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Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is already shaping up to be a great year full of curiosity, adventure, and some amazing books. Looking back on 2025, I’m happy with how wide-ranging my reading ended up being. Science fiction, science writing, graphic novels, literary fiction, and nonfiction all made appearances, often touching on similar questions about humanity, technology, history, and our place in the universe. Narrowing things down is never easy, but these were some of my favourite reads of the year. An Angel Called Peterbilt |
| In June 2025, ‘An Angel Called Peterbilt’ was exactly the kind of book I was in the mood for: Fast, imaginative, and deeply enjoyable. Set around 1005 CE, ‘An Angel Called Peterbilt’ combines adventure, history, and wonderfully strange circumstances into a compact, propulsive read. It paired unexpectedly well with other historical nonfiction ('Wild New World: The Epic Story of Animals and People in America' by Dan Flores) I was reading at the time, grounding its speculative elements in a richly textured past. I tore through it in just a few days. It was fun, and satisfying, and never overstayed its welcome. |  |
We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
— Dennis E. Taylor
| This is my kind of science fiction. Humorous, thoughtful, and bursting with big ideas, ‘We Are Legion (We Are Bob)’ explores mind uploading, identity, cloning, post-humanism, terraforming, first contact, and space exploration with a smooth easy confidence that never bogs itself down. It’s fast-paced and playful, but beneath the jokes is a surprisingly deep meditation on what it means to be human when “one person” becomes many. Wildly entertaining and hard to put down. |  |
The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself
— Sean Carroll
| A genuinely expansive book in every sense. Carroll moves effortlessly from physics to philosophy, from cosmology to ethics, weaving together a coherent worldview grounded in naturalism without stripping life of meaning. This is a book for readers who want to understand not just how the universe works, but how we should think within it. By the end, I felt both grounded and expanded, with a clearer sense of our place in the cosmos and how to think about it. |  |
Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution
— Neil deGrasse Tyson & Donald Goldsmith
| A clear, accessible, and awe-inducing journey from the Big Bang to the search for life beyond Earth. I especially enjoyed the sections on galaxy formation, stars, and planets, which balance scientific depth with vivid storytelling. Whether read or listened to (as I did via audiobook), ‘Origins’ succeeds at what the best science writing does: It teaches, inspires awe, and fosters curiosity. |  |
Juice
— Tim Winton
| Set in a brutally altered future Australia, ‘Juice’ unfolds like an oral history of collapse, survival, and moral compromise. Communities hide underground, summers are lethal, winters unforgiving, and justice is meted out by shadowy forces hunting the architects of ecological ruin. The prose is spare and hypnotic, the world-building vivid without being overexplained. It’s a sad, tense, and strangely beautiful book. One that lingers, heavy with grief and stubborn hope. |  |
Unlocking the Matrix: Generative AI for Beginners
— Alex Quant
| I listened to ‘Unlocking the Matrix: Generative AI for Beginners’ as an audiobook during a series of bike rides, and it proved to be a surprisingly solid primer. It offers a broad, accessible overview of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and machine learning—how they work and what they make possible. While clearly aimed at beginners, it’s impressively comprehensive and left me with a stronger desire to keep learning and experimenting. A good entry point for anyone curious about the AI landscape. |  |
Animal Pound
— Tom King, illustrated by Peter Gross
| A powerful and unsettling allegory that feels uncomfortably relevant. Through Madame Fifi’s journey—from optimism to disillusionment to quiet defiance—we witness the rise and corrosion of a revolutionary dream. The story’s real weight comes after liberation, when unity fractures and manipulation takes hold. One particularly Trumpian figure rises through spectacle and division, bending the system to his own ends. ‘Animal Pound’ is a haunting reminder of how fragile democratic ideals can be, and how easily they’re undermined from within. |  |
Strange Pictures
— Uketsu
| A short but deeply unsettling read. Each chapter presents an eerie image paired with minimalist storytelling, functioning as both a standalone vignette and part of a larger, slowly emerging mystery. The structure is deceptively simple and incredibly effective. It’s quietly disturbing in a way that creeps up on you. The final chapter ties everything together while still leaving your mind spiralling. |  |
The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport
— Samit Basu
| A dazzling blend of sci-fi adventure, myth, and philosophical inquiry. Set in the decaying city of Shantiport, the novel follows a revolutionary, her bot brother, and an alien story-bot whose evolving consciousness adds humour and depth. Basu’s world is chaotic, inventive, and richly layered, exploring artificial intelligence, autonomy, power, and resistance. While it nods to familiar tales like ‘Aladdin’, it quickly subverts expectations and carves out something entirely its own. Thought-provoking, funny, and exhilarating. |  |
These were some of my favourite reads of 2025. These books entertained, challenged, unsettled, and/or expanded how I think about the world (and worlds beyond it). If you’d like to connect or see what else I read this past year, feel free to send me a friend request on Goodreads.
Here’s to a 2026 filled with curiosity, conversation, and great reading.
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| While most people spend Thanksgiving weekend carving turkey, I carved through a stack of horror films. Consider this my pre-Halloween report from the couch trenches. If you find yourself indecisive or searching for your next thrill, I hope this helps. |  |
I started with 'V/H/S/Halloween' (2025), a found-footage anthology filled with absurd concepts like haunted soft drink testing. Shaky camera work, jump cuts, and flashing lights deliver equal parts migraine and creativity. Not for everyone, but I respect the chaos.
Next I watched 'Get Away' (2024), a surprise gem about a British family vacationing on a remote Swedish island just in time for cannibalism-themed folk festivities. Think 'Midsommar', but with powdered wigs, giant chickens, and more gore than common sense. Genuinely funny and brutal, but also both predictable and surprising. Skip the trailer and watch it blind to find out why.
| ‘Primitive War’ (2025) followed. Basically the Vietnam War with dinosaurs. Russians, Americans, and velociraptors all trying to win the same jungle. Enjoyable and action-packed, but not especially memorable or thought-provoking. |  |
‘Witch Hunter’ (2024) absolutely commits to being terrible. Very low budget. It looks like it was filmed in someone’s backyard with a fog machine. Bad acting, bad script, clearly fake action scenes, and terrible CGI. Could be enjoyable for being bad, but I recommend skipping this one unless you like watching bad movies.
‘Stream’ (2024) brought things back with pure chaos. Four competing serial killers turn a hotel into a murderous online betting stream. Ridiculous, gory, and entertaining.
On the sci-fi side, I discovered ‘Coherence’ (2013), a low-budget multiverse thriller that proves you don’t need CGI when you have great writing. If you love sci-fi, you have to see it.
‘The Invisible Man’ (2020) is a masterpiece. Psychological abuse meets high-tech horror and flips the “invisible stalker” trope into something terrifyingly grounded. One of the best modern thrillers. A must-watch.
In the lead-up to Thanksgiving weekend, I also rewatched a few horror staples.
- ‘The Mist’ (2007): Still bleak, still brilliant. I love the grocery store setting.
- ‘The Descent’ (2006): Claustrophobic nightmare fuel. Whether you love or fear caves, I recommend you check it out.
- ‘Prometheus’ (2012): Scientifically dubious, but visually stunning. Fassbender’s android ‘David’ remains the most compelling character.
To balance all the blood, I have included photos of painted pumpkins I took while walking Bush Farm Trail in Steinbach, Manitoba, back in Autumn 2022. All photos were shot with an iPhone 13 Mini. Nature trails, bright leaves, smiley gourds. A reminder that fall is both eerie and delightful.
If you are hosting your own horror binge, definitely check out ‘The Invisible Man’, ‘Stream’, and ‘Get Away’. Just make sure to skip ‘Witch Hunter’… unless you enjoy suffering.
Stay Spooky!
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you’re all kicking off 2025 feeling refreshed and ready to discover new stories. Looking back on 2024, I can’t help but smile at the incredible books I got through this past year. It’s always tough to narrow things down, but here are a few standouts I couldn’t put down.
‘Machine Vendetta’ by Alastair Reynolds
This third installment in the Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series hit all the right notes. Once again, Reynolds brilliantly combines intricate mystery with a universe so vivid you can practically feel the vacuum of space. From advanced lemur-like beings to AIs vying for control, the story is both a thought-provoking investigation and a stunning exploration of what humanity might become.
This third installment in the Prefect Dreyfus Emergency series hit all the right notes. Once again, Reynolds brilliantly combines intricate mystery with a universe so vivid you can practically feel the vacuum of space. From advanced lemur-like beings to AIs vying for control, the story is both a thought-provoking investigation and a stunning exploration of what humanity might become.
‘Berserk’ Series (Deluxe Edition) by Kentaro Miura, Translated by Duane Johnson
While I read most of the series in previous years, I finished the series this year. The final Deluxe Edition volume was bittersweet. The abrupt ending, a result of Miura’s untimely passing, made the included guidebook feel extra special. It’s a fitting tribute to Miura’s extraordinary world—an epic adventure both beautiful and brutal, packed with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping art.
While I read most of the series in previous years, I finished the series this year. The final Deluxe Edition volume was bittersweet. The abrupt ending, a result of Miura’s untimely passing, made the included guidebook feel extra special. It’s a fitting tribute to Miura’s extraordinary world—an epic adventure both beautiful and brutal, packed with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping art.
‘Architects of Intelligence: The truth about AI from the people building it’ by Martin Ford
This collection of interviews with AI pioneers is a must-read if you’re curious about where technology is headed. Ford steers insightful conversations with leading minds, making dense concepts accessible. You’ll find yourself pondering everything from ethics to existential risks, all while gaining a richer understanding of the true potential (and pitfalls) of AI.
This collection of interviews with AI pioneers is a must-read if you’re curious about where technology is headed. Ford steers insightful conversations with leading minds, making dense concepts accessible. You’ll find yourself pondering everything from ethics to existential risks, all while gaining a richer understanding of the true potential (and pitfalls) of AI.
‘Schismatrix Plus’ by Bruce Sterling
Sterling’s vision of a posthuman future brims with creativity. The clash between the biologically enhanced Shapers and the cybernetically augmented Mechanists sets the stage for complex social dynamics and wild philosophical questions. Featuring “Lobsters” that push the boundaries of what it means to be human, this book still has me thinking about the essence of identity and evolution.
Sterling’s vision of a posthuman future brims with creativity. The clash between the biologically enhanced Shapers and the cybernetically augmented Mechanists sets the stage for complex social dynamics and wild philosophical questions. Featuring “Lobsters” that push the boundaries of what it means to be human, this book still has me thinking about the essence of identity and evolution.
These were just the highlights. Other favourites that made 2024 unforgettable include Ray Kurzweil’s ‘The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI’, Rob Guillory’s ‘Farmhand’ series, Neil Gaiman’s ‘Norse Mythology’, and the four-volume ‘Aâma’ series by Frederik Peeters. Each one left its mark on my reading year.
If you’d like to connect, feel free to send me a friend request on Goodreads. Let’s make 2025 a year of great reads and recommendations. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
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Over the past two months, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become an integral part of my daily life, transforming how I manage my health, stay connected, and engage with the world around me. With a pool conveniently located where I live, I was eager to track my swimming to gain a more comprehensive picture of my overall exercise routine. The release of the black titanium version caught my eye, and after carefully weighing the benefits, I decided it was time to make the leap.
From the moment I put it on, the watch became more than just a tool—it became a companion. The Fitness Rings motivate me daily, encouraging that extra bit of movement, standing, or exercise. Tracking activities like swimming, outdoor cycling, dance, walking, and yoga has provided new insights, while monitoring my heart rate and blood oxygen levels offers a deeper look at my overall health.
Sleep is crucial, even if it's not always easy to get a full eight hours. The Sleep Tracking feature offers valuable data on my rest patterns, helping me recognize when I need more or better-quality sleep. While I could use the Mindfulness app more often, the times I do engage in short breathing exercises and reflections, I notice increased focus, increased awareness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of mindfulness.
Connectivity is effortless within the Apple ecosystem. Managing both a personal and work phone used to be cumbersome, but now important personal notifications appear discreetly on my wrist. I can keep my personal phone in my bag and my work phone in my pocket. The large screen makes typing messages comfortable, and the voice-to-text feature is perfect when I'm on the move.
I'm now more excited to hike longer and explore deeper into areas without cell coverage. The Waypoints and Compass apps offer reliable navigation right on my wrist, with the ability to backtrack using directional prompts and view maps and distances. This adds both safety and excitement to my outdoor adventures.
A variety of other apps further enhance my everyday experiences:
- Weather and Calendar help keep me organized and prepared.
- Night Sky enriches my stargazing, helping me learn constellations and increasing my awareness of stars, planets, and the movement of the night sky—even when it's cloudy.
- ChatGPT is more of a gimmick at this point due to a poorly designed interface, but with improvements and access to advanced voice mode, it could become a standout feature.
- Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Music are easily accessible, and I can control playback on connected devices.
- Noise Levels alerts me to protect my hearing in loud environments, but those have mostly been when using hand dryers or blenders. Things one hopefully doesn’t do for long periods of time. Still a useful feature that should come in handy when using power tools, attending an event with loud music, or when in other unfamiliar noisy environments.
- Timer is incredibly useful when cooking, baking, keeping track of laundry cycles, or monitoring break times during work and meetings.
Choosing the Titanium Milanese Band was a decision I haven't regretted. Its versatility suits professional meetings, casual outings, and athletic activities. It's lightweight, breathable, durable, and comfortable—even when sleeping. For anyone exploring band options, it's worth trying on.
Battery life has met my expectations, lasting more than two full days and nights even with multiple exercise sessions and constant wear. This means less time worrying about charging and more time enjoying the watch's features.
Reflecting on my transition from a Fitbit—which sadly didn't last—I realize how much more the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple products, gamifies health, centralizes essential information, and keeps me engaged on my wellness journey.
In essence, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become more than a wearable gadget; it's a companion that enriches my connection to myself and my surroundings. It reduces reliance on my phone, promoting greater mindfulness and presence in everyday moments. If you're considering a smart watch, I encourage you to reflect on how it might enrich your life and fit holistically with your goals.
My Two Favourite Watch Faces
 Complications: Temperature (top left), Today's Date (top right), Timer (bottom left), and Fitness Rings (bottom right). |  Complications: Temperature (top left), Conditions (top), Today's Date (top right), Compass (middle), Fitness Rings (bottom left), Heart Rate (bottom), and Mindfulness (bottom right). |