2025 Wrapped

Highlights in readings, books, and events.

It was a big year for me. I started writing A Catalog of Burnt Objects at the end of 2018, and it came out in March. A lot happened in those years, in my own life and in the world, and through all of it, I was working on this project. There was a time when I had no idea how to write the book. I just knew that in the wake of the Camp Fire, I couldn’t write about anything else. It took me a long time. But I did it. And as I have written about a lot here this year, the book is no longer really mine. Now, the story belongs to the world.

Releasing any book in the world is a joyous and emotional experience. I am extremely proud of how this book has connected with people who have experienced wildfire firsthand, those who have loved places devastated by wildfire, as well as those who felt like fires were something they have seen on the news, and that, through reading the book, they have felt a window open into the experience of this particular climate disaster. The support of my Paradise friends in the process, as well as how the project has brought old friends back into my life, has been a great gift.

Highlights from my year

The paperback edition of As Many Nows As I Can Get joined the world in February with this fabulous redesigned cover.

The book was selected for Main Street Books YA Book Club. I loved joining their discussion, and am so honored that it was voted their 2025 Book of the Year.

I enjoyed events in Missouri, Maine, Minnesota, New York, and California to promote A Catalog of Burnt Objects. It was amazing to connect with readers, students, and old friends. In Maine and New York, I met with students who had read the book for class, and this is always the best kind of visit.

I am delighted by the critical success of A Catalog of Burnt Objects. Some highlights

• Three starred reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, and Shelf-Awareness)

• Named a YALSA/ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

• An A-List Editor’s Choice Award from Saint Louis Magazine.

This year I also began playing in some new worlds and stories. You’ll hear about that more someday.

I am thrilled to see this newsletter has grown. I love that not just my mom reads it. Thank you for being a part of this space and playing my typo game¹.

Things I am looking forward to in 2026:

The paperback edition of A Catalog of Burnt Objects will be published in February. It is available for preorder now.

A Catalog of Burnt Objects was selected as an All-School Read for two schools in Bakersfield, CA.

Reading Highlights:

I am terrible at keeping a list of books as I read. I often read three at a time (the bedside book, living room book, and the audiobook.) And this doesn’t include the books that I am teaching. A friend suggested keeping a list on my phone, and I did try that this year, but anytime I open my notes app I get distracted. So instead of a complete list, here are some of the books that I read and enjoyed this year by (broad) genre.

Adult Fiction

• Heartwood by Amnity Gaige

• Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang

• Such a Fun Age by Kylie Perkins

• None of This is True by Lisa Jewel

• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

• Good Material by Dolly Alderton

• Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

• All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

• North Woods by Daniel Mason

• Cyan Magenta Yellow Black by Kevin Fenton

Nonfiction Memoir

• The Harder I Fight The More I Love You by Neko Case

• Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

Nonfiction Essay

• The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl

• The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay

Middle Grade Verse

• Spark by Chris Baron

• A Sea of Lemon Trees by Maria Dolores Aguila

Middle Grade Novel

• Return to Sender by Vera Brosgol

Young Adult

• Sunlight Playing Over A Mountain by Selina Li Bi

• The Project by Courtney Summers

• I’m The Girl by Courtney Summers

• Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl

• We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart

I am looking forward to reading the stack of books I got for the holidays. Has anyone else been waiting for that final chapter in Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust trilogy for years? But do reread all of Lyra’s stories first? I don’t know. . .

I am hoping to write more in the next year in this newsletter about writing process and the mess, the time, and the necessity that is creativity in all our lives, so please stick with me. For writers, I loved Casie’s post about achievable goal-setting here.

Join Me In the Fight Against Book Bans

The ongoing attacks against our freedom to read in schools and libraries across the country continue. Here in Missouri, in my home district, I have spoken at school board meetings, attended library board meetings, and am supporting school board candidates who will heed the recommendations of teachers and library professionals, and not the whims of an organized group of book banners. I am not someone with a ton of extra time, or a great love for meetings, but I show up for these things because it matters. I hope you will consider doing the same in the coming year.

I am very excited that the Authors Against Book Bans is now able to take donations. If you have space to support their work, please do.

At a fundraising event at Main Street Books Saint Charles earlier this year to support local school board candidates.

Come See Me in 2026

February 7, 2026, 10 am- 12 pm The Lodge, Saint Louis Writers’ Guild: The Poetry of Prose join me for an interactive workshop on how the tools and tricks of poetry can enliven your prose.

The Associated Writing Programs Annual Conference (AWP) 2026: March 6, 2026 10:35-11:50 Panel The Non-coercive Rearranging of Desire: Teaching Writing Despite ‘AI’ with Éireann Lorsung, Arisa White, and Kate Schapira

A Wish for 2026: I love to do school, library, book club visits, and community writers’ workshops. If you think I might be a fit for an in-person or virtual visit to your group, school, or organization, please reach out for more information.

Remember, We Play A Typo Game Here

In celebration of a paperback of A Catalog of Burnt Objects coming soon, this month’s winner will get a paperback of As Many Nows As I Can Get. If you don’t see a typo, drop a note hello in the comments, and if there somehow isn’t a typo, or if no one catches one, you will be entered into a drawing to win.

Fine print:

You must be a subscriber to win, and you must share your mailing address with me so that I can send you a book. US addresses only. You have until the next newsletter comes out to find a typo, but only the first person who finds one wins, even if I’ve made five typos. Thanks for playing!

1. Thanks, Mom for reading too. I wouldn’t be here without you.