2025 Pithy Book Reviews
#1. The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous: This was a good first read of the year with a lot of reminders about the power of community and showing up.
#2. Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love by Dr. Adam Dorsay: I underlined a lot of well-said points in this book about the deeper reasons we need to connect not only to others (in a personal way), but also to ourselves, to the world around us, and to something greater than ourselves. Listen to Dr. Adam on episode #132 of Dear Nina. And you can hear me on Dr. Adam’s show in episode #247 of SuperPsyched, “A Conversation With Nina Badzin”).
#3. Styles of Joy by SC Perot: This was a delightful memoir from Vanderbilt professor, SC Perot, and how she overcame the grief of her divorce in the most unexpected (to her) way– through becoming a Harry Styles superfan and attending many of his concerts around the world. I was fascinated about the fellow fans–strangers–who became her friends. Look for an episode on Dear Nina in late Feb or early March.
#4. A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon: This is an Outlander novella! I’m a big fan of the show, but I’ve never read the books. I don’t want to go back and read all the books now that I’m so far into the series. However, a novella here and there is fun for me.
#5. What I Ate in One Year (and Other Related Thoughts) by Stanley Tucci: As much as I adore Stanley Tucci, this story was not great. I do love his voice, but there wasn’t enough of a narrative.
#6. You Didn’t Hear This From Me: (Mostly) True Notes on Gossip by Kelsey McKinney: Really good topic. Who can’t relate?
#7. On Brand by Aliza Licht: Quick read with great advice for dealing with your social media posts and other branding information.
#8. Shame on You: How to be a Woman in the Age of Mortification by Melissa Petro: Really good mix of memoir and research on shame. Look for Melissa on Dear Nina in the spring of 2025.
#9. Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time by Seth D. Kaplan: I read a few of Seth’s articles and so did my assistant producer. She suggested him for the show so I read the book to prepare. I’m glad I did! Listen to Seth on episode 138 of Dear Nina: Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Village.
#10. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: I was years late to this book. I learned so much and can see why the world likes it so much. It’s about hospitality in restaurants, but applicable to all businesses and aspects of life.
#11. Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld: I always like Curtis Sittenfeld’s work. Her first collection of stories were my favorite, but I will always recommend Sittenfeld for fiction.
#12. The Tell by Amy Griffin: Powerful memoir about childhood abuse that was locked away in Griffin’s memories. Terrifying to think about much trust we have to put in the adults who are with our children. Well written and appreciated the reminder to be vigilant.
#13. Talk: The Science of Conversation and The Art of Being Ourselves by Allison Wood Brooks: I really liked this book about having better conversations. I recommend the audio. I find myself talking about this one a lot. No pun intended.
#14. Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner by Meghan Keanne: Party of One is a book with two important audiences: people who are single who want to feel understood and supported. And people who are married/partnered who want to do right by their single friends. The advice here is warm, practical, and genuinely helpful. Entertaining and fast read with approachable research and personal stories, too. I recommend it! Listen to Meghan and me talk about supporting your singles friends on episode 145 of Dear Nina.
#15. I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney: Listening on audio. I’ve taken a long break. I will finish eventually.
#16. Bad Friend: How Women Revolutionized Modern Friendship by Tiffany Watt Smith: Part history, part memoir, part pop-culture analysis. You have to be deeply interested in friendships.
#17. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam: I’ve read sections in the past, but I’m listening to the whole thing. Interesting to really consider the social issues that already existed before smart phones. It’s not an easy listen. It will take me a while!
#18. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry: I really enjoyed this novel and needed the nonfiction break. I did the audio because Julia Whelan as a narrator is always the right call.
#19. Beautiful Nights by Nina George: currently reading. Not totally sure I will keep going.
#20.
Very quick read with good advice that would be useful for anyone. Great grad gift! I’m always a Gretchen Rubin fan and you can even hear Gretchen on Dear Nina.
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