My 2025 Year in Books

According to Goodreads, I read 22 books in 25. That's not bad. A few less than I read in 2024, but still a good amount. My goal was 18 and I exceed that.

Here are the books I read in 2025 from latest to earliest. If you want to connect with me on Goodreads, click here.     

Veil of Eden: Expired
Larkin, Andra
Fiction, Dystopian
5 of 5 stars
Finished Dec 31, 2025

Destined for Destiny: The Unauthorized Autobiography of George W. Bush
Scott Dikkers

3 of 5 stars
read, comedy, fiction, politics
Finished Nov 23, 2025

Screaming Streets
Jensen, Stephanie E. *
5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Finished Nov 16, 2025

Dissecting House (Mina Bassey, Serial Killer)
Jensen, Stephanie
5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Nov 11, 2025

House of Sunshine
Jensen, Stephanie E.
5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Nov 06, 2025

The Kitty Killer Cult
Smith, Nick
3 of 5 stars
read, fiction
Finished Nov 01, 2025

The Man Didn’t Want This Book Published
Scrubbings, Jordi *
5 of 5 stars
read, comedy, nonfiction

Finished Oct 02, 2025

Gone to the Wolves
Wray, John
4 of 5 stars
read, fiction, metal

Finished Sep 28, 2025

 

Smashed, Squashed, Splattered, Chewed, Chunked and Spewed
Carbuncle, Lance

5 of 5 stars

Finished Sep 18, 2025

 

The Fall of the Roman Umpire
Luciano, Ron
3 of 5 stars
read, comedy, nonfiction, sports
Finished Sep 07, 2025

 

Tales from the Dusty Tiger
Ginsberg, Joshua

5 of 5 stars

read, fiction, horror

Finished Aug 31, 2025

How Lucky
Leitch, Will
4 of 5 stars
read, fiction
Finished Aug 21, 2025

The Killer Angels (The Civil War Trilogy, #2)
Shaara, Michael
5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, history, war
Finished Aug 17, 2025

How to Love Yankees With a Clear Conscience
Whaley, Bo
3 of 5 stars
read, comedy, nonfiction
Finished Jul 15, 2025

We Sold Our Souls
Hendrix, Grady
5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror, metal
Finished Jul 03, 2025

Blood and Honor (Honor Bound, #2)
Griffin, W.E.B.
2 of 5 stars
read, fiction, war
Finished Jun 12, 2025

Heartbeat and Other Tales of the Weird and Macabre
Jensen, Stephanie E.

5 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Finished Jun 12, 2025

Shook! A Black Horror Anthology
Barnes, Rodney
4 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Finished May 16, 2025

Goon
Lee, Edward
4 of 5 stars
read, fiction, horror
Finished Apr 09, 2025

The Motern Method
Farley, Matt

5 of 5 stars

read, business, nonfiction
Finished Apr 07, 2025

Con-thology: Stories of Convention Horror
Ford, Douglas
5 of 5 stars
Finished Mar 08, 2025

Business @ the Speed of Thought: Succeeding in the Digital Economy
Gates, Bill
3 of 5 stars
read, business, nonfiction
Finished: 14 Jan 2025

My 2025 Year in Movies

I watched quite a lot of movies in 2025. Sixty-nine (nice!) to be exact. That's a lot. I also joined Letterboxd to keep track of what I have watched. I recommend Letterboxd. It is not really a social site, but it is a great place to review the movies you watch.

In 2025, the most popular movie I watched was Sinners, by far. It was probably my favorite movie of the year. I talked about Sinners on my youtube page as well as on my tiktok. I also wrote a review of Sinners on American Blues Scene. 

But 2025 was more than Hollywood blockbusters about vampires and the Blues. It was also the year I dove into the Joel Wynkoop filmography. After discovering Joel in Clownado in the end of 2024, I watched six Joel Wynkoop movies in 2025.

• The Craiglon Incident I
• The Craiglon Incident II
• The Craiglon Incident III
• Indiscretions
• Strip Club Slasher
• Dirty Cop, No Donut 

According to Letterboxd, my favorite types of movies are: 

 

I don't disagree. Here is the entire list of movies I watched in 2025.

• Hologram Man (1995) ★★
• Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) ★★★★
• FX's A Christmas Carol (2019) ★★★★
• He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985) ★★★
• Escape from Angola (1976) ★
• Assault of the Killer Bimbos (1988) ★★★
• Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure (2003) ★
• The NeverEnding Story (1984) ★★★★★
• Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) ★★★★
• The Dark Crystal (1982) ★★★★★
• Poster for Rock Star (2001) ★★★★
• Nuremberg (2025) ★★★★★
• From Justin to Kelly (2003) ★
• Shaft (1971) ★★★★★
• Fart: A Documentary (2016) ★★★
• A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985) ★★★
• Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street (2019)  ★★★★
• Devil's Partner (1961) ★★★
• Santa Jaws (2018) ★★★★★
• Dante's Hell Animated (2013) ★★★
• Mahakaal (1994) ★★★★
• Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970) ★★★★
• Strip Club Slasher (2010) ★★
• HIM (2025) ★★★
• Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College (1990) ★★
• Grunt! The Wrestling Movie (1985) ★★★★★
• Laserblast (1978) ★★
• Electrocuting an Elephant (1903) ★
• Waitress! (1982) ★★
• Monster (2008) ★★
• The Devil's Advocate (1997) ★★★★★
• Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) ★★★★
• Suburban Commando (1991)  ★★
• Gone (2002) ★
• Satyr Monks (1994) ★★★
• 5-25-77 (2008) ★★★★★
• Shaolin Iron Finger (1977) ★★★
• The Craiglon Incident III: Annihilation (2022) ★★
• The Craiglon Incident II: Aftermath (2021) ★★★
• The Craiglon Incident (2021) ★★★
• The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) ★★★★
• Indiscretions (2009) ★★
• Cloak & Dagger (1984) ★★★
• Werewolves on Wheels (1971) ★★★
• Warlock: The Armageddon (1993) ★★★
• Fanboys (2009) ★★★★
• The Beast Comes At Midnight (2023) ★★★★
• Warlock (1989) ★★★★
• Sinners (2025) ★★★★★
• Nothing But a Man (1964) ★★★★★
• Desperate Cargo (1941) ★★★
• Robo Vampire (1988) ★★★★★
• Just a Bit Outside: The Story of the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers (2024) ★★★★
• Blackenstein (1973) ★★★
• Disorderlies (1987) ★★★★
• Dirty Cop No Donut (1999) ★★★★
• I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) ★★★★
• Eephus (2024) ★★★
• Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1990) ★★★★
• Studio 666 (2022) ★★★★
• Bloody Murder 2: Closing Camp (2003) ★★★
• Deathgasm (2015) ★★★★★
• Ernest in the Army (1998) ★★
• Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984) ★★★★
• Paganini Horror (1989) ★★★
• The Devil's Nightmare (1971) ★★★★
• Zombie Strippers! (2008) ★★★
• Freak City (1999) ★★★★
• Wizards (1977) ★★★★

Book Review: Beyond the Crossroads - The Devil in the Blues Tradition by Adam Gussow

 

With the release of the blockbuster movie Sinners, Beyond the Crossroads is a must read for anyone who wants to know the story beyond the story. Gussow thoroughly dissects the use of the term Devil in blues music from the earliest days before Robert Johnson, through Johnson's career, through the movie Crossroads, and into the 2000-era explosion of blues tourism in Clarksdale, MS. The book is split into several essays exploring the aspects of the devil and his association in the blues. Even though I thought I knew a lot about the subject, I learned a lot. Gussow is very, very thorough.

That said, Gussow writes like an academic. It almost too thorough. Beyond the Crossroads is not a quick read. The comparative theories and analysis create drag in the narrative. This is a book for the hardcore fans and academics, not for the casual blues fans. Even though the casual blues fans are the ones who probably need to read it.

Artificially Intelligencing the cover of Curveball at the Crossroads

 

The AI craze has taken over. Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. Even places where intelligence has never been. AI is lurking in the dark, about to steal your job, your life, and your lady. It knows all, sees all, and will be all up in your face like a can of mace.

I'm not one for AI'ing, but my good friend the Snowman of the Afro-Squad is. He is covertly trying to reprogram the algorithms one byte at a time. How many bytes does it take to get to the center of the algorithm? The world may never know.

While plugging away deep in the brain of our omnipotent algorithmic overlords, Snowman fed the program the cover my novel Curveball at the Crossroads. AI is trying to get on my good side, because this is a sweet alternative cover. I dig it. I'll never put it anywhere near my novel, but it is fun to look at. I like the increased fire around home plate. And those crossroads are mighty spooky.

Support real artists and real writers, folks. AI art is a fad. 

Not so Serious Movie Review: From Justin to Kelly

 

My latest not so serious cinematic misadventure: From Justin to Kelly (2003)

I have been putting this movie off for years. The time wasn't right.

But there is never a good time for this movie. Ever. According to the internet, forcing someone to watch this is punishable in 47 countries. Any viewing is considered cruel and unusual punishment in Rwanda, Singapore, and Turkmenistan.

This movie makes the Star Wars Christmas Special look like Casablanca.

Grade: 1 sunburnt generic bikini song of 5

Not so Serious Movie Review: He-Man and She-Ra Christmas Special (1985)

 

Kinda a mess, kinda warms my heart.

Takes a lot of creative liberties in the plot. I have so many questions. Still, a million times better than the Star Wars Holiday Special.

• How did Skeletor and two kids walk from snowy mountains to a desert in five minutes?
• Why do I think Miguel and Alisha are from Spain? Does Orko land in the Pyrenees?
• Why does Skeletor ditch his lackies and go solo for the rest of the show?
• What was Horde Prime going to do with the kids if he got them? Why is he endangered by Christmas?
• What was the point of the tall robots?
• Why did they put She-Ra in the bubble and then walk away? Why were they there in the first place?
• Why did Man-At-Arms create a device that requires a crystal from another planet?
• Was the Beast Monster's lake connected to other bodies of water? If not, how did the mermaid lady get there?
• How does He-Man's flying motorcycle fly with no pilot?

Grade: 3 flying wizard ghosts out of 5 

Not so Serious Movie Review: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

 

This is a cult classic. An MST3K classic as well. It is widely regarded as a flop and one of the worst movies ever.

I have watched some bad movies. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is not that bad. It is infinitely better than The Star Wars Holiday Special.

As goofy as this movie is, it sticks to the plot. It's just low budget. It is hardly the worst low budget movie of all time. I am not sure where this movie got its bad reputation from.

Is it a top 5 holiday movie? No. Top 100 holiday movie? Probably not.

But if you are looking for campy holiday fun, you might want to check out Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. It is definitely more of a Christmas movie than Die Hard. I would also watch this before 99% of the Lifetime Holiday Movies. They don't have a guy in a cheap bear suit.

Grade: 4 goofy galactic stars out of 5 

Not so Serious Movie Review: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003)

 

Why?

It's bad. 

Not as bad as The Star Wars Holiday Special, but far worse than Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.

I would rather watch Cousin Eddie empty the sh*tter for 90 minutes.

I'm sorry I told you this movie exists.

Don't watch it.

Grade: 1 metal head plates out of 5 

A Tribute to Ton

 

I've been fortunate to not lose many friends in my life. I've lost a brother, my Dad, grandparents, classmates, etc. But only a few friends. And of the friends I've lost, most were friends from long ago. That changed on December 1st, 2025.

Andrew Hill (aka Ton) was a good friend. He was part of our small group of friends who care for and take care of our friend Nick, who has battled with Parkinson's for over a decade. Most my interactions with Ton were through Nick and because of Nick. I hope you don't mind the weaving of others in these stories and recollections. That's how you know your circle of friends becomes family.

I first met Ton in early 2018 at a birthday party for the legendary (and also very humble and friendly) DJ Sandman at a now-destroyed roller rink in South Tampa. Due to his health, Nick moved back to Spring Hill, Florida after years in Tampa and I didn't see him often. When I went to Sandman's party, Nick was accompanied by this large man who was catering to Nick's every need. I had no idea who this dude was or where he came from. But it was clear from the get-go he was there for Nick. His compassion quickly squashed any suspicion.

Through Nick, I learned Ton had a huge heart. As Nick lived with Ton, Ton would open his home and be a gracious host whenever Nick wanted to have people over to watch WWE events. Ton even drove Nick to a NXT (WWE Minor League) event in 2019 in Tampa so we could all go to a show together. That was the night Ton discovered my penchant for wearing giant afro wigs to wrestling events as well as my habit for trash talking wrestlers. Ton thought it was hilarious that after a few whiny fans complained to security and wanted me thrown out for yelling at the wrestlers, security sided with me rather than the overly-sensitive fans.

Over the years, there was always an open line of communication in our circle. While some conversations inevitably covered what we were doing for Nick, we also talked about several other things, such as Ton's history in hip-hop or family or anything else. Ton was always eager to support whatever project I had going on, such as my novel or my project documenting the life of Tampa DJ Kenny K. Ton had much love for his friends and wanted them to succeed and he wanted to help.

Even as his own health started to falter, Ton would still call me and ask how he could help Nick. As Nick moved into a permanent care facility, Ton would still offer his last dollar to buy Nick food or other needed items. I would often tell Ton to focus on himself, but he insisted and continued to give. He would always talk about helping Nick. In one of our more outlandish conversations, Ton suggested we bring Nick a few adult entertainers for his birthday.

This year, Ton added to the conversation his proposed wedding with his fiance Darlene. When I told him that I am an ordained minister, Ton asked if I would wear the big afro wig and dress up like a pimp to marry them. Of course I said yes. Ton would then call me every week with another themed idea or another interesting location to host their pending nuptials. I was up for every idea he suggested. How could I refuse?

Most recently, Ton would appear in my chatrooms while I was entertaining the internet on TikTok. Whether online or in person, he continued to support me and even offered to make videos promoting my book. I'm sure they would have been hilarious.

Ton was a great dude with a great heart. We lost one of our brothers. He will be missed.

Making Beast Mode with Joel D Wynkoop

 

A few months ago, I reviewed Sharknado starring Joel D Wynkoop. Joel is known as the "King of the B Movies" and lives near Tampa. I've been following him on social media for years.

When he posted on facebook that he was looking for people to be in his latest film "Beast Mode", I answered the call. Keep in mind, I don't have much acting experience. As a matter of fact, my IMDB page only lists my roles in "Flash Vs The Aliens" and my appearance in comedian John Jacob's Steak Break as my only roles. Which is 100% true because I made my IMDB page that is legitimately all I have been in.

To my surprise, Joel wanted me to be a news reporter. I had to interview the superhero known as Ray Blast, defender of Sunnyville. That's right up my alley. Perfect casting.

From what I heard, Beast Mode will be released in early 2026. About the same time as my new novel. 2026 is turning into a big year for my creative projects.

Many thanks to Joel and his wife Cathy for letting me be involved in Beast Mode. I hope this is the start of something new and fun that I can add to my creative legacy.