{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Amber's Year in Books 2025","description":"Looking for your next great read? Host of About IBD, Amber Tresca, gives her year-end roundup of books, with brief summaries and her reflections on each. The selections cover a mix of genres, from speculative fiction and psychological thrillers to memoir and dark fantasy, often touching on themes of trauma, community, self-acceptance, and chronic illness. Amber shares how the stories resonated with her experience as a GenX mom living with a chronic illness, offering both recommendations and caveats. She also discusses practical tips for accessing books affordably through libraries and apps, and encourages exploring local bookstores or thrift shops to boost your reading journey and sense of community. Episode transcript and more information at: https:\/\/bit.ly\/AIBD192 Find Amber's 2025 books at Bookshop.org Chapters:  00:05 \u2014 Introduction and Episode Overview \u2014 Amber introduces herself, the podcast, and the year-end book review episode. 01:08 \u2014 Book 1: Beautyland by Marie Helene Bertino \u2014 Summary, themes, and reflections on the coming-of-age story of an alien observing human life. 03:35 Book 2: The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult \u2014 Summary, dual timelines, ancient Egypt, and personal frustrations with the main character. 06:10 \u2014 Book 3: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King \u2014 Summary, differences between book and movie, trauma, and post-Shining life for Danny Torrance. 09:57 \u2014 Book 4: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer \u2014 Summary, psychological horror, reality distortion, and the challenges of ambiguous endings. 12:23 \u2014 Book 5: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig \u2014 Summary, alternate lives, regret, self-acceptance, and critique of the book\u2019s premise. 16:07 \u2014 Library Resources and Digital Media Tips \u2014 Amber shares how she accesses books via library apps and encourages listeners to use library resources. 17:36 \u2014 Book 6: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher \u2014 Summary, dark fantasy, abuse, coming of age, and resilience in a retelling of Goose Girl. 20:40 \u2014 Book 7: Death Valley by Melissa Broder \u2014 Summary, magical realism, chronic illness depiction, and reflections on escapism and coping. 24:21 \u2014 Book 8: One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole \u2014 Summary, dissociative identity disorder, pandemic context, and a unique take on the locked-room thriller. 27:07\u2014 Book 9: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman \u2014 Summary, community, connection, and critique of the book\u2019s tone and humor. 31:06 \u2014 Book 10: A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost \u2014 Summary, comedic memoir, personal anecdotes, and recommendation of the audiobook version. 33:44 \u2014 Book Shopping, Thrifting, and Community Reflections \u2014 Amber discusses supporting bookstores, thrifting, and the importance of reading for community and personal growth. 36:07 \u2014 Closing Remarks and Call to Action \u2014 Amber wraps up, encourages listener engagement, and provides information about show notes and future book clubs.  Books Amber Contributed to in 2025:  Living with Fire: A Patient\u2019s Guide to Thriving with Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases  Wellness Through Words: A Multivocal Anthology on Healthcare, Patient Safety, and Wellness  Library apps mentioned in this episode:  Libby Hoopla Freegal Music  Find Amber J Tresca at:  AboutIBD.com: About IBD Verywell Health: Verywell Health Facebook: @aboutIBD Twitter: @aboutIBD Pinterest: @aboutibd Instagram: @about_IBD YouTube: @AboutIBD Threads: @AboutIBD  Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:  Facebook: @maccooneycomposer Instagram: @maccooneycomposer YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer Web: Cooney Studio Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from \u00a9Cooney Studio.  These show notes contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. ","author_name":"About IBD","author_url":"http:\/\/aboutibd.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39415785\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/196584440"}