Lori's Bookloft 2025 Year in Review

I derive deep satisfaction from reading and take pride in discovering something meaningful and useful through my book reviews. Knowing that my reflections resonate with others makes the experience even more rewarding. I am especially grateful that my blog reaches readers around the world, with viewership spanning the United States, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, China, India, Argentina, Bangladesh, The United Kingdom, Türkiye, Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Venezuela, Vietnam, Algeria, Jordan, Kenya, and more. 

It is truly humbling to connect with such a diverse global community through a shared love of books. 

My 2025 reading journey began with The Short Stories of De Maupassant, published by the Book League of America in 1941. Guy de Maupassant is widely celebrated as a master of the short story form. Despite his remarkably short life—he died at just 42—he was extraordinarily prolific, producing more than 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and a volume of verse. Beginning the year with his work felt like an appropriate way to set a high literary standard.

My average book length this year was approximately 242 pages. The longest book I read during the year was Tess of the D’Urbervilles, while the shortest was The Seven Little Sisters Who Live on the Round Ball That Floats in the Air. 

One of my most enjoyable reading experiences came from the book I Went Down to St. James Infirmary. What I initially expected to be a quick and casual browse turned into an immersive, multi-hour experience. I found myself grabbing my laptop to follow along, exploring the many artists and recordings referenced in the book. Before I realized it, more than three hours had passed, and I was still only on page 30. Much of that time was spent listening to music that spanned multiple generations, deepening my appreciation for the book and transforming the reading experience into an unexpected and memorable journey.

This year I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival. The event featured 25 talented authors and illustrators from across the country, offering a rich variety of stories and insights. This literary festival had something for everyone, from a craft room for children to engaging storytelling workshops, author presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and book sales. 

The highlight of the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival was the recognition of 169 elementary students from Auglaize and Mercer counties. 

These students were nominated by their second, third, and fourth-grade teachers for exemplifying exceptional progress in reading. Each young reader patiently stood in line ( photo at top of this page)  awaiting their turn to go on stage and receive their well-deserved Reading Excellence Award. The award included a certificate and voucher for a free book.