Posts

North Woods (2023) is the first work of fiction I’ve read by author Daniel Mason. It won’t be the last. Vivid, compelling, and historically resonant, this collection of interlinked stories, or this novel, if you prefer, revolves around a particular dwelling built in northwestern Massachusetts during the early years of the colonial era.

In 1500s Joseon (modern day Korea), Iseul and her sister are living under a brutal tyrant, King Yeonsan. The king has murdered all those he considers political enemies, which included their parents. The King commandeers land from his people and kidnaps young girls across the country. When Iseul's sister becomes one of the kidnapped girls, Iseul embarks on a dangerous journey, determined to bring her home. She believes the key to getting her sister back is to solve a series of murders the King has offered a great reward for.

Are you after a sweet, simple read, something that makes you feel like you are just floating away on a cloud? Get your PJs on and try out The Dallergut Dream Department Store (2024). Full of whimsy and charm, author Mi-Ye Lee will take you journeying between the dream world and the dreamers, offering you small snippets of people’s lives and dreams.

Are you an adult who loves all things Disney and romance novels? If so, check out this series of retellings of classic Disney stories. Each entry focuses on a different fairy tale, so unlike a typical series, there is no connection between the books. And while the series features different superstar romance authors putting a modern spin on the story, all of these feel-good books can be categorized as sweet romances.

The Wren in the Holly Library (2024) by K.A.

The Scarlet Letter is a difficult read for many audiences with its vague symbolism that takes a deep dive to understand.

I love dogs and have always taken an interest in the British royal family, so when I saw The Queen’s Faithful Companion: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgi, Susan (2024) on the new books shelf, I knew I needed to read it right away! The story is told from three perspectives: Princess and soon-to-be Queen Elizabeth, Susan the Corgi, and Hanna Penwyck, a fictionalized keeper of the royal dogs.

When Women Were Dragons (2022) by Kelly Barnhill is a fabulous and moving coming-of-age novel…with dragons! We watch pre-teen Alex Green grow up through her experience with and repercussions of the mass dragoning of over 100,000 women in 1955.

If you’re looking for a fun and fast read, Lovers and Liars (2024) by Amanda Eyre Ward is the perfect book for a long summer afternoon.

T. Kingfisher is back with another quirky and creepy tale, and I am here for it!  

I recently saw American Fiction. The film was well-reviewed, and I understand why. In fact, enough time has passed since my viewing, that I find myself wanting to re-watch it. Not only was the movie enjoyable and the acting terrific, the story really left me thinking.

Stella Gibbons wrote 32 books over the course of her life, but she is most known for her first novel, Cold Comfort Farm (1932). Published in 1932, when Gibbons was still in her twenties, Cold Comfort Farm became wildly popular, received stellar reviews, and some very prestigious prizes.