What was your favorite book you read this summer? We’ll go first. Donna’s been reading ‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu and says ‘This 1980s edition has a forward by James Clavell that I found misogynistic. Otherwise, what took me so long to read this classic?’ For me, it’s ‘My Volcano’ by John Elizabeth Stintzi, a weird and wonderful novel.
Thanks, Courtney! Oh man, 'Godel, Escher, Bach' has been on my shelf for a million years and I've never read it. It's been there so long the cover has almost fallen off. I keep meaning to read it but I was worried it's dense and long and I'd struggle to get through it. But if it's mind blowing, perhaps I should finally tackle it!
Thanks, Jane! I’ve heard good things about both. I read Groff’s ‘Fates and Furies’ a few years ago and enjoyed it. I have been meaning to return to her work.
Thanks, Daniel! I haven't read any books by Hawkins, so I'll have to check them out. And I haven't read a thriller in forever, but I've got one on my pile that I hope to get to shortly. I need to read more lighter fare. I tend toward heavy books and sometimes they wear me out. Good to switch things up every so often.
Thanks, Allison! I've heard a lot of good and weird things about that book. I think it's being adapted into a movie or a show? I should add it to my list.
Yes! It’s being adapted into a movie — can’t remember the director but it’ll have Amy Adams in the lead. I would love to know what you think of the book!
I read a lot of Classics: Dracula, East of Eden, Mansfield Park. Ok, well 3, but they were a lot of pages. My favorite book was Trust, by Hernan Diaz and I think it is a book that you and I would intersect at. I read pretty middle of the road and you read more outside my comfort zone. But Trust is kind of unique and I think you might like it. Happy End of Summer!!
Thanks, Kate! Looks like you had a good summer of reading. Trust is high on my list. I read Diaz's last novel, 'In the Distance,' and loved it, so I've been eagerly anticipating his new book. I've heard a lot of good things and am excited to pick it up. Maybe in paperback? I've also been meaning to return to the classics. I like the idea of reviewing 'Dracula.' Did you enjoy it?
I LOVED Dracula. I had never read it before and found a copy on my kids’ shelf. It was for book club, but I ripped through it. It would be a great review for October…….
The other part I meant to add is Dracula has made me realize that I can read horror. I cannot watch it on TV or in a movie, but reading it is okay. Looking forward to your review 😊😱🫣
It’s a toss up between UNMASK ALICE by Rick Emerson (the wild story behind the woman who wrote those “anonymous” diaries like GO ASK ALICE) and NO MUD, NO LOTUS by Thich Nhat Hanh (a lovely zen take on suffering, at the behest of my therapist). They’re so good and so different and filled me up completely.
Thanks, Ashley! I'm glad these books helped you. I just Googled Unmask Alice and found a New Yorker article about it and, wow, it does sound wild! Also, I've been meaning to read Thich Nhat Hanh, so I appreciate the reminder.
I read a ton of non-fiction this summer, and my favorite of all of them was Coffeeland, by Augustine Sedgewick. It traces the history of coffee production in El Salvador and the way trade developed with Europe and the US. It's very far-reaching and he goes on a lot of tangents, but he always brings it back to the main story, which I find very enriching. I can't recommend it enough.
Thanks, Valorie! I agree with Donna, this is a book we should read. As big coffee drinkers (Donna brought back a big coffee bean sack from one of her trips) it’s important to know this history.
I've been catching up on my Becky Chambers. A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy have made me feel seen like no story has in a very long time; and The Galaxy and the Ground Within adds a lot of depth to the Wayfarers setting without leaving the cozy hopeful vibe I come to her work for.
Thanks, Alex! I haven't read Becky Chambers yet, but I just found a Wired article about her and I am really interested in her books. I have been frustrated and, frankly, bored by recent sci-fi/fantasy books and their fixation on violence. Chambers work looks like what I've been looking/hoping for and I'm excited to read her. Thanks for the rec!
Thanks, Kira! I loved Pachinko and recently found a copy of Free Food For Millionaires in a second-hand book shop. I'm considering nominating it for our 200th review, which subscribers will get to select. I'm exited to return to her work. You also remind me that I need to return to Daphne du Maurier. Ever since I read Rebecca, which instantly became one of my all-time faves, I've been meaning to read another of her books. I'll check out The King's General.
This is my summer of "tomorrow" books. I absolutely adored Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Both are simultaneously literary and accessible. They're gorgeously written and pack and emotional wallop.
Thanks, Elizabeth! I've been hearing good things about both Tomorrow books! I've been meaning to read Emma Straub for a while. Plus, I'm excited for the new branch of Books Are Magic to open!
I've been lucky to have two summers this year, so I've been reading A LOT. Summer in India is during April and May, and then I moved to Amsterdam at the start of August so I got a bonus summer month hehe. I've already waxed poetic about my fav book of the summer — Anxious People by Fredrick Bachman — so I'll pick another book I thoroughly enjoyed: Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Both books are wildly different in genres and messages but they were super immersive and I found myself rooting for the characters quite early on.
Thanks, Nia! As someone who loves autumn, I don't know if I could handle TWO summers lol! But I'm glad you got some extra time to enjoy books. Both of your recs look really good. I'll definitely check them out!
I read some fun ones this summer and especially loved Patricia Lockwood’s No One Is Talking About This and Alison Espach’s Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance.
My Volcano sounds right up my alley and I’ve added it to my list!
Thanks, Lindsey! I've had my eye on Lockwood's book, but was unfamiliar with Espach's. I will look into it. I'm excited you've added My Volcano to your list! If you read it, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Espach’s book was such a hidden gem- a friend recommended it and I blew through it because I loved the story so much. Thanks for your emails/reviews - they are a bright spot in my inbox that I always look forward to!
Thanks, Pallavi! You remind me that I've been meaning to get Allende into my reading mix for a while. And the Tsujimura book looks really interesting, too. I'll check them out!
Thanks, André! When this book came out I went back and forth over whether to read it because I struggled with 'A Little Life.' (Have you read it?) I wonder if the reading experience would be similar.
I haven't read 'A Little Life' yet, but it's on my list. Was it hard for you?
'To Paradise' is quite a transformer reading, as it also changed my way to watch literature. Is one of the most impactful book I've read in the last times, great for a summer (and agenda free) time.
Yes, it was a very intense book. Too violent and depressing for me. Others have enjoyed it though. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you read it.
My fave was "Educated" by Tara Westover. It's been stuck on my "MUST-READ" list for sooo long. I'm so happy that I finally managed to read it. It absolutely blew me away.
I, too, loved Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I am also still thinking hard about the stories of Ted Chiang in his collection The Stories of Your Life -- especially the central one, The Story of Your Life. The construction, the idea, and the writing were revelatory for me. I have never seen the movie based on that story (Arrival) and I am curious about it now. The story though, that will remain special in a class by itself for a long long time.
Thanks, Elizabeth! The Tomorrow book seems to be the winner of this thread. I'll have to add it to my TBR. I did see Arrival, but didn't realize (or forgot) that it was based on a story. The film is definitely worth checking out!
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou isn't going to work for everyone but I loved it. Satire is hella hard to nail and this can feel too on the nose while being simultaneously being completely on the mark. Yellowface, red-pilling for profit, cultural appropriation, MRAzns, weebs, performative wokeness and minor feelings - it's got it all.
I'm currently reading Queer Ducks (and other animals): the Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer. The author and illustrator have a cheeky, playful voice on the page. It's really a YA book but my library cataloged it in adult non-fiction...probably to avoid challenges. <sigh> Although it's written in this sort of playful way, it's caused me to think much more deeply about how science has been conducted, perceived, and reported by male scientists and how important representation is to every field. It's a quick read but will keep me thinking (and questioning) for a very long time to come.
Thanks, Kim! That sounds like a fascinating book. I'm sorry that it could potentially have caused issues at your library. Books that educate, offer overlooked perspectives and inspire questions are so vital!
Thanks, Courtney! Oh man, 'Godel, Escher, Bach' has been on my shelf for a million years and I've never read it. It's been there so long the cover has almost fallen off. I keep meaning to read it but I was worried it's dense and long and I'd struggle to get through it. But if it's mind blowing, perhaps I should finally tackle it!
Ok, that sounds terrific!
My faves were Vladimir by Julia May Jonas and Matrix by Lauren Groff!
Thanks, Jane! I’ve heard good things about both. I read Groff’s ‘Fates and Furies’ a few years ago and enjoyed it. I have been meaning to return to her work.
I keep hearing great things about Vladimir.
It was so good, except I felt let down by the ending, it was like it couldn’t keep up its own brilliance and rapidly deflated (to mix some metaphors)
For a summer read, i.e. something light & fluffy, fast-moving, easily digested, I enjoyed the new Paula Hawkins book A Slow Fire Burning.
Thanks, Daniel! I haven't read any books by Hawkins, so I'll have to check them out. And I haven't read a thriller in forever, but I've got one on my pile that I hope to get to shortly. I need to read more lighter fare. I tend toward heavy books and sometimes they wear me out. Good to switch things up every so often.
My favorite book this summer was Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. Weirdly real.
Thanks, Allison! I've heard a lot of good and weird things about that book. I think it's being adapted into a movie or a show? I should add it to my list.
Yes! It’s being adapted into a movie — can’t remember the director but it’ll have Amy Adams in the lead. I would love to know what you think of the book!
I’ve been meaning to read this
I read a lot of Classics: Dracula, East of Eden, Mansfield Park. Ok, well 3, but they were a lot of pages. My favorite book was Trust, by Hernan Diaz and I think it is a book that you and I would intersect at. I read pretty middle of the road and you read more outside my comfort zone. But Trust is kind of unique and I think you might like it. Happy End of Summer!!
Thanks, Kate! Looks like you had a good summer of reading. Trust is high on my list. I read Diaz's last novel, 'In the Distance,' and loved it, so I've been eagerly anticipating his new book. I've heard a lot of good things and am excited to pick it up. Maybe in paperback? I've also been meaning to return to the classics. I like the idea of reviewing 'Dracula.' Did you enjoy it?
I LOVED Dracula. I had never read it before and found a copy on my kids’ shelf. It was for book club, but I ripped through it. It would be a great review for October…….
Ooh! I like the idea of reading it in October. I wonder if we have a copy buried somewhere. I'll have to check with Donna.
Update: I may or may not have picked up a copy of Dracula at the second-hand bookstore yesterday lol!
The other part I meant to add is Dracula has made me realize that I can read horror. I cannot watch it on TV or in a movie, but reading it is okay. Looking forward to your review 😊😱🫣
I loved Trust. Was playing with so much and pulled it off.
It’s a toss up between UNMASK ALICE by Rick Emerson (the wild story behind the woman who wrote those “anonymous” diaries like GO ASK ALICE) and NO MUD, NO LOTUS by Thich Nhat Hanh (a lovely zen take on suffering, at the behest of my therapist). They’re so good and so different and filled me up completely.
Thanks, Ashley! I'm glad these books helped you. I just Googled Unmask Alice and found a New Yorker article about it and, wow, it does sound wild! Also, I've been meaning to read Thich Nhat Hanh, so I appreciate the reminder.
I have Unmask Alice on hold at the library. Very excited for it to come in.
YES! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it!
I read a ton of non-fiction this summer, and my favorite of all of them was Coffeeland, by Augustine Sedgewick. It traces the history of coffee production in El Salvador and the way trade developed with Europe and the US. It's very far-reaching and he goes on a lot of tangents, but he always brings it back to the main story, which I find very enriching. I can't recommend it enough.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve been along the coffee trail in El Salvador, and it will be nice to learn more of its history.
That's so cool! After reading this I'm dying to make a trip. That said, be warned--the history of it is depressing.
Thanks, Valorie! I agree with Donna, this is a book we should read. As big coffee drinkers (Donna brought back a big coffee bean sack from one of her trips) it’s important to know this history.
I've been catching up on my Becky Chambers. A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy have made me feel seen like no story has in a very long time; and The Galaxy and the Ground Within adds a lot of depth to the Wayfarers setting without leaving the cozy hopeful vibe I come to her work for.
Thanks, Alex! I haven't read Becky Chambers yet, but I just found a Wired article about her and I am really interested in her books. I have been frustrated and, frankly, bored by recent sci-fi/fantasy books and their fixation on violence. Chambers work looks like what I've been looking/hoping for and I'm excited to read her. Thanks for the rec!
Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee. Also randomly read and enjoyed The King’s General, by DuMaurier, so ridiculously gothic.
Thanks, Kira! I loved Pachinko and recently found a copy of Free Food For Millionaires in a second-hand book shop. I'm considering nominating it for our 200th review, which subscribers will get to select. I'm exited to return to her work. You also remind me that I need to return to Daphne du Maurier. Ever since I read Rebecca, which instantly became one of my all-time faves, I've been meaning to read another of her books. I'll check out The King's General.
This is my summer of "tomorrow" books. I absolutely adored Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Both are simultaneously literary and accessible. They're gorgeously written and pack and emotional wallop.
I really need to pick up Tomorrow x3 — I keep meaning to and getting distracted!!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I've been hearing good things about both Tomorrow books! I've been meaning to read Emma Straub for a while. Plus, I'm excited for the new branch of Books Are Magic to open!
I've been lucky to have two summers this year, so I've been reading A LOT. Summer in India is during April and May, and then I moved to Amsterdam at the start of August so I got a bonus summer month hehe. I've already waxed poetic about my fav book of the summer — Anxious People by Fredrick Bachman — so I'll pick another book I thoroughly enjoyed: Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Both books are wildly different in genres and messages but they were super immersive and I found myself rooting for the characters quite early on.
Thanks, Nia! As someone who loves autumn, I don't know if I could handle TWO summers lol! But I'm glad you got some extra time to enjoy books. Both of your recs look really good. I'll definitely check them out!
I read some fun ones this summer and especially loved Patricia Lockwood’s No One Is Talking About This and Alison Espach’s Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance.
My Volcano sounds right up my alley and I’ve added it to my list!
Thanks, Lindsey! I've had my eye on Lockwood's book, but was unfamiliar with Espach's. I will look into it. I'm excited you've added My Volcano to your list! If you read it, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Espach’s book was such a hidden gem- a friend recommended it and I blew through it because I loved the story so much. Thanks for your emails/reviews - they are a bright spot in my inbox that I always look forward to!
Thanks so much for the kind word, Lindsey! I'm so glad you enjoy the newsletter!
I read The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward and hooolyyy shiiii it was a RIDE
Thanks, Celine! I just looked this book up and you're right, it does sound wild! I'll add it to my tbr!
Awesome. It was one of the most heart-racing, mental-breakdown-inducing thrillers I've ever read. Hope you like it!
I loved reading Violeta by Isabel Allende and Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura.
Thanks, Pallavi! You remind me that I've been meaning to get Allende into my reading mix for a while. And the Tsujimura book looks really interesting, too. I'll check them out!
To Paradise - Hanya Yanagihara
Thanks, André! When this book came out I went back and forth over whether to read it because I struggled with 'A Little Life.' (Have you read it?) I wonder if the reading experience would be similar.
I haven't read 'A Little Life' yet, but it's on my list. Was it hard for you?
'To Paradise' is quite a transformer reading, as it also changed my way to watch literature. Is one of the most impactful book I've read in the last times, great for a summer (and agenda free) time.
Yes, it was a very intense book. Too violent and depressing for me. Others have enjoyed it though. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if you read it.
My fave was "Educated" by Tara Westover. It's been stuck on my "MUST-READ" list for sooo long. I'm so happy that I finally managed to read it. It absolutely blew me away.
Thanks, Stygi! 'Educated' has been on my list for a long time, too. I'm glad you read it and enjoyed it. I hope to do the same soon!
I'll share my point of view with you once I read it ;)
I, too, loved Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I am also still thinking hard about the stories of Ted Chiang in his collection The Stories of Your Life -- especially the central one, The Story of Your Life. The construction, the idea, and the writing were revelatory for me. I have never seen the movie based on that story (Arrival) and I am curious about it now. The story though, that will remain special in a class by itself for a long long time.
Thanks, Elizabeth! The Tomorrow book seems to be the winner of this thread. I'll have to add it to my TBR. I did see Arrival, but didn't realize (or forgot) that it was based on a story. The film is definitely worth checking out!
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou isn't going to work for everyone but I loved it. Satire is hella hard to nail and this can feel too on the nose while being simultaneously being completely on the mark. Yellowface, red-pilling for profit, cultural appropriation, MRAzns, weebs, performative wokeness and minor feelings - it's got it all.
Thanks, Daejin! This book sounds right up my alley. I'll check it out!
I'm currently reading Queer Ducks (and other animals): the Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer. The author and illustrator have a cheeky, playful voice on the page. It's really a YA book but my library cataloged it in adult non-fiction...probably to avoid challenges. <sigh> Although it's written in this sort of playful way, it's caused me to think much more deeply about how science has been conducted, perceived, and reported by male scientists and how important representation is to every field. It's a quick read but will keep me thinking (and questioning) for a very long time to come.
Thanks, Kim! That sounds like a fascinating book. I'm sorry that it could potentially have caused issues at your library. Books that educate, offer overlooked perspectives and inspire questions are so vital!
I'm embarrassed by the low-brow goodness but let's just say I read 3 (THREE!) books this summer - which is more than I read ALL YEAR. So. Happy as!
Thanks, Maggie! All books are welcome here, and I would love to know what lowbrow goodness you enjoyed this summer!