book-reviews

My top 2025 Reads!

~ ladycultblog ~ Leave a comment

It is no secret that I love to read. I was looking back at my Goodreads list and reflecting on what I read this year. I decided to share some of the favorite books I read this year. Some were released in 2025, and some were not. There is no ranking on this list, and they are in a random order:

Cher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher. I decided to get the audiobook because Cher recorded it with additional help from Stephanie J. Block. And as I listened to this, it made me appreciate Cher’s perseverance even more, because there were many people who took advantage of her career, yet she still fought hard and, in the end, won.

The link to buy the book version is here:

Cher: Part One

Sky Daddy by Kate Folk. Once you read this book, it is hard to forget about it. This was an interesting read to say the least.

The link to buy is here: https://politics-prose.com/search?q=Sky%20Daddy

Careless People: A Story of where I used to work by Sarah-Wynn Williams. Sarah Wynn-Williams used to work at Facebook as the Director of Public Policy, and she shares her firsthand experience working there. And still proves that your job isn’t your whole life and being.

The Link to buy is here: https://bookoutlet.com/book/careless-people-a-cautionary-tale-of-power-greed-and-lost-idealism/wynn-williams-sarah/9781250391230B?utm_source=Googleads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Clue&gad_source=4

I Leave It Up to You by JinWoo Chong. The plot centers on a man named Jack who wakes from a coma and realizes his old life has vanished, and now he has to rely on his family and reconnect with them to find himself and get a new start.

The link to buy is here: https://politics-prose.com/search?q=I%20leave%20it%20up%20to%20you

Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar by Cynthia Carr. This book dives into the life of Candy Darling and her desire to emulate silver-screen stars, such as Kim Novak. However, she became an icon in her own right.

The link to buy is here: https://bookoutlet.com/book/candy-darling-dreamer-icon-superstar/carr-cynthia/9781250066350B?utm_source=Googleads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Clue&gad_source=1

Current Read: The Gods of New York: Egotists, Idealists, opportunists and the Birth of the Modern City: 1986-1990 by Jonathan Mahler

I am about 20 pages in, and it is very interesting so far.

My goal is to read a book per month, and so far I am only a book behind. However, with the start of the new year, it means a fresh start.

What books are on your to-read list? Comment below!

Until next year!

Mother’s Day Movies/Book Recommendations!

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Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate! Here are some book and movie recommendations to celebrate some fantastic mom characters!

Terms of Endearment (1983):

Starring Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson. Directed by James L. Brook, Shirley MacLaine is magical in this as Aurora, and Debra Winger as Emma. They play two personalities that clash constantly but come together as mother-daughter when times become difficult.

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel—I read this book two years ago. It touches on topics such as poverty, violence, and abuse. Betty is one of eight siblings living in a dilapidated farmhouse the town claims is haunted and cursed. Therefore, anyone who lives in it shares those same characteristics as the farmhouse.

Carrie (1976):

Starring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and Amy Irving. Carrie is not like your average teenager. She doesn’t make friends easily and has an extremely strict household.

Mommie Dearest:

Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford. I read this book every couple of years. I remember when I first read it, I was taken aback by Christina’s shocking claims. However, reflecting back on what I read and the recent claims that have come out about the book, I still wonder which parts were the truth and which were not.

Baby Boom (1987):

Starring Diane Keaton and Sam Shepard. A few years ago, I was in a bad mood and wanted to slip away and watch a funny movie. I turned on Turner Classic Movies and saw this movie was on. It was such a cute and funny movie about J.C. Watt, who is very career-minded; however, everything stops when she learns she has inherited a baby.

The Exorcist:

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty: Regan and her mother live in Washington, D.C. Her mom is a famous actress currently filming a movie in the area. Everything seems pleasant and wonderful until Regan starts to act weird.

What movies or books do you usually watch during this time?

Comment below!

Spring reading: 5 books to read this spring!

~ ladycultblog ~ Leave a comment

With the new spring season, I am always interested in what books come with it. Here are five books I am looking forward to reading this spring season:

Native Nations: A Millennium in North America by Kathleen DuVal. Professor Kathleen DuVal teaches early American and American Indian history at North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is her second book, and this new book discusses how Indigenous Americans made multiple cities way before North America was founded.

The Link to order is here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575441/native-nations-by-kathleen-duval/

Bugsey and Other Stories by Rafael Frumkin. This collection of five stories brings funny and creative tales that break away from your regular reading material.

The Link to buy is here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Bugsy-Other-Stories/Rafael-Frumkin/9781982189761

The Swans of Harlem by Katen Valby concerns five ballerinas from the Dance Theatre of Harlem during the Civil Rights movement. This absorbing book finally tells the stories of endurance, dance, and friendship.

The Link to buy is here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716415/the-swans-of-harlem-by-karen-valby/

Tom Selleck: You Never Know. The actor and the cool guy have finally written a memoir!

The Link to buy is here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/you-never-know-tom-selleck?variant=41170682511394

Husbands by Holly Gramazio. Lauren goes to her house one night and sees a lovely, fully decorated home. She is greeted by her fantastic husband. The only problem is that she is not married!

The link to buy is here:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/743083/the-husbands-by-holly-gramazio/

What books are currently on your to-read list?

Comment below!