It’s Friday, and you know what that means. Let’s talk about what we’re reading!
We had ten inches of snow on Monday, and that rarity was much enjoyed. I took the day off from work (it was MLK Day, so most everyone else did, too,) and spent the day in the kitchen and watching movies. I did some bread-making (not very well, my first foray into baguettes needs some mastering), perfected Randy’s sausage ball recipe, and watched THE HOLIDAY, 16 CANDLES, and INTO THE WILD. Yes, snow days are the best days.
I also worked on my 40 Scenes for the new novel, and if you’re following 22 Steps, I posted Step Four: Research. It was perfect for this moment because it’s time to read the research books I’ve been gathering! (True confession, I am also gathering research books for the book after this. It’s a problem 😂.) You’ll note a theme, both in the books and the poetry.
A verse from Lord Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimagewas the epigraph for the movie version of INTO THE WILD, and is the ethos upon which my setting is built. I studied this poem in college, so it was really fun to pull out my trusted Norton Anthology of English Literature and read, only to be stymied because it stops midway through Canto III. Despite the Google searches to the contrary, this is in Canto IV, Verse 178. It is perfection.
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar: I love not Man the less, but Nature more. From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, I have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.
I was also deeply touched and amused to see I’d written “Byronic Hero” next to the poem’s title. This theme runs through my work, and it was funny to see its inception. The concept impacted me greatly. The Byronic hero is generally rebellious, a contrarian, and often fails in their heroic deeds. I’ve also defined them as doing the wrong thing for the right reason — our favorite fictional assassins come to mind. I love seeing that my 19-year-old self was enamored of this idea, and I’ve pulled that thread through my entire creative life. Thanks, Lord Byron.
Wolf Hallcontinues to be enjoyable. It’s become my Sunday evening ritual to read the chapters for the week and admire the innovation of the story. At one point, my writer's brain wondered if Hilary Mantel decided to change the POV from third to first, then got bored with that and decided to go with what felt right in the moment because there are plenty of shifts. Sometimes we’re in Cromwell's head, sometimes in the narrator’s. A fun exercise, for sure.
That’s it from me this week. How about you? Was it nutty weather there too? What’s on your reading plate this weekend?
I just finished listening to Dennis Lehane’s historical fiction, SMALL MERCIES, set in 1974 Boston. WOW! My jaw dropped & I gasped several times while listening to his book Lehane’s protagonist Mary Pat Fennessy is a Southie meting out her own tough brand of justice during a racially-fraught period of time affecting Irish & Black neighborhoods & schools. Living in Canada, I knew little about Boston's past history and racial tensions. I have read most of Lehane's series & previous stand-alones, so I expected an excellent read but this exceeded my expectations. This is my first 5-star rated book of 2024.
He is a spectacularly wonderful writer. And a nice guy. I met him at a conference once and he was lovely. Always neat to find people you respect who are cool in person.
We have ice, and have for a week. It warmed up for one second yesterday and then everything refroze. I'll trade you your ten inches of snow for my ice any day! And the book I just so happen to be reading is IT'S ONE OF US. My buddy Roy Burkhead went to your reading when the book came out last spring and then sent me the novel. I'm loving it--hard to put down.
I’m sitting with my coffee in the front bay window watching fat flurries fall from the sky yet again, this morning. What a weathery week we’ve had! I’ve enjoyed the view while the kids tumble outside and in all day everyday, squeezing in school work, reading (and some episodes of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for me), between snow play.
We introduced them to Tolkien-lore starting with the first Hobbit movie last Friday and our living room, for three days, has become The Shire complete with a massive Hobbit Hole (blanket fort) outfit with its very own library. We may undertake a read aloud of The Hobbit after finishing the third movie tonight.
I’ve started “A Discovery of Witches” and it’s been surprisingly right up my reading alley in this season. Wolf Hall and War and Peace continue to delight. I also read a rather depressing book(let) on Writing and Failure which held some nuggets but mostly I was glad it was over so quick 🤪
I read the book, DISCOVERY OF WITCHES years ago and it still sticks with me, which is a feat as I don't always remember books I've read. I hope you love it as much as I do.
It’s been really cold and snowy in my part of Indiana this week. I don’t like it! I think I’m going to start Rogue Justice by Stacy Abrams this weekend. Or maybe Dark Ride by Lou Berney. I have a hard time picking sometimes.
It snowed twice last week in southeast Nebraska and we've been in a deep chill ever since.
I've been sick for over a week so I went to the Dr on Mon...which was also my birthday. Sinus and ear infection.
It snowed again last night and we were in a Snow Squall warning...that was a first for me!
Still powering through The Ashes and the Star Cursed King by Carrissa Broadbent. I'm about 3/4 of the way through. I think the first book was more action packed, but this book is good.
Fun fact, I don't read near as much when I'm sick.
So sorry to hear your sick. I hope you recover soon. My youngest went down on with strep so it's the season for all things yuck. Do you like the Cursed King book enough to recommend it?
This week has been bone-deep cold. I always thought I knew cold since I've lived in Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, but cold with humidity is a game changer. I miss my Colorado cold, although my sister said it was twenty below this week where she lives. (No thank you!) The youngest went down with strep last Friday, and like me, it attacks her whole body. So, we watched THE PERCY JACKSON series on Disney. 27 DRESSES with Katherine Heigl--a fun rom com, which I adore.
As for reading I finished THE FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon. To say I've loved it is an understatement. I've already recommended it to four friends and am debating of sending my MIL a copy of it. (I recommended the book before I even finished it.) If you love strong woman who overcome the odds while not being perfect, this story is for you. It has family, love, community drama, and murder. And Martha Ballard's our feisty, strong woman who handles it all. Sometimes with grace and sometimes not.
I'm almost done with THE FIRST LIE WINS by Ashley Elst. It's twisty and fun, but I think I've figured out the twist at the end. We'll see if I'm right--most likely not. I won't get much reading in this weekend as my in laws are in town for a little bit. I hope y'all stay warm for whatever cold snap or wintry weather is hitting you.
I also think cold with humidity and no childish enthusiasm for it doesn't help. When we were kids, we'd go skiing in the 0 degree weather. Now? I won't even go get the mail.
I'm so glad you loved THE FROZEN RIVER> It really is a special book. So intense, and so well done.
Let me know if you end up liking it. Everyone's talking about it!
I hope she knows I can’t gush enough about it. In fact I told my MIL about it tonight and she’s going to pick it up. I owe this great find to you because you either recommended her Substack or you made a comment on her post and it showed up in my inbox as a post I’d like to check out. Either way, thank you because I love discovering new to me authors who are rock stars.
Wolf Hall was so good. Very visual and compelling.
It is visual. All the literal threads...
I just finished listening to Dennis Lehane’s historical fiction, SMALL MERCIES, set in 1974 Boston. WOW! My jaw dropped & I gasped several times while listening to his book Lehane’s protagonist Mary Pat Fennessy is a Southie meting out her own tough brand of justice during a racially-fraught period of time affecting Irish & Black neighborhoods & schools. Living in Canada, I knew little about Boston's past history and racial tensions. I have read most of Lehane's series & previous stand-alones, so I expected an excellent read but this exceeded my expectations. This is my first 5-star rated book of 2024.
He is a spectacularly wonderful writer. And a nice guy. I met him at a conference once and he was lovely. Always neat to find people you respect who are cool in person.
We have ice, and have for a week. It warmed up for one second yesterday and then everything refroze. I'll trade you your ten inches of snow for my ice any day! And the book I just so happen to be reading is IT'S ONE OF US. My buddy Roy Burkhead went to your reading when the book came out last spring and then sent me the novel. I'm loving it--hard to put down.
Oh my! I am not a fan of ice. I love the snow, though. I hope the book is keeping you warm and engaged! Yay for Roy!
I’m sitting with my coffee in the front bay window watching fat flurries fall from the sky yet again, this morning. What a weathery week we’ve had! I’ve enjoyed the view while the kids tumble outside and in all day everyday, squeezing in school work, reading (and some episodes of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for me), between snow play.
We introduced them to Tolkien-lore starting with the first Hobbit movie last Friday and our living room, for three days, has become The Shire complete with a massive Hobbit Hole (blanket fort) outfit with its very own library. We may undertake a read aloud of The Hobbit after finishing the third movie tonight.
I’ve started “A Discovery of Witches” and it’s been surprisingly right up my reading alley in this season. Wolf Hall and War and Peace continue to delight. I also read a rather depressing book(let) on Writing and Failure which held some nuggets but mostly I was glad it was over so quick 🤪
Discovery of Witches is so good and the new book is coming out soon. The TV series ia very well done.
I can't wait to watch the show! I didn't even realize the new book is coming out until I saw your reply. July gives me enough time to read and watch!!
I think there's 3 seasons and its streaming on AMC...I think?
I really enjoyed it!!
The author is so inspiring...she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer but she's doing well!
So I interviewed Deb for AWOW our first season, and she is as remarkably delightful in person. I fell a little in love, truth be told.
As a two time cancer survivor myself, I admire her strength and perseverance.
Please tell me the older AWOW are archived? I must watch this!!
Here you go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy8hamWUHao
Agreed. In that first season, when they are leaving Oxford, and their hands find one another--- oooh, I have chills just thinking of it!
I read the book, DISCOVERY OF WITCHES years ago and it still sticks with me, which is a feat as I don't always remember books I've read. I hope you love it as much as I do.
Thank you! So far I am really enjoying it!
I woke up and it had snowed again and I was obscenely delighted. It's great when you don't have to go out in it.
That is one of my favorite series. Amy is right, the show is deliriously good, too.
Stay away from depressing books. We need supportive!
Now I understand my own Lord Byron so much better. LOL!
You should read the whole thing first.... LOL
It’s been really cold and snowy in my part of Indiana this week. I don’t like it! I think I’m going to start Rogue Justice by Stacy Abrams this weekend. Or maybe Dark Ride by Lou Berney. I have a hard time picking sometimes.
Both sound excellent! Solid crime novels. I approve. Stay warm!
It snowed twice last week in southeast Nebraska and we've been in a deep chill ever since.
I've been sick for over a week so I went to the Dr on Mon...which was also my birthday. Sinus and ear infection.
It snowed again last night and we were in a Snow Squall warning...that was a first for me!
Still powering through The Ashes and the Star Cursed King by Carrissa Broadbent. I'm about 3/4 of the way through. I think the first book was more action packed, but this book is good.
Fun fact, I don't read near as much when I'm sick.
So sorry to hear your sick. I hope you recover soon. My youngest went down on with strep so it's the season for all things yuck. Do you like the Cursed King book enough to recommend it?
I'm on the mend feeling better every day.
The Cursed King is good....just not as violent or crazy as the first book...but if you loved the first book, you need to read The Cursed King!
okay, I'll add it to my TBR list soon. Thanks for the recommendation.
I'm sorry you're feeling poorly. It's going around for sure. Feel better!
I don't read well when sick either. I find TV much easier to process.
This week has been bone-deep cold. I always thought I knew cold since I've lived in Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, but cold with humidity is a game changer. I miss my Colorado cold, although my sister said it was twenty below this week where she lives. (No thank you!) The youngest went down with strep last Friday, and like me, it attacks her whole body. So, we watched THE PERCY JACKSON series on Disney. 27 DRESSES with Katherine Heigl--a fun rom com, which I adore.
As for reading I finished THE FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon. To say I've loved it is an understatement. I've already recommended it to four friends and am debating of sending my MIL a copy of it. (I recommended the book before I even finished it.) If you love strong woman who overcome the odds while not being perfect, this story is for you. It has family, love, community drama, and murder. And Martha Ballard's our feisty, strong woman who handles it all. Sometimes with grace and sometimes not.
I'm almost done with THE FIRST LIE WINS by Ashley Elst. It's twisty and fun, but I think I've figured out the twist at the end. We'll see if I'm right--most likely not. I won't get much reading in this weekend as my in laws are in town for a little bit. I hope y'all stay warm for whatever cold snap or wintry weather is hitting you.
I also think cold with humidity and no childish enthusiasm for it doesn't help. When we were kids, we'd go skiing in the 0 degree weather. Now? I won't even go get the mail.
I'm so glad you loved THE FROZEN RIVER> It really is a special book. So intense, and so well done.
Let me know if you end up liking it. Everyone's talking about it!
Oh I loved it. I finished it in about three days. It hit all my sweet id spots.
I shared your review with her : )
I hope she knows I can’t gush enough about it. In fact I told my MIL about it tonight and she’s going to pick it up. I owe this great find to you because you either recommended her Substack or you made a comment on her post and it showed up in my inbox as a post I’d like to check out. Either way, thank you because I love discovering new to me authors who are rock stars.
Challenge accepted.
You're going to LOVE it!
I’d love to know what you think of it.
The Good House by Tananarive Due
Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Out of the Blue by Jason June
Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn by Amber Logan
Past Crimes by Jason Pinter
Hey Brandee! Great list of new to me authors. Except Pinter of course!
Of course! Jason was part of the Killer Year. One of my favorite groups pf people ever!