In defense of slow reading
Plus scary books, standalone YA, and bookish socks perfect for gifting
Hey, readers!
I read quite a bit this week but I didn’t finish a single book. When I realized on Thursday that I likely wouldn’t finish any of the books I’m in the middle of in time to read and review them for today’s newsletter, I panicked a little. I opened up my Libro.fm app and sorted all of my audiobooks by length, shortest to longest (what a great feature!), and downloaded one of the shortest books I could find. But while I’m sure what I selected is an excellent book, it wasn’t what I wanted to be reading. I’m really enjoying the books I’m immersed in at the moment so I want to use my precious reading time for those. That short audiobook has remained unplayed, and I don’t have a finished book to review this week.
And I feel guilty about this! It is quite literally my job to read books in time to review them for you. But the speed at which I need to read can have negative effects on my reading life and sometimes I need a course correction. If I’m avoiding the long tomes I want to read or rushing through books that I want to savor, I know it’s time to slow down.
So today, I hope you’ll forgive me for not having a review ready and instead use this email as a reminder that it’s more than okay to take your time with a book. Sometimes slow reading just feels right.
This week in books.
Now I’m reading…
Babel by R.F. Kuang. The further I get into this incredible book the more I love it. If your interests include any of the following—language, Oxford, Victorian literature, assimilation, anti-colonialism, The Secret History, translation—pick this up immediately. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger. I was a fan of Holsinger’s novel The Gifted School for its snarky tone and punchy critique of elite school culture, so I’ve been keen to read this 2022 release. So far, this work of climate fiction is a departure in terms of genre, but I can tell he’s still very interested in the workings of class in this premise and, like The Gifted School, I don’t feel like this novel is taking itself too seriously. I’m enjoying it so far! Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi. This translated modern reimagining of Frankenstein is the FictionMatters Book Club selection for October. While it is a short-ish book, I’ve needed to slow myself down to take it in—it’s definitely a book to chew on, and I’m very much appreciating that reading experience. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
If you are an international reader or just prefer UK covers, you can also order books through my Blackwell’s affiliate page!
Links I love.
All about the new pair of Cormac McCarthy novels.
The best novels of the year according to Publisher’s Weekly.
The 50 scariest books of all time.
Do you or someone you love need Eric Carle themed socks? Probably. I’m loving this colorful collection for babies through adults from Bombas.
I like YA fantasy, but I cannot commit to those chunky series. Here’s a list of standalone YA fantasy if you feel similarly.
End notes.
Five things making me happy this week:
Lovevery books. The Montessori-inspired play kits have been incredible for Louise’s play, but these days their books have been the biggest hit. Each book features photographs of other kids and babies, which Louise can’t get enough of. And the crazy thing to watch is that she’s learning from them! Without direction from us, she’s learned things like where her tongue is or how to make a surprised face just from exposure to these books. It’s so wild and so fun!
Lug sole Mary Janes. I’m hopping on the chunky loafers trend, but I like that this Mary Jane style feels a little less business attire and a little more campus chic. And they’re on sale!
The Beaba water bottle. Lou easily picked up on how to use a straw, but she would get water into her mouth and then open it and let it all drip out… it’s no fun to have to change her clothes every time she attempts to drink. We tried the Beaba water bottle instead of the one we’d been using and it’s been a total game changer.
Rugsource on Ebay. Some of their rugs are very expensive, but there are a ton of lovely vintage rugs under $500. So while not super cheap, it’s a great way to add warm, one-of-a-kind pieces to our home without spending a ton and without needing to be too precious about them once they arrive. I will be disappointed, but not devastated when it inevitably gets messy.
Fall leaves! I’ve long complained about the fact that fall in Denver is only so-so, but this year I’m eating my words!
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Readers, I hope you’re enjoying your reading this weekend whether it’s fast or slow. 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!
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Happy reading!
Sara
I'm definitely embracing my slower reading pace this year, and I hope you do too! I have finally accepted I'm not one of those TikTokers who can read 5 books a day.
I also read Frankenstein in Baghdad last year for my book club, and I didn't love it? But it was definitely one to think about, but I still remember being disappointed because I had been so excited to read it. Curious on your thoughts when you finish it!
THANK YOU for acknowledging the importance of slow reading. I'm honestly tempted to spend all of 2023 reading books that are over 400 pages so that I'm forced to savor the books I'm reading and not rush through shorter books to meet a quota.