Books Will Get Us Through
(Yes, audiobooks count.)
My dear friends,
Before last Tuesday, I had not just hope but genuine faith in the integrity, discernment, and empathy I believed our citizenry, overall, embraced. Now, I’m holding onto the nearly 72 million U.S. voters who are the people I believed made up the majority. I’ll continue to hold them—and the children who are too young to vote but whose lives will be tremendously impacted by this election’s results—in my love and care.
In hard times, books get me through. These past few months, I’ve had great fun hopescrolling online, but now that we’re back to doomscrolling, I’m trying to limit my time on social media and instead open a book. I enjoy occasional audiobooks, and I love that ebooks are available for those who prefer reading on a device—but for me, nothing comforts like the turn of the physical page.
What If We Read?
On that note, here are a few favorites, in no particular order.
What If We Were Somewhere Else? by Wendy J. Fox (stories). In this connected collection of stories, Fox introduces us to an engaging medley of office coworkers, as well as their families, friends, and lovers.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (mystery/thriller). Granted, the title doesn’t make it sound like the cheeriest book around, but this multilayered novel provides plenty of material to discuss with your book club.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (memoir). A Black man’s observations on race in America, written in the form of a letter to his son. If you haven’t read it…please, just read it.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (historical fiction). I was hesitant to tackle this one because (can’t believe I’m admitting this) I was one of the few readers I know who wasn’t crazy about A Gentleman in Moscow. But Towles’s follow-up is a completely different story, set in a completely different time and place…and I was mesmerized.
Made in China by Anna Qu (memoir). A beautifully written narrative about family, love, and perseverance in even the most challenging circumstances. The complex cultural scenarios that contributed to Anna’s upbringing make her story all the more compelling.
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal (contemporary fiction). I’m breaking my own rule by recommending my current read—I’m about halfway through—but this foodie culture novel and its quirky cast of characters are getting me through these difficult days.
What If We Listen?
In the midst of these challenging times, I’m happy to announce that today is release day for the audiobook for my third psychological suspense novel, Anyone But Her. Produced by Tantor Media, it’s available on all audiobook platforms. I especially encourage you to patronize Libro.fm, an audiobook retailer that benefits indie bookstores.
Tantor put together this nifty trailer for the book…check it out.
What If (Some) Good Things Still Happen?
Another good thing that happened last week: I’m honored to announce that Anyone But Her won the 2024 Indie Author Project Contest in the Mystery/Thriller category. The Indie Author Project is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness among librarians and readers about indie-pubbed books.
This award means a lot to me, especially because Anyone But Her is my first indie-pubbed title. Gratitude to the Indie Author Project, the judges, and the librarians who do the good work of getting books into the hands of readers.
What If We Step Out?
On the above note, I can’t wait to see readers at Douglas County Libraries this coming Friday 11/15 to celebrate the release of Anyone But Her. The fabulous Books Are Awesome bookstore will be on hand so you can grab a copy of the book. Details are here.
On Tuesday 11/19, 5 pm, I’ll be at the Denver Woman’s Press Club giving a presentation on researching and writing historical Denver fiction. While this event will be craft-focused, I’ll also be talking about Anyone But Her and my other books, all of which will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Details are here.
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with the first book club that has invited me to discuss Anyone But Her. (Yay, we got to talk spoilers!) Thanks to this wonderful group and its host, Glenda (to my right in the pic below).
If your book club is reading Anyone But Her (or another of my books). I’m happy to discuss the possibility of an in-person or Zoom chat with your group. More info is here.
What If We Don’t Create?
A final, raw truth I want to share. Perhaps you’ve seen this Toni Morrison quote:
This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.
While I agree with Morrison—we do need to keep creating—I’ll admit that for me, that’s a tall order right now. Prior to last Tuesday, I was full speed ahead on my WIP, even taking a few wonderful days in the mountains the weekend before the election to focus on the project.
But now, it’s difficult—and I’m not forcing myself. Instead, I’m focusing on self-care, family, journaling, and connecting with like-minded souls.
So I’ll leave you with another quote on the subject—this one mine.
Art is an old friend. It knows there are times when no matter how much we love it, we’re unable to show up. But it waits patiently and does not abandon us, knowing we’ll shower it with love and attention when we’re able.
Take your time, friends. Find solace, as Brené Brown says, in micro-dosing hope. Shop local and indie. Read. Breathe.
Then when you’re ready, add more art to the world. Because the world needs your art, and the world needs your love.
I recommend the Nobel Prize-winning "How to Stand Up to a Dictator" by Maria Ressa.
I also recommend a 2020 article from The New Yorker ("How to Stop a Power Grab") that features the work of Erica Chenoweth, an expert in civil resistance. The article provides an impressive tutuorial & master class in how to achieve change through very clever, organized nonviolent means. Even more relevant and critical now! https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/11/23/how-to-stop-a-power-grab
This was a great newsletter coming at a time when I feel the same. It does help to know others are going through the same emotional swings, especially someone I admire. Anyone But Her is in my TBR pile. And I'll pick up a recommendation or two from your list. Thanks for sharing!