It’s that time of year again! I’ve loved it for years, and I’m glad to report that the nominated stories for 2021 are incredibly strong. Click on each title to hear the stories for free on BBC Sounds. The first story will be broadcast on September 20th, with a new story for the following four … Continue reading Review – The BBC National Short Story Award 2021 (Edited by James Runcie, Comma Press)
Review – The Pastor, by Hanne Orstavik, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago Books)
It is only when I read a novel with a structure dissimilar to my usual favorites, that I realize how I am missing out on so many non-English-speaking authors. Hanne Ørstavik has been on my radar for quite some time, as her 1997 novel Love (translated into English into 2018) got quite a lot of … Continue reading Review – The Pastor, by Hanne Orstavik, translated by Martin Aitken (Archipelago Books)
Review – Nothing But Blackened Teeth, by Cassandra Khaw (Macmillan Audio/Nightfire)
Look at that title! You basically know what you’re getting into with a title like that, right? I love a good audacious title. If you are a horror aficionado, you will be shaking your head in despair right from the start of Nothing But Blackened Teeth. Five friends meet up in Japan, to celebrate the … Continue reading Review – Nothing But Blackened Teeth, by Cassandra Khaw (Macmillan Audio/Nightfire)
Review – No Gods, No Monsters, by Cadwell Turnbull (Blackstone Publishing)
I initially became aware of the phenomenal writer Cadwell Turnbull after hearing his short story, Jump, on the LeVar Burton Reads podcast. No Gods, No Monsters is his second novel, and it is safe to say he is establishing himself as a SFF writer to watch. In this rich novel, we are drawn into a … Continue reading Review – No Gods, No Monsters, by Cadwell Turnbull (Blackstone Publishing)
Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
I am so excited to be able to finally share my love of this incredible anthology! When Things Get Dark is easily one of the best, and most consistent anthologies I’ve read in years. Each writer has brought their A-Game in Shirley’s name. Comparisons to Jackson’s work are a dime-a-dozen, and often completely unwarranted. But … Continue reading Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
Reading and Self-Care
Reading is a huge part of my self-care routine; probably the only part of my self-care routine that I regularly stick to. Despite my love of horror and weirdness, I find huge comfort in immersing myself in a novel, and I feel like I’m constantly searching for the next book that will completely transport me … Continue reading Reading and Self-Care
California Reading 