After a strong start to my 2025 reading challenge in January, February has been another solid reading month, despite it being the shortest of the year. I always read far more when the months are colder. My goal of reading 60 books this year continues, and this month, I finished six books across a mix of genres, from thrilling memoirs to speculative fiction and romance. Some of these books were eagerly anticipated, and a couple took me by surprise. Here’s what I read as part of my reading challenge in February and my thoughts on each one.
Reading Challenge – February 2025
1. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder – Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie’s Knife was the most powerful and harrowing book I read this month. This memoir details his experience of surviving an attempted assassination in 2022 and the aftermath of that brutal attack. Rushdie’s writing is as sharp as ever—thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply introspective. He does not shy away from the raw details of the assault or the fear that followed, but this book is more than just a recounting of violence; it’s a meditation on resilience, freedom of expression, and the necessity of literature in the face of oppression.
I found Knife to be both disturbing and inspiring. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an essential one. Rushdie’s ability to dissect his emotions and physical recovery with such clarity and honesty is a testament to his strength as both a writer and a person. This book left me thinking about the power of words and the price some pay for their art.
2. Cut and Thirst – Margaret Atwood
This was a very short story—only 34 pages—but it felt like 34 pages too long for me. I almost didn’t finish it, which is rare for me. The premise had potential, but it just didn’t work for me at all. I found it lacking the depth or engagement I typically expect from Atwood. Perhaps it will resonate with others, but for me, this one was a miss.
3. The Fall Risk – Abby Jimenez
After the intensity of Knife and Cut and Thirst, I needed something a little lighter, and The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez was the perfect choice. This novel is a short, delightful blend of romance and emotional depth, following two characters with undeniable chemistry who are forced together in unexpected circumstances.
Jimenez delivers on humour, heart, and character depth, and The Fall Risk is no exception. The banter between the leads was excellent, and their personal journeys felt authentic. The balance between romance and heavier themes (grief, self-discovery, and vulnerability) made this more than just a feel-good read—it was genuinely moving.
4. You and Me on Vacation – Emily Henry
I finally got around to reading You and Me on Vacation (also known as People We Meet on Vacation in the US), and it lived up to the hype. Emily Henry has a way of writing romance that feels real, intimate, and deeply engaging. The book follows Poppy and Alex, two best friends who take annual summer trips together—until something happens to break their tradition.
Told in a dual timeline, the novel builds up to the moment that fractured their friendship, and I was hooked the entire time. The chemistry between Poppy and Alex was well-developed, and I loved how Henry captured the nuances of long-term friendship and love. This is a great pick if you’re in the mood for a predictable romance with depth, humour, and a touch of nostalgia.
5. Gravewater Lake – A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent
A lot of books in my reading challenge come from Amazon Prime First Reads. This is something I have really started to love to do during this reading challenge as not only is it free with my Prime subscription, it makes me choose new books out of my usual comfort zone.
I went into Gravewater Lake not knowing much about it, and I think that’s the best way to experience it. This atmospheric novel blends multiple mysteries into something truly captivating. Gravewater Lake starts with an eerie premise—a woman wakes up cold and alone by a lake, with no idea who she is or how she got there. As she struggles to piece together her identity, she begins to question everything—are the strange occurrences she experiences explainable, is her paranoia getting the better of her, and should she not trust those around her?
The novel is atmospheric and filled with tension, drawing readers into the protagonist’s disoriented and fractured reality. Strong and Sargent build a creeping sense of unease that makes this book hard to put down. A real page turner that is definitely worth reading.
6. The Husbands – Holly Gramazio
The last book in my February reading challenge. I didn’t know what to expect from The Husbands, but it turned out to be one of the most intriguing and clever books I’ve read in a while. The Husbands is a wonderfully quirky novel that explores modern dating and commitment in a surreal and hilarious way. Lauren, finds herself in an increasingly bizarre situation, having returned home late one night to find a man waiting for her—her husband, Michael. The only problem? She’s never seen him before. Yet, according to her friends and the photos on her phone, they’ve been happily married for years.
As Lauren struggles to understand what’s happening, Michael disappears into the attic to change a lightbulb—and a new husband emerges in his place. Her attic, it seems, can generate a possibly endless supply of partners. Lauren faces the ultimate, and lonely question: if switching lives is as simple as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’re on the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start living?
This book was such a fun read while also offering sharp commentary on modern love and decision-making. Plus, there’s a Zach Efron reference that made me laugh out loud! I’d love to hear what others thought of it. The concept is unsettling, but Gramazio’s writing brings thought-provoking humour into the mix. For me this book was weird in the best way, and incredibly well-written.
Final Thoughts – reading challenge so far
February has been another fantastic month of reading, with a mix of thought-provoking, unsettling, and heartwarming books. Knife was the most impactful in terms of personal reflection, while The Fall Risk and You and Me on Vacation provided the perfect dose of romance and escapism. Gravewater Lake and The Husbands both delivered on eerie, original storytelling.
With two months down, I’m feeling good about my reading challenge progress. I’d love to hear what you read this month—did any of these books make it onto your list? Let me know in the comments, and here’s to another month of great reads in March!
You can find my January 2025 reading challenge post here.
How’s Your Reading Challenge Going?
Are you tackling a reading challenge this year? Have you read any of these books as part of your own reading challenge, or do you have recommendations for what I should pick up next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
