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
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
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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.
Original music by Amarissa
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