Friday Reads 5.28.24
It’s Friday, and you know what that means. Grab a cuppa (or two, maybe a thermos), and let’s talk about what we’re reading!
In the infamous words of Randy Quaid in Independence Day… I’m back!
What a wonderful few weeks off. Randy and I set up camp in Colorado, hiding away in the woods where I grew up. We didn’t tell anyone we were there so we wouldn’t have any distractions. It was a great success. Over 10,000 new words on the book, got to see my parents, did some hiking, ruminating, and self-therapy, saw my brother and his kids, played some (albeit chilly) golf, saw the Northern Lights, made friends with a massive great horned owl, and had extensive one-on-one time with a charm of hummingbirds who were settling in after their migration. It was cold at night, below freezing, and I know it was early for the feeder, but that chilly, sugary water probably saved a few of the littlest souls. I also saw a hummer I’d never seen before, jet black and white (black-chinned is the breed), whom we named Checkers. He hung out for a couple of days, then was off on his quest. What a cool blessing.
It’s quiet in the woods—unless the chinooks blow, which they did, merrily. Quiet enough, though, to light a fire and enjoy the scenery and let the creative spirit take hold. It was a long-overdue break from the real world, and I’ve returned feeling lighter of spirit. For a while now, I have not felt externally creative as far as the performative social scrolls go. I think I’m biding my time for the release of the new book, storing up the extra energy that goes into a book launch. Or is it just me? Do any of you feel the draw to words instead of pictures lately? To go deep instead of quick and easy? Maybe it’s because the algorithms keep changing, the goalposts keep moving, and the perpetual Charlie-Brown-kicking-the-football of social media is wearing thin. That is probably why Threads is blooming, though it, too, has its problems. Either way, I was three weeks late on my deliverables to my video manager, and I am so relieved to have that done and to be back here, chatting with you.
So, all that said… let’s talk books!
I didn’t read quite as much as I would have liked, but I did get through several good ones.
SOCIOPATH by Patric Gagne was everything. I had heard some negative things about it, and I’m so glad I ignored those comments and went in with an open heart and mind. This book is a raw, barbaric yawp of a woman who is seeking connection—and love—in the ways she knows how while also educating people on what her diagnosis really means. Fascinating, heartfelt, and educational, it was a total win for me.
THE STEPFORD WIVES by Ira Levin is a classic for a reason. Both this and the book above are research titles for my new book, and I admit I didn’t get exactly what I needed from the book. The movies are more in line with my thought process, fleshing out where the story could—should—go, so they’re on the list to watch next.
ONE PERFECT COUPLE by Ruth Ware is out now, and I got a chance to sit down with her last night in Nashville and chat. Ruth is a great author, a really hardworking author, and watching her be toured is fascinating because she has a cult following now. This book is really good, with all sorts of ethical malfeasance. Our conversation was taped; I’ll post a link when it goes live.
I’m halfway through THE STOLEN HEIR by Holly Black, and confession time, this is my first fantasy novel since IRON FLAME. Yes, that’s six months between fantasy books. Part of that is intentional—I’m gearing up to do the revision on book 5 of the Jayne Thorne series, and have waited to get into the frame of mind—but also a testament to how glorious Holly’s work is, because it’s shaking me out of the fantasy slump. This world of Elphame she’s created is truly magnificent and creative.
I’m also listening to Suzanne Collins’ prequel to the Hunger Games series, THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, and it’s great. It is deep and moving, and I can already see how our future President Snow is going to be twisted into the hateful creature he becomes. I always have loved a villain origin story, and this is not disappointing.
And some shoutout for future reads:
MAD LOVE—the audio original written and directed by Wendy Walker—is out now. Wendy is a brilliant author (who outlines, I will add), and there’s pretty much nothing she can’t do. I’m excited to listen to this full-cast production.
MY PERFECT HUSBAND by Georgina Cross came out last week, and I can’t wait to read it! Her books are always intriguing.
I have a galley of THE WILDS by Sarah Pearse—also a must-read author for me. Cant’ wait to dig into that, probably after Thrillerfst.
And Jeneva Rose has a new book out that’s burning up the New York Times bestseller list (GO J GO!) HOME IS WHERE THE BODIES ARE is by all accounts a tour de force thriller, and I intend to get a signed copy in NY next week. I missed her in Nashville by one day, and I was so bummed!
Phew! That’s a lot!!! But wait… there’s more!
While I was gone, I did an interview with fellow author Kristen Bird, in which she christened me the fairy godauthor (I think because I tend to tell it like it is but try to do so in an uplifting manner.) It’s a wide-ranging interview with lots of career details, so it's good for you writers looking to break in.
Print Runs & PaychecksJ.T. Ellison, fairy godauthorNew York Times Bestselling Author J.T. Ellison is not only a fantastic storyteller (with 30+ books), but also a wise and generous advice giver, so I’m thrilled that she offered her time to share the insights below, much of which she said she’s “never before revealed” (I know…Read morea day ago · 1 like · 1 comment · Kristen BirdI also came across this very interesting article on the reason behind seasonality in publishing schedules.
I’ve also been avidly following the Twitter feed of a rancher in southwest Kansas who has the most pregnant cow in the universe. After the collective awe of the Aurora Borealis showing itself to the whole US, I wanted more happiness from my feed, and the wholesome education in both the challenges of farming in the US and cow husbandry has helped ground me. I grew up in the 4H world, and this is right up my alley. Much love to 88!
That’s it from me. How about you? How has it been going? I'd love to hear what you're reading this weekend! Any recommendations?
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