Hell yeah. If you find yourself wanting a similar option (when your TBR has been whittled down), I think Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune is a far better, more whimsical take on similar themes. I recognize that this comment is antithetical to the purpose of your post, but just in case you find yourself in the market for a happy book about death one day--I got you haha.
Ghosted is a super fast read, and I enjoyed it. You may already know a lot of what happens at the end of the book, so can skim that. I found Nancy French through her husband David, but now admire her on her own.
But pfft, 30 books is preschool level, especially since a bunch of them were sent unsolicited.
I really appreciated Ghosted by Nancy French. Parts were very difficult to read (abuse and the terrible way her family was treated in the Trump campaign years and afterwards), but I thought it had an interesting perspective on changing your mind/stance politically and considering how to treat others who do not agree with you.
And I would highly recommend tossing out Habits of the Heart! I graduated from college in 2007 and we had to read that in my freshman year college acclimation class. It was TERRRRRIBLE!!! At least I thought so at 18. I might be sort of interested to re-read as an adult but it seemed very dated in 2003 with culture references and such, so it seems like it may not have aged well. I just remember the author drawing all sorts of conclusions about people's lives/motivations based on what they wore and finding that utterly preposterous. That being said, an adult perspective on it would be interesting so if you do read it I'll be interested to hear that. :)
The Year of Living Constitutionally is a quick, thoughtful and entertaining read. AJ Jacobs’ approach here is a lot like Pantsuit Politics (when I was readying it, I kept thinking I wanted to hear the three of you all chat haha)- looking intentionally outside of what you know, understanding deeper, and rediscovering your love for country. I think especially you’ll enjoy where he landed on celebrating voting :)
I read this book too and thought it was delightful. Agree with your thoughts, and it definitely helped me reflect on how we treat the constitution today.
I have not read the book, but I have heard him speak about it, and I think he would be a great guest. I have read some of his other works, and he is funny.
I have “been reading” Lamb for years now. I’d quit but can’t for some reason. I just don’t like it, and it’s never of interest enough to turn back with everything else I want to read. Pretty meh. Save yourself the trouble in my opinion.
I'm a big Edith Wharton fan & we have a @novelpairings episode dedicated to it for extra engagement -- Boy Mom is on my TBR, too and I would love to hear your thoughts on it!!
I have the SAME problem! When I BUY books, they suddenly become a lower priority because I'm so motivated by library deadlines!
I LOVED Ghosted this summer. Such a powerful testimony of changing your mind. I listened to it on audio and loved that format, so I can't speak to the reading experience in print. I agree with the others who said Midnight Library was just meh.
Hold Me Tight is on my TBR as well, a therapist recommended it a couple years ago and I was just looking at it this week...maybe I should take this as a sign to bump it up on my own pile!
I really recommend Down Ballot! It's a quick read by an author in the town where I'm living (Park Ridge outside of Chicago). I thought of you and Beth a lot while reading it, as it touches on so many themes that your show has also touched on. I actually sent you a DM about it after I finished it!
Lamb is an amazing read for a laugh. How to Hide an Empire is one I read at least two years ago and STILL think about. Honestly, it was mind blowing and also totally not surprising. I was left wanting a multilayer timeline to see when events synched up for timing. I did the audio copy so that might have contributed to that.
Dang it! I was going to recommend The Situation Room to you; I haven’t read any of those on your list. Now I have more on my list 😱 The funeral one looks especially interesting.
Midnight Library is so mid in my opinion. I'd give it the boot.
This is what I'm talking about - between you and Sara already took it to the donation pile!
Hell yeah. If you find yourself wanting a similar option (when your TBR has been whittled down), I think Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune is a far better, more whimsical take on similar themes. I recognize that this comment is antithetical to the purpose of your post, but just in case you find yourself in the market for a happy book about death one day--I got you haha.
2025 Jocelyn! Send it in 2025! 🤣
I really enjoyed both Midnight Library and Under the Whispering Door.
Was just coming here to say skip Midnight Library!
Thats to bad I really liked that book, it was actually one of the ones I thought you should read soon for some reading pleasure.
The other book is True Gretch- I am a Michigander and it is one of my TBR books.
You can take The Midnight Library right off the list.
Ghosted is a super fast read, and I enjoyed it. You may already know a lot of what happens at the end of the book, so can skim that. I found Nancy French through her husband David, but now admire her on her own.
But pfft, 30 books is preschool level, especially since a bunch of them were sent unsolicited.
It’s not stuff I WANT to read that list is MUCH longer 🤣
I really appreciated Ghosted by Nancy French. Parts were very difficult to read (abuse and the terrible way her family was treated in the Trump campaign years and afterwards), but I thought it had an interesting perspective on changing your mind/stance politically and considering how to treat others who do not agree with you.
And I would highly recommend tossing out Habits of the Heart! I graduated from college in 2007 and we had to read that in my freshman year college acclimation class. It was TERRRRRIBLE!!! At least I thought so at 18. I might be sort of interested to re-read as an adult but it seemed very dated in 2003 with culture references and such, so it seems like it may not have aged well. I just remember the author drawing all sorts of conclusions about people's lives/motivations based on what they wore and finding that utterly preposterous. That being said, an adult perspective on it would be interesting so if you do read it I'll be interested to hear that. :)
SSH, I love this feed. Thank you for letting us into your thought process.
Strongly agree with commenter Sarah on Ghosted. I did it on audio, but I would describe it as gripping.
My quick review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6570100066
The Year of Living Constitutionally is a quick, thoughtful and entertaining read. AJ Jacobs’ approach here is a lot like Pantsuit Politics (when I was readying it, I kept thinking I wanted to hear the three of you all chat haha)- looking intentionally outside of what you know, understanding deeper, and rediscovering your love for country. I think especially you’ll enjoy where he landed on celebrating voting :)
I read this book too and thought it was delightful. Agree with your thoughts, and it definitely helped me reflect on how we treat the constitution today.
I have not read the book, but I have heard him speak about it, and I think he would be a great guest. I have read some of his other works, and he is funny.
Lamb is such an incredible book. It is so weird and hilarious, and yes, touching.
Also How to Hide an Empire is fantastic but has a really different vibe than Lamb.
I have “been reading” Lamb for years now. I’d quit but can’t for some reason. I just don’t like it, and it’s never of interest enough to turn back with everything else I want to read. Pretty meh. Save yourself the trouble in my opinion.
Thank you for this comment t - I’ve had this book on my shelf FOREEEEVER and almost donated a few times. Now I’ll move it to the top of my list! 💗
I'm a big Edith Wharton fan & we have a @novelpairings episode dedicated to it for extra engagement -- Boy Mom is on my TBR, too and I would love to hear your thoughts on it!!
I have the SAME problem! When I BUY books, they suddenly become a lower priority because I'm so motivated by library deadlines!
I LOVED Ghosted this summer. Such a powerful testimony of changing your mind. I listened to it on audio and loved that format, so I can't speak to the reading experience in print. I agree with the others who said Midnight Library was just meh.
Hold Me Tight is on my TBR as well, a therapist recommended it a couple years ago and I was just looking at it this week...maybe I should take this as a sign to bump it up on my own pile!
Oh that’s strange… I loved the midnight library and was going to recommend it!
I really recommend Down Ballot! It's a quick read by an author in the town where I'm living (Park Ridge outside of Chicago). I thought of you and Beth a lot while reading it, as it touches on so many themes that your show has also touched on. I actually sent you a DM about it after I finished it!
I actually really enjoyed The Midnight Library and thought it was a quick read. 🤷🏻♀️
Two Old Women is a quick read and a beautiful story.
Agree with Anne here. And another point in its favor—most of us could stand to hear more indigenous voices.
Lamb is an amazing read for a laugh. How to Hide an Empire is one I read at least two years ago and STILL think about. Honestly, it was mind blowing and also totally not surprising. I was left wanting a multilayer timeline to see when events synched up for timing. I did the audio copy so that might have contributed to that.
The Dance of Connection and Enchanted April are amazing. Watch Enchanted April the movie when you’re done. Also amazing.
The Midnight Library, while not a stinker, is just so-so. You could leave that one off.
Enchanted April is a quick read and kind of delightful
Dang it! I was going to recommend The Situation Room to you; I haven’t read any of those on your list. Now I have more on my list 😱 The funeral one looks especially interesting.
Susan! No recs! That's not the energy here 😂
Please forgive me and have the best weekend available to you 🥰