#3 What to Read
Four books: a YA romance, Self-Hope, a Thriller, and Saving the Cat
I finished reading three books in July and listened to one audiobook, which is a lot for me. I want to read more, but the only time I actually do is right before falling asleep or in the car before getting carsick easily (I keep trying!) I once read in Stephen King’s excellent ON WRITING that he writes every morning (taking only two days off: Christmas and 4th of July) and then he reads all afternoon. What a lovely work day!
Alas, this is not my life. He also had wife Tabitha (and likely extra help) for childcare, bills, cleaning, meal planning, appointments, etc etc (she’s also his first reader and editor).
I’m the writer and the Tabitha. I’m also ignoring the state of the bathrooms as we sit here together. And before I clean them, I WILL write my next chapter.
BUT - I did read in July! Here are my recommendations -
THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY by Jenny Han: Admittedly, I was a skeptic, expecting fluff, but I also wanted to know how Jenny Han created such a hit. And…I was surprised at how much I liked it! If you like a YA coming-of-age love story and the complexities of childhood/teen friendships with a beach setting, this one’s for you. It’s three-book series and now a Netflix hit. This first book was published in 2009 so it’s had some staying power - with powerhouseJenny Han also behind the hit Netflix series.
Takeaway: try new books and genres!
SILENT SOULS WEEPING: DEPRESSION, SHARING STORIES, FINDING HOPE by Jane Clayson Johnson: “Using the power of story, nationally recognized journalist Jane Clayson Johnson shines a light on the desperate, dark, and lonely reality faced by those who struggle with clinical depression.
Sharing her own difficult experiences, along with those of dozens of men, women, and children in the Church who have suffered from depression, Jane offers support, understanding, and light for all who feel hopeless in the face of this devastating illness.”
I want to open a dialogue, a new level of honesty, authenticity, and hope for those who suffer with depression. We need to reach out and help each other and share our stories so that no one is alone in this struggle.
I loved it. Nearly every page is dog-eared. Everyone, especially those within religious communities will benefit from reading this.
THE SANATORIUM by Sarah Pearse. I wanted a thriller and it was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick so it had to be good, right? The positive: I kept turning the pages because I wanted to know the ending. Detective Elin Warner has survived a childhood childhood and is now on police medical leave and can’t commit to her partner b/c of unresolved trauma. Now she’s at a sinister, isolated converted sanatorium for her brother’s engagement party - and there’s a killer on the loose. Otherwise, I didn’t connect to the characters, writing, or over-the-top plot. But I kept turning pages, so that's very interesting to me…!
SAVE THE CAT: THE LAST BOOK ON SCREENWRITING YOU’LL EVER NEED by hit screenplay writer Blake Snyder. I’ve read Save the Cat for novelists and thought I’d give this a try - wouldn’t it be fun to go all Damon/Affleck and write a great screenplay? Truly, this is a phenomenal, engaging how-to book. Snyder reads the audio (free on hoopla!) and is so captivating. There are follow-up books, websites, worksheet downloads, beat sheets, and a million blog posts because it’s SO GOOD and motivating and exciting and…!
What are you reading? Do tell.
Amy ❣️
THE MCNIFFICENTS NEEDS YOUR HELP!
I’ve linked to an article below about the state of middle grade fiction. Sales are down across the board, especially for hardcover. Big box stores are stocking fewer children’s books without seeing positive (and many) reviews. Could you help? I would be so grateful if you would leave a review on Amazon HERE or Goodreads HERE.
Reviews help readers discover a book, which prompts more reviews, which leads to the algorithm taking notice and promoting your book. This prompts the publisher to take notice, increase promotion, and increases the likelihood of extending another book contract (and I’d really like to write another book)!
If you can take five minutes to leave a review, I am so grateful. PLEASE AND THANK YOU 😚
If you’re so inclined, here are other ways to help:
*Media connections
*Invite me to your classroom, library, event
*Talk about this book on social media
*Word of mouth recommendation!
This Week’s Round-Up:
Wear your sunscreen: What’s better, Supergoop or Trader Joe’s “dupe”($30 cheaper than Supergoop)? Here’s Dr. Daniel Sugai & science-backed skin content
Price drop! The McNifficents on Amazon
The Shifting Middle Grade Market : Publisher’s Weekly & How to Sell a Book
Fueled by a Foul: Learn from Lindsey Horan’s header. Channel the anger. So GOOD I screamed! Are you watching the women’s world cup? I love it.
Messi in Miami: is now playing for the USA! You like Messi, you’ll like THIS
Stephen King's life with a Tabitha! Sounds so dreamy.
You're both Stephen and Tabitha haha, this made me laugh out loud. I can relate.