Thursday, November 12, 2020

Where is Your Bookmark? (Pandemic Romance / What I Was Reading Five Years Ago / New To Me Authors I Want to Read Again)

I thought I would share some teasers from the short story anthology I am reading right now. Many of us were wondering what pandemic stories would look like coming out of our current situation, and it looks like the authors who contributed to this collection of contemporary YA love stories are not making us wait long.


I am still working my way through Together, Apart, but the stories I have read so far have all been good. There's a definite sense of melancholy given the situation, but there's also a sense of hope in the connections the characters are able to make even despite the circumstances. 




A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

 
"This is it!" Mom said brightly, opening the door to my new room with a grand, ceremonial swing. [Opening of "Love, Delivered" by Erin A. Craig in Together, Apart]

My initial thoughts: She is quite an enthusiastic mom, isn't she? I have a feeling her daughter isn't so thrilled. It just so happens in this story the family has had to move to another part of the country during the pandemic. You can imagine that situation brings its own obstacles on top of everything else going on.




A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.



"Well, unfortunately, the path to love will be quite bumpy . . . "

Mom makes a satisfied sound beside me. Auntie Xin clears her throat.

"But if your companion is a rabbit, horse, or pig, you will reach your destination together."

"Oh no, that won't work. A rabbit would be too old, and a pig too young," Mom immediately jumps into say.

"Horse it is then," Auntie Xin replies winking at me. "But be careful. One born in the winter is cold. He'll break your heart. Choose one born in the spring or summer. Now time to go." excerpt from 56% from From "Love with a Side of Fortune" by Jennifer Yan in Apart, Together]

My thoughts: I have not reached this story yet, but I am looking forward to it from this snippet. I sense a bit of humor here along with a close knit family. 


Have you read Together, Apart? If so, what did you think? Does it sound like something you would enjoy?

A weekly meme in which readers look at what they were reading 
last year at this time and compare it to what they are reading now.  
Hosted by the great Maria from ReadingMaria.


Evidently I did not finish anything around this time last year. Or the year before that even. I was probably busy reading or it was just a busy week that kept me doing other things. Since I have been including a glimpse at what I was reading five years ago along with my year ago read, I am going to just highlight that book instead. 

At the moment, I am reading a fantasy novel called Leads and Lynxes (Terra Haven Chronicles, #1) by Rebecca Chastain for an upcoming book tour in addition to the short story anthology, Together, Apart, which I featured above. Both are quite different from what I was reading this time five years ago: The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of Women Who Helped Win World War II by Denise Kiernan


While normally this time of year I like to dive into holiday-themed books, I was not quite ready to do so at that time. So I picked this one up instead and am glad I did. I thought that Denise Kiernan did a good job describing life in Oak Ridge, both the good and the ugly. It is such an interesting time in history, and I am always happy to see (and read) books highlighting lesser known parts of history, especially when the focus is on the role women played. 

Perhaps the commonality in what I was reading five years ago compared to now is that I strayed from my usual holiday-themed reading this time of year. Obviously the books are all very different otherwise. 


What were you reading at this time five years ago? Or even just a year ago? How does it compare to what you are reading now? 


Connect Five Friday is a weekly meme where readers share a list of five books, read or unread, or 
bookish things, that share a common theme. Hosted by the  Kathryn of of Book Date.

Last week, our wonderful host, Kathryn featured books she's read in the past few months by new to her authors that she would like to read more from. I liked that idea so much, I thought I would follow suit. I have read a number of books by new to me authors I look forward to reading more by, especially in the way of series books. Today I am featuring five books by new to me authors I have read this year that I would like to read more of--that aren't a part of a series. 

[The covers are linked to Goodreads if you want to read the books' summaries]

For a moment, the falling feels like something else entirely--like a brief, wild glimpse of freedom. [Opening of The Deep]
The Deep 
by Alma Katsu
 ~ I was captivated with Alma Katsu's writing in this atmospheric novel, a mix of historical fiction, mystery and thriller. I couldn't resist the Titanic and Britannic setting. Add in a possible ghost and dual time line stories, and it was a given I would read this one. I remember hearing the author's name before and her book The Hunger in particular, but had not really pursued reading it. I would definitely like to now! Have you read anything by Alma Katsu before? If so, what of hers do you recommend? 


The parties at the Tunons' house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed  costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folklore skirts and ribbons in their hair arrive in the company of a harlequin or a cowboy.  [Opening of Mexican Gothic]
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia ~ This is another atmospheric historical novel with mystery and horror mixed in that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It has a definite Gothic feel to it and is set in a remote part of Mexico during the 1950's, both aspects I loved. I actually have had a copy of another Silvia Moreno-Garcia book, Gods of Jade and Shadow, since it first came out, but haven't managed to get to it yet. After reading Mexican Gothic, I am even more eager to read the other now. Have you read anything by Silvia Moreno-Garcia? If so, what of hers do you recommend? 


Twenty-five. That's the number I count to every morning before I even open my eyes. [Opening of In Five Years]
In Five Years
 by Rebecca Serle
~ What would you do if you got a glimpse into the future which painted an entirely different picture than the one you expected--and were planning for? This turned out to be more of a tearjerker  than I thought it would, and while predictable at times, I did enjoy it, especially the ending, which really made the book for me. Rebecca Serle's The Dinner List has been on my radar since it first came out, and I look forward to reading it one of these days. Especially now since I have gotten a taste of Serle's work.  Have you read anything by Rebecca Serle? If so, what of hers do you recommend? 



I was ready; so ready for him to ask me.  [Opening of Dear Emmie Blue]
Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis ~ I am way behind in posting my review for this gem of a novel, which I plan to post later this month. It's written. I just haven't posted it. Dear Emmie Blue was a delightful read. I adored Emmie Blue--I cried and laughed with her. I loved the premise--the balloon with the note attached, the friendship that came from that, and everything that follows. I didn't want this book to end. I actually had not heard of Lia Louis before this book, but I can honestly say it will not be my last by her. Have you read anything by Lia Louis? If so, what of hers do you recommend?  


My father was a king and the son of kings. [Opening of The Song of Achilles]
The Song of Achilles
 by Madeline Miller
~ I actually picked this up after first hearing about another book by the author, Circe. I ended up reading The Song of Achilles  instead because it was the book I could first get my hands on. I grew up on stories of the Greek and Roman gods thanks to my dad. I ended up loving The Song of Achilles, from Madeline Miller's writing to her interpretation and crafting of the characters to the story itself. I will definitely be reading Circe, which I do have a copy of (finally) and exploring more by the author in the future. Have you read anything by Madeline Miller? If so, what of hers do you recommend?  


What new to you authors have you read this year that you would like to read more by? Maybe next week I will list my top five new to me authors of series I began this year that I plan to continue. I have a feeling it will be hard to narrow the list down! 


 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

© 2020, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

30 comments:

  1. I've been seeing more about Together, Apart lately. I'm glad to hear you like it so far. It looks like an interesting collection of stories.

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    1. Breana - I think it came out last month, so perhaps it is making the book blog rounds. I do not read a lot of contemporary YA romance, but occasionally it hits the spot. These stories really are sweet. Thank you for visiting!

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  2. I remember The Girls of the Atomic City! I read that book after hearing about it from you and really enjoyed it - thanks again for the recommendation!

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    1. Eustacia - You are welcome. :-) I am glad you enjoyed it too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. I've seenTogether Apart and it really sounds good! I had a whole Friday Fives post planned, but there just wasn't time, hopefully next week.

    My "new" author" so far this year will be Beth O'Leary. It's not my typical reading preference, but I do believe we need more light hearted reads. Or I do! She has such a fun, quirky writing style.

    I've seen The Deep as well and as I am a bit Titanic obsessed, especially during the month of April (every year!), I might try this one next year.

    Hope you will have a wonderful weekend!

    Elza Reads

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    1. Eliza - So far, the stories have been really sweet. I'm enjoying it. :-)

      I understand about running out of time to put together a post. Ugh. We do the best we can, right?

      I haven't yet read Beth O'Leary, but I think I have a book of hers on my wish list. I seem to prefer the lighter reads these days. And quirky and fun is always welcome in my reading world. :-) I am glad you enjoyed her book.

      I hope you like The Deep if you give it a try! I hadn't known much about the sister ship, The Britannic, much before reading The Deep. Such a sad fate for both ships.

      I hope you have a good weekend too! Thank you for visiting.

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  4. I like the look and sound of Together, Apart...and also all the other books on display today.

    Here's mine: “THE BOOK OF TWO WAYS”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - It certainly fits with the times! I am enjoying it. :-) Thank you for stopping by.

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  5. Hi Wendy,

    I never used to be a fan of short stories, however I have read a couple of collections of late and enjoyed them both, so this is one definitely worth consideration, especially as it is hot off the press and bang on trend.

    'Mexican Gothic' really caught my eye, partly for that amazing cover art and also because I have never read a book set in Mexico, so that really appealed to me. I shall probably add it to my list, so thanks for sharing.

    I don't really tend towards 'seasonal' reading, so you are just as likely to find me reviewing a Christmas themed book in the middle of summer. This time last year was no exception, although I did review a quite light-hearted story, featuring an amateur sleuth in the world of jewellery thefts. The book was 'The Diamond Connection' by Josie Goodbody and here is a link to the review...

    https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews/the-diamond-connectionby-josie-goodbodymy-review/

    Thanks for a great fun post and have a happy and safe weekend :)

    Yvonne
    xx

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    1. Yvonne - I do not read a lot of short stories, admittedly, but sometimes they hit the spot.

      I hope you enjoy Mexican Gothic if you read it. I haven't read too many books set in Mexico either, now that I think about it. I should change that!

      Thank you for sharing your link to your review of The Diamond Connection. It sounds like a mystery I would enjoy.

      I hope you have a good weekend too! Thank you for visiting.

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  6. These look like all great reads. Thanks for sharing them

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    1. Beverly - I enjoyed them. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. In 2018 at about this time of year I read The Dark Side of the Road by Simon R. Green which is a dark fantasy. I'm mostly reading lighter, happier books in 2020. I haven't read any of your new authors, but have read a lot of my own. One of my favorite new to me authors is Robin Kirk who wrote The Bond. Nice list and different additions for Fridays!

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    1. Jan - Most of my reads this year have been lighter too, with a few exceptions. I haven't read The Dark Side of the Road, but I have heard good things about it. I will have to check out Robin Kirk's work. She's new to me. Thank you for the recommendation!

      Thank you for visiting!

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  8. Nice post! I like the way you mixed nostalgia for the past (no one could have imagined our present day 5 years ago while you were enjoying your reading) with the present (Together, Apart) and future (In Five Years). Be well!

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    1. Catherine - That's very clever what you did there. :-) I like it! Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. I've been reading more short stories lately and Together, Apart sounds very interesting. I've been curious about how the quarantine and such would play out in books. Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend! :)

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    1. Ashley - I have been wondering too. These authors have done a good job, I think. And short stories seem to be a good format for this. Thank you for visiting!

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  10. All those five books are new to me, totally. The one I feel most drawn to is the 4th one, In Five Years. Now you have me wondering what I read five years ago. At least Goodreads would help me with that.

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    1. Kathryn - In Five Years is good! Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. Together Apart sounds good even though it's not really a genre I read. I'll have to check this one out.

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    1. Yvonne - I don't often read contemporary YA romance, although I have on occasion. I am really enjoying this collection. Thank you for visiting!

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  12. The Deep and Mexican Gothic are both read I want my hands on! :-) Happy weekend!

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    1. Freda - I hope you get a chance to read them! They are both great reads. Thank you for stopping by!

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  13. I'm sure we'll be seeing more pandemic stories not just in books but series and movies. I don't know if I can read one yet but I'm glad you are finding this a good collection! And, really like the Connect 5 Friday link up! I love those types of memes because I can focus on some of my older books that have been sitting on my shelf for ages.

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    1. Iliana - Yes, I imagine we will be seeing more books and movies set during this time. At least these stories end on a hopeful note. Thank you for visiting!

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  14. Yours is the first review of Together Apart really makes me want to read it -- i want that hopefulness in connections.

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    1. Verushka - I think it works well in the short story format too--especially given the circumstances. Thank you for stopping by!

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  15. I've been curious of Together, Apart so I'll look out for your review on it. Mexican Gothic sounds like an intriguing read, too. I'm waiting for my reserved library copy since it seems it's quite a popular pick.

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  16. I've recently read In Five Years and loved it. Definitely would look for another by the author. I am looking forward to reading Mexican Gothic and The Deep. Both of them have awesome covers as well.

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