Rattlesnake Granny Books

2025 was a good year as an author and writer. It was my second year as the self- published author of my Rattlesnake Granny Books by Stephanie S. Gardner It was my 40-something year as an avid reader.

How cool is it that Goodreads provides graphics of our reading year in review?

Here’s how I read. It is certainly not as many books as some of my bookworm friends, but I try to digest a few books (okay about seven books) at a time, all the time. This may result in finishing fewer books than if I read one at a time.

Proud to have some other books by other local and self-published authors on my reading list this year.

Here were some favorites from the year. I am in a nature book club so read about one nature book a month. Buzz by Thorn Hanson was a favorite this year. When I have some free time and am not reading, I’m working to help pollinators. I loved all the bee facts!

Arcane Carolinas Volume 2 by Michael G. Williams was another favorite. It is a curated selection of things odd and spooky in North and South Carolina. I grew up with Michael and he does us all proud with his love of Southern culture, inclusivity, and by the collection and sharing of stories about places of interest. I want to read more stories about the Gray Man, please.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore was my favorite novel this year. Having been a camp counselor, I enjoyed her portrayal of summer camp life. The story had great characterization, and the book kept me guessing until the end.

Gunucle by Steven Rowley was just plain fun. I hadn’t read it earlier because I thought it would be too saccharine. It was not. Glad I found it in a Little Free Library.

Finally, here is World Cat helping me research a presentation on the history of Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. I spoke to some great groups this year and hope to continue writing and presenting in 2026!