Henry and the Paper Route by Beverly Cleary
I sometimes just want simpler reads, and as a kid, read the Ramona books. Decided to try the Henry Huggins books out this time. It was a cute story, some comedy, classic kid quarrels over silly things, but also showed the importance of sticking to your dreams, even if that dream is to have your own paper route.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
I struggled through some of the story, both due to the situations and how it was written, but enjoyed this one. Follow Charlie, an adult with severe mental delays, as he goes through experimentation by doctors to see if they can help him become smarter. He struggles, being outshined at first by a lab rat named Algernon. He finds love, hope, pain, and grief through the journey.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Andrés Barba "Such Small Hands"
ehhh. i can tell what this book was trying to do but it absolutely didn’t work on me. beautiful beautiful prose though, sucked me in and didn’t let me go, so i almost don’t mind that the plot didn’t do anything for me. some books would benefit from making the creepy things more explicit, and this is definitely one of them.
~ Florence
A House with Good Bones, T. Kingfisher
I listened to the audiobook. Absolutely loved it. The main mystery is somewhat obvious from the jump, but not in a bad way, so I spent my time wondering about the mechanism for it and subsequently the trick of the climax surprised me. Creepy, funny, full of great characters. And the audiobook narrator did an amazing job.
~ michellethestan
The Path of Thorns, A.G. Slatter
This was a great read. I didn't see the ending coming and when the pieces fell into place my jaw was on the floor. Literally I gasped.
I really love the universe this book is in and Slatter's others and I hope there are more. It'd be really cool to start seeing things connect, perhaps.
~ michellethestan
Prey by Michael Crichton
A very interesting take on how technology and AI can advance and adapt. Jack, and some fellow scientists, are now trapped by what they’ve made. Nanobots who see their creators as their prey. This kind of story gets to me the most, ones where it’s written in a way where it could be true, it could be a warning, of what’s to come if we aren’t careful.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White
This one was a bit tougher of a read. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games, in the aspect that it’s showing children trying to survive on TV, in dangerous situations. This is a dystopian future, where a group of teenagers are sent to Antarctica to follow the same journey of Robert F. Scott. It’s got action, drama, and heartache, but is very well written.
~ IzzyHandsArt
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
The title is both accurate and inaccurate! Follow Craig as he submits himself to mental health ward due to the stress he’s under in school. He meets new friends, hears new stories, and gets a look at what others are going through that led them here. It leads him, in ways he never expected, to happiness
~ IzzyHandsArt
Small Steps by Louis Sachar
The ‘sequel’ to Holes follows Armpit (Theodore) on what happens after Camp Green Lake. He’s now trying hard to get on the right track, especially with the help of and by helping the young girl next door, Ginny, who has cerebral palsy. There’s blatant racism in the book towards Theodore, which I hadn’t expected to read about, and talks of how easy it is to go back down the wrong road if you’re not careful, but it’s still a book I recommend reading if you’ve previously enjoyed Holes.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion
I wish this had a little more information about the animals/plants/insects/fungi that the author discusses but the narration had a nice soothing feel to it and the book overall was an interesting meditation on our relationship with darkness and (artificial) light.
~ remreader
‘Dr. Werthless’ by Harold Schechter & Eric Powell
Graphic novel biography of psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham, who helped desegregate schools, opened a clinic in Harlem, & examined cannibal serial killer Albert Fish. He also nearly killed the comic book industry.
~ killerweasel
Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir
This was fantastic. I was amused because it's essentially the same conceit as The Martian - usefully autistic little guy doing Space Science to solve a disaster - but I wasn't bothered by that. The story, characters, and writing were entertaining enough that the formula was just charming. I couldn't put it down and I audibly gasped at several points. At one point near the end I had to actually put it down and walk away for a minute to absorb what happened.
~ michellethestan
Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports edited by Dahlia Adler & Jennifer Iacopelli
Like most short story collections this was a bit of a mixed bag. I probably would have like it better if I was more interested in sports generally but as it stands a lot of the stories really just felt like chapters/excerpts from longer works and not strong short stories on their own.
~ remreader
The Charioteer by Mary Renault
I think this might be a new favorite book for me. Set during WWII and written in the 1950s (by a queer woman!), this is a rare example (for the time) of a gay male romance that doesn't end in tragedy. The writing is gorgeous, and so much is said by not being said. So much lives in the subtext and the blank space and the moments of silence. Every character is so deeply human, even the ones who, at first glance, maybe feel like caricatures or cliches. There are so many callbacks and allusions carefully threaded through the book, so I'm excited to eventually reread it a bit more closely and see what sticks out to me next.
~ Bryn (unfunpleasures)
Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens
I picked this up on my medievalist sister-in-law's recommendation. Being born and raised in the US, I probably got less out of it than someone born and raised in the UK - there were so many references to modern day Britain that went completely over my head. As far as histories go, it was deeply oversimplified for comedic purposes. I don't know how much information really sunk in. It was such a fly-through of history. I think multiple monarchs melted together in my brain. So it feels like I didn't actually learn much. So I'm gonna say my impression of it is more negative than positive.
~ Lindsay (wildflowerstede)
Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life by Jason Roberts
The narration was a little dry at times but the information was very interesting.
~ remreader
“Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?” ’ by Harold Schechter & Eric Powell
Graphic novel biography of Eddie Gein, who was the inspiration for Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Silence of the Lambs. Powell’s art is fantastic.
killerweasel
The Worst Trickster Story Ever Told: Native America, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution by Keith Richotte, Jr.
I liked this one a lot more than the other book I read about the Supreme Court for this reading club! The author does a great job walking the reader through a lot of Supreme Court cases and other history without it ever feeling overwhelming or losing sight of the main question of the book.
~ remreader
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
I’d seen the movie as a kid, decided it was time to read the book! There was suspense, mystery, and pain hidden that I didn’t expect as Mrs. Frisby tries to save her family and her home by seeking help from rats with heightened intelligence who escaped a laboratory.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Devils Like Us by LT Thompson
When OFMD is mentioned in the blurb for the book, my standards are going to be unfairly high. It's got a few of the elements of OFMD - queerness, found family on the high seas - but I enjoyed it a lot more when I took OFMD out of the equation. It wasn't life changing in the same way. But nonetheless, I enjoyed its supernatural twist and the AFAB main characters.
~ Lindsay (wildflowerstede)
A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
A really sad story of a single father who finds love again in his son’s teacher. The dad, Miles, is also wondering the whole time who was the cause of his wife’s death in a hit and run accident. The perspective changes occasionally to the murderers view, their thoughts on what’s happening, and what they did. Kept me wondering till the end who it was.
~ IzzyHandsArt
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
One of my favorites by Nicholas Sparks, this book once more touches on his classic ‘love in a hard situation’ theme. A marine, Logan, finds a photo of a young woman while in the field, and claims it when no one else does. It soon becomes a symbol of his luck, and when home, becomes determined to find the woman and know who she is.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Wish by Emma Dodd
Firstly: I’ll be honest! It’s a young children’s book. The type you’d read your toddler before bed. But we got it in at my job, and I was curious because of the cute art on the cover so I read it.
Very simple short story of two wolves, a mom (or could be dad, too!) and pup, the adventures they have, and the parents wish for the pup as they grow up and are ready to have adventures of their own.
~ IzzyHandsArt
The Siren, the Song, and the Spy by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
It was okay. Not as good as the first book in the series, which hurt my feelings because there are PIRATES! Both books are still worth reading because there's love, freedom, figuring out identity, and decolonization.
~ Callous
The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
I really enjoyed it! It was a bit unusual for TJ Klune, but it was a fun and interesting read. The character development was great and took course over the length of the book, with each person growing and shifting at their own pace. You've got a road trip, with folks on the run from cultists and the government. What more could you need?
~ Callous
Slay by Brittney Morris
I thought it was really good! I don't want to give much of a summary, because I don't want to accidentally spoil it, but it's worth reading if you're looking for something a little different.
~ Callous
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
Love! Love! Loved this book! CW: It's got some very dark themes with violence and homophobia. If you can handle that, I think you'll fall in love with Sam. They're non-binary and autistic and just trying to find their place in the world. (There's also some ghosts, for bonus prizes!)
~ Callous
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Expertly balances scares and camp and then wraps it all up in a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.
~ HipHopAnonymous
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
one of the scariest things I’ve ever read. Based on an actual incident, this book recounts what happened when a deadly virus entered the US via infected lab monkeys. Scientists have to find what the disease is while also trying to keep the public unaware to avoid a panic.
~ IzzyHandsArt
Star Trek Lower Decks: Second Contact by Ryan North, art by Derek Charm and Jack Lawrence
The 3 mini story arcs were a lot of fun and all felt like they could easily be episodes of the show and as a Squirrel Girl fan I loved that Ryan North continued the footnote commentary gag from those comics.
~ remreader
The Women, by Kristin Hannah
Not the most original plot, but good storytelling and really draws you in…for once, I get why it’s so popular!
~ meganreal
Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian
Too much more of a memoir than a science book for my tastes.
~ remreader
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
4* - While it took me most of the first part of this book to get a grip on the world, I really did enjoy it. Avra is a bitch and such an asshole, and Tev and Julian are perfect counterweights for him and his brashness. I very much enjoyed the pace of this book and I sort of wish I could have more of them; I'm incredibly curious about the other captains and the world in general. And the cake competition? Absolutely fantastic!!
I'd argue that it does give the wrong impression to say this is for fans of Our Flag Means Death--the book is fun for OFMD fans but do not go into it expecting Ed and Stede. Go into it expecting Lucius to be the main character, because that does feel more appropriate.
~ fpwoper
Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali
This was fantastic. This was my best friend's pick for our book club and I was so glad. Another one of those I read in a day, what a great and immersive telling of a period of someone's life, how easily it weaves in inner dialogue with events. Just a really well-written book and very easily to connect with it emotionally as well as intellectually. Very impressed.
~ highwaystars
Red Snow - Will Deans
Oft, I did not like this, and I don't like saying I don't like things so this really is low praise from me. I didn't mind the first book in the series - Dark Pines, scandi noir with an inserting enough lead, and lots of trees and snow but whatever was in that book was missing here. (Likely the move from forest to town setting) Monotonous, reparative (god SO repetitive) with no real plot, a murder mystery that you have no way of solving. Some interesting characters but no space for them to shine. Sorry Will, it's a no from me.
~ rueforyou
An Unkindness of Ghosts
Fuck! Right up there as one of my favourite read of the year, which is impressive as Sci-Fi is one of my least favourite genres. This had the potential to be tropey terrible slop and it swerved all the pit falls to be engaging and devastating while still having moments of tenderness, a b-plot romance that had me invested, side characters I loved, things that made me cry and feel sick. Definitely one to read.
~ rueforyou
A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck
A masterpiece of existential dread and delight.
~ HipHopAnonymous
Band Sinister by K. J. Charles
Loved it! Character development wasn't quite as deep as some of Charles' other books but it was still a good time.
~ tightenupmate
All Systems Red, Martha Wells
4/5 really really well done and eager to hear more.
~ tightenupmate
Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
So good. I can't get enough of these books. What a gift Becky Chambers is
~ tightenupmate
Better Living Through Birding: Notes From a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper
Hard to really rate a memoir but I enjoyed Cooper's writing style and the pieces of his life that he shared in the book.
~ remreader
Nettle & Bone, T. Kingfisher
This was another enjoyable fantasy listen - I love an audiobook that you can fully emerse yourself in and forget you're cleaning toilets or whatever while you enjoy the story. If anything I wish there was more of this story. There were times when I wanted more detail, not necessarily because I felt anything was lacking but because I was so interested in the world and I wanted to know more. This was especially true of the blistered lands, where it felt like there was an entire backstory we were missing when Marra was there and I was disappointed we never returned to them as an issue in general. It didn't really impact the plot but it did leave me wanting more world building.
Overall I loved the characters and I love a good reexamined fairytale.
~ michellethestan
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Multiple friends recommended this book to me as a Terror Fan because it features cold boy Graham Gore. It's a time travel thriller/romance that's fun and easy reading. I especially liked the musings on sex and sexuality between our modern narrator and the Victorian-era Gore.
~ SpaceCadetGlow
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
I loved this one. It's an older book about an even older story, but I'd never read much about this particular expedition before. It was addictive, exciting reading that I could hardly put down. Lansing does a great job with the descriptions so everything feels very tangible and urgent. I got chills multiple times (though not as bad as these guys amirite?) and cried from relief at the end!
~ SpaceCadetGlow
Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
I definitely recommend this one. A quick and important read.
~ remreader
Lavender House, by Lev AC Rosen
It’s a series starter, so there is lots of exposition and world building…but there is a lot of potential there for a great series.
~ meganreal
Spooky Lakes by Geo Rutherford
Neat book full of facts about lakes located all over the world, the majority of which can be deadly & dangerous, either due to nature or human interference.
~ killerweasel
The Benevolent Society of Ill Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman
I really enjoyed this one. Regency era romance, 40+yo heroines, great dynamic between characters, interesting side characters, lots of adventure and mystery (albeit-NOT a cozy mystery). Not really sure why this one isn’t more popular with the book club crowds.
~ FelinePharma
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Meh
~ FelinePharma
Unfit to Print by KJ Charles
Someday, Hoopla will stop shoving another KJ Charles book into my next list, but not today.
Features two POC leads in Victorian London with a cat named Satan. The mystery investigation here is just a backdrop to bring these characters together, but the descriptions of sooty, grimy London and the real fear of the morality police make for a truly atmospheric and enjoyable read.
~ FelinePharma
Hoosier Folk Legends by Ronald L Baker
I used to check this book out from the library all the time when I was a kid since I loved to read anything strange or paranormal. Today, all the stories are quite silly and transparent, but it is a good collection of oral history (mostly collected by college kids from ISU in the late 60’s - early 70’s) and goes to show how people from all over manage to curate their own (often similar) myths and legends. Three stars mainly for the nostalgia.
~ FelinePharma
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
Another reread, and I think I loved it even more the second time around. The worldbuilding is especially top tier. And if we're friends and I haven't gone on a (very positive) rant at you about the vampires or scarecrows, then it's only a matter of time really.
~ acesaru
Defekt by Nino Cipri
I was wary about a sequel to Finna that followed different characters, but I'm really glad I gave this one a shot. It's just as delightfully weird as the first novella. It's cool to think about how Finna was written as a screenplay originally, and how the prose in this one differs with it being a novella from the get-go, and how enjoyable they both are in very different ways. Possibly also the strangest romance I've rooted for in a book.
~ acesaru
Devils Like Us by L.T. Thompson
They got me with that OFMD comp, but I ended up loving it on its own merits (though yes, the queer found family at sea was lovely). Historical, paranormal, and queer with transmasc rep and a lot of sapphic pining. VERY excited to read the next book when it's out.
~ acesaru
Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
I don't think this prose was for me. The book played with lots of very cool themes—what can be original in the age of AI, if originality even matters, creative jealousy—but I just couldn't feel like I was fully immersed a lot of the time.
~ acesaru
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
I saw the show before reading the book. I think the book is better. Security Unit, Murderbot, has turned off its governor module, giving it power over itself to make decisions or follow orders.
~ killerweasel
Men Explain Things To Me by Rebecca Solnit
This book is a collection of essays on feminist and cultural topics. It was published 10 years ago (and the essays are a bit older), so in some ways it feels like a time capsule, in good and bad ways. ("You can abolish the reproductive rights women gained in 1973, with Roe v. Wade....But you can't so easily abolish the idea that women have certain inalienable rights" hit hard.) The title is iconic and its essay is still relevant for sure.
~ alimasin
Gwen and Art are Not in Love, Lex Croucher
Enjoyable easy read with plenty of queer characters, took a little while to get going and I didn't fully engage with the characters right away. Would still recommend.
~ Magziraphale
Legends and Lattes, Travis Baldree
Listened to this as an audiobook and loved it, the perfect companion on a long journey. Read by the author so it's nice to hear their view of the characters etc. It's fairly light going, cosy and comfortable, but still well written. Queer found family vibes and stays true to that! As a real coffee lover, my main problem was driving along wishing I had a cup!
~ Magziraphale
The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea, Maggie Tokuda-Hall
I really loved this one. It was on my tbr pile for so long I'd forgotten about it but it feels like books find you again at the right time. The story flows beautifully, engaging with themes of colonialism, race and gender in a fantasy setting that is fairly nuanced in what is ultimately a sapphic romance. Shifts POV quite a bit but never feels jarring, just a way of showing different perspectives. The main characters are engaging and sympathetic and you really root for them, and some of the side characters such as Rake are really interesting. If you love pirates and the sea you'll love this.
~ Magziraphale
Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech by Brian Merchant
It was great to learn more about the Luddites and I really liked the way the book was organized - very short chapters that followed different key figures in the Luddite movement and related topics. It really helped the amount of information and names from becoming overwhelming.
~ remreader
Mrs. Victoria Buys A Brothel, Talhí Briones
Absolutely delightful read. A sapphic, feminist western with brilliant characters. The main pairing are middle-aged which is delightful. Couldn't put it down!
~ Magziraphale
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, KJ Charles
A really enjoyable gay regency romance with surprisingly good plot. Engaging cast of characters and very detailed setting. Really want to read the follow-up now!
~ Magziraphale
The Full Moon Coffee Shop, Mai Mochizuki (translated Jesse Kirkwood)
Another one that languished on the tbr pile and found the right time to be picked up! A quick but life-affirming read, a magical realism tale with multiple players and a very human need to know oneself and the value of kindness. Gorgeous book.
~ Magziraphale
Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia
A heartfelt, complicated, and emotional coming-of-age graphic novel. Almudena must spend the summer with her Guatemalan father, who she has never met, and navigate an unfamiliar language, culture, and community she has never experienced while growing up with her white mother. It's a story about identity and heritage, connection and acceptance, found family and showing up for others, while also incorporating the impact of themes like gentrification, racism, and homophobia. Almudena learns a lot about herself during this summer.
The art is beautiful. I liked that the story doesn't shy away from how messy feelings & choices can be and the message that we are always learning and growing.
~ Bookloverstede@bsky.social
The Storyteller by Brandon Hobson
A Middle Grade novel about a young Cherokee boy, Ziggy, who struggles with anxiety and wants to find his mother who has been missing since he was little. He embarks on a journey in the desert with his sister and friends, determined to find his mother.
I really liked how the anxiety was portrayed in this story and how Ziggy had a support system in those around him. The indigenous storytelling woven into this book through a dream-like journey with talking animals and historic moments was a uniquely immersive experience.
~ Bookloverstede@bsky.social
Flip by Ngozi Ukazu
I love Ngozi's work and I loved this graphic novel. Highly recommend!!
~ Bookloverstede@bsky.social
Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley
Having loved Jane Austen as long as I have, I can't believe it's taken me this long to read a biography! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love how much attention was given to Jane's surviving letters. I appreciate how much her own words were valued over what her later Victorian relatives had to say about her. It was fascinating to see how she wrote bits of her life into her novels. Would definitely recommend to any Austen fan.
~ Lindsay (wildflowerstede)
Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
A wildly fun book with lovable characters that can be so silly sometimes but everything works out in the end.
~ vexbatch
I Think They Love You by Julian Winters
A funny and emotional look at a fake dating romance between a workaholic and his ex.
~ vexbatch
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
Surprising and lovely, this book takes polyamory and allows the focus to be on the individual members of the relationship, not just the polycule as a whole. Also, the plot outside of the romance simmers nicely.
~ vexbatch
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley
This book takes a hard look at carnival life in the 1910's in NYC and the way otherness is seen and treated, even within marginalized groups. It's historical fantasy with a heartbreaking romance included. Really well developed world.
~ vexbatch
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
A funny, spicy, contemporary fantasy romance.
~ vexbatch
A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch by Sarah Hawley
Much like the first book in the series, this is a funny look at contemporary fantasy romance. It's very steamy and deals more with forbidden love from an enemies to lovers relationship
~ vexbatch
Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
FANTASIC, AMAZING, PHENOMENAL! This is a sci-fi dystopian world wherein our main character Edie is released from jail into the waiting arms of their former co-conspirator in the interest of one last job --- a heist! It's adventurous, emotional, and creates a cast of characters that you'll fall in love with. I cannot recommend this book enough; I truly could not put it down.
~ vexbatch
Exit Strategy (The Murderbot Diaries #4) by Martha Wells
What’s not to love? Return of Murderbot’s favorite humans and Gurathin is also here*! A precarious rescue mission! More Sanctuary Moon! My favorite Pin-Lee moment of all time!
*Gurathin is included in favorite humans, no matter what Murderbot says.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Network Effect (The Murderbot Diaries #5) by Martha Wells
I was glad to reread this one because it’s different from the other books, and I first read it in 2020 when my capacity to absorb/follow for-pleasure reading tanked. (Probably some over-identifying with Murderbot at the time.) I enjoy how Murderbot’s (somewhat reluctant) found family keeps expanding. I have a particular fondness for Three. And who doesn’t love some credible threats from ART?
~ Cap / gentleranium
Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King
Small town has a series of gruesome murders on the nights of full moons. A boy discovers who the werewolf is and is the only one who can stop it.
~ killerweasel
Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries #6) by Martha Wells
I love a good detective story and this novella is a fantastic blend of the locked room mystery and scifi. I especially love how much it fills in the character dynamics between Murderbot and the PresAux humans. I always think about the PresAux humans’ POV, esp for Ratthi or Gurathin in this book.
~ Cap / gentleranium
“Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy” by Martha Wells
I enjoyed being able to see more of ART/Peri’s relationships with its crew.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
I love a good mystery + world-building and this one delivers! Very impressed with how many timeline/threads this book has and never loses the reader.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz
A must-read, especially for anyone who’s participated in fandom—what better example of creating because you love something so much than the biang biang noodle-making robot, Hands?
~ Cap / gentleranium
The Great British Bump-Off by John Allison with Max Sarin (Illustrator)
A very fun British Bake Off/murder mystery mashup! I’ve loved John Allison’s sense of humor since a friend recommended Scary Go Round in college. This one had the same silly humor I remember.
~ Cap / gentleranium
What Stalks the Deep (Sworn Soldier #3) by T. Kingfisher
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one, and it’s my favorite of the Sworn Soldier series so far! Everything I wanted from a period horror novella set in Appalachia. If you were disappointed in The Woods All Black, highly recommend giving this one a try.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Never Say You Can’t Survive by Charlie Jane Anders
I adored this one—full of cheerful & energizing advice and sf references right in my wheelhouse. It’s not often a craft book is also magical.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Don’t Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo
I enjoyed this one—how could I not? Finally, gay Gatsby and bonus magic. However, it’s not a standalone as marketed. Definitely read The Chosen and the Beautiful first.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Count Crowley, Mediocre Monster Hunter (vol 3) by David Dastmalchian, Lukas Ketner, Lauren Affe, & Frank Cvetkovic
I really love how this series doesn’t blunt the realities of addiction and also avoids the usual grimdark, no-hope-ever pitfalls that have often put me off horror and comics.
~ Cap / gentleranium
Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin
146 people, mostly women, died in a fire which could have been avoided had the company put in fire prevention measures. The fire did lead to all sorts of safety measures & regulations.
~ killerweasel
Aiden Thomas “Cemetery Boys”
i don’t typically read much YA, but this was fun. i have some beef with the gendered magic system and the concept of Doing Boy Thing To Prove You’re A Real Boy, and sometimes the writing felt a little rough, but this was still a thrilling story with absolutely lovely characters and i would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a quick, easy, high energy read.
~ Florence
Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham
I really liked this one. Jasmin Graham is a great writer and I appreciated getting to see her personal journey alongside learning about some of the current research being done about sharks. Definitely recommend for the shark enthusiasts in the fandom!
~ remreader
Lost Gods of Albion by Paul Newman
Another interesting read because this is a topic I know almost nothing about. Love picking up random stuff in the library.
Really made me want to go out and see more places in this country! Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I pass my upcoming driving test so I can see some cool hill figures and more :)
Had a great time with book club <3
~ Highwaystars
