Over the summer, I got out of the habit of writing posts about what I was reading, probably because I wasn’t reading as much as I should’ve been. But the summer is winding down, and even though it’s been many, many years since I was in school as a teacher or a student, I have that “beginning of fall semester” feeling when you’re ready to read a lot and learn new things. I wonder if other people get that feeling around this time of year, too?
Anyway, here are books I enjoyed recently!
Seeker, Arwen Elys Dayton.
If you liked The Hunger Games but you thought they were, you know, not brutal enough, Seeker is for you! Okay, this YA scifi/fantasy is not that similar to Suzanne Collins, although it apparently is going to be a movie, and I’m looking forward to that. It takes place in a highly original world with innovative weapons, and it would be spectacular on film.
One long sequence involving one of the young men, Shinobu, was so brilliant and entertaining that I had to re-read it. And I would recommend Seeker to writers just based on the fact that it was one of the most well-developed and sympathetic cruel villains I’ve ever read.
Wulfe Untamed, Pamela Palmer.
I’m not surprised this one has 100 reviews on Amazon and an average of 5 stars. Although I write paranormal romance, I sometimes struggle to find PNR books that I really love. And then when I do, I’m so happy. There were a few things in this world that I would’ve changed if it were up to me, but Wulfe is my kind of romantic hero — not a “bad boy” but a good man — and the unapologetically high level of emotion in this shapeshifter story makes it just my kind of drug.
Although this is book 8 in the Feral Warriors series, it’s the first one I’ve read — I’m always jumping into a series late in the game. I’m going to read the rest of them!
The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism, Doris Kearns Goodwin.
I always had a high opinion of Theodore Roosevelt, and I finished this book with an even greater appreciation for his drive, his political skill, and his intellectual and physical energy. However, I learned he could also be a spiteful and egotistical jerk, and his love of war for war’s sake revolted me. William Taft, on the other hand, emerged as a deeply sympathetic (and surprisingly feminist) character, much better suited for his dream job of Supreme Court justice than for the presidency. His wife Nellie was a force of nature who, in another era, probably would’ve been the better POTUS of the two. The Tafts were crazy about one another, and it seemed like after she became ill, he lost his way. The most impressive person in this whole book, however, is the writer Ida Tarbell, whom I’d read about before.
This was a long and detailed book that left me with as much knowledge of the 1912 U.S. presidential campaign as I have of the 2016 one — and since I’m pretty politically engaged, that’s saying a lot. It’s interesting to note how little some issues and dynamics change, and how much others do.
Have you been reading a lot, or are you looking forward to more reading this fall? Have you come across any good books lately? Let me know in the comments! Have a great week!
I’ve long wanted to read The Bully Pulpit. I think it first crossed my attention span on The Daily Show. I’ve been reading a bunch of short stories and novellas this summer, I think not only for entertainment but also to get a better idea of what I like and what not to write! I’d like to get my hands on a book called The Big Picture: On The Origins of Life, Meaning and The Universe Itself. The Last Librarian by Brandt Legg sounds good too. In my TBR pile right now? The first few books of the Mists of Avalon series by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
My favorite Daily Show guests aren’t celebrities, but people who have written interesting books. 🙂 You’re so smart to read in the area you’re interested in writing… so many people don’t do that! I hope you like Mists of Avalon… I really enjoyed it. 🙂
Hi Bryn!
I think my summer reading highlight has been the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. Her prose is always gorgeous, but she hasn’t made me feel for the characters as much before now. I have also been enjoying Michael Buckley’s Undertow series, which is kind of a dystopian take on mermaids, selkies, and other sea legends. Very original series.
Hi Kimberly! That mermaid story sounds like a very different tone from your own, but it sounds really interesting! I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of the Raven Cycle… it looks very popular.
I like to read a book before I see the movie, so this summer I read both Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and The Little Prince. Looking forward to the movies! But this summer I also read the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Westing Game, and The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.
I like to read the book before I see the movie, too! I haven’t read Miss Peregrine’s, and the trailer looked terrific.
Miss Peregrine’s Home..is on my “to read list.” I love children’s book. Will see the movie soon.
I read the first of the Harkness trilogy. Loved it. The second one is on my couch.
I own the Westing Game. Never read it. I will now.
Made a list of some of your: “50 Books That Will Make You Smart.” I was pleased that I’ve read some. Plan to send the list I made to the local librarian so we can add them to our list of “books I want to read” for our monthly book club. Thanks for that.
Hi Bryn, I can honestly say that one of books I enjoyed this summer was your’s—Sole Possession. Being a paranormal investigator, I often use my own experiences when writing and you did a great job of describing some of the types of activity our group has witnessed (although I am lucky enough to never have met a spirit as evil as the Architect). I also read Band of Sisters and enjoyed it tremendously. It is a fictional story based on the Irish immigrants (particularly the women) who entered the United States through Ellis Island, became victims of human trafficking and were exploited in the factories. I really enjoy fiction books that give enough realistic and accurate information that it encourages me to dive into researching myself. Fannie Flagg’s The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion was excellent also, paying homage to the WASPs (those women who ferried the war planes during WWII).
Oh my gosh, Cheryl! Thanks for saying that about Sole Possession. You absolutely made my day. It is so cool that you are a paranormal investigator! There’s one thing in that book that’s from my personal experience, but of course, nobody believes me. 🙂 Those all sound like great books!
Great post, Bryn! I posted a link to it on my blog. I wasn’t thrilled with my Kindle’s recommendations this month, but I’m looking forward to reading your Wicked Garden novella when it comes out later this week—I posted about it on my blog yesterday. In November, I’m looking forward to the novels Unquiet Land (An Elemental Blessings Novel) by Sharon Shinn, and Duke of Pleasure (Maiden Lane series – Alf’s story!) by Elizabeth Hoyt.
DAfan, you are so kind to share my links! And THANK YOU for posting about it on your blog! You’re amazing 🙂 I hope you like it! ~ Elizabeth Hoyt never disappoints me!
Bryn: I have read 46 books so far this year.
I encourage you to check out Daniel Black. His: They Tell Me of a Home, The Coming, Listen to the Lambs, are riveting.
I loved Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt. Did not write name of author in my notebook. Sorry.
The First Gardener Denise Hildreth-Jones
Secrets Over Sweet Tea D.H.-Jones
The coffee shop by Cleo Coyle are engaging (like chick lit)
The Art of Arranging Flowers (this one is wonderful) Lynn Branard (sp)and,
The Summer Without Men Siri Hustvedt
These books kept me up nights.
Rose, I am so impressed with your reading! You’re my role model. I am definitely reading a little more lately! Thank you so much for the recommendations. “These books kept me up nights” — recommendations don’t get any better than that. 🙂