Books of October–2025

We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry

What would you do to not be a loser anymore? The easiest way might be to get your friends to sign a notebook, tie a blue sock around your arms, and do the evil the things that pop into your head. This story is about a girl’s field hockey team makes a pact with a mysterious force to win their championship. These young women go to wild lengths to be the best. I mean, what do they have to lose? They lost almost every game of their last few seasons. As seniors, they decided to go big or go home. This was a fun book. I am grateful to my former coworker for giving me her copy. I enjoyed all the characters and the 80s setting. I love queer media, so this was perfect for me. Field Field Field! Hockey Hockey Hockey!

The Haar by David Sodergren

After reading this book, I want to go to a beach in Scotland. This story follows Muriel as she tries to prevent a billionaire from destroying her village. Muriel has lived in Witchaven for her whole life. Since her husband was lost to sea, she has not had much to live for. One day, a creature begs for her help. The novel quickly morphs into a deliciously gory story. I enjoyed this book because I hate capitalism and love love. I was rooting for Muriel and Billy the entire time. This is a gnarly book. If you do not like body horror, then this is not for you. If you want to read a book where a billionaire gets what he deserves, then this is a perfect story.

Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

Ahhh! The prison industrial complex and war! This might be the scariest book of all because it is about real life. Angela Davis is a famous activist. She has written several books including Women, Race, and Class. She has advocated for the freedom and complete liberation of people across the globe for decades. This book includes essays, interviews, and speeches from Davis over the years. I read this book last year, but I think about it with some frequency. Angela Davis does a wonderful job of describing topics without alienating her audience. She also is a poet with words. This is must read for people getting into intersectional activism.