I had vague plans about coming home after the holidays with armfuls of books.
I may have fulfilled this prophecy all on my own.
All that to say…I acquired some books.
The Ruby in the Smoke and The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman
My mom and I went used-book shopping and found a TREASURE TROVE of Philip Pullman novels, cozy mysteries, and PHILIP PULLMAN NOVELS THAT WERE COZY MYSTERIES.
I am slowly becoming Phil’s biggest fan, SO I NEEDED these books.
I like a good caper, and these books were short, pocket-sized, and female-led.
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
I got rid of this book a few years ago and I don’t…remember…why.
It wasn’t because of that unfortunate J. K. Rowling blurb. I know that for sure.
I think about this book a lot, so I snagged a used copy.
A used ARC of Let’s Call It a Doomsday by Katie Henry
I really loved Henry’s debut Heretics Anonymous, but was less interested in her follow-up Let’s Call It a Doomsday.
A friend read it and said the book
- covers anxiety and religious trauma
- might be queer?
- takes some weird turns
The ARC was $2, so I bought it.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
My cousins drew my name in the family gift exchange and bought me this book!
I am nervous, but it’s a heist! And also a caper!
And there’s a bi boi!!!
We’ll see if I patch things up with Roshani Chokshi after reading this.
Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir and Sarah Andersen
Another gift from the same cousins.
This beautiful graphic novel was silly in all the right ways.
I would gladly read a follow-up.
If this doesn’t garner a sequel, can I get a Hook/Wicked Witch spin-off? Pretty please?
Their love connection: UNCONVINCING!
Do I care: NO!
After the mess that was The Rise of Skywalker, I’ll take all the villain ships I can get.
Technically, You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson
I HAVE MY OWN COPY NOW.
I reread this masterpiece and almost wept A COUPLE OF TIMES.
Is it too early to call it my favorite contemporary of the decade? Because I REALLY liked it.
Two copies of Texts From Jane Eyre by Daniel M. Lavery
(I am purposefully not using or showing this author’s deadname)
I got TWO copies of this fantastic book.
I’m keeping one (which I already read) and giving the other to my friend, which works out PERFECTLY since I’d planned on buying him one.
I MUST SPREAD THE BOOK LOVE.
Warfare: Winning the Spiritual Battle by Tony Evans
I got this book from my brother and sister-in-law.
Friends of theirs speak highly of Tony Evans.
I’ve seen some decent takes on spiritual warfare previously and I loved the hell out of Peter Scazzero’s Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, so we’ll see how this book fares.
A paperback copy of Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Brittney Cooper
I’m reading this book currently and I LOVE IT.
It might make my Top 10 Books of 2019 list – it’s THAT good.
I GLADLY opted to trade my discount hardback for this $6 paperback.
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
A HARDBACK COPY FOR $6?????? (The Wildcat Shop must have been having a sale.)
I saw the price, screamed, put the book back, then did all three again.
IT’S MINE NOW.
Magic for Liars by Sarah Galley
I almost bought the entire His Dark Materials series in paperback, which would have equaled the cost of purchasing Magic for Liars in hardcover.
I made my choice.
Now Magic for Liars is ALL MINE.
The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ by Philip Pullman
I screamed once again when I saw this book in the bargain section.
It wasn’t suuuper on sale, but I’ve never seen a copy of this out in the wild.
I’ve been excited about this book since I found out Pullman identifies as agnostic.
The structure of this book looks FASCINATING.
I CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT.
In fact, I’m going to start RIGHT NOW.
Lest ye forget, my birthday is in a mere 18 DAYS.
THE BOOK DELUGE CONTINUES.
Narrative Paradise 