Unsettling and atmospheric reads for Halloween
Plus chilling new releases and cozy fall romance novels
Hey, readers!
I’m still reading slowly but I did manage to finish two books this week! In other bookish news, we’re one week out from our move and it finally hit me that I don’t have any bookshelves for our new house. Once we added the built-ins in our current place, we sold and gave away our smattering of shelving units, which means: 1) we need to start fresh, 2) I should donate a lot of tomes before we move, and 3) I’ll probably be living with book stacks for awhile.
I asked on Instagram for advice on how to organize my books in the new house and for recommendations for shelves. The most popular response for bookcases by far was Ikea’s Billy, although there were a few plugs for the Hemnes and the Ivar system. Someone also recommended the Target Carson series, which look like great dupes for these pricey beauties from Pottery Barn. Of course I’ll keep you posted about what I choose and how I end up organizing my massive collection, but for now the focus is getting them all into boxes, which is daunting enough.
This week in books.
This week I read…
Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi. This dark comic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel was confusing, mesmerizing, provocative, and ultimately, I think, brilliant. While I initially struggled to get into this novel on audio, once I added in the print book and began reading and listening in tandem, I finally felt immersed in Saadawi’s story. It’s not an easy book to read—it’s somewhat circular in the way it moves through time and it alternates points of view in a way I was unaccustomed to. It’s also both brutal and funny in a manner that unsettled me. But I also found myself deeply appreciating the way this book depicts the occupied city of Baghdad, and the devastation and the humanity amidst the chaos of war. If you do read this book, I highly recommend picking it up with a group. My understanding of the story and themes benefited from stitching together my reading experience with that of other FictionMatters Book Club members. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Prior to picking this up on audio, the only Neil Gaiman book I’d read was American Gods. Though I loved that one, I’d heard it was drastically different than his other work so wasn’t in much of a rush to continue working through his back catalog. I’m so glad some admired readers changed my mind because I adored The Graveyard Book. This starts as an episodic tale of a boy named Nobody Owens—Bod for short—who is raised by the ghosts and ghouls in a cemetery after tragedy strikes his mortal family. Each chapter made me fall more in love with Bod and his found family, but as the central story begins taking more shape, things really picked up and I didn’t want to put this down. I’m blown away my Gaiman’s imagination and his insight into the human spirit, and am now excited to explore more of his work. Amazon | Bookshop | On Sale for $5 on Libro.fm!
Now I’m reading…
Babel by R.F. Kuang. Oh, how I’m loving this book. I’m glad I’m reading it slowly to really savor all the inventive work Kuang is doing with place and magic and language—but I also can’t wait to see where she takes this story! Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
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Links I love.
The New Yorker’s list of best books of the year is epic. It includes four novels from my fall reading guide, a few other books I love, a handful of titles I want to read before the year is over, and a lot of new-to-me books I can’t wait to get to now.
Check out the best reviewed books of October and 15 great books coming in November to plan your next month of reading.
13 chilling new releases to pick up this season.
8 cozy romance novels if spooky reads just aren’t your fall reading vibe.
I’m not a royal watcher, but after seeing the cover and title reveal of Prince Harry’s memoir, I could not hit buy fast enough. I preordered my copy through Libro.fm so I can listen to Harry tell his story in his voice.
If you’ve ever been curious about sci fi master Philip K. Dick, this primer is a great overview and gives advice on where to start with his work.
Please don’t come to me for beauty recs, but I will tell you that the Sephora Sale is happening now in case you need a reminder to stock up on your favorite products.
End notes.
Five things making me happy this week:
The return of *some* independent play. After a few very clingy weeks, Louise is starting to be content playing by herself for short stretches of time. It makes such a huge difference in our days when she’ll happily entertain herself for ten minutes here and there.
Sold a Story. This podcast about the Reading Wars is fascinating and heartbreaking. I think it’s a must-listen for parents and educators, but with its in-depth investigative journalism and true-crime pacing, I think any podcast listener would be riveted.
Louise’s Halloween costume. She’s a train conductor this year because I really wanted to get her these adorable overalls that she’ll use for her costume, but wear beyond that too.
A new haircut. It felt great to get out of the house and do something for me, and I’m loving my new shorter do.
Visits from my dad. My dad lives in Los Alamos, but he’s been spending time in Denver the last week or so and we’ve gotten to see him almost every day. It’s really wonderful to see his and Louise’s relationship blossom. She’s gotten so comfortable with him and I think they’re going to be great buds.
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Happy Halloween, readers! 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