#book log

my 2025 reading log tapestry! Obsidian tells me there are 88 of these, 27 of which were audiobooks! I read a little less than last year (61 versus 69 books), but listened to audiobooks a lot this year while walking my dog and working 🤔

New year, new bookshelf 🐱📚

reading challenges • march 2026

26-in-26: Cosmoknights Vol 1 by Hannah Templer; Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui; Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V Reyes DNF

Owned (other): Emily Climbs by LM Montgomery; Apparently Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers; Bad Houses by John Elizabeth Stintzi

first read of may — a cup of sake beneath the cherry trees by yoshida kenkō

moonlight, sake, spring blossom, idle moments, a woman's hair. 'a cup of sake beneath the cherry trees' is a collection of fragments from the journal of a 13th-century monk, as he reflects on the pleasures of life and its passing moments. i think there's something in here for everyone to admire, with its reflective themes, philosophical undertones, and beautiful writing and imagery.

Capri Persson (F1) — The Ghost

🏎 SUMMARY: What if the best driver of recent years isn't actually him? What if the best driver is actually hiding something else? Would he still be the best? Or just a simple fraud? 📓 GENRE: secret identity / rivals to lovers / he felt first, she felt harder / soulmates / slow burn 📬 PARTS: book one (two parts) / CP9, book two (one part) 🏆 CAPRIPERSSON.MASTERLIST

FORMULA 1: DRIVE TO SURVIVE

SEASON 3, EPISODE 6 ❝ THE GHOST ❞

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"All the helmets on the track look the same, but there's one you can recognize instantly. One that moves faster than the rest. One that stands out. One that holds one of the brightest minds in motorsport. One, in particular, is completely different from the others. And when given the choice between making friends or building enemies, he didn't even hesitate. Capri Persson is probably one of the most disliked drivers among teammates and competitors, but that's the least of his concerns.

He started karting at four or five years old. The minimum age is six. By fifteen, he was racing in F3; by eighteen, in F2; and at twenty-one, he was behind the wheel of an AlphaTauri car. Persson did everything at the right time, making the most of every moment to reach his full potential. He could have raced in F3 at twelve, F2 at sixteen, and entered F1 a year older than Max Verstappen was when he debuted. And those are just the facts.

Capri Persson could have made history much earlier than expected. Christian Horner had him on his radar during Persson's final F2 season. Sauber did everything possible to sign him as a reserve driver this season. Even Mercedes took an interest when he was competing in F3, considering him for the junior program. But Persson refused.

'What do you mean by that?'

Toto Wolff, Team Principal, Mercedes-AMG Petronas:

"I asked his advisor in 2015 if we could have a conversation about Persson joining our junior program. F3 was one thing, but if Persson joined Mercedes' junior team, it would be a whole different story. And in some way, I think he knew that perfectly well. He always had something beyond 'potential.'

'What happened next?'

"I remember his advisor approached me at an event and, right in front of everyone, told me that Persson had declined. Capri Persson had said no to Mercedes."

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"Capri literally said, 'No, thanks' to Toto Wolff—who knew exactly what he was missing out on. Just like that. And just like that, he made a name for himself in motorsport. He simply declined when he felt it wasn't his time yet. And that is something crucial—probably the foundation of all his victories.

Persson knew when he was ready to move from F3 to F2 and from F2 to F1. He knew, and never took the risk without first being sure he could secure a seat year after year. Some rookies rush into it, letting excitement ruin golden opportunities. Capri Persson did the opposite. And this is only his first season.

'What about his teammate?'

"Pierre Gasly was hoping this season would prove to Red Bull that he deserved the seat they took from him last year. But then Capri Persson arrived—and took with him not just Pierre's hopes but those of many other drivers. It's terrifying because, being such a private person, you never know what his next move will be. You don't know how much longer he'll stay with the team. So when the silly season arrives, every driver is wondering: Where will Capri Persson go next season? Will Red Bull take him, or will they choose Gasly? Should we be worried about Persson's next move?

Pierre had a strong season compared to the last, but all of that was overshadowed by Persson's arrival on the grid. Christian knows Gasly is very talented, but there's something Capri has that he doesn't: the ability to handle any kind of pressure."

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

"I know that one day Capri Persson will be in Red Bull. Let's hope that day comes soon."

'If you had to choose between Gasly and Persson, who would it be?'

"(...) The one who proves that have what it takes to be part of the team. Even if that means going head-to-head with Max."

Pierre Gasly, Driver, AlphaTauri:

"I improved a lot this season. I know I'll return to Red Bull—that's my goal. As long as I stay competitive and keep that mindset, I know I have a chance, and the opportunity will come."

'What can you tell us about your teammate?'

"The real question is: what can you tell me? I know absolutely nothing about him. I met him during the AT01 test week, but it was just a fist bump, and that was it. We presented the car together at the launch event, but he never takes off his helmet. He answered a few questions using sign language. Have you even interviewed him?"

'He won't be participating in the series.'

"Of course. Should've figured. He doesn't participate in anything."

'How do you feel about that?'

"In what sense?"

'How do you feel about having Capri Persson as your teammate, given that Red Bull is now watching both of you?'

"I like to stay positive. I like to think that, despite Persson's arrival, Christian recognizes how much I've improved. Capri and I haven't spoken, but I'd like to believe he understands the situation I'm in. And I don't see him being interested in any team other than ours. But I can't speak for him. He's a ghost—literally."

Alexander Albon, Driver, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

"I heard they call him 'The Ghost.' No one knows if there's really someone inside that helmet and suit or just a spirit. They've also called him a machine, a robot, and many other things I can't remember. It's intriguing."

'Do you think Capri Persson could take your seat at Red Bull?'

"Well... I... Honestly? Yeah, I do. I know I should probably act confident about my place in the team and say that I deserve it. But I haven't performed well in Christian's eyes this season. I already know my seat isn't guaranteed for next year. And for this to be Persson's first season... I think I'm not the only one who feels intimidated. Even Sebastian could sense the rookie's presence."

Will Buxton, F1 Journalist:

"When Vettel, Hamilton, and Räikkönen saw him walk into preseason testing, we all thought the same thing. They were practically devouring him with their eyes—it was obvious. Years of dealing with the press after every race, with paparazzi everywhere, with the double-edged sword of being a celebrity in this sport... and then Persson arrives, untouched by any of it. We all knew that sooner or later, being a ghost would come with consequences. Otherwise, Capri Persson might have had one of the best rookie seasons in history.

Vettel was the only one who dared approach him after practice. I think he complimented one of his late-lap maneuvers. Sebastian recognizes a great driver when he sees one, so it wasn't surprising that he reached out. What surprised us was the way Persson responded. I mean, it's Sebastian Vettel—he probably deserved at least a handshake or a private conversation off-track. But that didn't happen.

Capri Persson didn't bow to anyone. But that didn't mean he didn't respect them.

They stood in silence for a few minutes. Persson looked at him through his visor and simply offered a fist bump to the four-time world champion. Sebastian hesitated but accepted, though not entirely convinced. Everyone saw it. And everyone stayed silent about it.

They don't call him 'The Ghost' for nothing. He is one—literally. It's like there's nothing inside the helmet, the suit, the gloves. No driver, no person, no emotions getting in the way. Just a ghost. A brilliant, hardworking, incredibly talented one. A complete mystery."

Christian Horner, Team Principal, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing:

'Do you think Capri Persson will go far?'

"I think Capri Persson will be great and will go very far. The real question is: how much?"

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