Lucy Scholes does so much work to bring “forgotten” female writers into public consciousness. I am particularly thankful to her for ensuring the republishing of Kay Dick’s unnerving novel, They. With A Different Sound, Scholes has put together a fantastic primer for those interested in discovering some underrated women storytellers. The collection opens with The … Continue reading Review: A Different Sound – Stories by Mid-Century Women Writers, edited by Lucy Scholes (Pushkin Press)
Books of my Thirties
I turn 40 tomorrow. To be honest, I feel pretty good about it. My thirties were absolutely bonkers (marriage, baby, moving to a new country), so I’m taking the time to reflect on the decade. I looked back at my trusty Goodreads, and picked a memorable book from each of the last ten years. 2013 … Continue reading Books of my Thirties
Review: Unquiet, by E. Saxey (Titan Books)
This book isn't out until July, but it's so freaking good I just want to get the hype started! Well, what a wonderful surprise this novel was. Unquiet is the gorgeous, mysterious debut novel from E. Saxey, and is a gothic delight. Judith is rattling around in her family’s huge house in late nineteenth-century London. … Continue reading Review: Unquiet, by E. Saxey (Titan Books)
Short Stories – A Beginner’s Guide
A dear, dear friend of mine asked for "A recommendation for an introduction into short stories", that would be applicable to adults, and 14-16 year-olds. Oof, what a tremendous request! What follows is not a complete guide, but here are my suggested gateway drugs. The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson Is it the best short story … Continue reading Short Stories – A Beginner’s Guide
The Books That Made Me
I am completely devoid of inspiration at the moment, so let’s nick some questions from the Books That Made Me in The Guardian. The book I am currently reading: Ring Shout by P. Djèlí ClarkThe Seventh Manson by Maryse Meijer - both of these books require quite a lot of concentration, so I’m tackling them … Continue reading The Books That Made Me
Some of My Favorite Short Story Collections
I have yet to complete an Instagram monthly challenge. For September 2020, I was determined to post one of my favorite short story collections every day, for Short Story September. But then god laughed, and closed my daughter’s daycare for the better part of a week. But fret not, dear reader! For here is the … Continue reading Some of My Favorite Short Story Collections
Book Bumblings- June 18
On My Read-ar (geddit?) Lots of big exciting releases coming up in the next year. Some favorite authors, some new names. Which are you most excited about? Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno-Garcia (US release June 30, 2020)Tender is the Flesh - Agustina Bazterrica (US release Aug 4, 2020)Sisters - Daisy Johnson (US release Aug 25, … Continue reading Book Bumblings- June 18
The Long and the Short (Story) of It…
Well howdy-ho neighborino! How have you been? Is that a new hat? But most importantly, what have you been reading?! Against all odds, I am still plugging away at my “short story a day” challenge. I’ve read over 80 stories since April, from over 50 different authors. Maybe I’m not managing it every day, but … Continue reading The Long and the Short (Story) of It…
The Short Story Shuffle
Since having a baby 16 months ago, my reading habits have changed. Gone are the days where I can finish a book in one day, because I have a tiny human who I’m apparently supposed to regularly interact with. Giving up on reading is not really an options; reading is my form of meditation. If … Continue reading The Short Story Shuffle
My Favorite Books of 2015
This post was originally posted on my other blog, She Went To California, on December 16th 2015. I’ve felt extremely fortunate for various reasons this year. Not only have I been granted the rare luxury of free time, I’m also lucky enough to live across the road from a ridiculously well-funded library. At the time … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2015
California Reading 