A slow burn, a cult memoir, and the best book quiz on the internet
A slow burn, a cult memoir, and the best book quiz on the internet
Plus Time's 100 must-read books and the 2025 Aspen Words longlist
Hey, readers!
I am so excited because this week I am heading to New York to attend the National Book Awards! It’s going to be three days packed with tons of bookish activities and I’m going to get to meet some of my best book buds in person for the first time.
Participating in bookish internet culture from Denver is fairly isolating. While the city is full of readers, it’s not a literary city in terms of events—we don’t even get many authors coming through on book tours. I am someone who likes keeping my head down and doing my work, but I have to admit to feeling a bit siloed in my position in the literary world. So I am completely thrilled to get a chance to hang out with other book people and participate in an event like this. I can’t wait!
This will also be the longest time I’ve left Louise and my first time getting on a plane and flying somewhere without her. I’m already feeling heartbroken so please send me all your positive vibes!
This week in books.
This week I read…
The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden. I don’t have much to say about this Booker finalist because it’s been fairly buzzy for awhile now and because my critiques would constitute spoilers. The book is told from the perspective of Isabel, a woman living in a country house in Holland in 1961. She loves her home and is committed to order, so she is irritated bordering on irate when her older brother requests that his new girlfriend eva spend a couple weeks at the family home while he is away for work. The relationship between Isabel and Eva is the book and that relationship undergoes significant shifts throughout. While there are quite a few mysterious elements to uncover, the book ultimately didn’t surprise me and I think it is a book that is improved with—if not dependent on—the reader’s surprise. I still thought this was very well done and a perfect example of engaging, page-turning literary fiction. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries or historical fiction but is looking for something more contemplative and literary. This is sure to be a quick win for many readers. Bookshop | Libro.fm
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz. I believe I watched one season of One Tree Hill, but I was never a real fan so I initially had no interest in reading actress and OTH star Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir. I saw enough positive reviews—including from some trusted sources and non-OTH watchers—that I decided to give this a go on audio, and I’m glad I did. While Lenz gives readers a little bit about her life as an actress and behind-the-scenes of her hit show, the book is really about her experience being a member of a Christian cult. I’m always interested in cult dynamics and this was a very different cult story than I’ve read or watched before. This group was very small and it began as a Bible study that was eventually infiltrated, taken over, and corrupted by a manipulative leader. It was pretty wild to hear about the gradual shift in the group dynamics and how the community gained more and more control of Lenz’s life and finances. While I’m not sure how much this book will stick with me, it’s well done and engaging (especially on audio) so I definitely recommend it if you’re interested in cults and high control groups. Bookshop | Libro.fm
Now I’m reading…
I’m finishing up Ghostroots and My Friends before the NBA ceremony this week.
New on my TBR…
A friend was describing this nonfiction genre-bending tome to me and I’m kind of intrigued.
Links I love.
It’s the best time of the literary year. The n+1 Bookmatch quiz is live! With any donation amount, you get to take the world’s nerdiest, wittiest, most fun quiz that results in a slew of fantastic book recommendations. I love this quiz so much I have sometimes paid multiple times to take it multiple times. And that feels good because n+1 is a literary magazine doing incredible work for the book world and beyond. All of this is to say…GO TAKE IT NOW!!
The 2025 Aspen Words Longlist is live, and these books look fantastic.
Meet the 2024 National Book Award finalists. (Lit Hub)
Calling 100 books “must-reads” is objectively obnoxious, but this is still a good list. (Time)
Samantha Harvey’s Orbital won the Booker! I loved this book and am thrilled for her. (Vulture)
10 books about intersex identity. (Electric Lit)
Why libraries need librarians. (Vox)
Two of my favorite underrated books of the year are included in this roundup. (Lit Hub)
I’m obsessed with this gift guide.
End Notes.
Louise’s new movie obsession is Sing and I am finding her love for the characters and way she talks about it completely delightful.
It’s sweater season! I finally pulled all of mine out of storage and it makes me so happy to see them stacked in my closet.
I’ve been loving the Espresso Maple tea from Trader Joe’s. I’m not sure if its seasonal so I plan to stock up just in case.
I had the best conversation about Intermezzo with the FictionMatters Book Club. I’m so grateful for the way this community talks about books.
I’m so glad The Runthrough podcast is back! This is such a fun listen if you’re a figure skating fan.
Did you find your next great book or discover a new way to think about reading in today’s newsletter? Upgrade to paid to get even more recommendations and thoughtful explorations of the literary life.
For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. I love hearing from you!
This email may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, please forward it to a book-loving friend. That’s a great way to spread bookish cheer and support the newsletter!
Happy reading!
Sara
Just did the quiz and found several titles I'm excited for - thanks for this, it was so fun!
the n+1 quiz was delightful in all the ways. so much fun!