What I've been reading lately
Book recommendations!
Since it appears I’ve come down with a wicked case of writer’s block these past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time reading. Which is great! Would I rather be writing? Absolutely! After all, readin’ don’t pay the bills.
But let’s make the most of this dry spell, shall we? After all, I’ve come across some great stories; might as well share a few of my favorites with you.
Refe’s Recommended Reads
The Vaster Wilds
by Lauren Groff
You could finish this short book in a single sitting, but you’ll be disappointed when you do. Like all Groff’s work, The Vaster Wilds is a compelling character study that takes place in a fully-realized world that pulls you in closer and closer with each page. The story is set in the early days of the New World, and follows a young girl desperate to escape her doomed settlement and try her fortunes in the wild. I loved every word of it.
North Woods
by Daniel Mason
This book has sold approximately one bajillion copies, and for good reason. It’s beautifully written, features a compelling premise (a dozen distinct stories set in the same plot of land across multiple centuries), and will undoubtedly be one of the most interesting books you read all year. The frequent switching between time periods, characters, and styles are a blast at first but can get a bit exhausting as the book progresses. I found it more difficult to get into a flow, and wound up putting the book down for a few weeks before picking it up again to finish. Minor caveat aside, I highly recommend it.
The God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
Oh, hey another book about trees! (I may be writing a novel that features a wild, dangerous forest, so I may be choosing books with similar settings and themes...)
The God of the Woods is a mystery set in a remote summer camp in the Adirondack Mountains in the 70s. A camper has gone missing almost exactly ten years after her brother disappeared from the same camp. The author jumps between three different time periods to weave an intriguing family drama straddling two generations of a wealthy family and people they employ.
This was one of my favorite books in a long time. Give it a read!
The Bright Sword
by Lev Grossman
A novel about King Arthur that begins after King Arthur himself has just died by the author of the Magician’s trilogy.
This absolute chonker of a book (clocking in at just over six-hundred and fifty pages) has kept me glued to its every word for days now. And while I haven’t yet finished it as of this writing, there’s really nothing the author could do at this point to screw up my high opinion of this book.
It’s a blend of Arthurian legend, misfit characters, and a unique voice that mixes throwbacks to medieval dialects, Roman Latin, and anachronistic dialogue for truly entertaining effect.
Don’t let its substantial girth scare you off—this book is a ton of fun. Perfect for fans of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.
Max in the House of Spies
by Adam Gidwitz
The lone Middle Grade read on this list, (I know, I know—bad Middle Grade writer!) Max in the House of Spies follows Max, a German Jew sent away by his parents to live with a family in England as racial violence in Germany continues to accelerate. Max soon finds himself enmeshed in the British intelligence service, who agree to train Max for a dangerous mission only he can accomplish.
This book is a lot of fun. Max is a bright kid who has turned his traumatic upbringing into an almost supernatural knack for problem-solving. Speaking of supernatural, Max also has two immortal beings that live perched on his shoulder, and which only he can see. I have to admit, I have no idea what purpose those two characters serve beyond a little comic relief, but maybe they’ll pay off a bit more in the promised sequel.
Nevertheless, this would be a great book for kids who are fascinated by WWII, or spy stories generally. Also great for kids who enjoyed Frances and the Monster!
Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest
by Refe Tuma (that’s me)
And, of course, it would be super cool of you to check out my latest book if you haven’t already. Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest is the Bram Stoker Award nominated sequel to my debut, Frances and the Monster. It’s filled with humor, suspense, and characters with a lot more complexity than you might expect from a book with ‘Werewolves’ in the title. I think you’ll enjoy it (and the kids in your life will, too!)
If you have already read it, or Frances and the Monster please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. Even the briefest reviews make a huge difference, especially for books like these that have largely flown under the radar. As always, THANK YOU for your support!
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