If you’ve been searching for your next read, look no further! The team at the Writing Barn share what they’re currently reading to inspire your next bookstore trip.
Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion
Program Associate Sophie Velazquez is enjoying this insightful prose about a woman who is navigating consistent traumas in her life. Having previously read Joan Didion’s memoir The Year of Magical Thinking, Sophie was eager to dive into more of her work, despite the sometimes fraught nature of Didion’s stories. She finds them stunning and thought-provoking, and enjoys the way Didion navigates difficult topics through an honest and unapologetic writing style. Sophie is looking forward to adding more of Didion’s works to her TBR list, and recommends it to those who are looking for an intriguing and candid outlook on life’s ups and downs.
Last Night at The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Programming Specialist Evan Griffith is taking a trip to the 1950s with this award-winning YA novel set in San Francisco. The story explores teenager Lily Hu’s journey through falling in love with a girl in a time that is not kind to LGBT people, alongside the threat of deportation her Chinese immigrant parents are facing. Evan is enjoying the trip to the past through Lo’s immersive story telling style, and how she melds history into the setting and essence of the book.
Hidden: The Texas Murder Files by Laura Griffin
Intern Katarina is immersed in this fast-paced tale of murder and mystery set in Texas. The story follows an investigative reporter as she tries to find the truth behind a brutal murder in Austin. Katarina is enjoying the pacing of the book, with twists and turns at every corner, never once allowing the reader to fall into a lull. Strong female leads are one of Katarina’s favorite qualities in a book, and this reporter is no exception. If shocking murder mysteries, coupled with hints of romance are your interest, this book may be your next read!
How to Identify Yourself with a Wound by KB Brookins & Valley of Want by Ross White
Program Director Jessica Hincapie is currently enveloped in the world of poetry, constructed by author Ross White and upcoming WB instructor KB Brookins (check out their upcoming magazine writing and poetry classes!). Jessica is enjoying the strong voice and rich imagery of each book, and how each author is exploring what it means to be a person living in a contradictory and chaotic world. Both authors create a world to immerse the reader and discover what it means to be human, through the good and the bad. Jessica enjoys the way each poet incorporates humor and relevant culture in their work to showcase their own identities living in this messy society.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Intern Arub is diving into the world of Markus Zusak with this hit classic. The story of Liesel and her determination to experience more out of the life she lives is incredibly inspiring. Her bravery pushes her through dangerous brushes with Nazis and book burnings, but her spirit is never once dampened. Arub finds that Liesel is a hero many children can look up to, and her character growth throughout the novel is admirable. In a time of uncertainty and restlessness, readers can take comfort in Liesel’s dedication to the world of books, just as we all do at the Writing Barn.
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Intern Renae has just emerged from this spooky 19th century YA thriller by Rick Yancey. Set in the 19th century, apprentice Will Henry follows the dark and gloomy monster scientist (a monstrumologist), Dr. Warthrop, though horrific science and unspeakable encounters with the things of the night. Renae is enjoying the haunting and ornate writing style, which she finds chilling and deeply interesting. The characters are equally engaging and memorable, and Renae continues to think about them even after putting the novel down, which guarantees that you will too.