 kinds of behaviour types – Red = dominant and commanding – Yellows = social and optimistic – Greens = laid back and friendly – Blues = analytical and precise. How do you interact with those around you? Can understanding their strengths and weaknesses help?

Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress – and How to Bring It Back by Marc J. Dunkelman
How do we restore confidence in democratically elected government? This book explores what others will not talk about. We are in a gridlock between left and right and we are stifling progress.

Strategic Problem Solving: A Step-by-Step Guide To Solve Hard Problems: Leverage Data Analysis and Critical Thinking To Make Smart Decisions, Drive Innovation, and Lead with Confidence
by Mark Hartley
Following the seven steps in this book allows you to use a framework that breaks down the science of problem-solving into practical, actionable steps.

Embrace the Suc: The Navy SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life by Brent Gleeson
Challenge – Commitment – Control = an actionable roadmap that empowers you to expand your comfort zone and live a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

Don’t Give The Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind by Louie Giglio
Find encouragement, hope, and strength in the midst of any valley as you reject the enemy voices of fear, rage, lust, insecurity, anxiety, despair, temptation or defeat.

Blogging: Getting to $2000 A Month in 90 Days by Isaac Kronenberg
I am not sure that is what I want from my blog. My blog is more about sharing ideas and creative projects and encouragement and inspiration. I am not totally sure that I want to start advertising. It is interesting and very formulaic so, If that is your thing, go for it.

Stupid Things I Won’t Do When I Get Old by Stephen Petrow
With lots of humour, this book addresses the fears, stereotypes and frustrations of growing older and gives some great tips for not falling into some of the traps. This book gives you ideas for how to age with grace, wisdom, humour, and hope…and without hoarding.

Why We’re Polarized by Ezra Klein
Why have we descended into division and destruction?