Weekly Reading Round-Up
Happy Friday, all!
This week I read a book that’s not out yet, that goes by the unlikely title of Two Wars and A Wedding. Yep, I was reading through the final proofs of my spring 2023 book (aka the Cuba book, aka the Greece book, aka the 1890s book, aka Smith Book II: the ReSmithening). Hopefully crying all over the ending of my own book (and several bits in the middle) is a good sign and not just an indication that I need more coffee.
Because I was working on three books at the same time this week (the proofs for Two Wars, my chapter for the next Team W book, and research for my Manhattan Well Murder book), I needed something soothing and undemanding to read that wouldn’t take up too much room in my head, so I turned back to my Barbara Michaels shelf for her gothic about Gothics, Houses of Stone, in which an English lit professor finds an unpublished eighteenth century manuscript and is determined to find out the truth about the woman who wrote it– and prevent other academics from getting their hands on it. This book is set in Virginia in summer and I have very strong memories of reading it for the first time during my summer at UVA Young Writers’ Camp back in 1994.
I bounced hard off a popular thriller (I will name no names) and thought it was going to be more vintage Barbara Michaels for me, but my best friend, who has an uncanny sense for when I need a book, texted me a recommendation, and now I’m happily reading the first in Jodi Taylor’s Elizabeth Cage series, White Silence, which has all the snark and swashbuckle of her St. Mary’s series without any of the tea-soaked historians.
What have you been reading this week?
Hi Lauren! Wishing you the best with all your writing! I am reading your book The Other Daughter which you signed for me in Myrtle Beach!! Looking forward to a great read as always!!
Thank you so much, Carol! It was so nice to see you in Myrtle!
I read all the Barbara Michaels during my teenage and post teenage years until she stopped writing. While I love the early Gothic novels, her last few (Dancing Floor, Houses of Stone) were so intriguing as a look into women’s historical roles tied up with mystery.
I just finished The Midnight Library by Matt Haig which is a great fun book which asks to examine the choices you have made in your life.
Now starting The Shop on Royal Street by Karen White, the first book in her new series after Tradd Street. It was very difficult to put it down last night, despite the last hour!
I’ve been reading ‘Scaramouche’ by Sabatini in my little bit of spare time this week. He’s just become Scaramouche in the acting troupe and there’s been much snark. Hope to finish it this weekend.
I love Scaramouche! My mom read it outloud to me years ago, when I was about the age my own daughter is now. I was riveted (and so proud of myself when I guessed a fairly obvious plot twist). Big influence on my own writing. Enjoy!
That is a lovely story! It is fascinating how Andre-Louis can just adapt to any situation!
Reading The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick and really enjoying it, just like all her other books. Also re-reading Life of Pi and The War I finally Won because I love those books so much.