The History of Sound

The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck is a must read.

A stunning collection of interconnected stories set in New England, exploring how the past is often misunderstood and how history, family, heartache, and desire can echo over centuries

In twelve luminous stories set across three centuries, The History of Sound examines the unexpected ways the past returns to us and how love and loss are entwined and transformed over generations. In Ben Shattuck's ingenious collection, each story has a companion story, which contains a revelation about the previous, paired story. Mysteries and murders are revealed, history is refracted, and deep emotional connections are woven through characters and families.

The haunting title story recalls the journey of two men who meet around a piano in a smoky, dim bar, only to spend a summer walking the Maine woods collecting folk songs in the shadow of the First World War, forever marked by the odyssey. Decades later, in another story, a woman discovers the wax cylinders recorded that fateful summer while cleaning out her new house in Maine. Shattuck’s inventive, exquisite stories transport readers from 1700s Nantucket to the contemporary woods of New Hampshire and beyond—into landscapes both enduring and unmistakably modern. Memories, artifacts, paintings, and journals resurface in surprising and poignant ways among evocative beaches, forests, and orchards, revealing the secrets, misunderstandings, and love that linger across centuries.

What a joy to read this book. I love the structure of each story having a companion story, connected in some way. Ben Shattuck is a beautiful writer. 

Shattuck, Ben. (2024). The History of Sound. New York: Viking. 

My Best Friend's Honeymoon

My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner is a queer friends-to-romance novel.

Elsie Hoffman has been engaged to her college boyfriend for a year and a half. Ginny Holtz has been in love with Elsie for almost a decade and a half.

When Elsie discovers her fiancé already planned their wedding and honeymoon as a surprise and she’s expected to be in a white dress in seven days, she swiftly realizes she’s let herself become too comfortable with a future she never wanted. She breaks things off, and a week later is on a plane to the Caribbean for her non-refundable honeymoon with her best friend Ginny instead.

Ginny thinks it’s high time Elsie learned how to speak up for herself. So, they make a deal with her. For the next week, Elsie can have whatever she wants, wherever, however, and whenever she wants it, as long as she asks. They never expected Elsie to want them.

What starts as choosing activities and taking selfies soon turns to toe-curling kisses and much, much more.

Meryl Wilsner writes sexy, fun queer romance. Read one of her books today!

Wilsner, Meryl. (2025). My Best Friend's Honeymoon. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

Just Kiss Her

Just Kiss Her by Clare Lydon is a romance where Brook falls for the one person who is off limits.

When Brooke's best friend Noah asks her to pose as his girlfriend for his sister’s resort wedding, she can't refuse. Sure, she’s a lesbian, but it's a free holiday. How hard can it be to fake it for a few days?

Harder than Brooke imagined when she meets Noah's mum, Jen. Sophisticated, confident, and utterly gorgeous, Jen is everything Brooke wants. With each sizzling glance, casual touch, and chance encounter, an irresistible attraction pulls Brooke towards the one woman she can’t have.

As their holiday in paradise unfolds, this scorching love triangle is about to reach its breaking point under the hot Mexican sun. Jen is strictly off-limits, but Brooke's heart doesn't care for rules. Can she keep her feelings buried, or will she just kiss her?

Clare Lydon’s latest is a deliciously tempting age-gap romance where a fake girlfriend falls for the mother she can't have. 

Lydon, Clare. (2024). Just Kiss Her. ?: Custard Books

Love Next Door

Love Next Door by Rachael Sommer all stars when a gorgeous, tattooed woman moves in next door to a baker and her son.

Reserved tattoo artist Riley Foster has just moved apartments and can’t take her eyes off the single mom who lives next door. Riley is trying very hard not to succumb to the cliché of falling for the straight girl as she gets to know Kim Jackson, an outgoing baker with an adorable nine-year-old son.

A friendship forms and Riley even finds herself roped into playing Kim’s fake girlfriend to get her meddling family off her back.

What could go wrong…except for Kim suddenly questioning whether she’s not as straight as she thought! As the sexual tension slowly builds, it’s hard not to wonder whether they’d be good together for real. But is it worth risking a great friendship if Riley doesn’t feel the same way?

Sommers has written a beautiful friendship to romance story with two fully formed characters with whom you will want to be friends. 

Sommers, Rachael. (2024). Love Next Door. Germany: Ylva Publishing.

Skye Falling

Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie is the story of a woman who has built her life around travel, partly as a way to avoid close relationships. 

When she was twenty-six and broke, Skye didn’t think twice before selling her eggs and happily pocketing the cash. Now approaching forty, Skye still moves through life entirely—and unrepentantly—on her own terms, living out of a suitcase and avoiding all manner of serious relationships. Maybe her junior high classmates weren’t wrong when they voted her “Most Likely to Be Single” instead of “Most Ride-or-Die Homie,” but at least she’s always been free to do as she pleases.

Then a twelve-year-old girl tracks Skye down during one of her brief visits to her hometown of Philadelphia and informs Skye that she’s “her egg.” Skye’s life is thrown into sharp relief and she decides that it might be time to actually try to have a meaningful relationship with another human being. Spoiler alert: It’s not easy.

Things get even more complicated when Skye realizes that the woman she tried and failed to pick up the other day is the girl’s aunt, and now it’s awkward. All the while, her brother is trying to get in touch, her mother is being bewilderingly kind, and the West Philly pool halls and hoagie shops of her youth have been replaced by hipster cafés.

With its endearingly prickly narrator and a cast of characters willing to both challenge her and catch her when she falls, this novel is a clever, moving portrait of a woman and the relationships she thought she could live without.

McKenzie has written a smart, fun tale of Skye rethinking her plan to keep running from people, make peace with her past, and maybe building a chosen family. Great views of West Philly and it's past.

McKenzie, Mia. (2021). Skye Falling. New York: Random House.

Imogen, Obviously

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli is a college visit that leads to a self discovery. 

Imogen Scott may be hopelessly heterosexual, but she’s got the World’s Greatest Ally title locked down.

She's never missed a Pride Alliance meeting. She knows more about queer media discourse than her very queer little sister. She even has two queer best friends. There's Gretchen, a fellow high school senior, who helps keep Imogen's biases in check. And then there's Lili—newly out and newly thriving with a cool new squad of queer college friends.

Imogen's thrilled for Lili. Any ally would be. And now that she's finally visiting Lili on campus, she's bringing her ally A game. Any support Lili needs, Imogen's all in.

Even if that means bending the truth, just a little.

Like when Lili drops a tiny queer bombshell: She's told all her college friends that Imogen and Lili used to date. And none of them know that Imogen is a raging hetero—not even Lili’s best friend, Tessa.

Of course, the more time Imogen spends with chaotic, freckle-faced Tessa, the more she starts to wonder if her truth was ever all that straight to begin with. . .

Albertalli is great author of YA literature. Imogen, Obviously is a sweet coming out story.

Albertalli, Becky. (2023). Imogen, Obviously. New York: Balzer + Bray.

Housemates

Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg is the story of friendship, love and photography in Philadelphia. 

When Bernie replies to Leah’s ad for a new housemate in Philadelphia, the two begin an intense and defiantly uncategorizable friendship based on a mutual belief in their art, and one another. Both aspire to capture the world around them: Leah through her writing; Bernie through her photography.

After Bernie’s former photography professor, the renowned yet tarnished Daniel Dunn, dies and leaves her a complicated inheritance, Leah volunteers to accompany Bernie to his home in rural Pennsylvania, turning the jaunt into a road trip with an ambitious mission: to document America through words and photographs.

What ensues is a journey into the heart of the nation, bringing the housemates into conversation with people from all walks of life—“the absurd dreamers and failures of this wide, wide country”—as they try to make sense of the times they are living in. Along the way, Leah and Bernie discover what it means to chase their own ideas and dreams, and to embrace what they are capable of both romantically and artistically.

Warm and insightful, Housemates is a story of youth and freedom—a glorious celebration of queer life, and how art and love might save us all.

Eisenberg, Emma Copley. (2024). Housemates. New York: Hogarth

Bunny & Tree

Bunny & Rabbit by Balint Zsako is a stunning wordless picture book. As soon as Bunny and Tree meet they are destined to become family. 

This is gorgeous. Put it at the top of your list for gifts for children, artists or gardeners in your life. 

Amazing!

Zsako, Balint. (2023). Bunny & Rabbit. New York: Enchanted Lion Books.

The Kingdom of the Gods (Inheritance #3)

The Kingdom of the Gods by N.K. Jemisin is the third book in the Inheritance fantasy series. 

Sieh, the child god, is lonely and bored. He finds himself going back to Sky, where he was imprisoned for centuries. Going back for the nostalgia of living with his favorite siblings who have scattered to the worlds. 

When Sieh arrives at an unused stairway at the bottom levels of the palace that is Sky, he finds to lost Arameri children - Shahar and Deka. They are twins, about eight or ten. They have been exploring, but have gotten lost in an abandoned level. 

Sieh, also the trickster gods, plays a game with them. He is just as likely to reward as kill at the end of a game, but the smart children convince him to come back in one year to continue the game. 

Jemisin is an amazing world-builder. The layers and complexities she must have in her head to write with such seamlessness in her own created world! It is no wonder she is the best of the amazing fantasy writers of our day! Read all of her books. Each series is wonderful and different and will make you think differently about some aspect of your life. 

Jemisin, N.K. (2011). The Kingdom of the Gods. New York: Orbit

Stickler

Stickler by Lane Smith is a beautiful picture book about someone who loves the world around himself. Stickler goes through his day enjoying everything he see and sharing it with his best friend. 

Smith, Lane. (2023). Stickler. New York: Random House. 

To Shape a Dragon's Breath (Nampeshiweisit #1)

To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose is the first book in the fantasy series.

The island of Masquapaug has not seen dragons for generations. The Anglish conquerors have their types of dragons on the mainland, but the Nampeshiwe have gone. Or at least everyone thinks that until Anequs is on the shore when she sees a huge Nampeshiwe take off from the next island. 

She goes back to tell her family. The next day she goes to the old temple to give thanks for the honor of seeing a Nampeshiwe. When she arrives, there is a dragon egg. She takes it back to the meetinghouse where everyone on Masquapaug sings, dances and tells stories to the egg while they wait for it to hatch.

Unfortunately, the Anglish have rules about dragons and who can have them. Anequs must go to school to become certified to shape a dragon's breath. Without this bond and the teachings, the fire a dragon breathes can destroy. But with the knowledge of how to work with a dragon, one can shape the breath into something magical.

Blackgoose has created a beautiful book set in the time of early colonization - when those who invaded think they know everything and are civilized. When those who already lived in the area see the invaders as brutish and shortsighted. I absolutely love this book! My only complaint is that is just came out so I will have to wait forever for the next one in the series. :-)

Blackgoose, Moniquill. (2023). To Shape a Dragon's Breath. New York: Del Rey.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a delightful novel. 

Tova Sullivan works the Sowell Bay Aquarium night shift – cleaning up after the visitors who come during the day. She talks to the sea life as she goes, never thinking that there is someone who understands her. 

Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. He has been at the aquarium for most of his life, but still longs for the openness of the Puget Sound. At night he roams the various tanks looking for snacks, but careful not to eat so many that his captors do not notice. 

One night Tova has to help Marcellus back to his tank. He has been caught in a cord while raiding the lunchroom. This starts a unique friendship that will lead to Tova solving a mystery that has haunted her since 1989. 

If this first book is a hint as what is to come from Shelby Van Pelt, we can only hope that she becomes a prolific writer! Buy a copy of this book today – you will likely loan it to everyone you know to share in the delight.

Van Pelt, Shelby. (2022). Remarkably Bright Creatures. New York: Ecco.

Under the Whispering Door

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune is a love story in death.

Charon's Crossing Tea Shop is a way station on the path of death. Hugo, a ferryman, owns the shop. He serves tea and baked goods to the locals and works with the dead the help them process their lives and death so they may move on.

Mei is a reaper, collecting people after their death and bringing them to the tea shop.

Nelson is an old man / ghost who lives at the tea shop - allowed to stay to help emotionally support Hugo. 

Wallace Price, a lawyer who dies of a heart attack, is found by Mei at his funeral. Almost no one else is in attendance. He was a man who turned off his emotions other than annoyance.

Hugo, Mei and Nelson will have their hands full with Wallace. But it is never too late to grow as a person.

Klune has written a wonderful book that looks at death with love and humor. Everyone should read this.

Klune, TJ. (2021). Under the Whispering Door. New York: Tor.

This is How You Lose the Time War

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is an epic tale in epistolary novella form.

Two agents, one on each side trying to shape Earth to a future that benefits their side, leave letters for the other as they roam the very strands of time. The first letter left is in an envelope that says, "burn before reading."

One side is called Garden. They are shaping the world to heal itself, planting seeds down strand that will blossom in the future.

One side is tech driven, often placed to alter the outcome of a war or election that will favor the development of technology.

 In spite of two sides, many times and versions this beautifully written and crafted love story is a must read for all book or poetry fans. Buy a copy today so you can read it over and over again.

El-Mohtar, Amal and Max Gladstone. (2019). This is How You Lose the Time War. New York: Saga Press.

A Gentleman in Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a beautiful book that everyone should have the privilege to read. Though it was written recently it will surely join the classic must reads.

After the Russian revolution, the Bolsheviks have sentenced Count Alexander Rostov to house arrest. Luckily for him, he lives in the world-famous Metropol Hotel in the center of Moscow. Unfortunately, with his sentence, he is moved from his beautiful suite, filled with his family heirlooms, to a ten-by-ten room in the attic. 

Over the following years readers will delight in meeting the various visitors, residents and employees of the Metropol. And get to explore the hotel from every angle - especially after the Count makes friends with a young girl who cannot let any mystery or curiosity go unexplored.

Towles is a wonderful writer and storyteller. Read everything he publishes but buy this book today!

Towles, Amor. (2016). A Gentleman in Moscow. New York: Penguin.

All This Could Be Different

All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Matthews is the story of one woman trying to make it on her own in a system that exploits immigrants. 

Graduating college during a recession, Sneha agrees to move to Milwaukee for a job as a consultant. She has little other choice as she needs a job to get a green card once her school visa expires. 

She has been in the United States most of her life. Her parents moved back to India after her father was set up to take the blame for a scam his business partner pinned on him. Since then, Sneha has been reluctant to trust anyone.

Building a life for herself, dating and living through mid-West winters, this beautifully human novel will stay in your head for a long time. 

Mathews, Sarah Thamkam. (2022). All This Could Be Different. New York: Viking.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a story of friendship and video games. 

As a kid, Sadie Green spent a lot of time in the hospital waiting for her sister to have treatment. Sam Massur spent time in the hospital due to a series of surgeries to recover from a car accident.

Sadie and Sam met in the game room over the game Oregon Trail. They spend hours and hours together playing video games and talking. 

After losing touch, they do not see each other for years. Then one day, Sam sees Sadie in a train station in Boston. Both are in college now: Sadie studying to make video games, Sam studying math but not loving it. During the chance meeting, Sam suggests they make a game together.

What follows is the story of a lifetime of friendship and the growth of a successful video game career / company. 

Zevin captures the history of video games in this beautiful rale of friendship and love. Her writing and characters are wonderful. I will be reading her other books soon!

Zevin, Gabrielle. (2022). Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. New York: Alfred A Knoph. 

it Goes Like This

The teen band Moonlight Overthrown was a smash hit. They were the first out, queer band and their followers will be loyal for as long as time. Unfortunately, they broke up almost two years ago. The internet is now littered with rumors and occasional sightings of one of the four band members.

Eva is in Los Angeles going to college. She still works in the recording industry, but now as a song writer. She is quite enjoying her less paparazzi filled days. She has not spoken to her band mates since the last show. They have a group text, but no one has written in a long time.

Celeste now has a solo career. She is on tour with her second album.

Gina is an actor now. She just finished filming a Netflix project.

No one has heard from Steph is.

Eva is surprised, and a bit hurt, when Celeste and Gina are photographed at an LA party together. The photo also stirs rumors of a band reunion – which seems very unlikely from the point of view of each of the band members. That is, until something happens to bring them all together…

Moreland has written a fun summer read. The characters are well thought-out. It seems like she knows a lot about the music industry. If you are looking for a great queer YA, this is the book for you.

Moreland, Miel. (2021). It Goes Like This. New York: Feiwel & Friends.

Melt With You

Fallon and Chloe were best friends, until a year ago when they hooked up. They have not spoken since. Unfortunately, their moms co-own a business where they work in the summer.

Love At First Bite is a popular ice cream truck, both in their upstate New York town, and on the summer food festival circuit. Fallon and her mom were going to drive the truck to Memphis and them Dallas, but now her mom must fly out for a meeting with potential investors.

Chloe is back after her first year of college. She tried to text Fallon a couple of times, but never heard back. Now they are going to be in a truck together for four days.

Dugan has written a YA romance in a unique setting. It is unlikely that things will not be delt with, one way or another.

Dugan, Jennifer. (2022). Melt With You. New York: GP Putnam’s Sons.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & Robot #2)

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers is second in the Monk and Robot series of novellas. This is a beautiful series everyone should read.

Sibling Dex and Splendid Speckled Mosscap begin their journey among the humans of Panga, traveling to many villages so that Mosscap can ask people what they need from Robots. They will make many friends as they travel looking for answers.

Becky Chambers is my favorite author. I have loved each of her books, but the Monk & Robot series is something extra special. Buy the books today – you will want to read them repeatedly!

Chambers, Becky (2022). A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. New York: Tom Doherty Associates Book.