Finished reading: The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang 📚🎧

I love what I know of Esmé Weijun Wang, as a teacher, writer, and fellow traveler through the wilds of chronic illness. She reads the audiobook and her sweet voice lends such warmth to her beautiful essays.

Finished reading: The Cloisters by Katy Hays 📚

This is on the list of key titles for gothic fiction at NoveList Plus. It definitely skews more dark academia than traditional Gothic. More ambition and dangerous thirsd for knowledge than dread and family secrets.

Finished reading: All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles 📚

Listen, I already knew KJ Charles was great because I read most of her Society of Gentlemen series and loved it. But after reading this bit of gothic perfection, I want us to become best friends.

Finished reading: Worth Any Price by Lisa Kleypas 📚

Finished reading: Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One by Kristen Arnett 📚

There are some authors whose writing (and fine, online presence) makes yyou want to be friends with them. For me, Kristen Arnett is one of those writers. Maybe someday.

Finished reading: With Teeth by Kristen Arnett 📚

Kristen Arnett’s books are sad, funny, and ultimately hopeful. I don’t often miss the Florida of my early childhood, but when I read her work, I do. I tore through this one in one day.

Finished reading: Home for the Challah Days by Jennifer Wilck 📚

Sweet, like an apple dipped in honey. A Hallmark movie if Hallmark made Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur movies.

Finished reading: When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas 📚

Finished reading: The Border of Paradise by Esmé Weijun Wang 📚🎧

Esmé Weijun Wang writes beautiful prose. This book is intense and upsetting; over and over again I found myself sympathizing with a character only to be appalled by then when perspective shifted away from them and to someone else. Read the NPR review before picking this one up.

Finished reading: Lady Sophia’s Lover by Lisa Kleypas 📚