I feel so bad for even saying this but sometimes we just need a break. I feel so bad for writers and (I don’t consider you this) influencers who get burnt out on writing and sharing about a subject (reading, perfume, gummies, fidgets to name a few of my interests) they love so much. IF you ever decide to take a break, I’ll be here waiting when you get back! You can even write about other, non book interests, and I’d be happy to read about them.
this is so so so kind of you to say! and something for me to definitely consider. thank you also for saying you don’t consider me an influencer <3 i do not consider myself one either!
Oh and also: some books I’ve been waiting on for a long time that I’m excited to crack open (I’m new to your newsletter so forgive me if I’m about to suggest books by authors whose writing you don’t care for): American Spirits by Anna Dorn, Ultranatural by Candace Wuehl, Dekonstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto by MJ Corey. As you can probably tell, I’m interested in pop culture and its dark sides. I’m also a dedicated Who? Weekly listener so not only did I pre order Lindsey & Bobby’s book “I Want to Be Famous”, I also pre ordered friend of the pod Fran Hoepfner’s upcoming book about nepo babies. Lastly, I really can’t recommend Bobby Finger’s novels enough. They are filled with warmth and heart. I loved The Old Place and Four Squares and I can’t wait for his third novel We Are Gathered Here Today. If any of these titles spark your interest, I’m glad, and if not, no worries!
Oh good I’m glad! If you’re looking for a pop culture dive, any of the above will do. And if you’re looking for a novel you’d like to live in, you can’t go wrong with Bobby. It’s so rare that I have this many books that I’m excited about lined up. I have even more from the library! You get it. Some years are feast or famine. I also recently bought my first Toni Morrison novel because of you. She’s been on my list for far too long. I got The Bluest Eye.
I love subscribing to a Substack and then a new newsletter arrives minutes later...
Also read London Falling and enjoyed it, though smaller in scope than Empire of Pain and Say Nothing. Best thing I read in April was the first On the Calculation of Volume and excited for the rest, have you read that series yet?
I got that My Dear You from Skylight's Signed First Editions Club, wasn't thrilled about it but will read based on your rec!
i heard that london falling is not radden keefe’s best, which just makes me extra excited to read more from him. i haven’t read on the calculation of volume but this makes me think i should!
i was regretting my choice to request my dear you but i found it exceeded my expectations. i hope you feel the same!
Say Nothing made the NY Times best 100 books of the 21st century. It’s fantastic and gives a very good overview of Northern Ireland during the troubles, violence, and memory.
I also wrote the author an email saying how much I enjoyed it…and he replied! Rogues is nice as an audiobook too. His piece about Anthony Bourdain is amazing.
Seascraper by Benjamin Wood; The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller; Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth; Like by Ali Smith; The Wedding Book by Alison Espach. All were fantastic. Almost all were me reading due to reviews of various kinds--thank you for doing them. I'm interested in interiority A lot I guess but these all have plot and amazing
writing. Alison Espach's book was so funny and a welcome relief.
I have been in a short story kick lately, and I am so happy to hear that you liked the new Rachel Khong. Your stated pickiness with short stories gives me confidence in picking this one up!
I listened to London Falling. It was good, but sad. Without giving away the ending, I'll just say, I found the ending frustrating. I also listened to My Father's House... first book of a trilogy by Joseph O'Connor. It's historical fiction based on real events during WW II in Italy. It's very good.
Something I read this month that might be your vibe—Oriental Girls Desire Romance by Catherine Liu. It's about a Chinese-American woman in NYC in the '80s kinda just going about her life and reflecting on her past and her identity. It has a sometimes unlikable narrator making somewhat questionable decisions, no plot just vibes, lots of introspection and overintellectualizing, and even lacks quotation marks à la Sally Rooney. I had to read it for a class and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it
I so agree about the Wayward Children series - loved the first one, but each subsequent one I’ve tried has had majorly diminishing returns, to the point that they retroactively eroded what I liked about the first one 😬
I feel so bad for even saying this but sometimes we just need a break. I feel so bad for writers and (I don’t consider you this) influencers who get burnt out on writing and sharing about a subject (reading, perfume, gummies, fidgets to name a few of my interests) they love so much. IF you ever decide to take a break, I’ll be here waiting when you get back! You can even write about other, non book interests, and I’d be happy to read about them.
this is so so so kind of you to say! and something for me to definitely consider. thank you also for saying you don’t consider me an influencer <3 i do not consider myself one either!
Oh and also: some books I’ve been waiting on for a long time that I’m excited to crack open (I’m new to your newsletter so forgive me if I’m about to suggest books by authors whose writing you don’t care for): American Spirits by Anna Dorn, Ultranatural by Candace Wuehl, Dekonstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto by MJ Corey. As you can probably tell, I’m interested in pop culture and its dark sides. I’m also a dedicated Who? Weekly listener so not only did I pre order Lindsey & Bobby’s book “I Want to Be Famous”, I also pre ordered friend of the pod Fran Hoepfner’s upcoming book about nepo babies. Lastly, I really can’t recommend Bobby Finger’s novels enough. They are filled with warmth and heart. I loved The Old Place and Four Squares and I can’t wait for his third novel We Are Gathered Here Today. If any of these titles spark your interest, I’m glad, and if not, no worries!
oh my gosh i have read zero of these! i will have to look into them all. thank you!!! i’m so happy you have so many exciting reads on your radar!
Oh good I’m glad! If you’re looking for a pop culture dive, any of the above will do. And if you’re looking for a novel you’d like to live in, you can’t go wrong with Bobby. It’s so rare that I have this many books that I’m excited about lined up. I have even more from the library! You get it. Some years are feast or famine. I also recently bought my first Toni Morrison novel because of you. She’s been on my list for far too long. I got The Bluest Eye.
I love subscribing to a Substack and then a new newsletter arrives minutes later...
Also read London Falling and enjoyed it, though smaller in scope than Empire of Pain and Say Nothing. Best thing I read in April was the first On the Calculation of Volume and excited for the rest, have you read that series yet?
I got that My Dear You from Skylight's Signed First Editions Club, wasn't thrilled about it but will read based on your rec!
serendipitous!!
i heard that london falling is not radden keefe’s best, which just makes me extra excited to read more from him. i haven’t read on the calculation of volume but this makes me think i should!
i was regretting my choice to request my dear you but i found it exceeded my expectations. i hope you feel the same!
Say Nothing made the NY Times best 100 books of the 21st century. It’s fantastic and gives a very good overview of Northern Ireland during the troubles, violence, and memory.
moving it even higher on my tbr
I also wrote the author an email saying how much I enjoyed it…and he replied! Rogues is nice as an audiobook too. His piece about Anthony Bourdain is amazing.
amazing!!!
Calculation of Volume IV is up next for me! Totally hooked on the series.
how can we read when we’re all just waiting for the summer house reunion?
my fave of april was probably “the most fun we ever had”
LILY!!! i need it. i can’t focus on anything else.
this comment has unprecedented taste
the audio leaks, people on WWHL reading text messages — like AIR IT EARLY.
you going back and reading books you loved as a younger kid is inspiring me to pick up the ugliest series by scott westfield to read again
iconic choice
Seascraper by Benjamin Wood; The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller; Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth; Like by Ali Smith; The Wedding Book by Alison Espach. All were fantastic. Almost all were me reading due to reviews of various kinds--thank you for doing them. I'm interested in interiority A lot I guess but these all have plot and amazing
writing. Alison Espach's book was so funny and a welcome relief.
loved seascraper and the wedding people! i totally agree - reading widely is the best
I hope May is a great month for you! I adored The Grapes of Wrath and The Phantom Tollbooth and may need to do a reread on both😍
thank you!! i would recommend it on both counts!!
I have been in a short story kick lately, and I am so happy to hear that you liked the new Rachel Khong. Your stated pickiness with short stories gives me confidence in picking this one up!
i hope you like it as much as i did!!
I don't have a favorite yet.
I listened to London Falling. It was good, but sad. Without giving away the ending, I'll just say, I found the ending frustrating. I also listened to My Father's House... first book of a trilogy by Joseph O'Connor. It's historical fiction based on real events during WW II in Italy. It's very good.
i did think the end came quicker than i would have expected!
Me too! That's why I was frustrated at the end. I was hoping for a different ending!
i’m w you on that for sure!
😊👍
Something I read this month that might be your vibe—Oriental Girls Desire Romance by Catherine Liu. It's about a Chinese-American woman in NYC in the '80s kinda just going about her life and reflecting on her past and her identity. It has a sometimes unlikable narrator making somewhat questionable decisions, no plot just vibes, lots of introspection and overintellectualizing, and even lacks quotation marks à la Sally Rooney. I had to read it for a class and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it
wow this sounds sooo up my alley it’s insane. thank you!
Hope you enjoy!
I know you love books and you are having a hard time finding the next 5-star read but boy, are you funny! I loved this newsletter!
thank you So MUCH
Also - no shame in DNF'ing. Life's too short...
this is a lesson i need to learn
Best book in April was Stolen, by Ann-Helén Laestadius. Worst book was There is No Antimemetics Division by qntm
ill have to check out stolen!
I learned so much about the indigenous Sami people in Scandinavia, and it was via an interesting plot. Highly recommend the audio version.
very good to know!
Best thing I read this year was Go As a River. I read it in February and still think about it a lot. 2nd best was Kin.
oh i’ll have to check out go as a river - i really liked kin!
Warning: it’s not the cheeriest option :)
I so agree about the Wayward Children series - loved the first one, but each subsequent one I’ve tried has had majorly diminishing returns, to the point that they retroactively eroded what I liked about the first one 😬
you put this so perfectly!!!
glad that my mission to indoctrinate you into the PRK gang worked! i’ve had zero five star reads this year, so i am suffering right along with you
i am so sorry we are in this together