Non-fiction

• "To the Lake" by Kapka Kassabova
  By exploring on water and land the stories of poets, fishermen, and caretakers, misfits, rulers, and inheritors of war and exile, Kassabova uncovers the human destinies shaped by the lakes.

• "Free" by Lea Ypi
  Family and nation formed a reliable bedrock of security for precocious 11-year-old Lea Ypi. She was a Young Pioneer, helping to lead her country toward the future of perfect freedom promised by the leaders of her country, the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. Then, almost overnight, the Berlin Wall fell and the pillars of her society toppled. The local statue of Stalin, whom she had believed to be a kindly leader who loved children, was beheaded by student protestors.

• "Indignity: A Life Reimagined" by Lea Ypi

  The author of Free returns with an extraordinary inquiry into historical injustice, dignity, truth, and imagination.

Poetry

• "Negative Space" by Luljeta Lleshanaku

  Personal biography disperses into the history of an entire generation that grew up under the oppressive dictatorship of the poet's native Albania.

• "Haywire" by Luljeta Lleshanaku
  In Haywire she turns to the fallout of her country's past and its relation to herself and her family. Through intense, powerful lyrics, she explores how these histories intertwine and influence her childhood memories and the retelling of her family's stories.

Fiction

• "A Girl in Exile" by Ismail Kadare
  A Girl in Exile, first published in Albanian in 2009, is set among the bureaucratic machinery of Albania's 1945-1991 dictatorship. While waiting to hear whether his newest play will be approved for production, playwright Rudian Stefa is called in for questioning by the Party Committee. A girl - Linda B. - has been found dead, with a signed copy of his latest book in her possession.

• "The Palace of Dreams" by Ismail Kadare
  A dystopian novel often interpreted as a critique of totalitarian regimes.

• "Misinterpretation" by Ledia Xhoga

  In present-day New York City, an Albanian interpreter reluctantly agrees to work with Alfred, a Kosovar torture survivor, during his therapy sessions. Despite her husband’s cautions, she soon becomes entangled in her clients’ struggles.
  
  
  🗺️If you want to see more book recommendations from all the countries in the world, check out my Reading the World Spreadsheet.
  
  And if you want to support this project, consider becoming a paid member of my Bindery!

Hi everyone,

I’m so so excited to reveal the cover for my queer dystopian novella THIS IS HOW THE WORLD ENDS, publishing on 16th September. It’s available for preorder now, via the link!

Cover designed by the incredible Drew Huff.

I love it so much!

Here’s the blurb:

Run the race. Or die.

Britain is at war, isolated by a digital blockade. 

Dissidents run a deadly race for the public’s entertainment, while the flood-ravaged country falls apart. The Cartwright family tries to soldier on, refusing to give in to fear. But when catastrophe looms, Emma Cartwright flees – only to find that life beyond the border is anything but safe. 

The fight for survival has begun. 

This is how the world ends.

I’m still pinching myself, I still can’t quite believe this is happening!

Love,

Disco

JOIN US HERE: Zoom link for March 16th @7pm EST

Ring in the publication of Susan J. Morris' WAYWARD SOULS, the eagerly anticipated sequel to STRANGE BEASTS, with the Inky Phoenix family! Bring your favorite snacks and bevvies, and if you haven't read WS yet, try to before the call (also, if you haven't reviewed it online, please please do so!).

Can't wait to see you all and celebrate Susan!!

When I decided to read the longlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction, I didn't realize how many I'd have already read and loved! That confirms my commitment to read the rest (most of which haven't been published in the US, or at least not yet). Here are my thoughts on those I've already read. I think that every one of these has earned it's placed on this list, and has important things to say about our world today.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy 5/5 Stars This was my first Charlotte McConaghy. I loved the balance between an intriguing plot and well-drawn characters.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans 5/5 Stars One of my favorite books I've read so far this year. The characters really come to life through this epistolary novel.

Heart the Lover by Lily King 5/5 Stars This made me ugly cry. I love Lily King's writing.

Moderation by Elaine Castillo 4.75/5 Stars This one I was most surprised to be on this list, but it's a very pleasant surprise. I need more people to read this dystopian book on the future of content moderation. It also has a lot to say about immigrant labor.

A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar 4.5/5 Stars I'm still thinking about this one. This is not a happy read, but a necessary one.

Audition by Katie Kitamura 4/5 Stars Katie is one of my favorite authors but this is actually my least favorite of hers. This one is unique and will leave you thinking.

Flashlight by Susan Choi 3.75/5 Stars This is a well-written book with a plot that is a little clunky. Not surprised it's on this list.

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens 3.5/5 Stars I'm happy to see this book on this list, though it was a hard read for me with my background in the evangelical church.

A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang 3.25/5 Stars I think I read this at the wrong time for me. I did enjoy the discussion of living with memory loss.

Hey gang!

Write below the 1 book you think would get the most people into reading and the reason why!

We're using this for a future video 😊

Hi all! Although I originally wasn't planning on reading a witchcraft related book together immediately, and instead had plans for some non-fiction reads (which we will still get to), I just started reading Ancestral Tarot and it is a perfect book for discussion.

A practical, hands-on guide for using tarot to connect with your ancestors and gain access to their insights for healing, self-protection, and personal powers.

With a tarot deck in hand, readers will learn how to identify and access ancestral gifts, messages, powers, protectors, and healers.

Tarot expert Nancy Hendrickson guides readers through the basics of finding recent ancestors, and navigating the confusing maze of DNA and ethnic heritage. As a longtime tarot enthusiast, she shows readers how to incorporate a metaphysical tool into a world of tradition.

Ancestral Tarot spreads are included in relevant chapters. Each chapter includes three journal prompts that lead readers into self-discovery around ancestral gifts, wounds, and patterns they may have inherited. The better we know our ancestors, the better we know ourselves.

I've already read the first few chapters and there are a number of spreads that aren't overly complicated. I'd love to hear what others' experiences are with it. The readalong schedule will coincide with the seasons, as that is how my life is operating these days, but you can read at your own pace, with the seasonal outlines being a guide or deadline if that helps keep you on track.

Now through March 20: through Chapter 2

March 21 - May 1st: through Chapter 4

May 2 - June 21: Chapter 5

June 22 - August 1: Chapter 6

August 2 - September 22: Chapter 7

September 23 - October 31: Chapter 8 & 9

November 1st - December 21: Chapter 9 & 10

December 21 - February 1: through the end

There will be a discussion channel in Discord so join there if you haven't already and would like to discuss as you read. I will also be making posts about my own experiences as I read.

There is a bit in the book about choosing which ancestors to work with first, so some chapters may be read only for information vs completing exercises, so with that in mind, we may finish the book sooner than this above timeline depending on how people work through it.

Looking forward to discussing this one with you!

I had the worst reading month in February that I've had in a long time. Anyone else?

I only managed to read 5 books!

What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne (reread, ebook, arc) I knew that the arc was going to go up on NETGALLEY, GO REQUEST NOW! so I wanted to reread so I could experience the all the fun and horror with all of you. (Yes, I will very likely reread in October before release!)

The book was so much fun to read a second time, picking up on all of the little details I missed. What a crazy, bonkers, imaginitive world. I just love this book so much and I can't wait to read it again. And I can't wait for it to be turned into a horror movie franchise. Who said I can't predict the future?

Speaking of buzz, I finished Buzzard (ebook, arc) by Inez Ray, this is the third book coming out from Michael Laborn's imprint Left Unread. This is a dystopian tale following the last midwife, who is in prison for giving abortions. This is an uncomfortable read that pays off in all the ways you want it to. Incredible storytelling. Current. Gut wrenching. This absolutely should be made into a television series. Add it to your TBRs, right NOW!

Lost Girls of Hollow Lake (audiobook) by Rebekah Faubion this is a solid Yellowjackets comp. Fans of the show will enjoy this. I had a good time with this one. I really wanted more of the island. The relationship with the dog really saved this one for me.

The Trees (audiobook) by Percival Everett was an unexpected read. I saw this on a bunch of horror book recommendations list and while there may or may not be something supernatural going on, I'd say this book leans more literary. Despite the miscategorization, this was a phenomenal read. It follows two detectives in Mississippi investigating some brutal murders in a very racist town. Historical, beautiful, brutal. A must read. If it's on your TBR, move it up immediately.

When Devils Sing (audiobook) by Xan Kaur, YA southern gothic, diverse. A rich town that preys on poor people like their survival depends on it. A deal made with demons. Multi-pov that really works. Moody, atmospheric, thoroughly enjoyable.

Overall, while I didn't read much, I did enjoy what I was able to read. Hoping to double my reads in March!

What was your favorite read in March?

As a reminder, any book purchased through my bookshop this month, benefits Black Walnut Books, an Indigenous, Woman and Queer owned bookstore. Check these books out below!

Happy Tuesday, mis internet amigxs,

A nationwide book ban has been proposed by the House of Representatives targeting LGBTQ+ books. Action items can be found on Instagram and Tik Tok. Further news and action items coming this week.

The world is feeling HEAVY right now, so I wanted to bask in a moment of Latine bookish joy with you and tell you about upcoming March 3rd Latine releases, before that, I wanted to begin with a GIVEAWAY.

Our March book club selection, Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enrigue, releases TODAY and I've got ONE MORE HARDCOVER COPY UP FOR GRABS EXCLUSIVELY FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES AND COMMENTS ON THIS POST (US address only). If you're a Librito or Lector member, you have another chance at another copy here. I'll email the winner on Wednesday and you'll have 24 hours to get me your mailing address to claim your book!

Also, reminder that our non-fiction sidequest read March through April is Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here by Jonathan Blitzer (audiobook). Several people who have the paperback have mentioned that the font is VERY small, so if you have vision issues or don't like to read small font, please keep that in mind.

This is a busy week of releases so let's get on with the show...

TRANSLATED LITERARY FICTION & MARCH BOOK CLUB PICK

Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enrigue and translated by Natasha Wimmer (Audiobook)

Diorama by Carol Bensimon and translated by Zoe Perry and Julia Sanches (Audiobook)

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Estela, Undrowning by Rene Pena-Govea (audiobook)

If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey (audiobook)

BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOK

Gooool! A Bilingual Book Of Soccer by Mike Alfaro and illustrated by Gerardo Guillen:

NONFICTION

Red Stones: A graphic account of the Salvadoran Civil War by Ernesto Saade:

El Paso: Five Families and One Hundred Years of Blood, Migration, Race, and Memory by Jazmine Ulloa (Audiobook)

AUDIOBOOK RELEASE FOR GRAPHIC NOVEL

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares (audiobook)

xoxo,

Carmen

As I was perusing the Women's History Month 20% sale on bookshop.org (as one does on a book buying ban), I saw that included is Good People by Patmeena Sabit, our April Leans Literary book club pick! If you want to pick up a personal copy, now would be a great time to do so, saving 20% with code WHM26.

Good People is the story of an Afghani immigrant family...told entirely from the outside. Because everyone has an opinion on how immigrants should live their lives.

You can pick it up from my bookshop . You may also see our May and June book club picks.

Hey guys,

Our March book will be The Correspondent by Virginia Evans! Thanks to all who votes. Some really good picks this month, so I'll definitely recycle them for other months.

As a reminder, the meeting will be at 8pm ET on March 28th. Link to come!

Happy March everyone!! time to announce the DYSTOPIAN and thriller book we will be reading in March!

Dystopian: DAGGERMOUTH

Thriller: THE MAD WIFE

I am genuinely so excited for both of these reads. Please join my discord so we can hold discussions! I think we will particularly like discussing the newest Internet sensation, Daggermouth.

I will be listening to the Mad Wife on audio!

Hi Disco Dancers!

I’m doing the official cover reveal for my book THIS IS HOW THE WORLD ENDS on Wednesday on social media, but I wanted to give you a sneak peek ahead of time (please don’t share it until then). Preorders will also be launching on Wednesday.

My queer dystopian novella is coming!

Here’s the blurb:

Run the race. Or die.

Britain is at war, isolated by a digital blockade. 

Dissidents run a deadly race for the public’s entertainment, while the flood-ravaged country falls apart. The Cartwright family tries to soldier on, refusing to give in to fear. But when catastrophe looms, Emma Cartwright flees – only to find that life beyond the border is anything but safe. 

The fight for survival has begun. 

This is how the world ends.

And here’s the cover! Designed by the incredible Drew Huff:

I love it so much!

Love,

Disco

My friend, did you hear the good news?! 🎉 Bindery members will now receive ARCs (advanced reader copies) as part of your membership perks instead of finished copies!

What does this mean? You will no longer have to wait until a few months before publication to read a Cozy Quill title, you’ll be reading early!

And our very first ARC under this new magic? ✨ Twigs Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy ✨ So much to celebrate today!

Here’s how it works:

🌱 $5 Shire Sprouts receive an e-ARC (Open to our international, of course. We see you and your teacups across the sea!).

🥐 $12 Second Breakfast Club members will also receive a physical ARC (US only). Plus, you'll have your name printed in the acknowledgements section of our books, which is so special.

Truly, this publishing program exists because of you. Your support makes books like Twigs Traveling Tomes possible. After you’ve had a chance to read, we would be so grateful if you left early (honest) reviews on retailer or review sites and shared the title with your fellow romantasy-loving friends. Word-of-mouth helps more than you know!

You are not just members. You are part of this team. We couldn’t do this without you.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, consider this your gentle nudge.

UPGRADE BY TOMORROW TO SNAG YOUR ARC! xx, Meg

You shouldn't buy books from Amazon. You know it, I know it, your local indie bookstore DEFINITELY KNOWS IT, and honestly, the ghost of every independent bookseller who ever lived knows it too. So why do you still buy from the zon? Because it's cheap.

Yes, I know that capitalism is guttering out its last dying breaths as 5 people hoard most of the wealth while the economy fizzles so far they no longer actually even post the unemployment rate publicly anymore. So why am I telling you to spend more money? Please let me try to convince you with this numbered list because I'm a NUMBERS GIRLIE (see, this is why you should listen to me — how many other bisexuals are good at math? I contain multitudes AND a spreadsheet. 'Tis the tism m'lord.) If you're already convinced, feel free to scroll past this part. If you're not, I will be employing the ancient necromantic art of capitalism critique to raise your righteous fury from the dead.

Amazon is not always the cheapest! Yes, I know they've attempted to convince you otherwise. But they are operating on the grocery store model — get you in the door with "deals" on items you already know the price of, like milk and bread, while price gouging you on the things you don't, like a jar of pepperoncinis or your sense of self worth. If you consistently price check them like I do, you'll find that especially on smaller items, they've rolled that shipping cost right into the price. Free shipping my slowly rounding ass.

Diapers.com. If you haven't heard me rant about this, buckle up. Diapers.com had a great subscription price on diapers and wipes. Amazon rolls in with a program called "Amazon Mom," undercuts their price into the ground, and erodes the company's entire customer base. Amazon buys Diapers.com. Amazon shuts them down. Amazon IMMEDIATELY jacks the prices back up and shutters the Amazon Mom program. Everyone now pays more for the exact same service. This is not a bug. This is the business model. And they are doing it to books — selling them at a loss to put every brick and mortar bookstore out of business. And when we can only buy books from them? Those prices are going WAY UP. We are officially in the Ninth circle of Hell.

Writers are poor. There are a handful making a good living at this, but most are creating their art on the side while crying quietly into their $5.10 royalty checks. And Amazon exploits them like they exploit their workers and suppliers — a proud tradition of harm, democratized. They have a history of allowing customers to return read books and making the author pay the refund. They auto-enroll books into Kindle Select so authors have to go in and manually opt out every 90 days, lest their books remain Amazon-exclusive indefinitely like some kind of publishing purgatory. They're pushing to make Amazon Exclusive titles unavailable in libraries. They roll out new AI features and don't bother letting authors opt out. Cool cool cool, no notes, everything is fine, the house is not on fire, ignore the smell.

So where should you buy instead?

From the author If you're reading indie or smaller authors, many sell directly from their own websites — sometimes cheaper, sometimes signed, sometimes in "scratch and dent" copies for the chaotic good readers among us. Why are they cheaper direct? Because Amazon charges them more than other outlets. I know. I KNOW.

Bookshop.org If you can't find an author site, your second best online option is this one. A portion of the sale goes directly to an independent bookstore of your choosing. Support your local store, or support a black woman owned store like Sistah Sci-fi! They have ebooks too, so check here first!

Libro.fm is where I have my audiobook subscription. My library card gets me Libby, but they don't always have what I want, so this is my backup. Also shares profits with an indie bookstore of your choice. It's lawful good (get it, like awful good? "Yes... Some rigor...mortis", said Gideon, who thought that puns were automatically funny.)

Pango Books is the eBay of books — individual sellers listing new, gently used, and collectible copies, with the profit going directly to other humans trying to survive late stage capitalism. They now have make-an-offer functionality like Mercari. Prices are often cheaper than other secondhand platforms because lots of people just want shelf space back. (It's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me)

Your Local Library Besties, I know you want to hoard the books like a little dragon. So do I. But I often don't even know if I'll like something before I buy it — and my library is always the first place I check. I can almost guarantee yours has ebooks and audiobooks available online without you ever having to put pants on. Though for your mental health, you should probably try to leave the house occasionally. WITH PANTS. as I sit in a dark room typing a blog on my computer to a group of people who are sitting in a dark room scrolling on their phones.

The thrift store Last but not least: if a book has been popular, there's a copy at Goodwill for $1.50. (It used to be $1 but even the thrift store experiences inflation. Yaaaaay late stage capitalism!) My kids love those terrible Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and while I have opinions, I don't actually care — as long as they're READING, I'm not complaining. The thrift store always has copies. And while I know the proceeds don't go to the author, sometimes you just don't have the cash for new books. (I have a whole other post about how to get books for free, you can read that here.)

I know there is an entire other conversation to be had about KU and the indie authors who make their money there. I have thoughts... you won't like them. I don't like them. Those are for another day. But feel free to berate me in the comment section today. Your attention feeds the poor. Like, literally. I donate all proceeds from this hobby of mine to marginalized communities.

If there is any exception for "there is no ethical consumption under capitalism," I'm going to say it's books and food, because both, in my opinion, are necessary to live, body and soul.

If you liked this and want more of whatever THIS is — unhinged book analysis, barely contained rage at the state of the world, and occasional Tamsyn Muir references that I will never apologize for — consider subscribing for $5/month. Every cent goes to people who actually need it, because I have a day job and a cause, not a brand deal. This is my middle finger to Big 5 publishing, dressed up as a book blog. Come hold it up with me.

Hello my darlings! I've started Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter and I'm hooked already. My question for today is, would you rather have us host the Book Club chat and read-react on Instagram, or on Discord?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Here's the graphic for our schedule - remember you can start anytime and read at our own pace, this is just a suggestion! Wherever we end up with our chat, I'll try to impose some safeguards against spoilers. :)