Books about books in every genre.
Plus the Aspen Words longlist, 100 must read 2020 releases, and a cozy holiday tradition.
Hey, readers!
Can you believe we’re already halfway through November? This week the Aspen Literary Prize longlist was announced (it’s so good!), I met with my now virtual—previously real life—book club, Chelsey and I went live on Instagram to announce our winter lineup, and I hosted the second monthly Biblio Brunch for my Patrons. In short, it was a week filled with bookish delights!
I also finally got out of my reading slump in the last few days of this week. I’m glad I let myself not read for a week or so. Rewatching Downton Abbey was a delightful escape and sometimes the best way to reinvigorate my reading life is to take a little break from it. I also finally decided to just pick up a book instead of trying to figure out the perfect next read. Once I stopped overthinking it, I easily found myself back in a reading groove.
This week in books.
This week I read…
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton. I offered this as a pairing in our And Then There Were None episode of Novel Pairings, but I hadn’t read it yet. Now that I have read it, I think it’s an even better pairing than I initially thought. In reading Evelyn Hardcastle, I have also fully accepted that high concept mysteries are not for me. This book is about Aiden Bishop, who is trapped at Blackheath Manor and is doomed to wake up in a different body of a different manor house guest until he solves the mystery of who kills Evelyn Hardcastle. I did like this book — the mystery is compelling, the atmosphere is intoxicating, and the construction is masterful. But I personally have a hard time really settling in and enjoying this type of mystery; I just want to know what happens and therefore don’t fully enjoy the ride. Amazon | Bookshop
The City We Became by N.K. Jemison. This new book from Hugo Award Winner N.K. Jemison is absolutely spectacular. In this world, there comes a time in the story of every metropolis where the city comes alive…whether or not it manages its awakening successfully determines that city’s future. It’s New York City’s moment and Jemison introduces readers to the five buroughs as five unforgettable characters. While they’re all tenacious and loyal, they’re facing a powerfully evil force who’s determined to destroy the great American city. I did think this book was a little long, but I often feel that way about fantasy novels. But overall this book is thrilling and provocative, and its setting in a familiar world makes it a great one for fantasy beginners. Amazon | Bookshop
The End We Start From by Megan Hunter. I really want to read Hunter’s new book, The Harpy, but I don’t have a copy yet so I picked up her first one instead. This book is very short — I read it in just a couple hours — and that was just what I needed to get out of a little reading slump. Hunter’s writing is mesmerizing and the way she describes the bonds of family set against an apocalyptic backdrop is wonderfully restrained. This book, however, isn’t for everyone. The trope of the unnamed characters started to bother me—and I normally don’t mind that at all—and you also have to be okay with not understanding everything that’s happening. I wouldn’t say I adored this book, but if you’re a sucker for good writing, it’s definitely worth picking up! Amazon | Bookshop
Now I’m reading…
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw. This book is so so good. Even if you don’t typically read short story collections, pick this one up! It’s fantastic. Amazon | Bookshop
I also read a few chapters from this work of literary criticism in preparation for a December episode of Novel Pairings!
And I picked up…
After recording a Novel Pairings episode with Traci Thomas of The Stacks Podcast, I ordered several of Traci’s recommendations including this book about whiteness in politics and one of her all-time favorites.
On Saturday I hosted a virtual Biblio Brunch for my patrons, which is a casual conversation where we share book recommendations. I want to read every book mentioned, but I started with ordering this middle grade novel and this biography.
Books about books.
Is there anything cozier for a reader than a book about books? I love bookish books in any form. From fiction about the power of storytelling to memoirs of the reading life to beautifully illustrated books for my coffee table, I can’t get enough. Here are 15 of my favorite books about books to cozy up with this winter.
Fiction
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. For an intricate fairytale that celebrates the life-altering power of books. Amazon | Bookshop
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. For armchair travel and a visit to a book barge. Amazon | Bookshop
Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloane. For a delightful puzzle, a quirky bookshop, and a page-turning mystery. Amazon | Bookshop
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew J. Sullivan. For a mystery set among a close-knit bookstore community (based on Denver’s Tattered Cover!) Amazon | Bookshop
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. For a gothic tale that includes a writer’s mysterious past and an eerie manor library. Amazon | Bookshop
Nonfiction
84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff. To glimpse how two bibliophiles form a lasting friendship and share the books they love. Amazon | Bookshop
Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf. To consider how technology has changed our reading brains and how to focus on books. Amazon | Bookshop
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. For a beautiful story of the power of education. Amazon | Bookshop
Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spencer. For literary love (and hate and break-up) letters to books from a librarian. Amazon | Bookshop
The Possessed by Elif Batuman. For a hilarious, rollicking adventure with Russian Literature grad students. Amazon | Bookshop
Gift Books
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount. For the prettiest book illustrations you’ll ever see. Amazon | Bookshop
The Penguin Classics Book by Henry Eliot. For the publishing history of some of the world’s most important classics, complete with lots of pictures. Amazon | Bookshop
By the Book: Writers on Literature and the Literary Life from The New York Times Book Review. For authors’ thoughts on favorite books and the writing life. Amazon | Bookshop
Novel Destinations: A Travel Guide to Literary Landmarks by Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon. To plan the perfect post-pandemic literary voyage. Amazon | Bookshop
Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores by Bob Eckstein. For an illustrated guide to some of the best independent bookstores around the globe. Amazon | Bookshop
Bookish reading.
The Aspen Words longlist was announced this week! I can assure you that each of these 15 books is utterly exceptional.
I think this list of 100 must-read books of 2020 is absolutely fantastic.
As the weather cools, here are 9 books with ice cold settings to add to your TBR.
Looking for a new tradition that’s perfect for a holiday in quarantine? You need to know about Jólabókaflóð.
I was supposed to travel to the UK this past March, but for the foreseeable future, these 20 books set in London will have to do.
Ta-Nehisi Coates’ novel The Water Dancer is making its way to the screen!
End notes.
Watching: What We Do in the Shadows (available on Hulu). I loved the movie and the show is just as funny. Season 2 is quite a bit stronger than the first season, but I LOL’d through the whole thing.
Listening: I loved From the Front Porch’s episode about giftable books.
Making: We’ve been a Blue Apron household for years. It’s always good, but recently I’ve been loving the focus on seasonal recipes and, in particular, how many recent boxes have included spaghetti squash. This week, I really enjoyed this recipe, although we did have to add extra cheese. I don’t partner with Blue Apron (I wish! Blue Apron, if you’re listening…), but you can use my link for a little discount if you’ve ever wanted to try it out.
Loving: Morning reading. Recently I’ve started reading for 20-30 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning. It feels so indulgent but also boosts my mood and helps me prioritize reading throughout the rest of the day.
Readers, I hope that you’re enjoying some cozy reads as the days get shorter. For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. Michelle and I love hearing from you!
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Happy reading!
Sara
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