Tales from the Book Nerd-6
…because we could all use a good book and a stiff drink.
Hello all! The Hob & Hound Pub coming out in less than two months, so I decided to share some information on a few of the places Sam will be visiting in the next book. First up, take a gander at St. Edwards in Stow-on-the-Wold, England (above)! Isn’t it amazing? It gives off doorway-to-Narnia vibes (for me, at least). When I’m deciding where to set a story, or part of a story, I’m glued to map apps, satellite views, image files… I want to see it all. I read articles and watch videos, sinking deep into that area so I can write about it in a way that hopefully helps you to see it too. As I was wandering around the UK map, I stumbled on this gem and knew Sam had to visit. Years ago, I chaperoned two student tours of Europe (six countries in three weeks). It was the most amazing experience ever! Two of the towns I fell in love with made itinto The Hob & Hound: Paris and Canterbury. If you read the opening chapter of Hob & Hound, you already know that Sam & Clive visit the Louvre, a museum I was lucky enough to visit twice. I was only able to spend the better part of a day in Canterbury, but remember feeling like I was stepping back in time. I have pictures of a relic that juts out over the Stour River. I knew when I saw it that if I ever wrote a book (this was 20 years ago) this relic would make it in. I have now fulfilled my promise to myself. When you get to the part of the story when Sam & Clive arrive in Canterbury, you’ll know what I’m referring to.
Thank you to @AppleBooks for adding this title to their Most Anticipated Books for Spring list. I really hope you all enjoy accompanying Sam & Clive on their next adventure. The Hob & Hound Pub is out April 26th!
Book Recommendation Corner
As I’m also a librarian, I want to share titles of amazing books you might want to pick up. I’ll switch up the genres in each newsletter. If you like any of the books I suggest, remember to write a quick review for it. Reviews helps authors <3
Literary Fiction: The Guncle by Steven Rowley. My editor tweeted about this book, saying every Best Of list should have this title on it. Sold! It was one of my favorites of 2021. Patrick is a former sit com star who is now living in Palm Springs. He’s lost his partner and is hiding from the world. In walks his brother who needs Patrick to watch his young niece and nephew while the brother takes himself off to rehab. Patrick is the gay uncle–guncle. After saying no many times, he finally gives in and takes Maisie and Grant,who are dealing with the recent death of their mother. The relationship that forms is truly beautiful. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and had me crying more than once. I absolutely loved it!
Young Adult: As I’m a young adult librarian, you’ll see this genre in every newsletter. This month’s recommendation is White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson. It’s described as The Haunting of Hill House meets Get Out, which is quite apt. Our main character Marigold is moving with her newly blended family from California to the Midwest so her mother can be an artist-in-residence in the town of Cedarville. It isn’t until they arrive that they realize the brochure wasn’t completely accurate. The neighborhood they are moving into was abandoned thirty years ago–for good reason. The book is part social commentary, part horror story, and all amazing.
Fantasy: Chronicles of the One by Nora Roberts begins with Year One. The story was written before COVID but begins with a deadly pandemic (think The Stand). Most of the population worldwide is wiped out. Some of the few who are left are now endowed with magic. Good and evil are at odds, fighting, waiting for The One to be born, the one who will lead the charge against the evil that is taking over the world. It’s a trilogy and all three books were fantastic.
😊 Happy Reading!
