thethinkingthread

Happy New Year!

In no particular order, here are my favourite books of 2025:

@saraband-books.bsky.social @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social @picadorbooks.bsky.social @4thestatebooks.bsky.social @deadinkbooks.bsky.social @manchesterup.bsky.social

I am equally excited to read @trashbandito.bsky.social Djamel White’s debut “All Them Dogs” which will be published by @johnmurrays.bsky.social in March 2026.

Thank you to @mcrlitfest.bsky.social for the invitation. I had a wonderful time. (3/3)

I am very much looking forward to reading Ashani Lewis’ “Suckerfish” which will be published by @dialoguepublishing.bsky.social in February 2026. (2/3)

I had an incredibly enjoyable afternoon at the @johnmurrays.bsky.social
Proof Party. It was really nice to meet Mishika from the @browngirlbookshelf
who was a brilliant host. She asked a range of thoughtful questions and led an interesting, spoiler-free discussion. @mcrlitfest.bsky.social (1/3)

Congratulations to @samanito.bsky.social
on creating such a profound piece of literature. I can’t wait for your second novel ‘IMPS!’ (5/5)

Although, this particular genre isn’t something I would typically reach for, I have throughly enjoyed reading something a little different and out of my comfort zone. @deadinkbooks.bsky.social continues to publish such brilliant range of work and I look forward to visiting their bookshop soon(4/5)

The novel’s structure, with its constantly shifting character perspectives in each chapter was a personal highlight. Equally, I am realising how much I enjoy reading about the setting of Mexico in novels. (3/5)

Gerardo writes such enlightening observations regarding ownership and our incessant need as humans to mould objects/people so they bring us joy. There was an incredible fluidity and honesty in the representation of what queer relationships can look like. (2/5)

Monstrilio, by Gerardo Sámano Córdova, is a wonderfully weird book which follows the lives of our central characters Magos, Lena, Joseph and M. This monstrous yet loving novel discusses themes of grief, sadness, identity and sexuality, to name a few1/5
@samanito.bsky.social @deadinkbooks.bsky.social

Congratulations to @samanito.bsky.social
on creating such a profound piece of literature. I can’t wait for your second novel ‘IMPS!’ (5/5)

Although, this particular genre isn’t something I would typically reach for, I have throughly enjoyed reading something a little different and out of my comfort zone. @deadinkbooks.bsky.social continues to publish such brilliant range of work and I look forward to visiting their bookshop soon(4/5)

The novel’s structure, with its constantly shifting character perspectives in each chapter was a personal highlight. Equally, I am realising how much I enjoy reading about the setting of Mexico in novels. (3/5)

Gerardo writes such enlightening observations regarding ownership and our incessant need as humans to mould objects/people so they bring us joy. There was an incredible fluidity and honesty in the representation of what queer relationships can look like. (2/5)

@commapress.bsky.social @flyonthewallpress.bsky.social
@michaeljbooks.bsky.social @northodoxpress.bsky.social @dauntbookspub.bsky.social @orionbooks.bsky.social @harpernorth.bsky.social
@faberbooks.bsky.social @isabellekenyon.bsky.social

In our afternoon workshop, Isabelle from @flyonthewallpress.bsky.social delivered an inspiring talk about Starting your own Press.

Thank you to @commapress.bsky.social for hosting another brilliant event! (2/2)

#commapress #publishing #northernpublishing #writing #manchester

It was great to hear from the fantastic selection of speakers at the Comma Press Publishing Insights Day. Each talk was incredibly enjoyable to listen to and very informative. @commapress.bsky.social (1/2)

It is very clear to see, @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social is changing the literary and publishing landscape book by book.

Congratulations to @susannacrossman.bsky.social and @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social for the publication! Thank you to @waterstones.bsky.social Trafalgar Square
for hosting! (3/3)

After the talk, I walked over to @piccadillywaterstones to finally look at the Booker Prize Library. As soon as I entered the shop, I was greeted by another brilliant Bluemoose book on one of the front tables @ronanhession.bsky.social . (2/3)

I had a great evening at the launch of The Orange Notebooks. It was interesting to hear @susannacrossman.bsky.social discuss the book in more depth and great to finally meet her. As always, it was a pleasure to speak to Kevin @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social (1/3)

“You are not mad, Princess Camille. Just filled to the brim with sadness.”

Congratulations to @susannacrossman.bsky.social and @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social . The Orange Notebooks will be published on the 22nd of May 2025. (5/5)

As many @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social readers know, when purchasing a Bluemoose novel, you are guaranteed the highest quality piece of work and I can confirm that The Orange Notebooks lives up to that expectation. I feel incredibly grateful to have received an early copy. (4/5)

I particularly enjoy how Crossman reconstructs the passage of time and presents this. I normally like to read a book over a few days but I could not part with this novel. (3/5)

Crossman’s writing bursts with vivid imagery and lyrical prose. Introspection drives this story and, like all great writers, Crossman creates a relationship with the reader which allows them to analyse and question their own life choices in response to the protagonist’s tale. (2/5)

The Orange Notebooks is a painfully accurate portrayal of grief with many raw and poignant moments interspersed with glimpses of humour and symbols of hope throughout the book. (1/5) @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social @susannacrossman.bsky.social

A brilliant publication from @commapress.bsky.social which showcases writers from Manchester and those linked to the city. (2/2)

#manchester #commapress #thebookofmanchester #northernwriting #writing #shortstory #collection #writers

The Book of Manchester is a great short story collection which celebrates the vibrant and diverse experiences that Manchester offers. @commapress.bsky.social

The clarity of each writer’s voice makes for an enjoyable read. It is a collection that you can easily return to. (1/2)

Good luck!

@stairwellbooks.bsky.social
@peepaltreepress.bsky.social
@confingopublishing.bsky.social

@manchesterup.bsky.social @nightjarpress.bsky.social
@uclanpublishing.bsky.social
@flapjackpress