What I'm reading : 2025
- cre8ivnrg
- Aug 12
- 6 min read
Reading is a fantastic escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. It allows us to explore different worlds, gain new perspectives, and challenge our beliefs. In this post, I’ll share my recent readings, a diverse mix of genres and styles that have captured my interest.
The Long Way
Finished on: July 15, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Bernard Moitessier, William Rodarmor (Translator)
Bernard Moitessier's own incredible story of his first Golden Globe Race, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation rounding the three great Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and the Horn. For seven months, the veteran seafarer battled storms, doldrums, gear-failures, knock-downs, as well as overwhelming fatigue and loneliness. Then, nearing the finish, Moitessier pulled out of the race and sailed on for another three months before ending his 37,455-mile journey in Tahiti. A stunningly beautiful story.
The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
Finished on: June 5,2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Michael Finkel recounts the riveting true story of Christopher Knight, who lived alone in the Maine woods for nearly thirty years. The narrative explores themes of solitude and the human desire for freedom. Knight's choice to disconnect from society raises profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilled life, making this an engaging and introspective read.
Growing Up Coastal: Life on the Georgia Coast
Finished on: July 10, 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆
Clay Sikes’ memoir paints a vivid picture of life along the Georgia coast. Through heartfelt storytelling, Sikes captures the beauty of nature and the richness of community on the shoreline. His reflections resonate with readers who long for the ocean, delivering a delightful blend of nostalgia and cultural insights.
Young Salt at Sixty: Becoming Better Than Retired
Finished on: March 10, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book redefines what it means to age, showcasing how to truly thrive in our golden years. The author shares practical advice for making the most of sailing life after sixty, combining humor with wisdom. "Active aging" is supported by a growing body of research and stories, proof that staying engaged in activities can enhance quality of life immensely This refreshing perspective inspires me to continue embracing new experiences.
More Boat Canvas: Topside Projects for Home Sewing Machines
Finished on: March 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Karen Lipe delivers! I hadn't sewn for many years but was able to refresh old skills with this hands-on guide filled with sewing projects for boating enthusiasts. With is easy to follow instructions I made six new seat cushion covers for my 50 year old Catalina 27. This book covers essential topside projects, including how to create custom sail covers and bimini tops. Beginners may find the instructions a bit overwhelming, as some projects lack clear step-by-step breakdowns. However, for those with some experience, it's a valuable resource that could save hundreds of dollars on custom boat work.
The Transcendentalists and Their World
Not yet finished
Rating: ★★★★★
In this thoroughly engrossing book, Robert A. Gross explores the transcendentalist movement through the eyes of notable thinkers like Emerson and Thoreau. With rich biographical narratives and compelling historical context, Gross illustrates how these figures shaped American thought. Emerson’s essay "Nature" laid the groundwork for the modern environmental movement, and is considered the driving force behind over 70% of today’s literary and ecological philosophies. An essential read for understanding many of the core values and enduring themes in American literature and philosophy.
Three Early Novels: Liza of Lambeth, Mrs. Craddock, The Magician
Finished Liza of Lambeth on: April 5, 2023
Rating: ★★★☆☆
W. Somerset Maugham's early works, three short novels, which explore themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations, are timeless. A longtime fan of Maugham, I bought this book with the idea I'd spread reading out to one novel per year, make the enjoyment last; however I found these stories very different from his later writing. Maugham's unique ability to dissect human nature, though some might find the pacing slow, the subtlety of his writing speaks volumes to me and still resonates with human experiences that remain relevant to this day. Well known for the refinement of his wit, Maugham's first novel, "Liza of Lambeth' gives little clue as to where his style is heading. For one, it's a struggle to read, the kind of work that often makes the beginning and the end of a writing career with one book. ‘Liza of Lambeth’, published 1897, a full eighteen years before the more wide-read and more easily-appreciated ‘Of Human Bondage’, is considered a product of Maugham’s early career as a doctor working in the slums of London. The story follows the amorous adventures of a young woman, Lambeth, who spurns a man who seems to love her, and instead takes up with a married man old enough to be her father.
We are introduced to Liza in similarly indirect way to how Victor Hugo introduced his hunchback. We are taken along a street in Lambeth firstly, the residents languishing in the heat; one of the best lines in the book appears here, though by the end you rather lament the rarity of such wit. Describing the conditions in the street, and how everybody is affected, almost to a state of numbness, by the dryness and heat, Maugham writes:
“Worst off of all were the very young children, for there had been no rain for weeks, and the street was as dry and clean as a covered court, and, in the lack of mud to wallow in, they sat about the road, disconsolate as poets.”
Hemingway's France: Images of the Lost Generation
Finished on: April 15, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
This stunning tribute to the Lost Generation combines captivating imagery with insightful commentary on Hemingway's life in France. Author Conrad Winston brilliantly captures the essence of a bygone era through photographs and reflections, emphasizing how the artistic community thrived amidst the aftermath of World War I. Readers who appreciate both literature and history will find this book particularly enriching.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Finished on: April 25, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Yuval Noah Harari's compelling narrative explores human history from the Stone Age to today. "Sapiens" is filled with fascinating insights, revealing that humans have existed for roughly 200,000 years, while civilization has developed in just the last 10,000 years. This book challenges our fundamental beliefs and understanding of humanity's rise, blending history, science, the psychology of human behavior and philosophy into a thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page.
The Educator's Guide to Preventing and Solving Discipline Problems
Finished on: May 10, 2023
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Mark Boynton's manual serves as a practical resource for educators facing classroom management challenges. Though it offers valuable strategies, some concepts might seem basic. However, this book provides a solid foundation for new teachers looking to develop effective discipline techniques in their classrooms.
The Long Valley by John Steinbeck
Finished on: May 20, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Steinbeck’s collection of short stories powerfully reflects life in California’s Salinas Valley. Each story reveals the complexities of human emotions, including love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. With characters that resonate deeply, this collection showcases Steinbeck's gift for evoking the essence of American life, making it a must-read for fans of classic literature.
The Constitution of the United States of America with the Declaration of Independence
Finished on: June 1, 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆
This timeless document serves as both a historical artifact and a living testament to the values upon which the United States was founded. Understanding its content enhances one’s appreciation for democracy and governance. A survey revealed that only 26% of Americans could name all three branches of government. This book is essential for anyone looking to engage more critically with American principles and politics.
The Communist Manifesto
Finished on: June 10, 2023
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels’ influential treatise commands attention in discussions of economics and class struggle. While it challenges existing socioeconomic frameworks, some readers may find its dense style a slow read. The book provokes reflection on capitalism and social justice, making it a critical read, especially for those unfamiliar with the themes presented.
Painting Perspective, Depth & Distance in Watercolour
Finished on: June 15, 2023
Rating: ★★★★☆
Geoff Kersey's painting guide explores techniques to achieve depth in watercolor art. The vibrant illustrations and clear instructions make it accessible to various skill levels. Although some advanced techniques might pose challenges for beginners, aspiring artists will find a wealth of knowledge here that can elevate their work.
About This Life: Journeys on the Threshold of Memory
Finished on: July 20, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Barry Lopez's reflections on nature and memory deeply resonate. His beautifully flowing prose creates a poetic exploration of the interconnectedness of human experiences. This essential read invites readers to contemplate their place in the world, making it a must for those who appreciate thought-provoking essays filled with wisdom.
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