I absolutely loved October October, such a great book. Also a fan of TJR, currently listening to Evelyn Hugo. My birthday is in June as well to thanks for the birthday book heads up.
I’m reading Before The Coffee Gets Cold which is fun and I’m enjoying it so far. Ferris is excellent! I read it aloud to one of my kids and we do find ourselves quoting the characters and talking about it too many months later. I also loved (more than my kid did) The Puppets of Spellhorst. You really can’t go wrong with a Kate diCamillo book.
You really can't! Thanks for sharing how Ferris has made an impact on your family, Andrea ☺️ and seems many people loved TPOS! (As seen in more comments below.)
I just finished The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I can't believe I never read it before but it changed my thinking about organized religion. For my birthday this year, my daughter gifted me 2 Kate DiCamillo books - The Puppets of Spelhorst and The Hotel Balzaar. Highly recommended! She also sent Matt Haig's The Life Impossible and Feng Shui Modern by Cliff Tan. I loved The Midnight Library so am looking forward to the Matt Haig book and she knows I'm really into feng shui. Last year she recommended the Monk and Robot books by Becky Chambers. Loved them and highly recommend! And always, always anything by Lianne Moriarty.
Can we also just call out how special this statement is: "my daughter gifted me 2 Kate DiCamillo books." I LOVE that she gave you middle grade novels! I hope people gift them to me forever. And I've heard good things about the Becky Chambers books! Thanks for putting them back on my radar, Cheryl. Happy reading!
Thank you for talking about such a relatable bookworm struggle. I often read about new books in the Wash Post or New York Times and try to buy them. I try first at Powell's (I live in Portland, Or) and 50% of the time it's not in stock. And then, because this is a nerd town, the library also doesn't have the book or there are already 350 holds on the book. And then, Amazon is my last but 100% reliable option. It never occurred to me to WAIT. I will try waiting.
Was about to say go to Bookshop.com! Great way of supporting independent bookshops and you can sell your books once read! Called Bookloop - you get credit with Bookshop to buy more books.
It's taken a long time for me to let go of caring about what's new, so I can totally relate to this. I think one of the things that helped me was figuring out I also liked a lot of books that were NOT new, and also wouldn't be on those lists. Like: middle grade novels! Happy waiting, friend. (And also reading all kinds of other wonderful books, while you do.)
I love love love The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo - so much so that I may be getting a wolf tattoo! My favorite line is when the wolf puppet says, "I am ferocious. I am snarly, feral, incorrigible. My teeth are sharp as sharp can be." I often channel the wolf when I am working on feeling strong.
I've only read the one other book of hers - this post tells me I need to read more!
Oh my gosh, Aimee, I LOVE how much you love this book! Sounds like I definitely need to add it to my list! And yes, read more! I'd recommend the Three Rancheros series! It's wild and hilarious and emotional too. Good for the soul.
Too many to count! I just picked up from the library yesterday:
1. The Hacienda by Isabel Canas
2. Shutter, by Ramona Emerson
3. No Strangers Here, by Carlene O'Connor
I also am waiting for the new Curtis Sittenfeld and am currently listening to Rufi Thorpe's Margo's Got Money Troubles. I'm also reading Amy Pease's Northwoords. Do you use StoryGraph? After 12 years on Goodreads, I switched to this Black, woman-owned app/site: https://app.thestorygraph.com/
I hadn't heard of it, no! I don't use Goodreads either (though have an account because "they say" it's good for authors to be able to manage their own profiles). Glad you found something you like! Also curious what you think of MARGO? I tried to read it in Dec and had to stop. I might write about this, but I can't seem to read about unhealthy relationships anymore, especially unhealthy sexual relationships. It's not a bad book. But I've changed! And the topics I can digest have definitely changed.
I get that - and the parts with the teacher are a very small part of the book. I'm about 40% through, and it's quite charming and empowering in many ways. And I've also learned that if a book doesn't feel right, it's more than fine to pass.
I think for me it also went beyond the teacher part, though. Her relationship with her dad felt strange. And there was something about the OnlyFans part that didn't feel right either—at least for how far I got. But again, that's just what was true for me! It wasn't for me, and that's ok!
Dear Cait, thank you so much for your wonderful post today, sharing your reading list. I am writing this with a big smile on my face, getting to know more about your book friends!! I am currently reading a German historical fiction book Der Gesang der Bienen -- the song of the bees -- I used to be a children's librarian in another life, and I felt that many young adult books were more meaningful than adult fiction. Keep on writing, your emails are often a highlight in my week. Also, so jealous that you got to meet Oliver Burkeman... I have enjoyed his meditations for mortals -- so true-- we are all finite. Wishing you the very best, Elke
I couldn't agree with you more re: young books being more meaningful, Elke! The stories are also not as intense as so much adult fiction seem to be... they can talk about difficult things, but the viewpoint is easier to imagine and digest. Thank you for sharing what you're reading, and the fact that you were once a children's librarian leaves me with so many questions! What are some of your favourite children's books? ☺️
Hi Cait, thanks so much for asking about my fav books and also elaborating in your email from Sunday that you don’t want to read books that hit too close to home. I certainly can relate. I was a librarian from 1985 til 1992, so quite some time ago, but we had a lot of YA books from the US that were translated to German. I was always drawn to books that gave hope, when a young adult found herself in an almost hopeless situation and then somebody showed up to help. Norma and Harry Mazer come to mind, or Cynthia Voigt - the Tillerman series. There are plenty of German Authors, not too many have been translated into English, and I find that there are cultural differences between the US and Germany, that are sometimes hard to grasp if you are not part of that culture.I wonder if you can relate in regards to Canada and the UK? I always loved books that have some kind of twist in them - that make you laugh out loud -Paul Maar comes to mind – he has a main character, the Sams, that takes speech literally, like Amelia Bedelia, and gets in all kinds of trouble. I also collected picture books for my own pleasure. I like the ones that are beautifully illustrated, real art work. The last one I bought is “Erlkoenig” illustrated by Elzas3 – it should show up on Amazon, or Paul O Zelinsky’s illustrations for Rapunzel or Rumpelstiltskin And then the other kind, again, the ones that just delight and surprise you. “Nix Kuckuck” is the story of a cuckoo clock that comes back to Germany from South America – and there is not a cuckoo, in the clock but a parrot and he shouts “Chachacha” to tell the time:). Last but not least, one that is available in English: “The story of the little mole who knew it was none of his business.” This was fun to think about and write, thanks again.
I’m also on an Amazon boycott. There’s nothing I “need” within 2 business days or overnight. I absolutely loved Pineapple Street - didn’t know TJR had a new one coming but added to my list!
Cait, Ferris and Because of Winn Dixie are excellent. I also like Flora and Ulysses, which is really quirky, but somehow it's one of my favorites by Kate DiCamilloi.
Thank you for sharing! A friend shared this post with me because we’ve talked about canceling our Amazon accounts. I related to so much in your post. I’m reading Steal Like an Artist and I’m looking forward to reading We Were the Universe.
Thank you for this list! I’m loving reading about C.S. Merrill’s weekends with Georgia O’Keeffe after taking a tour of O’Keeffe’s house in Abiquiú, NM. I bought the book in the gift shop and the entire experience surrounding the book is so rich for me. Amazon’s cold convenience pales in comparison.
So many great suggestions here Cait! I wonder how many I will find at my library? I just finished rereading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer for Katherine May's monthly book club. It was especially beautiful because Robin read it on Spotify. I have tried to let go of Amazon with difficulty. But this week I did call my local book store to order the next book club selection. Next on my list is The Serviceberry by Robin that I will reread because I think that flows nicely! I am currently reading my fav fiction author Ha Jin. Beyond profound. A good fall. Waiting. I also love children's books and read a Japenese author's tale of a little shrew this week! Magical!
Funny, I just read another post and the writer said they often revisit one of Ha Jin's books when times feel tough. I hadn't heard of him before! Thanks for sharing, friend!
I am currently reading "7 years in Tibet" by Heinrich Harder, a decade old biography and I am loving it.
And a great reminder that we find/read books whenever we are ready for them!
I absolutely loved October October, such a great book. Also a fan of TJR, currently listening to Evelyn Hugo. My birthday is in June as well to thanks for the birthday book heads up.
Ooo yay! Happy TJR birthday books to us!
I’m reading Before The Coffee Gets Cold which is fun and I’m enjoying it so far. Ferris is excellent! I read it aloud to one of my kids and we do find ourselves quoting the characters and talking about it too many months later. I also loved (more than my kid did) The Puppets of Spellhorst. You really can’t go wrong with a Kate diCamillo book.
You really can't! Thanks for sharing how Ferris has made an impact on your family, Andrea ☺️ and seems many people loved TPOS! (As seen in more comments below.)
I just finished The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I can't believe I never read it before but it changed my thinking about organized religion. For my birthday this year, my daughter gifted me 2 Kate DiCamillo books - The Puppets of Spelhorst and The Hotel Balzaar. Highly recommended! She also sent Matt Haig's The Life Impossible and Feng Shui Modern by Cliff Tan. I loved The Midnight Library so am looking forward to the Matt Haig book and she knows I'm really into feng shui. Last year she recommended the Monk and Robot books by Becky Chambers. Loved them and highly recommend! And always, always anything by Lianne Moriarty.
Can we also just call out how special this statement is: "my daughter gifted me 2 Kate DiCamillo books." I LOVE that she gave you middle grade novels! I hope people gift them to me forever. And I've heard good things about the Becky Chambers books! Thanks for putting them back on my radar, Cheryl. Happy reading!
I'm reading Less by Patrick Grant, definitely one to read if you're looking to move away from Amazon etc!
Thanks, Nicky!
Thank you for talking about such a relatable bookworm struggle. I often read about new books in the Wash Post or New York Times and try to buy them. I try first at Powell's (I live in Portland, Or) and 50% of the time it's not in stock. And then, because this is a nerd town, the library also doesn't have the book or there are already 350 holds on the book. And then, Amazon is my last but 100% reliable option. It never occurred to me to WAIT. I will try waiting.
I like Bookshop.com https://bookshop.org/ - and you can select which independent bookstores get the proceeds.
Was about to say go to Bookshop.com! Great way of supporting independent bookshops and you can sell your books once read! Called Bookloop - you get credit with Bookshop to buy more books.
Oh! I didn't know about Bookloop! Thank you!
It's taken a long time for me to let go of caring about what's new, so I can totally relate to this. I think one of the things that helped me was figuring out I also liked a lot of books that were NOT new, and also wouldn't be on those lists. Like: middle grade novels! Happy waiting, friend. (And also reading all kinds of other wonderful books, while you do.)
I love love love The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo - so much so that I may be getting a wolf tattoo! My favorite line is when the wolf puppet says, "I am ferocious. I am snarly, feral, incorrigible. My teeth are sharp as sharp can be." I often channel the wolf when I am working on feeling strong.
I've only read the one other book of hers - this post tells me I need to read more!
Oh my gosh, Aimee, I LOVE how much you love this book! Sounds like I definitely need to add it to my list! And yes, read more! I'd recommend the Three Rancheros series! It's wild and hilarious and emotional too. Good for the soul.
Three of my favorite books I've read this year so far:
1. Beautyland https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374109288/beautyland/
2. Our Wives Under the Sea https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250229908/ourwivesunderthesea/
3. The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Ooo thank you for the list and links, Marlena! What's on your to-read list?
Too many to count! I just picked up from the library yesterday:
1. The Hacienda by Isabel Canas
2. Shutter, by Ramona Emerson
3. No Strangers Here, by Carlene O'Connor
I also am waiting for the new Curtis Sittenfeld and am currently listening to Rufi Thorpe's Margo's Got Money Troubles. I'm also reading Amy Pease's Northwoords. Do you use StoryGraph? After 12 years on Goodreads, I switched to this Black, woman-owned app/site: https://app.thestorygraph.com/
I hadn't heard of it, no! I don't use Goodreads either (though have an account because "they say" it's good for authors to be able to manage their own profiles). Glad you found something you like! Also curious what you think of MARGO? I tried to read it in Dec and had to stop. I might write about this, but I can't seem to read about unhealthy relationships anymore, especially unhealthy sexual relationships. It's not a bad book. But I've changed! And the topics I can digest have definitely changed.
I get that - and the parts with the teacher are a very small part of the book. I'm about 40% through, and it's quite charming and empowering in many ways. And I've also learned that if a book doesn't feel right, it's more than fine to pass.
I think for me it also went beyond the teacher part, though. Her relationship with her dad felt strange. And there was something about the OnlyFans part that didn't feel right either—at least for how far I got. But again, that's just what was true for me! It wasn't for me, and that's ok!
Dear Cait, thank you so much for your wonderful post today, sharing your reading list. I am writing this with a big smile on my face, getting to know more about your book friends!! I am currently reading a German historical fiction book Der Gesang der Bienen -- the song of the bees -- I used to be a children's librarian in another life, and I felt that many young adult books were more meaningful than adult fiction. Keep on writing, your emails are often a highlight in my week. Also, so jealous that you got to meet Oliver Burkeman... I have enjoyed his meditations for mortals -- so true-- we are all finite. Wishing you the very best, Elke
I couldn't agree with you more re: young books being more meaningful, Elke! The stories are also not as intense as so much adult fiction seem to be... they can talk about difficult things, but the viewpoint is easier to imagine and digest. Thank you for sharing what you're reading, and the fact that you were once a children's librarian leaves me with so many questions! What are some of your favourite children's books? ☺️
Hi Cait, thanks so much for asking about my fav books and also elaborating in your email from Sunday that you don’t want to read books that hit too close to home. I certainly can relate. I was a librarian from 1985 til 1992, so quite some time ago, but we had a lot of YA books from the US that were translated to German. I was always drawn to books that gave hope, when a young adult found herself in an almost hopeless situation and then somebody showed up to help. Norma and Harry Mazer come to mind, or Cynthia Voigt - the Tillerman series. There are plenty of German Authors, not too many have been translated into English, and I find that there are cultural differences between the US and Germany, that are sometimes hard to grasp if you are not part of that culture.I wonder if you can relate in regards to Canada and the UK? I always loved books that have some kind of twist in them - that make you laugh out loud -Paul Maar comes to mind – he has a main character, the Sams, that takes speech literally, like Amelia Bedelia, and gets in all kinds of trouble. I also collected picture books for my own pleasure. I like the ones that are beautifully illustrated, real art work. The last one I bought is “Erlkoenig” illustrated by Elzas3 – it should show up on Amazon, or Paul O Zelinsky’s illustrations for Rapunzel or Rumpelstiltskin And then the other kind, again, the ones that just delight and surprise you. “Nix Kuckuck” is the story of a cuckoo clock that comes back to Germany from South America – and there is not a cuckoo, in the clock but a parrot and he shouts “Chachacha” to tell the time:). Last but not least, one that is available in English: “The story of the little mole who knew it was none of his business.” This was fun to think about and write, thanks again.
I’m also on an Amazon boycott. There’s nothing I “need” within 2 business days or overnight. I absolutely loved Pineapple Street - didn’t know TJR had a new one coming but added to my list!
Ooo even more for us to discuss next week, friend! 😘
Cait, Ferris and Because of Winn Dixie are excellent. I also like Flora and Ulysses, which is really quirky, but somehow it's one of my favorites by Kate DiCamilloi.
Ok yes, that one has been on my radar too... basically, I just need to read everything she's writen, don't I!?!? ☺️
Love F&U and the film is really cute too.
Thank you for sharing! A friend shared this post with me because we’ve talked about canceling our Amazon accounts. I related to so much in your post. I’m reading Steal Like an Artist and I’m looking forward to reading We Were the Universe.
Oh Austin Kleon's work is so fun! And I hadn't heard of WWTU. Thanks for sharing, Tricia!
Oh yes—Kimberly King Parsons is the author. I was won over in an instant by her collection of short stories titled Black Light.
Excellent choices! x
HI FRIEND! Now I'm curious... what are some of your favourite books!?
Thank you for this list! I’m loving reading about C.S. Merrill’s weekends with Georgia O’Keeffe after taking a tour of O’Keeffe’s house in Abiquiú, NM. I bought the book in the gift shop and the entire experience surrounding the book is so rich for me. Amazon’s cold convenience pales in comparison.
Ooo what a magical story, Amy! NO online shopping experience can compare ✨
Also cancelled Amazon - gosh it’s freeing isn’t it
Ooo I'm curious why "freeing" is the word you chose!
So many great suggestions here Cait! I wonder how many I will find at my library? I just finished rereading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer for Katherine May's monthly book club. It was especially beautiful because Robin read it on Spotify. I have tried to let go of Amazon with difficulty. But this week I did call my local book store to order the next book club selection. Next on my list is The Serviceberry by Robin that I will reread because I think that flows nicely! I am currently reading my fav fiction author Ha Jin. Beyond profound. A good fall. Waiting. I also love children's books and read a Japenese author's tale of a little shrew this week! Magical!
Funny, I just read another post and the writer said they often revisit one of Ha Jin's books when times feel tough. I hadn't heard of him before! Thanks for sharing, friend!