If you're like me, you’ve fallen in love with countless books, only to realize later that you can’t quite remember what they were about. You recall the way they made you feel—the heartache, the excitement, the sense of wonder—but the details? Gone. If you’re an avid reader, you’ve probably experienced it too. In 2025, I’m using this blog to document the books I’ve read and loved, along with key details to help me remember why they resonated with me. With my leisure reading time limited this year due to active research for my second book, I have even more reason to slow down and savor my favorites.
February 2025
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh Ripped from the headlines that are often buried! This is an important read about the lives of Syrians and the cruelty they have endured for years from their own leaders. Beautifully written, innovate character development, and emotionally engaging.
Favorite characters: Salama; Khawf, her imagined companion manifested from fear; and Layla, her sister-in-law and housemate, and Kenan.
Notes to self: Powerful, heartbreaking and heartwarming, relatable that includes an unexpected twist at the end. Plus, Syria hits close to home with so much from Who She Left Behind taking place in Aleppo.
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
How I love books set in bookish settings where the author creates an atmosphere where the reader can touch and smell the book pages, see the bright colors of pencils and stationery, simply linger on the book category signs in the shop, and relax in a safe haven of words and prose. The Stationery Shop takes place over 3 generations of shop owners and highlights the struggles with Iranian life in Tehran and the tensions of keeping Iranian culture alive as an immigrant in the U.S.
Favorite Characters: Roya, sister Zari, courageous Bahman, Mr. Fakhri,
Notes to self: This was a heartbreaking and heartwarming story I couldn't put down and found myself reading whenever I had 15 extra minutes. Filled with relatable experiences for immigrant families (including my own) with mouth-watering foods and cultural tensions.
January 2025
The Many Lives & Loves of Hazel Lavery by Lois Cahall
I had never heard of Hazel Lavery or her role in the history of the Anglo-Irish Treaty until now. She was truly ahead of her time in the early 1920's - a captivating and remarkable figure. The story blends equal parts juicy romance, meticulous research, and themes of love and loss.
Favorite character: Hazel Lavery
Notes to self: I'm always a sucker for reading about a strong woman who knows how to negotiate, collaborate, or manage relationships with positive outcomes. I enjoyed the historical research and multiple locations in US, England, Ireland, and especially France where I reminisced of my visit. Plus, the love triangle with Lady Lavery, Sir Lavery, and Michael Collins was fascinating.
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
I loved everything about it - redemption & character development, all the emotions, but mostly heartwarming. Bonus - set in Portland, Maine where I can envision the hilly street where this could have been located.
Favorite Characters: Harriet Larson, a retired teacher who starts a book club at a women's prison. Violet, released from prison and working in a parrot lab. Frank, the maintenance man at the bookstore and grieving husband of his late wife who was killed by one of the inmates. Plus, all the inmates in the book club and the parrots, especially Ollie with a big personality.
Notes to self: Heartwarming, entertaining, and filled with a theme of second chances.
Here’s a little glimpse into my bookish world.
When I’m not reading... I’m writing, promoting my debut novel, researching my next book, reading to our grandsons, sharing bookish thoughts on social media, and piecing together jigsaw puzzles—usually with a book theme.
📚 Monthly Columnist – Victoria’s Voice for The Armenian Weekly
📖 Author – Who She Left Behind, a 5-star, award-winning historical fiction novel inspired by my family’s story of survival during the Armenian Genocide and their journey of rebuilding in the United States.
✉️ Creator of HerSTORYian Tales – A free monthly newsletter dedicated to the art of storytelling through reading, writing, and speaking. We spotlight female protagonists, celebrate Armenian culture, and dive into the captivating world of Who She Left Behind. Click here to sign up and you will automatically receive a monthly update of books I've read.
Check back each month for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s journey through the pages together!
Read On! Victoria
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