A wonderful post, I too love the way you structured it around spaces we inhabit and how you tied in the books you enjoyed this year. Looking forward to seeing more of your words out in the world!
It has been an adventure. I read a total of 18 books, which doesn't sound like a lot and doesn't bother me. I also read lots of short fiction, essays, and hundredths of nonfiction pieces.
I always love reading your posts, and I absolutely love how you structured your year of reading as a house, brilliant! It's great to see some books + authors that either I personally have enjoyed or am interested in trying because of how you described them.
I think if you liked 'Cold Enough for Snow'/Jessica Au, then you might like Alejandro Zambra's work: I read 'The Private Lives of Trees' this year & his storytelling also feels very quiet with substance in the silences.
Another one would be 'Gilead' by Marilynne Robinson, whom you mentioned! I haven't read 'Housekeeping' but 'Gilead' felt like reading the reflections of a wise, good human being, just beautiful writing.
Lastly, I'd highly highly recommend William Maxwell! I read 2 of his books - the most famous, I think, is 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' which is a slim, striking novel about grief & regret. Absolutely breathtaking!
A wonderful post, I too love the way you structured it around spaces we inhabit and how you tied in the books you enjoyed this year. Looking forward to seeing more of your words out in the world!
Thank you, Olga, always a pleasure hearing from you! I'm glad to hear you found the piece engaging. How was your reading year?
It has been an adventure. I read a total of 18 books, which doesn't sound like a lot and doesn't bother me. I also read lots of short fiction, essays, and hundredths of nonfiction pieces.
Do you have a favorite?
Mary Rechner's Nine Simple Patterns for Complicated Women stories. I also just finished Marrying Friends, her new novel, really enjoyed it as well.
I always love reading your posts, and I absolutely love how you structured your year of reading as a house, brilliant! It's great to see some books + authors that either I personally have enjoyed or am interested in trying because of how you described them.
Thank you for reading, Anh! What are some of the authors that you have enjoyed this year? Would love to see your recommendations!
I think if you liked 'Cold Enough for Snow'/Jessica Au, then you might like Alejandro Zambra's work: I read 'The Private Lives of Trees' this year & his storytelling also feels very quiet with substance in the silences.
Another one would be 'Gilead' by Marilynne Robinson, whom you mentioned! I haven't read 'Housekeeping' but 'Gilead' felt like reading the reflections of a wise, good human being, just beautiful writing.
Lastly, I'd highly highly recommend William Maxwell! I read 2 of his books - the most famous, I think, is 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' which is a slim, striking novel about grief & regret. Absolutely breathtaking!