Looking for a book to help you get Bingo? Just trying to figure out what to read while you’re at the beach? Give me a sentence or two about what you’re looking for and I’ll offer a suggestion. If you know the perfect book for another commentator, please jump in.
This is such a dangerous thread for me--I've just been reading through and adding every book to my Goodreads list. 😬
I'm looking for something fantasy-ish set in the Muslim world--djinn are a particular obsession for me lately, haha. I really loved the Daevabad series (even recommended it in an issue of What to Read If!) and want to scratch that itch again. I've already read P. Djèlí Clark's A Dead Djinn in Cairo (it's also great!).
I'm looking for suggestions for the epistolary novel box on the Bingo board. I used to read lots of episolary novels, and I love them, but I'm having trouble finding new ones or ones I haven't read.
On the middle grade side, I'm obsessed with Kate and Sarah Klise's books. For an adult read, try The Appeal by Janice Hazzlett, it's a mystery written entirely in deposition documents.
So, on behalf of someone else, I'm looking for a good introduction to romance novels - this is someone who's been surprised by how much they enjoy the Bridgerton show (yes, they could just read one of those - especially since they've said they like the "siblings trying to help but really just making it worse" dynamic), but isn't really familiar with the genre and wants to dip a toe in. Most of their usual reading diet consists of military and space histories (generally nonfiction, but not always). Any ideas for something that's a gentle but representative way into the genre?
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. It's how I started with the romance genre and cannot get myself out. I was an avid non-fiction reader then overnight, switched to historical fiction especially if romance or crime is involved. I rarely pick up non-fiction now but wouldn't change it for the world. I'm a hopeless romantic!
Oh of course, then yes I recommend the Wallflower series and any others by Lisa Kleypas, Stephanie Laurens has a couple series through this period too. Good luck ☺️
Emily Henry, Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory seem to appeal to a lot of people I know who aren't "regular" romance readers. Hoang's "The Heart Principle" and Henry's "Book Lovers" are both fantastic. In terms of Regency, "The Devil in Winter" by Lisa Kleypas (part of her Wallflowers series) is my all-time favorite in that subgenre.
I really liked what is the What (Dave eggers), shantaram, the bad girl (vargas llosa), the untamable (arriaga) and half of a yellow sun (Chimamanda Ngozi). All personal narratives, often historical novels, international and quite adventurous. Would love to find something similar!
For research purposes, I'd love to read some fiction where the setting is Wall Street (e.g., hedge fund, investment bank, etc.) published within the last 2-3 years. If the protagonist is atypical in that setting (e.g., female, minority), even better.
Not summer stock per se, but Margaret Atwood's Hagseed was awesome. I haven't loved her last few books, but I really liked this one. It's an updated version of The Tempest, and it's about a theater company in a prison... putting on The Tempest.
Thank you! I’ve been enjoying my town’s summer stock productions and it seems like a rich setting - inherent dramatic characters with big dreams and small budgets, “showmances,” long summer nights in a new town, etc.
Watership Down; Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis; three totally wonderful novels by Molly Gloss -- Hearts of Horses, Falling from Horses, and The Jump-Off Creek
She just died recently. It's a disaster. I think she was pretty much the best crime novelist alive. Her depictions of women's lives were amazing and hilarious. As you know.
Last summer I got into the Verlaque and Bonnet mystery series. They take place in France, the descriptions of food are out of this world and one of the main characters is the chief magistrate so similar to Poirot it feels believable that he is trying to work out the mystery. Less of a "I just stumbled upon this" and more of an appreciation for an expert with real skills in this department. It's a little less violent or spooky but they have satisfied my Poirot itch! I also read the 9th book first without realizing it and didn't feel like I was missing too much because I read them out of order. https://www.howtoread.me/verlaque-and-bonnet-books-in-order-m-l-longworth/
Thanks to everyone for chiming in. This is not my strong suit. The last story in Lily King's new collection "Five Tuesdays in Winter" is somewhat experimental. I loved it.
this made me think of a man called ove... except that it's not long or complex. but i loved ove so much. looking forward to hearing the suggestions for this!
This is such a dangerous thread for me--I've just been reading through and adding every book to my Goodreads list. 😬
I'm looking for something fantasy-ish set in the Muslim world--djinn are a particular obsession for me lately, haha. I really loved the Daevabad series (even recommended it in an issue of What to Read If!) and want to scratch that itch again. I've already read P. Djèlí Clark's A Dead Djinn in Cairo (it's also great!).
Clark has a new Master of Djinn out. what about the Golem and the Jinni?
Oooh. Not my forte. Maybe someone else can help?
Nice! I’ve heard good things about that book, thanks!
I'm looking for suggestions for the epistolary novel box on the Bingo board. I used to read lots of episolary novels, and I love them, but I'm having trouble finding new ones or ones I haven't read.
On the middle grade side, I'm obsessed with Kate and Sarah Klise's books. For an adult read, try The Appeal by Janice Hazzlett, it's a mystery written entirely in deposition documents.
Thanks! Both of those sound good. Already put a hold on The Appeal. :)
I’d love some heartwarming fantasy novels like The House on the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.
TJ Klune's newer book, Under the Whispering Door is just as lovely as House.
I need to read that one!
Maybe The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall?
That sounds good - I’ll check it out! Thanks!
So, on behalf of someone else, I'm looking for a good introduction to romance novels - this is someone who's been surprised by how much they enjoy the Bridgerton show (yes, they could just read one of those - especially since they've said they like the "siblings trying to help but really just making it worse" dynamic), but isn't really familiar with the genre and wants to dip a toe in. Most of their usual reading diet consists of military and space histories (generally nonfiction, but not always). Any ideas for something that's a gentle but representative way into the genre?
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. It's how I started with the romance genre and cannot get myself out. I was an avid non-fiction reader then overnight, switched to historical fiction especially if romance or crime is involved. I rarely pick up non-fiction now but wouldn't change it for the world. I'm a hopeless romantic!
On that note, if they do want to go historical route that's not like regency romance, Susannah Kearsley may be perfect for them!
Oh of course, then yes I recommend the Wallflower series and any others by Lisa Kleypas, Stephanie Laurens has a couple series through this period too. Good luck ☺️
Emily Henry, Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory seem to appeal to a lot of people I know who aren't "regular" romance readers. Hoang's "The Heart Principle" and Henry's "Book Lovers" are both fantastic. In terms of Regency, "The Devil in Winter" by Lisa Kleypas (part of her Wallflowers series) is my all-time favorite in that subgenre.
I just read and loved Devil in Winter!
Maybe Mr. Malcom's List? It's a funny closed-door regency that also has a Netflix adaptation.
I really liked what is the What (Dave eggers), shantaram, the bad girl (vargas llosa), the untamable (arriaga) and half of a yellow sun (Chimamanda Ngozi). All personal narratives, often historical novels, international and quite adventurous. Would love to find something similar!
Have you read Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo? I think it checks a lot of boxes.
I have not. Will add it to the list. Thanks a lot!
Sorry for the late reply, but thanks so much for the tips!
For research purposes, I'd love to read some fiction where the setting is Wall Street (e.g., hedge fund, investment bank, etc.) published within the last 2-3 years. If the protagonist is atypical in that setting (e.g., female, minority), even better.
The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Chris Beha
That's a good one.
This one is six years old but hits a lot of what you're looking for: https://bookshop.org/a/22722/9781501110634
Thanks!
I’m Looking for a book with a summer stock setting about theatre actors.
Coincidentally, my friend Emilie just suggested Good Company, which takes place, partially at summer stock!
https://bookshop.org/a/22722/9780062876003
"The Man Who Couldn't Miss" by David Handler. It's part of a mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
So fun! Thank you 😊
This is a tricky one. There appears to be a well-reviewed nonfiction book called Summer Stock and there's a new book coming out this summer on a Shakespeare festival: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688192/for-the-love-of-the-bard-by-jessica-martin/
Update: I read For the Love of the Bard. It was super charming.
Not summer stock per se, but Margaret Atwood's Hagseed was awesome. I haven't loved her last few books, but I really liked this one. It's an updated version of The Tempest, and it's about a theater company in a prison... putting on The Tempest.
Wow that sounds brilliant!
Thank you! I’ve been enjoying my town’s summer stock productions and it seems like a rich setting - inherent dramatic characters with big dreams and small budgets, “showmances,” long summer nights in a new town, etc.
You should write it!
Sounds fantastic! Thank you!
I don’t think I have read any of her books but I’ve always meant to! Sounds great!
Hi there! I would like to read some fantasy. A book full of mysteries so I can pass through a rough moment.
Strange the Dreamer!
Thanks :)
Maybe A Marvellous Light? It's a magical adventure story. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is one of my favorite books of the last few years.
Thank you! :)
Sure! :)
Thank you so much ♥
Always looking for fiction that takes animals seriously...more "Timothy: Notes of an Abject Reptile" than "Hollow Kingdom." Thank you!
Also! I'm on the list at the library for Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is narrated by an octopus. It's getting great reviews.
Watership Down; Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis; three totally wonderful novels by Molly Gloss -- Hearts of Horses, Falling from Horses, and The Jump-Off Creek
I thoroughly enjoyed "West With Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge. Historical fiction about some real-life giraffes.
Have you read "Flowers for Algernon?" That might work. I really enjoy the Shady Hollow books, but those are more "Hollow Kingdom."
I miss Susie Steiner and wish she had written more books before she died too soon.
Wait, she DIED? No! I just made my way through all the Manon Bradshaw books and was waiting for the next one!
She just died recently. It's a disaster. I think she was pretty much the best crime novelist alive. Her depictions of women's lives were amazing and hilarious. As you know.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/08/books/susie-steiner-dead.html
Have you read any Alafair Burke? I think she might be a good fit.
I have not! Where do you recommend I start?
Maybe her Ellie Hatcher series? https://www.alafairburke.com/all-day-and-a-night
I just finished all Hercule Poirot mysteries. Excellent. Suggestions welcome for same idea in modern and new setting. Thanks!
You should take a look at "The Thursday Murder Club". It's awesome!
YES.
Definitely try Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Mystery books — they're inspired by Christie.
For something different, The Agathas is a new YA mystery about a Poirot-obsessed teen trying to find her missing best friend.
I will! Thanks!
Last summer I got into the Verlaque and Bonnet mystery series. They take place in France, the descriptions of food are out of this world and one of the main characters is the chief magistrate so similar to Poirot it feels believable that he is trying to work out the mystery. Less of a "I just stumbled upon this" and more of an appreciation for an expert with real skills in this department. It's a little less violent or spooky but they have satisfied my Poirot itch! I also read the 9th book first without realizing it and didn't feel like I was missing too much because I read them out of order. https://www.howtoread.me/verlaque-and-bonnet-books-in-order-m-l-longworth/
The food writing in these books rivals Louise Penny's
Thanks! Sounds wonderful. I miss Paris and especially the food. I will dig in. Sounds fun.
Thanks very much!
It's more Ms. Marple than Poirot, but you might like the Agatha Raisin mysteries by MC Beaton.
Thanks very much! I will try them.
Experimental short or flash fiction. Been enjoying A.L Snijders recently
Fever Dream is pretty wild
Happy to check that out. Thank you!
Thanks to everyone for chiming in. This is not my strong suit. The last story in Lily King's new collection "Five Tuesdays in Winter" is somewhat experimental. I loved it.
I recommend Hannah Lee Kidder
I don't know her but am about to deep dive! Thank you for the recommendation!
Have you read Joy Williams's 99 Stories of God?
LOVE her!
She is an absolute FAVORITE! In fact, the A.L Snijders I liked she translated!
I think Gentleman In Moscow might fit this bill! It's been a while since I read it but I remember loving that main character.
One more for you: I finished Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow last night. I
Loved it so much I’m recommending it in Monday’s newsletter. I think it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Have you read the Rosie project? The main character is definitely love able and flawed.
It might not be long enough, but I love Lily King's Writers and Lovers. Casey is deeply flawed but so loveable.
Interior Chinatown has a complex structure, but not super long, and is about trying to make it in Hollywood.
Does that help?
Interior Chinatown is great. Funny and poignant.
Let me know what you think of Writers and Lovers — I think you'll like it a lot.
I'm currently enjoying The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles.
Good one!
this made me think of a man called ove... except that it's not long or complex. but i loved ove so much. looking forward to hearing the suggestions for this!
Have you read The Reading List? Gave me Ove vibes?
i have! i liked it a lot!
I am very interested in suggestions for this premise...