Favorite Books of 2025 So Far (Mariquita and Kenesma's version)

Mariquita and Kenesma dive into their top 5 favorite books of 2025 (so far—with six months of reading still ahead!). In this spoiler-free conversation, they highlight memorable quotes, unpack recurring themes, and explore what makes each of these reads so unforgettable. From powerful storytelling to characters that linger long after the last page, this chat is a celebration of books that moved, challenged, and inspired them. Whether you're looking for your next great read or just love hearing people geek out about books, this episode is for you.     Books/Resources Mentioned:  Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global by Laura Spinney  So Many Stars: An Oral History of Non-Binary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro De Robertis  Curious History of Sex by Dr. Kate Lister  Life Hack for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin  Big Girl Small Town by Michelle Gallen  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett  Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler  This Could be Us by Kennedy Ryan  The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson  Moonrise over New Jessup by Jamila Minnicks  Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan  Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan  Language, Culture, and Identity in St. Martin by Dr. Rhoda Arrindell   14 Flags by Idrys Creed- reach out to Idrys at idryscreed[at]gmail.com to be a Beta Reader        Support and follow our hosts! Follow Mariquita: Instagram // Threads Follow Kenesma: Instagram     Check out our online community here!    This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.   Original music by Amarissa Learn more about Feminist Book Club on our website, sign up for our emails, shop our Bookshop.org recommendations, and follow us on Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest.