Happy Friday! As I started to write this I thought for a second it was officially mid-June and I was going to ask you for a mid-month reading check in, but it’s PAST that😅…truly this month is flying by. Please feel free to share how your June reading is coming along. My reading continues to be awesome, I’ll update you a bit in my answers and more in Sunday’s post. I’m also starting to think about my top 5 books of the year so far. This is a fun challenge - to ask myself (without looking at my books read list) which books have stayed with me since January 1. We’ll have a favorite books of the year so far Thread (possibly next week) so we can all share our mid year favorites - and blow up our tbr’s even more- so get your list ready! One of my questions today ties into a Listed newsletter I’m working on - the best book sources, i.e. where to find books to read. I would love to know some of yours!
Question Time…..The questions I ask in weekly threads are meant to be fun and help us connect, so please know you don’t have to answer each question, if you only have the time/desire to answer one, great!
What did you read this week and/or are reading this weekend?
Where do you find books to read? - I.e. What are your favorite book sources - the nooks and crannies of the bookish internet where you look for books, favorite websites, favorite bookstagrammers, book podcasts, etc
Happy Saturday! Yesterday was insanely busy, one of those days that I barely sat down at all until 10:30 at night! I kept thinking about this thread throughout the day, excited to find out what everyone was reading and then when I sat down at 10:30 I was so tired I decided to wait until this morning to read everyone's comments while I'm having my coffee- so good morning all☕️☕️
I'll update my reading in detail in Sunday's newsletter, but I've been READING and it's been wonderful. I finished JAMES BY PERCIVAL EVERETT - I loved it, the audio was fantastic and is the format I would suggest if you're still planning on reading James. Stay tuned for my top 5 of the year so far to see whether James or Erasure will make the list- one of them definitely will. I think Percival Everett is a brilliant writer and I'll be reading more of his backlist- if you have suggestions on what I should pick up next let me know.
As far as what I'm reading this weekend, I'm doing something unusual (for me), I've started several books in different formats and I'm kind of enjoying the variety. I started THE SHELL SEEKERS on audio, the narration is great and I like the story so far, I'm just getting to know the mother and sisters - and for this read, I will switch to print and then alternate because it's long and I think I'll be able to keep track of names better if I can visually see them as I get acclimated to the story. In print - yes print😱I'm FINALLY reading my first Agatha Christie, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. I bought a small mass market paperback of it at the bookstore this week, and it's been a delight holding such a small book again. I'm very early in and I can tell I'm going to need to take notes on all these people so I can remember who's who and what their main details are. I like it so far. Then, on my Kindle I read a couple pages of SANDWICH by Catherine Newman. It's too soon to tell what I think (but those first pages have me interested) but I also preordered this one from Athena Books so I'll for sure be reading it- if I spend money on a book I'm almost guaranteed to read it:)
As far as my book sources, those will be in the larger LISTED newsletter I'm working on. I'm planning on sharing/linking my own personal sources - where I find books I want to read- but also places I find in my research and that others have told me, it's time consuming (for this reason it might be behind a paywall) but I hope to get it out this week!
Happy Friday! I'm currently reading The Lion Women of Tehran in print and The Sicilian Inheritance on audio -- really enjoying both. I love Lit Hub and The Millions for more literary recs, and then my favorite trusted sources are bookstagram friends and podcasts. The more I hear a book rec'd by people whose taste I know and aligns with mine, the more likely I am to pick it up!
The Lion Women of Tehran is my most anticipated July release, I loved The Stationary Shop and I'm so excited for her new one, glad to hear you're enjoying it. I also love the gigantic lists from Lithub and The Millions- I think lists, esp book lists are my love language😆
I just finished Lion Women and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Lol lists of all kinds are also my love language. I enjoy making lists of all sorts of things! Sometimes even if I never end up using them 😆
Yay for Friday!!! I am currently reading a physical copy of The Butterfly Girl by Rene Denfeld and I’m listening to Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum. I read the Child Finder recently and was ready to jump back into Naomi’s world of missing children. And Bad Summer People is a great listen so far, if you enjoy a good summer, rich people scandal.
Sometimes, I feel like I need to have less places to look for book recommendations because my TBR keeps growing, along with the stack of books I need to read. I follow several people on bookstagram, podcasts, YouTube channels, and get amazing recommendations from people like all of you ☺️
I'm glad you liked The Child Finder enough to jump back in with Naomi! I do have the audio of Bad Summer people and I love summer rich people scandals:)
I have finished three great books this week on vacation! The Enchanted by Rene Denfield and Family Reservations by Liza Palmer were two I went into with basically no expectations and they were both over 4⭐️ for me! I finished Margo as well and like most everyone else, I adored it. 5⭐️
I get almost all of my book recs from podcasts and groups like this! I feel like I “know” the readers and their reviews give me a much better idea of what I’ll like or won’t. It’s done amazing things for my reading! ❤️
I'm with you on the curated feel book groups where you can find people whose recs you trust and possibly align with and those can become trusted sources. I'm glad you liked The Enchanted! I thought it was haunting, such a tough read and one I think about when I think about who should and shouldn't be "allowed" access to books
Which one? I read The Child Finder last month which Renee first brought to my attention! I thought The Enchanted was even better but man it’s a tough read.
The Butterfly Girl which is the second book that follow Naomi after The Child Finder, which I really enjoyed. I started it yesterday so I’m probably less than 100 pages in, but I’m already invested. I will definitely check out The Enchanted.
HAPPY WEEKEND READING! I've just started Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller as a possible title for our upcoming show about Norway. It's a literary/character-driven thriller, and the main character is an 80-year-old American man. It's a neat way to sort of upend the Scandinavian feel-good books about whimsical old people. Sheldon is not at all whimsical and the story is not quirky. But it is beautifully written and so far, suspenseful.
I can't wait for your Norway episode! And I've wondered about that book so if it doesn't make the show let me know what you think. I listened to your India episode yesterday- you truly sell me on just about every book you talk about!! I've never heard of The Week magazine, thank you for sharing that rec
I stopped reading Norwegian by Night last night. It's very well written and the main character — and 82-year-old man is a fantastic character... prickly, intelligent, unreliable as a narrator in an interesting way — but it's not the right story/tone for me right now. It was just making me feel heavy, and I was having trouble picking it up.
YAY! I'm glad you like our book talk. I read six books to find the three I wanted for the show. India was tough for me, but I love the books I talked about. Dishoom, in particular, was such a fun surprise.
The Week is a cool publication. I miss the days when we got it in print. Perfect for reading in one sitting.
Just started Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid because loved Daisy Jones and the Six.
I get recs from podcast Book Talk,etc, Currently Reading and others. I go to Goodreads to check out the star reviews on the books I am interested in and if the 4 and 5 stars total at least 80% I know it is worth my time to read them.
I just finished James by Percival Everett read by Dominic Hoffman (a favorite narrator of mine). All the stars! A masterpiece! I’m buddy-reading Lonesome Dove and listening to Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Talk about a strong sense of time and place with these stories taking place just decades apart in the 1800s. I can picture Tommy Lee Jones & Robert Duvall from the tv series as Call & Gus quibble & growl back and forth in Lonesome Dove. McCarthy is a wordsmith in his brutal and descriptive prose in Blood Meridian. The most feral and heinous storyline I have ever read. Not for the faint of heart this one 🫣
I get my book news from podcasts, friends, instagram, etc.
McCarthy is in a class all his own imho. I read/listened to All the Pretty Horses recently and man, it sticks with you. [And The Road by McCarthy is in my top 10 favorite of all-time).
Mine too, Lauren! I’ll never, ever forget the experience of reading The Road. It’s the only one of his I’ve read, though, and I definitely need to try more.
See, this is why we're book twins! Reading The Road is one of my most memorable reading experiences ever. I don't think I've ever cried so much at an ending...
I've only read Pretty Horses. I really liked it (his sentence level writing is just 🤯) but it's soooo different than The Road. I should probably try some others of his, too.
I forgot that I put a hold on Middle of the Night by Riley Sager a long time ago at my library so I was pleasantly surprised when I got the message that my book was ready for pickup, so this is what I am reading. I am also listening to The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden, the third book in the Housemaid series.
I wish I had more time to sit with it and read. I love to read print books versus audio but I just don’t always have the time. I am really enjoying it though.
I requested it on NetGalley back in February but I got ignored. It is a little creepy with the supernatural elements (maybe with a big?), but I like it so far. I like the cover too. I hope you get it soon. I pre-ordered a signed copy of his last one but I haven’t read it yet. I plan to but I am a mood reader so I end up reading something else. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi all! These comments are so fun to see! I’m currently reading Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra and it’s actually taking me awhile because it freaks me out and I can only read in short amounts haha. I think I might start one star romance by Laura Hankin for something lighter!!
I hear about most books through podcasts and now through Substack! I’m liking this platform for recs more than instagram!
I’m reading Funny Story by Emily Henry, which so far I like, but don’t love as much as her previous books. Some of the dialogue just doesn’t make sense to me and I find myself re-reading a lot of it. Am I getting too old for millennial characters/authors? I get most of my book recommendations from Liberty Hardy’s Book Riot podcast or Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read Next.
I am reading The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook. I love a good Rom-Com with substance and this fits the bill. I loved Mary Jane by the way. 5 stars for me.
Some of my favorite recommendation are of course podcasts like Book Talk Ect. and Sarah’s Bookshelves Live. Annie Jones at The Bookshelf in Thomasville is always a good source for me as well.
I am reading Greta and Valdin and absolutely loving it! Had to stifle my laughter while reading on a plane two days ago.
I look for books anywhere and everywhere, but I particularly love the Washington Post’s Book Club newsletter and @whatmaddieread on Insta! Oh and all of Ann Patchett’s recs on the Parnassus Instagram!
I love a book that makes me laugh- I don't read many of them though. I may try Greta and VAldin. I also enjoy What Maddie Read, she's here on Substack too!
One way I find out about what books are currently popular across the pond is by skimming popular magazines from that region. On my iPad I have Libby which offers an immense selection of magazines. One fun one is HEAT. The first 2/3 is mainly celebrity and royal gossip so I can check the TOC to see where the entertainment section begins for all sorts of recs. I often screenshot a page with titles that interest me.
Current listens in A Lovely Lie and also The Fiction Writer.
wow I have never thought to look at magazines on Libby, that's an awesome idea, thanks for sharing. And I'm always trying to find out about books releasing in the UK but have only used Blackwell's so I'm happy to hear there's other sources
1. I just finished Chain-Gang All-Stars which was propulsive and heavy and funny and so good. Currently reading In Ascension and I can see why it was nominated for the Booker prize. It’s tense but the writing is incredible.
2. I really love All the Books Podcast with Liberty Hardy- love her enthusiasm for all things reading. I also love their weekly rundown of books released that day. I heavily rely on Fiction Matters on Instagram and her Patreon community is the best! I also tag fave publishers on NetGalley and check their newly added titles.
Currently reading We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer and, at just over halfway, I am completely hooked! I also just finished (on my way home from work today) The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center; not may favorite of hers but very good.
I hear about books via folks on IG, the Book Talk, Etc. podcast, and Renee!
Happy Solstice everyone! I’m about to finish The Wind in the Willows - I’m loving how it’s all coming back to me (we officially named the house I grew up in Toad Hall and my late mum loved this book).
I am open to finding my books everywhere - each week I go through the new releases and emails from publishers but the most direct recommendations that I actually pursue come from Reading Glasses and Talking Scared podcast! X
I've never heard of Talking Scared, love the name, that might be a fun one for me to listen to as Fall rolls around. I love to read creepy or scary books In the fall
It’s by an Academic so the conversations are very deep and studious - although it is about horror there’s a surprising amount of conversations about character, depth, love, belonging etc!
My June reading actually has been slower than norm with graduations, bdays, Father’s Day. I’m looking forward to a calmer second half of June and more reading as quite a few of the books some of you mentioned as loving are on my TBR.
This week, I read Splinters by Leslie Jamison. I am still processing; I think it was a 3.75 star for me.
I also read The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. I really enjoyed it. It was a great summer read for me with historical fiction + and a little fantasy. And after listening to Bardugo on a couple of podcasts discussing the history around the Inquisition and people being forced to live in exile or convert and the Ladino language phrases she referenced in the story, I am appreciating it even more. I think this was a 4ish star book for me.
Next up is The Ensemble by Aja Gabel which I’ve heard Annie Jones of The Front Porch podcast praise a few times. I get my book recs from indie bookstores I follow, some UK bookstores I also follow, I love all things Book Riot, Fiction Matters and a bunch of a podcasts.
Hi all! I just finished The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey, I really like the characters in the book , I feel as if Brandy is now my close friend :)
I just started Same As It ever was by Claire Lombardo, her writing style is so unique, her descriptive writing pulls me in and I’m pretty sure I will be spending my weekend reading it as much as I can! I have a few resources for book recs are Book Talk, Etc, Renee’s substack, and lately I have been looking at recs on goodreads….. happy reading!!!
I just finished Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie and I loved how swept up I became in rooting for the (relationship-skittish, emotionally complicated) narrator to figure out how to build a relationship with the 12-year-old girl who unexpectedly tracked her down after learning she came from the narrator’s egg. Delightfully, the city of Philadelphia is practically a character in the story too. There is also a little bit of a slow burn sapphic romance between the narrator and the girl’s aunt. I really enjoyed McKenzie’s writing style.
My first post on Substack was about my favorite book review podcasts that I was listening to at that time. I have found even more book review podcasts that I greatly enjoy since then. I really enjoy listening to readers talk about the books they love.
I’m currently reading Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett because I listened to this podcast where Neil was telling about the time Terry and him wrote this book and how they had both so much fun collaborating
1. I'm trying to pick the book I will take to the beach tomorrow - I know I should pick something like Beach Read or Magnolia Parks but I am more in the mood for something thicker than that. Thinking either The Bee Sting or The Nix by Nathan Hill.
2. I look everywhere there is to look so that I always have something to read or write about :)
Right now I'm in the middle of the Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear, the final installment of the Maisie Dobbs series. I've really enjoyed this series, which in my mind is a combo of historical fiction and mystery with the main character being a woman who progressed from poverty to being a successful career woman during the first half of the 20th century. I'm also reading I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This by Clare Mackintosh, which is a book about grief and how to navigate loss. I have read and enjoyed her mystery/thrillers, but I am liking this one even more. I could see it being a book you buy for a loved one after a loss.
Current reads are Margot and an interesting book that popped up in my library called Strong Passions: a scandalous divorce in old Ny by Barbara Weisberg. It is historical fiction based on true life events. Just finished Listen For The Lie by Amy Tinteran. I have an -going list for the year of 5 ⭐️ reads for the year so i am ready. Book sources are here with Renee, Fiction Matters free subscription, Book Talk Etttc. Podcast, my library book recommendation email list and Audible. Sometimes Amazon and Likewise newsletter.
I finished Margot yesterday. I thought it was brilliantly written. The author pulled in a lot of social issues surrounding single moms and pregnancy. It was not politics or moral judgments shove down your throat. It just incorporated those issues into the story without being preachy. It was another 20 something year old story and I am losing interest in those real quick. Strong passions is fabulous and it is nonfiction. I thought it was historical fiction based on real accounts but it is nonfiction and it is a biography. It is so good. It is eight hours and 55 minutes and I’m five hours into the book. It is basically the court case between Mary and Peter Waverley that took place back in the 1800s. The author I believe is as sociology major lol. Social worker? Sociologist? Anyway it’s interesting. I thought my divorce was bad lol.
I'm reading a book that has been on my shelf that I'm pretty sure I picked up at a Friend's if the Library $5:00 a bag sale calledA Summer All Her Own by Rosanne Keller (takes place in Crete) and listening to One Summer In Savannah by Tsrah Shelton Harris. I belong to Book Of The Month and get my audiobooks from Libby and Hoopla. I am influenced by favorite podcasters and also Libby and Hoopla suggestions. I also have many many books that have been on my shelves. Some for years that I need to get through! I have also ordered books from Thrift Books and Better World Books. I miss going to bookstores as my mobility the last few years has been an issue. Going to check over and figure out five favorites so far this year!
This week I read "The Wives" by Simone Gorrindo, and it was well-written memoir, and a good look at the lives of military wives, which I knew very little about.
I find books on podcasts and blogs, Goodreads, Bookreporter.com. My tastes line up well with Susie from Sarah's Bookshelves Live. I also like Annie Jones' books and her co-worker, Erin who is with her for the monthly new releases' episodes.
I just started Colton Gentry’s Third Act. I haven’t done so well with romance/drama recently so I hope I can stick with this one.
I find books from podcasts (BookTalkEtc, Sarah’s Bookshelf, Literally Reading, Currently Reading and Well-Read) along with the BookReporter.com and BookGirlsGuide.com newsletters. (Yes, my TBR is totally out of control!)
I'm currently reading A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson. I get recs everywhere - but a lot of them right now are on Bookstagram because that's where I hang out the most.
I just finished Middle of the night and I'm currently reading The mercy chair :) I find them browsing through Goodreads and by reading all your recommendations!
I just finished Riley Sager’s new book (Middle of The Night) and really enjoyed it! I’m just starting What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline. I’m about 12% in and really loving it. It’s starts out with a jaw dropping scene! I typically get my book recs from podcasts and bookstagram.
I read Forgotten on Sunday by Valerie Perrin (also read her 2 previous books) and she has become my new all-time favorite female author. Her prose is exquisite and she evokes deep emotions in me. Last night I finished Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown and it brought me to tears. There is a beautiful ending to this WWII H/F that is about an incident encountered by the author's grandmother. I have started to read Familiaris by David Wrobleski. It's a prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (which I recently re-read). Familiaris sucked me in right away but it's over 800 pages and I only read it when I'm on the treadmill so it's slow going. As for where I find books to read, the only place I don't look for them is Goodreads. I would say that a big percent come from vetted podcasters and in rabbit holes that I've been led to by a book.
I just purchased Forgotten on Sunday and Familiaris, and I am excited to read both of these. I like to read a longer book in the summer, and Familiaris should work for that!
Oh great! Forgotten on Sunday I read quickly because I couldn't put it down. I bought the book of Familiaris because I wanted to add it to my shelf with Edgar Sawtelle but I also got it on Kindle so that I can enlarge the print and read it on the treadmill (which has the added benefit of getting me on the treadmill more often). Have you read Perrin's previous work? Let me know what you think of this one.
Yes! I have read Fresh Water for Flowers and loved it and also Three which I liked. Good idea to put Familiaris on your Kindle. My hardback copy is quite hefty.
I really really need to read Valerie Perrin asap. I intended to red Forgotten on Sunday this month so I still have time:) Of the 3 books of hers you've read, is one in particular a favorite? I would love to know what you think of Familiaris when you finish!
Addie Larue is a favorite of mine, when you said you were reading I was hoping you'd love it! It's one I'd like to re-read again someday. I saw her speak last fall and she was asked if there would be a sequel and she said never say never but not at this time:(
Happy Saturday! Yesterday was insanely busy, one of those days that I barely sat down at all until 10:30 at night! I kept thinking about this thread throughout the day, excited to find out what everyone was reading and then when I sat down at 10:30 I was so tired I decided to wait until this morning to read everyone's comments while I'm having my coffee- so good morning all☕️☕️
I'll update my reading in detail in Sunday's newsletter, but I've been READING and it's been wonderful. I finished JAMES BY PERCIVAL EVERETT - I loved it, the audio was fantastic and is the format I would suggest if you're still planning on reading James. Stay tuned for my top 5 of the year so far to see whether James or Erasure will make the list- one of them definitely will. I think Percival Everett is a brilliant writer and I'll be reading more of his backlist- if you have suggestions on what I should pick up next let me know.
As far as what I'm reading this weekend, I'm doing something unusual (for me), I've started several books in different formats and I'm kind of enjoying the variety. I started THE SHELL SEEKERS on audio, the narration is great and I like the story so far, I'm just getting to know the mother and sisters - and for this read, I will switch to print and then alternate because it's long and I think I'll be able to keep track of names better if I can visually see them as I get acclimated to the story. In print - yes print😱I'm FINALLY reading my first Agatha Christie, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. I bought a small mass market paperback of it at the bookstore this week, and it's been a delight holding such a small book again. I'm very early in and I can tell I'm going to need to take notes on all these people so I can remember who's who and what their main details are. I like it so far. Then, on my Kindle I read a couple pages of SANDWICH by Catherine Newman. It's too soon to tell what I think (but those first pages have me interested) but I also preordered this one from Athena Books so I'll for sure be reading it- if I spend money on a book I'm almost guaranteed to read it:)
As far as my book sources, those will be in the larger LISTED newsletter I'm working on. I'm planning on sharing/linking my own personal sources - where I find books I want to read- but also places I find in my research and that others have told me, it's time consuming (for this reason it might be behind a paywall) but I hope to get it out this week!
Happy Friday! I'm currently reading The Lion Women of Tehran in print and The Sicilian Inheritance on audio -- really enjoying both. I love Lit Hub and The Millions for more literary recs, and then my favorite trusted sources are bookstagram friends and podcasts. The more I hear a book rec'd by people whose taste I know and aligns with mine, the more likely I am to pick it up!
The Lion Women of Tehran is my most anticipated July release, I loved The Stationary Shop and I'm so excited for her new one, glad to hear you're enjoying it. I also love the gigantic lists from Lithub and The Millions- I think lists, esp book lists are my love language😆
I just finished Lion Women and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Lol lists of all kinds are also my love language. I enjoy making lists of all sorts of things! Sometimes even if I never end up using them 😆
I thought The Sicilian Inheritance was great - a wonderfully atmospheric read!
Yes, and I especially enjoyed it on audio!
I read Margo's Got Money Troubles and absolutely loved it! It's my first of Rufi Thorpe so I'm excited to try more of hers.
I absolutely loved Margot!!
I am halfway through that book right now.
I keep hearing about that book!
Same! It's everywhere right now and I haven't seen a bad review
I have yet to see a bad review of Margot!
Yay for Friday!!! I am currently reading a physical copy of The Butterfly Girl by Rene Denfeld and I’m listening to Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum. I read the Child Finder recently and was ready to jump back into Naomi’s world of missing children. And Bad Summer People is a great listen so far, if you enjoy a good summer, rich people scandal.
Sometimes, I feel like I need to have less places to look for book recommendations because my TBR keeps growing, along with the stack of books I need to read. I follow several people on bookstagram, podcasts, YouTube channels, and get amazing recommendations from people like all of you ☺️
I really enjoyed Bad Summer People on audio, as well - so glad it’s working for you!
I feel the same way. Resources for good book recs is not my problem; it’s soooo many books, too little time!!
Bad Summer People is such a great read for this time of year. I really enjoyed that one!
I'm glad you liked The Child Finder enough to jump back in with Naomi! I do have the audio of Bad Summer people and I love summer rich people scandals:)
I have finished three great books this week on vacation! The Enchanted by Rene Denfield and Family Reservations by Liza Palmer were two I went into with basically no expectations and they were both over 4⭐️ for me! I finished Margo as well and like most everyone else, I adored it. 5⭐️
I get almost all of my book recs from podcasts and groups like this! I feel like I “know” the readers and their reviews give me a much better idea of what I’ll like or won’t. It’s done amazing things for my reading! ❤️
I haven't read Rene Denfeld before, but I have Sleeping Giants on my TBR. I have Margo on audio checked out from Libby. It's coming up for me soon!
I loved Margo so much! And please let me know how Sleeping Giants is. I’ve been very impressed with Denfield- she has a very distinct writing style.
I'm with you on the curated feel book groups where you can find people whose recs you trust and possibly align with and those can become trusted sources. I'm glad you liked The Enchanted! I thought it was haunting, such a tough read and one I think about when I think about who should and shouldn't be "allowed" access to books
That is such an excellent point about the books and didn’t pick up on it!
And yes- so haunting. 💔
I am currently reading a Rene Denfeld now. I will have to add The Enchanted to my list.
Which one? I read The Child Finder last month which Renee first brought to my attention! I thought The Enchanted was even better but man it’s a tough read.
The Butterfly Girl which is the second book that follow Naomi after The Child Finder, which I really enjoyed. I started it yesterday so I’m probably less than 100 pages in, but I’m already invested. I will definitely check out The Enchanted.
Just saw your actual comment. I’ll definitely read The Butterfly Girl at some point.
HAPPY WEEKEND READING! I've just started Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller as a possible title for our upcoming show about Norway. It's a literary/character-driven thriller, and the main character is an 80-year-old American man. It's a neat way to sort of upend the Scandinavian feel-good books about whimsical old people. Sheldon is not at all whimsical and the story is not quirky. But it is beautifully written and so far, suspenseful.
I look for books EVERYWHERE, but a lesser-known source that often has good recommendations is The Week magazine. https://theweek.com/culture-life/books
I can't wait for your Norway episode! And I've wondered about that book so if it doesn't make the show let me know what you think. I listened to your India episode yesterday- you truly sell me on just about every book you talk about!! I've never heard of The Week magazine, thank you for sharing that rec
I stopped reading Norwegian by Night last night. It's very well written and the main character — and 82-year-old man is a fantastic character... prickly, intelligent, unreliable as a narrator in an interesting way — but it's not the right story/tone for me right now. It was just making me feel heavy, and I was having trouble picking it up.
YAY! I'm glad you like our book talk. I read six books to find the three I wanted for the show. India was tough for me, but I love the books I talked about. Dishoom, in particular, was such a fun surprise.
The Week is a cool publication. I miss the days when we got it in print. Perfect for reading in one sitting.
Just started Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid because loved Daisy Jones and the Six.
I get recs from podcast Book Talk,etc, Currently Reading and others. I go to Goodreads to check out the star reviews on the books I am interested in and if the 4 and 5 stars total at least 80% I know it is worth my time to read them.
I loved Carrie Soto!
I LOVED Carrie Soto, but I’m also a big tennis fan… hope you love it too
Have you watched the Daisy Jones tv show? Its so good! X
I have not. Maybe I should sign up for Amazon prime trial to check it out
Oh my gosh it’s so worth it! Both Riley and Sam are swoonworthy! The costuming is great and the music is actually super catchy! X
I just finished James by Percival Everett read by Dominic Hoffman (a favorite narrator of mine). All the stars! A masterpiece! I’m buddy-reading Lonesome Dove and listening to Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Talk about a strong sense of time and place with these stories taking place just decades apart in the 1800s. I can picture Tommy Lee Jones & Robert Duvall from the tv series as Call & Gus quibble & growl back and forth in Lonesome Dove. McCarthy is a wordsmith in his brutal and descriptive prose in Blood Meridian. The most feral and heinous storyline I have ever read. Not for the faint of heart this one 🫣
I get my book news from podcasts, friends, instagram, etc.
I finished James on audio this week too! Amazing narration by Hoffman. Perciaval Everett's writing is just so good
McCarthy is in a class all his own imho. I read/listened to All the Pretty Horses recently and man, it sticks with you. [And The Road by McCarthy is in my top 10 favorite of all-time).
Mine too, Lauren! I’ll never, ever forget the experience of reading The Road. It’s the only one of his I’ve read, though, and I definitely need to try more.
See, this is why we're book twins! Reading The Road is one of my most memorable reading experiences ever. I don't think I've ever cried so much at an ending...
I've only read Pretty Horses. I really liked it (his sentence level writing is just 🤯) but it's soooo different than The Road. I should probably try some others of his, too.
You saying you cried so much at the end is making me want to read The Road now haha. Hearing a book made someone cry is my biggest book catnip
We really are book twins! I always love finding one 🤗. I wonder which McCarthy would be best to pick up next? I’ll do some research.
Let me know what you find & report back!
The Road is on my "popular books I still need to read" tbr!
I forgot that I put a hold on Middle of the Night by Riley Sager a long time ago at my library so I was pleasantly surprised when I got the message that my book was ready for pickup, so this is what I am reading. I am also listening to The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden, the third book in the Housemaid series.
I really enjoyed the nostalgia in Middle of the Night, he captured that time period so well
He certainly did
I just finished Middle of the Night and really enjoyed it. I read it in only a couple sittings!
I wish I had more time to sit with it and read. I love to read print books versus audio but I just don’t always have the time. I am really enjoying it though.
Looking forward to my pre-order arriving of the new Riley Sager next month, if for nothing else I love the cover!
I requested it on NetGalley back in February but I got ignored. It is a little creepy with the supernatural elements (maybe with a big?), but I like it so far. I like the cover too. I hope you get it soon. I pre-ordered a signed copy of his last one but I haven’t read it yet. I plan to but I am a mood reader so I end up reading something else. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi all! These comments are so fun to see! I’m currently reading Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra and it’s actually taking me awhile because it freaks me out and I can only read in short amounts haha. I think I might start one star romance by Laura Hankin for something lighter!!
I hear about most books through podcasts and now through Substack! I’m liking this platform for recs more than instagram!
I'm with you on liking Substack for book recs more than IG, It seems that the same books are circulating on IG
I loved Nightwatching! I read it on vacation earlier this year but you are right very creepy. I thought it was very original!
You’re brave reading nightwatching - I can’t go there! X
Oof yeah it’s tough. I’ve wanted to throw the book in the freezer multiple times 😂
I’m sure its great I spend a lot of nights home alone and my house backs onto woods so yeah not for me!!
I’m reading Funny Story by Emily Henry, which so far I like, but don’t love as much as her previous books. Some of the dialogue just doesn’t make sense to me and I find myself re-reading a lot of it. Am I getting too old for millennial characters/authors? I get most of my book recommendations from Liberty Hardy’s Book Riot podcast or Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read Next.
I felt the same way about Funny Story - you are not alone!! 😉
I am reading The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook. I love a good Rom-Com with substance and this fits the bill. I loved Mary Jane by the way. 5 stars for me.
Some of my favorite recommendation are of course podcasts like Book Talk Ect. and Sarah’s Bookshelves Live. Annie Jones at The Bookshelf in Thomasville is always a good source for me as well.
I am reading Greta and Valdin and absolutely loving it! Had to stifle my laughter while reading on a plane two days ago.
I look for books anywhere and everywhere, but I particularly love the Washington Post’s Book Club newsletter and @whatmaddieread on Insta! Oh and all of Ann Patchett’s recs on the Parnassus Instagram!
I love a book that makes me laugh- I don't read many of them though. I may try Greta and VAldin. I also enjoy What Maddie Read, she's here on Substack too!
I read All The Pretty Horses years ago and loved it. I will put The Road on my TBR list!
One way I find out about what books are currently popular across the pond is by skimming popular magazines from that region. On my iPad I have Libby which offers an immense selection of magazines. One fun one is HEAT. The first 2/3 is mainly celebrity and royal gossip so I can check the TOC to see where the entertainment section begins for all sorts of recs. I often screenshot a page with titles that interest me.
Current listens in A Lovely Lie and also The Fiction Writer.
wow I have never thought to look at magazines on Libby, that's an awesome idea, thanks for sharing. And I'm always trying to find out about books releasing in the UK but have only used Blackwell's so I'm happy to hear there's other sources
What a great idea!
1. I just finished Chain-Gang All-Stars which was propulsive and heavy and funny and so good. Currently reading In Ascension and I can see why it was nominated for the Booker prize. It’s tense but the writing is incredible.
2. I really love All the Books Podcast with Liberty Hardy- love her enthusiasm for all things reading. I also love their weekly rundown of books released that day. I heavily rely on Fiction Matters on Instagram and her Patreon community is the best! I also tag fave publishers on NetGalley and check their newly added titles.
I listened to Chain Gang on audio and thought it was amazing!! 🙌
Currently reading We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer and, at just over halfway, I am completely hooked! I also just finished (on my way home from work today) The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center; not may favorite of hers but very good.
I hear about books via folks on IG, the Book Talk, Etc. podcast, and Renee!
I'll keep my eye out for your thoughts on We Used to Live Here, I may save that for Oct but I'm very interested in it
Happy Solstice everyone! I’m about to finish The Wind in the Willows - I’m loving how it’s all coming back to me (we officially named the house I grew up in Toad Hall and my late mum loved this book).
I am open to finding my books everywhere - each week I go through the new releases and emails from publishers but the most direct recommendations that I actually pursue come from Reading Glasses and Talking Scared podcast! X
Oh and Crime Reads!
LOve Crimereads!
I've never heard of Talking Scared, love the name, that might be a fun one for me to listen to as Fall rolls around. I love to read creepy or scary books In the fall
It’s by an Academic so the conversations are very deep and studious - although it is about horror there’s a surprising amount of conversations about character, depth, love, belonging etc!
Happy weekend!
My June reading actually has been slower than norm with graduations, bdays, Father’s Day. I’m looking forward to a calmer second half of June and more reading as quite a few of the books some of you mentioned as loving are on my TBR.
This week, I read Splinters by Leslie Jamison. I am still processing; I think it was a 3.75 star for me.
I also read The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. I really enjoyed it. It was a great summer read for me with historical fiction + and a little fantasy. And after listening to Bardugo on a couple of podcasts discussing the history around the Inquisition and people being forced to live in exile or convert and the Ladino language phrases she referenced in the story, I am appreciating it even more. I think this was a 4ish star book for me.
Next up is The Ensemble by Aja Gabel which I’ve heard Annie Jones of The Front Porch podcast praise a few times. I get my book recs from indie bookstores I follow, some UK bookstores I also follow, I love all things Book Riot, Fiction Matters and a bunch of a podcasts.
Hi all! I just finished The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey, I really like the characters in the book , I feel as if Brandy is now my close friend :)
I just started Same As It ever was by Claire Lombardo, her writing style is so unique, her descriptive writing pulls me in and I’m pretty sure I will be spending my weekend reading it as much as I can! I have a few resources for book recs are Book Talk, Etc, Renee’s substack, and lately I have been looking at recs on goodreads….. happy reading!!!
I just finished Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie and I loved how swept up I became in rooting for the (relationship-skittish, emotionally complicated) narrator to figure out how to build a relationship with the 12-year-old girl who unexpectedly tracked her down after learning she came from the narrator’s egg. Delightfully, the city of Philadelphia is practically a character in the story too. There is also a little bit of a slow burn sapphic romance between the narrator and the girl’s aunt. I really enjoyed McKenzie’s writing style.
My first post on Substack was about my favorite book review podcasts that I was listening to at that time. I have found even more book review podcasts that I greatly enjoy since then. I really enjoy listening to readers talk about the books they love.
https://bookishlydelightful.substack.com/p/best-book-review-podcasts
I’m currently reading Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett because I listened to this podcast where Neil was telling about the time Terry and him wrote this book and how they had both so much fun collaborating
Hi! I finished To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods and started How to End a Love Story.
How to End a Love Story is definitely on my list - hope it works well for you!
I’m enjoying it so far!
1. I'm trying to pick the book I will take to the beach tomorrow - I know I should pick something like Beach Read or Magnolia Parks but I am more in the mood for something thicker than that. Thinking either The Bee Sting or The Nix by Nathan Hill.
2. I look everywhere there is to look so that I always have something to read or write about :)
Happy Beach Reading!
I loooooved both of these!
Oh, my gosh…it’s a chunkster, but I absolutely loved The Nix! 🙌
Right now I'm in the middle of the Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear, the final installment of the Maisie Dobbs series. I've really enjoyed this series, which in my mind is a combo of historical fiction and mystery with the main character being a woman who progressed from poverty to being a successful career woman during the first half of the 20th century. I'm also reading I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This by Clare Mackintosh, which is a book about grief and how to navigate loss. I have read and enjoyed her mystery/thrillers, but I am liking this one even more. I could see it being a book you buy for a loved one after a loss.
Renee how was Sandwitch? I have an Audible credit burning a hole in my pocket.
I've only read a few pages, I've been so busy which Is hiring my reading time, I don't have the audio of that one
Current reads are Margot and an interesting book that popped up in my library called Strong Passions: a scandalous divorce in old Ny by Barbara Weisberg. It is historical fiction based on true life events. Just finished Listen For The Lie by Amy Tinteran. I have an -going list for the year of 5 ⭐️ reads for the year so i am ready. Book sources are here with Renee, Fiction Matters free subscription, Book Talk Etttc. Podcast, my library book recommendation email list and Audible. Sometimes Amazon and Likewise newsletter.
Keep me updated on Strong Passions, that sounds interesting - are you liking Margot?
I finished Margot yesterday. I thought it was brilliantly written. The author pulled in a lot of social issues surrounding single moms and pregnancy. It was not politics or moral judgments shove down your throat. It just incorporated those issues into the story without being preachy. It was another 20 something year old story and I am losing interest in those real quick. Strong passions is fabulous and it is nonfiction. I thought it was historical fiction based on real accounts but it is nonfiction and it is a biography. It is so good. It is eight hours and 55 minutes and I’m five hours into the book. It is basically the court case between Mary and Peter Waverley that took place back in the 1800s. The author I believe is as sociology major lol. Social worker? Sociologist? Anyway it’s interesting. I thought my divorce was bad lol.
I'm reading a book that has been on my shelf that I'm pretty sure I picked up at a Friend's if the Library $5:00 a bag sale calledA Summer All Her Own by Rosanne Keller (takes place in Crete) and listening to One Summer In Savannah by Tsrah Shelton Harris. I belong to Book Of The Month and get my audiobooks from Libby and Hoopla. I am influenced by favorite podcasters and also Libby and Hoopla suggestions. I also have many many books that have been on my shelves. Some for years that I need to get through! I have also ordered books from Thrift Books and Better World Books. I miss going to bookstores as my mobility the last few years has been an issue. Going to check over and figure out five favorites so far this year!
I love the title, A Summer all her own and I don't think I've read any books set in Crete- are you enjoying it?
This week I read "The Wives" by Simone Gorrindo, and it was well-written memoir, and a good look at the lives of military wives, which I knew very little about.
I find books on podcasts and blogs, Goodreads, Bookreporter.com. My tastes line up well with Susie from Sarah's Bookshelves Live. I also like Annie Jones' books and her co-worker, Erin who is with her for the monthly new releases' episodes.
I forgot about Bookreporter.com! That's a great site. I also align with Susie on a lot of books
I just started Colton Gentry’s Third Act. I haven’t done so well with romance/drama recently so I hope I can stick with this one.
I find books from podcasts (BookTalkEtc, Sarah’s Bookshelf, Literally Reading, Currently Reading and Well-Read) along with the BookReporter.com and BookGirlsGuide.com newsletters. (Yes, my TBR is totally out of control!)
My tbr is too but I love it that way, I need an unlimited supply of book choices😅
I find my books through you and the fabulous content you put out!!!!
❤️❤️❤️
I'm currently reading A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson. I get recs everywhere - but a lot of them right now are on Bookstagram because that's where I hang out the most.
I just finished Middle of the night and I'm currently reading The mercy chair :) I find them browsing through Goodreads and by reading all your recommendations!
CAn't wait to hear what you think of Middle of the Night- Is The Mercy Chair a mystery?
Yes, it's part of the Washington Poe & Tilly series, one of my faves!
I just finished Riley Sager’s new book (Middle of The Night) and really enjoyed it! I’m just starting What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline. I’m about 12% in and really loving it. It’s starts out with a jaw dropping scene! I typically get my book recs from podcasts and bookstagram.
I read that Lisa Scottoline and know what scene you're talking about- it's so good! Such a great opening to really pull readers in
I read Forgotten on Sunday by Valerie Perrin (also read her 2 previous books) and she has become my new all-time favorite female author. Her prose is exquisite and she evokes deep emotions in me. Last night I finished Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown and it brought me to tears. There is a beautiful ending to this WWII H/F that is about an incident encountered by the author's grandmother. I have started to read Familiaris by David Wrobleski. It's a prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (which I recently re-read). Familiaris sucked me in right away but it's over 800 pages and I only read it when I'm on the treadmill so it's slow going. As for where I find books to read, the only place I don't look for them is Goodreads. I would say that a big percent come from vetted podcasters and in rabbit holes that I've been led to by a book.
I just purchased Forgotten on Sunday and Familiaris, and I am excited to read both of these. I like to read a longer book in the summer, and Familiaris should work for that!
Oh great! Forgotten on Sunday I read quickly because I couldn't put it down. I bought the book of Familiaris because I wanted to add it to my shelf with Edgar Sawtelle but I also got it on Kindle so that I can enlarge the print and read it on the treadmill (which has the added benefit of getting me on the treadmill more often). Have you read Perrin's previous work? Let me know what you think of this one.
Yes! I have read Fresh Water for Flowers and loved it and also Three which I liked. Good idea to put Familiaris on your Kindle. My hardback copy is quite hefty.
I really really need to read Valerie Perrin asap. I intended to red Forgotten on Sunday this month so I still have time:) Of the 3 books of hers you've read, is one in particular a favorite? I would love to know what you think of Familiaris when you finish!
I loved all 3 of her translated books. This has to be my favorite though I loved them all. Will do on Familiaris.
Addie Larue is a favorite of mine, when you said you were reading I was hoping you'd love it! It's one I'd like to re-read again someday. I saw her speak last fall and she was asked if there would be a sequel and she said never say never but not at this time:(