It’s summer in Houston. Tropical heat and humidity. TG for AC.
The other day I was saying to my wife that when we lived in Minnesota we stayed indoors in the winter. Moving to Houston, we now stay indoors in the summer. And when one has to stay in it is a good time to raid the bookshelf.
Of course, in truth, any time is a good time to read a novel. From the comfort of my easy chair, with the AC on (or the heat in winter), hot tea at hand, I can take any number of adventures.
I can leave earth entirely, or I can travel to a fantasy world that only exists in the writer’s and his reader’s minds.
If I want, I can go to another city, or another country.
I can do all of that and never leave the comforts of home. Just by reading a book.
If you happen to be looking for something to read this summer (or winter, if you live on that part of the globe) I have a few suggestions for you.
I recently re-read this incredible novel to refresh my memory and prepare for Church Mouse: The Change, which I’m currently reading.
How Ms Hale can generate such tension and suspense from her slowburn Gothic style is beyond me. As a writer, I’m in awe. As a reader, I’m in love — and chewing my fingernails down to the quick.
But tension and suspense aren’t the only thing. She excels at painting a word picture that lets you experience the setting. And she gives you characters that are so life-like, you’ll swear you’ve run across them in real life.
These two books are good reading anytime. They are amongst the best vampire novels out there. And they are so much more. They’ll get you thinking about what it means to be human.
Exit and 01134 by Crispian Thurlborn
Mr Thurlborn is one of my favorite authors. His imagination gives rise to fabulous stories.
Exit is a dreampunk tale that examines if we are truly free to do as we want and change who we are. It is a superb addition to the ranks of weird fiction.
01134 is another stupendous addition. This book examines loneliness. It examines choices we make, or don’t make. It is a book that takes us to The Twilight Zone.
Your Arms Around Entropy and Other Stories by Brian Fatah Steele
I love short stories. A well-written short story, IMO, is more satisfying than a long novel. I know there are people who don’t like short stories. I feel sorry for them.
Mr Steele is a very accomplished writer, and this collection of short stories blew me away. I went out and bought all of his books.
These are dark tales that will make you fear the dark. They are superb examples of contemporary Lovecraftian fiction.
Keep the light on if you read these at night.
All of the above recommendations are dark, quite dark. Maybe you prefer lighter fare. If that’s the case, the next two fit the bill quite nicely.
Agonising: The Problem Page Letters of Jean Price and Raine Vincent by Ernestine Marsh
Ms Marsh has a knack for humor and the witty turn of phrase. She also is quite at home dishing out biting satire. You’ll find both in Agonising. You’ll also have to take periodic reading breaks to catch your breath and give your stomach a break from all the laughing.
The Garden of Jane Pengelly by Stephen A Howells
This book is a hidden gem. It took me completely by surprise — a very pleasant surprise. It is a sweet and tender paranormal love story. Not normally my cup of tea. No, not by a long shot. Yet, I was drawn in by Mr Howell’s wonderful storytelling. And yes, it brought tears to my eyes. Definitely not one to miss!
The above ought to keep you going for awhile. I’ll be back next week with more gems for your ereader or bookshelf.
Comments are always welcome! And until next time, happy reading!
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