What I Read and Loved | February 2025

Three books + thoughts on balanced reading

Photo by NegiPho on Unsplash

February was a complicated reading month for me. I started many books but only finished three, which is a low number for me. In a January post called Why I Read, I wrote about the five primary reasons I read books: entertainment, growth, community, empathy, and beauty. Last month, I realized I was reading several books, but wasn’t making much progress through most of them. I was enjoying the books I was reading (and still am), but none were pageturners. I was ticking several boxes (growth, community, empathy), but entertainment was mostly missing.

I was also dealing with some personal stress last month and my brain couldn't handle the books I was trying to read. I’m currently reading two classic novels, a history book, an anthology of stories for a book club, and an anthology of stories for myself. Not only could my brain not handle the depth of what I’m reading right now, but I also felt overwhelmed by too many options. I want to read better and deeper this year, so I’ve been choosing books that will help me meet that goal. And while I like them, I have too many going on right now, especially when I already feel anxious and just want something lighter and unputdownable.

Finding the right reading balance can be tricky, especially when you make bookish content like I do. I want to read things that challenge me, but I also need to make room for entertaining thrillers. I want to read books that demand to be read slowly, but I also need titles I read just for fun. Last month was a bit of a frustrating reading month, but I’m thankful for the reminder to make reading work for me. I struggled reading at home, but I was able to read on my Kindle while on breaks at work, allowing me to finish three books.

I have to continually remind myself that first and foremost, reading is a hobby. It’s not a race. I don’t get a trophy. I don’t have to read a lot of books every month to have worthwhile things to say on Substack. I can pursue other hobbies and interests and take the time I need to process what’s happening in my actual, non-literary life. Because books and reading are such a big part of who I am and what I do professionally and creatively, it can be hard to feel as if I’m not living up to the persona of the Ideal Reader I’ve created in my head.

Who I want to be as a reader isn’t always who I am, and that’s okay. Reading is not a competitive sport. I didn’t finish everything I hoped to last month or spend as much time reading as I usually do, and it’s fine. I share this intro as a reminder to myself, but I hope it speaks to you too if you’ve been feeling pressure to read certain authors or have takes on this or that book. The books will still be there when you’re ready for them.

Here are the three I finished in February.

What I Read

The Coin by Yasmin Zaher: The Coin follows a wealthy Palestinian woman who lives in New York City. She teaches middle school at a private boys' school and has a sort-of boyfriend who’s also wealthy. She was orphaned as a young girl and lives on the monthly allowance she receives from her brother who manages their late parents' money.

Wealth and class are constant themes throughout this strange novel. The protagonist dresses in luxury clothing, mentioning brands like Stella McCartney, Burberry, and Hermes. She values thinness and cleanliness in ways that seem to be OCD. She meets a homeless man on the street who convinces her to help him buy and resell Birkin bags on the black market, a scheme that takes the two overseas. From everything I'd read about The Coin, I thought the Birkin storyline would be the heart of the story, but it's really not. It's a plot point further exploring class, but I thought it was a fairly minor one.

At its heart, The Coin is about a woman losing her connection to reality. She's experienced trauma and loss, and these things have shaped who she is and how she navigates a culture where "home" is a nebulous concept. Even though I sympathized with where the protagonist was coming from, I didn't enjoy being inside her head, especially toward the novel’s end when her situation gets especially weird and bleak. I appreciate what the author is trying to do in this book, but it's not one I can say I enjoyed reading. (eBook, 2/5 stars)

I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett: This comic novel tells the story of Not Sidney, a boy orphaned at 11 when his mother dies. He goes to live with Ted Turner (yes, that one) and is a wealthy kid, thanks to shares in the Turner Broadcasting Corporation. Even though he has all the money he needs, his Blackness makes him a target in a world that isn't always kind to him. As Not Sidney grows and explores, he gets into some hilarious, awkward, and often racially charged situations. As you can surmise from the summary, this is a quirky book that will be most enjoyed by readers who appreciate dark satire. (Audiobook/print, 3/5 stars)

Rejection by Tony Tulathiumutte: Rejection is a collection of short stories with overlapping characters. The first story, "The Feminist," is about a man devoted to feminist rhetoric and causes, believing that devotion entitles him to any woman he wants. This is one of the best short stories I've read in a long time. Another story focuses on a man obsessed with wealth and wellness who basically kidnaps his girlfriend and holds her hostage. In the book's longest story (perhaps it counts as a novella), a woman who can't seem to build human connections face-to-face turns to the internet to find meaning and entertainment.

The people in these stories struggle with obsession, identity, sex, racism, and yes, rejection. Their desperation comes off the page so strongly that reading certain sections left me uncomfortable. Tony Tulathimutte isn't afraid to face the darkest parts of humanity which makes for stories that don't tie up neatly. The people in his stories are messy, but the stories themselves are tightly written, offering an up-close look at loneliness, loss, and what happens to us when we're not seen or valued. Rejection is a standout collection. (eBook, 4.5/5 stars)

What I Loved

Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/salted-milk-chocolate-and-peanut-butter-blondies/

RECIPE: Salted Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Blondies from Half-Baked Harvest

A couple of weeks ago, I was craving something sweet, so I made these delicious bars. They’re rich, gooey, and perfect for satisfying any craving for peanut butter.

VIDEOS: Happiness Boost Playlist

As I mentioned, February brought with it a lot of stress, and one of the ways I handle stressful situations is laughter. Laughter almost always helps me if I feel anxious, so I created a playlist on YouTube full of videos that make me laugh, including comedians such as Conan O’Brien, John Mulaney, Bill Hader, and many others. It’s nice having a list of content I can enjoy and get lost in for a while. I’m thankful for the gifts of silliness and humor!

What I Wrote

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What did you read and love in February? How do you balance your life as a reader? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments.