For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been almost completely consumed by anxiety, as my daughter started first grade, in a new public school. But she’s doing great, so my brain can now focus on exciting new avenues of panic! On that note, have you seen The Bear?! Sheesh, what a show.
I’m currently reading two ARCs that I shamefully neglected for so long that they’re now out in the big, wide world.
I have just finished part one of Chrysalis, by Anna Metcalfe, which I am in love with. The plot is still pretty ambiguous, but from what I can gather, the novel contains three different character perspectives on a woman going through a strange transformation. Metcalfe’s got a great tone; can’t wait to see where this novel goes.
I’m also reading the beautifully-titled A Moonlit Path of Madness, by Catherine McCarthy. Grace has moved from Vermont to Wales, as she has inherited her parents’ first home. But it’s full of secrets, obviously, and the residents of the town know a lot more about Grace’s family history than she does. I’m about halfway through, and it’s such an enjoyable read. McCarthy has a very warm, yet creepy, writing style.
There are two very exciting books being released this week. T. Kingfisher returns with Thornhedge, which I’ve already gushed about, and Emily Carroll’s new graphic novel, A Guest in the House. You could probably bash through both of these in a weekend, if you have no other plans.
I attended a fantastic Novel Suspects virtual event with Elizabeth Hand last week, where she spoke at length about her new book, A Haunting on the Hill, which takes place in Shirley Jackson’s Hill House. I cannot wait for the book, and Hand shared that she’s working on something related to the Daphne du Maurier classic, Rebecca. It’s a great time to be a reader, folks!
I am also both chomping and champing at the bit to read the new Christina Henry book, Good Girls Don’t Die. I’m avoiding spoilers, but it’s Christina Henry, so it’s bound to be awesome. Also, here’s a semi-regular plug for two Henry books you NEED to read, Lost Boy, and Near the Bone.
The Butcher, by Laura Kat Young, flew largely under the radar last year, which is a shame because it was a unique, quiet horror novel. I am very excited to read Young’s new novel, The Collector, when it’s released next month. The blurb describes it as 1984 meets Never Let Me Go. Take. My. Money!
We’re halfway through Women in Translation month, so that’s given me a nice focus for my “read a short story every day” project. Yes,I’m still doing it! Since April 2018, baby! Follow along on my Instagram, if that’s your bag.
Hope you’re all having a great summer!
California Reading 