Happy almost Friday! Since I’ve been off of Instagram this month, and there are a lot of new folks here, I thought it’d be fun to open up this week’s thread to all subscribers and see what y’all are reading.
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I’ll go first: I’m making my way through The Winners (the final Beartown installment) – all 670 pages of it – and I’m HOOKED. It feels good to be back and with the characters I’ve come to love so much. (Paid subscribers – keep your eyes on your inbox later next week because I’ll be sharing my thoughts on it with y’all first.)
On audio I’m reading Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng which comes out October 4. It’s definitely a departure from her previous novels, so stay tuned for my review in the October Release Roundup which will hit inboxes on Tuesday, October 4.
Tell me! What are you reading or what have you recently loved?
Good morning! I loved THE SWEET REMNANTS OF SUMMER - an Isabel Dalhousie novel by Alexander McCall Smith. It was the first time in quite a while that I was able to focus on reading a physical book after my big scare in May (I thought it was my last day on earth after I fell down). I read the book on my weekend trip and finished the book! Now I am reading a wonderful historical fiction novel THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman. During the summer I could only manage to read a few pages from my apple eBook for six minutes.
I've been working my way through Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse. One of my more recent five star reads that I've been recommending to everyone is the Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb.
I just finished Mercury Pictures Presents. It was definitely a diversion from my previous reads, which was cool and I liked it. It kept me interested. Next on my list is the second in the Beartown series! Plan to dive into it tonight if my children cooperate and go to bed. :)
I want to read Delilah Green and now I definitely will knowing you liked it. And I'm planning to read Thursday Murder Club next month – let me know what you think!
I'm reading the Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell and am LOVING it! I've been waiting for a book to hook me right away- and this is it. Historical fiction, but by no means boring. I'm also listening to How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz- a very funny book about a Dominican woman in NYC going to her unemployment meetings. The audio really adds to the story to hear the main character's tone and spunk.
That's on my list! I actually haven't read any Maggie O'Farrell but have her memoir and two of her other fiction books on my shelf, so I'm glad to hear you're loving it. And I started How Not to Drown but put it aside to review Our Missing Hearts. I'm excited to get back to it because the audio performance seemed really well done.
I definitely want to get to the Beartown series this fall and you keep reminding me why! 😂 I haven’t been reading a ton lately (36 weeks pregnant and moving next week, yikes) but I did fly through Carrie Soto and it was fine! Nothing groundbreaking but it was a great quick read. Looking to find a good thriller for this time of year too! I feel like in the fall I either want quick thrillers or huge family sagas to sink into. #moodreaderprobs 🤣
I still can't believe you haven't ready any of Beartown! I feel like our taste has a lot of overlap but hopefully I haven't set you up for disappointment. Also, I had no idea you're pregnant – congrats! I haven't read many thrillers recently but am in the mood for one too – I might try You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa. Have you read that one?
I’m rereading a longtime favorite, The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. I have so many books I want to read that a reread is rare for me. But I’m seeking the comfort of a beloved book much as I seek the comfort of movies or tv shows I’ve watched multiple times. It is fitting the bill!
So many books! I keep getting distracted and wanting to start new ones! Almost done with THE GLASS KINGDOM which is reading like a literary Sopranos of sorts (or Sex in the City but instead of sex it’s crime and secrets) and just starting A LINE IN THE SAND, a romance where the lead character plays a mermaid! 🧜♀️🧜♀️
I'm reading way too many books at one time. My current reads are The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland, a couple of political non-fiction books and an assortment of just plain fun reads. I really enjoyed Friedland's previous book, but I'm having a hard time sticking with her current one. It's not that I don't like it, it just isn't holding my attention. I reading before going to bed at night and I've been so tired lately because of my work schedule, that I tend to fall asleep before I can get into it.
I'm reading As Good As Dead (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Book #3) by Holly Jackson and listening to Lethal White by Robert Galbraith. Just finished listening to Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin, and... WOW. It was crazy good!
I am reading Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez for book club and have about 100 pages to go. I think it's going to make a fascinating discussion. A lot of the content is hard but the way Gonzalez writes is so engaging and her characters are so interesting that it is a fairly fast read.
I just started Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer, which is a priority read for me in 2022. I had tried to start it before but I'm glad it didn't take then. My own knowledge base has expanded in the past couple years and I think I'll get a lot more out of it now.
I just read Luster Raven Leilani after seeing Emma Straub recommend it on her IG. I’m still processing my feelings about it. I found it disturbing and unsettling, but I continue to think about its messages about class, race and age. I didn’t necessarily enjoy it, but I’m glad I read it. The best book I’ve read lately was The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka. It's a completely original, heart wrenching tale, beautifully written.
I felt the exact same way when I read that one – it's one that I've liked more since thinking about it, but also still not sure I fully know how to describe it. The Swimmers has been popping up all over the place so I'm tempted to add it to my list.
Thank you!
I a. Reading the Guest list and Small Pleasures
The Guest List was a great atmospheric thriller! Hope you enjoy.
Good morning! I loved THE SWEET REMNANTS OF SUMMER - an Isabel Dalhousie novel by Alexander McCall Smith. It was the first time in quite a while that I was able to focus on reading a physical book after my big scare in May (I thought it was my last day on earth after I fell down). I read the book on my weekend trip and finished the book! Now I am reading a wonderful historical fiction novel THE CODEBREAKER'S SECRET by Sara Ackerman. During the summer I could only manage to read a few pages from my apple eBook for six minutes.
Glad you're okay and able to relax with some good books!
I've been working my way through Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse. One of my more recent five star reads that I've been recommending to everyone is the Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb.
I JUST read The Violin Conspiracy and absolutely loved it!
I highly recommend The Swimmers. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I'll add it to my list!
I just finished Mercury Pictures Presents. It was definitely a diversion from my previous reads, which was cool and I liked it. It kept me interested. Next on my list is the second in the Beartown series! Plan to dive into it tonight if my children cooperate and go to bed. :)
Ooooh I'm so intrigued by Mercury Pictures! And I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Us Against You.
I just finished Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and loved it! Up next is The Thursday Murder Club!
I want to read Delilah Green and now I definitely will knowing you liked it. And I'm planning to read Thursday Murder Club next month – let me know what you think!
Reading the newest Ruth Galloway book-the locked room. Not heavy but I’ve always liked these books.
Next is the oleander sword by Tasha Suri which is the second book in her queer fantasy series after the jasmine throne.
Those both sound great for this time of year!
I’m reading The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland and I am about 50% and love it so far. High school reunion and 90s references - yes please.
This is one on my wish list! Glad to hear you're liking it so far.
I'm reading the Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell and am LOVING it! I've been waiting for a book to hook me right away- and this is it. Historical fiction, but by no means boring. I'm also listening to How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz- a very funny book about a Dominican woman in NYC going to her unemployment meetings. The audio really adds to the story to hear the main character's tone and spunk.
That's on my list! I actually haven't read any Maggie O'Farrell but have her memoir and two of her other fiction books on my shelf, so I'm glad to hear you're loving it. And I started How Not to Drown but put it aside to review Our Missing Hearts. I'm excited to get back to it because the audio performance seemed really well done.
I did like her last book Hamlet, but this one is even better.
I definitely want to get to the Beartown series this fall and you keep reminding me why! 😂 I haven’t been reading a ton lately (36 weeks pregnant and moving next week, yikes) but I did fly through Carrie Soto and it was fine! Nothing groundbreaking but it was a great quick read. Looking to find a good thriller for this time of year too! I feel like in the fall I either want quick thrillers or huge family sagas to sink into. #moodreaderprobs 🤣
I still can't believe you haven't ready any of Beartown! I feel like our taste has a lot of overlap but hopefully I haven't set you up for disappointment. Also, I had no idea you're pregnant – congrats! I haven't read many thrillers recently but am in the mood for one too – I might try You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa. Have you read that one?
Thank you! 💞 I haven’t heard of it actually, looking it up right now!
I’m rereading a longtime favorite, The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans. I have so many books I want to read that a reread is rare for me. But I’m seeking the comfort of a beloved book much as I seek the comfort of movies or tv shows I’ve watched multiple times. It is fitting the bill!
So many books! I keep getting distracted and wanting to start new ones! Almost done with THE GLASS KINGDOM which is reading like a literary Sopranos of sorts (or Sex in the City but instead of sex it’s crime and secrets) and just starting A LINE IN THE SAND, a romance where the lead character plays a mermaid! 🧜♀️🧜♀️
I'm reading way too many books at one time. My current reads are The Most Likely Club by Elyssa Friedland, a couple of political non-fiction books and an assortment of just plain fun reads. I really enjoyed Friedland's previous book, but I'm having a hard time sticking with her current one. It's not that I don't like it, it just isn't holding my attention. I reading before going to bed at night and I've been so tired lately because of my work schedule, that I tend to fall asleep before I can get into it.
I am reading I’m sorry you feel that way by Rebecca wait. It is amazing. Like sorrow and bliss by Meg Mason
I just finished reading Thank you For Listening by Julia Whelan and it was really great. It’s not a five star for me but def 4.5.
I'm reading As Good As Dead (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Book #3) by Holly Jackson and listening to Lethal White by Robert Galbraith. Just finished listening to Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin, and... WOW. It was crazy good!
I am reading Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez for book club and have about 100 pages to go. I think it's going to make a fascinating discussion. A lot of the content is hard but the way Gonzalez writes is so engaging and her characters are so interesting that it is a fairly fast read.
I just started Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer, which is a priority read for me in 2022. I had tried to start it before but I'm glad it didn't take then. My own knowledge base has expanded in the past couple years and I think I'll get a lot more out of it now.
Reading The Guncle and recently loved I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Nyquist
I just read Luster Raven Leilani after seeing Emma Straub recommend it on her IG. I’m still processing my feelings about it. I found it disturbing and unsettling, but I continue to think about its messages about class, race and age. I didn’t necessarily enjoy it, but I’m glad I read it. The best book I’ve read lately was The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka. It's a completely original, heart wrenching tale, beautifully written.
I felt the exact same way when I read that one – it's one that I've liked more since thinking about it, but also still not sure I fully know how to describe it. The Swimmers has been popping up all over the place so I'm tempted to add it to my list.