8. The Usual
Issues with reading apps *cough* GoodReads *cough*, a brand new author of the week, and an absolutely fantastic duology recommended that you probably have heard of.
Welcome!
On this weekly newsletter, every - you guessed it - Sunday, we’ll discuss upcoming releases, an author of the week, top 10 books from last week, and recommendations from you. I’ll have a fun book related question somewhere in the post for you to answer as well! To send in your recommendation & review, visit the R&R page. Without further ado, let’s get into this week of The Sunday Reads.
News & Thoughts
Quite frankly, I don’t have a lot of personal thoughts this week. Shocking! My week has been typical and within that, beautiful. I started off the year with my family. We went to dinner then watched a movie, and I fell asleep by 11:30 pm. The best way to begin the year. I planned my 2024 goals and vision board. I ran and did pilates. I had fun at work and had my first client call on Friday. I read a book. It was simple and beautifully boring. As I type this, snow is starting to fall outside the window in front of me. It feels like a perfect way to end this week.
StoryGraph has been having a hard time this week with a massive influx of new users, including myself. It seems like the reading community has collectively, finally decided to be tired of Goodreads. I wish the people behind Goodreads would take user experience into account since users have been complaining for quite some time. Additionally, their end of year nominations were a bit problematic. I still have no clue how to use StoryGraph, but I’m excited to learn! I’ve also heard that Fable is a good app - have you used it?
For the week of January 8th, here are a few releases!
The Atlas Complex (The Atlas #3) by Olivie Blake (Fantasy): Jan 9, 2024
Argylle by Elly Conway (Mystery/Thriller): Jan 4, 2024
I know this is from last week, but I saw the preview for the movie and it looks fantastic!
Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard (Nonfiction): Jan 9, 2024
What’s a book release you’re excited for in 2024?
Books I’ve compiled from B&N Top 100, the NYT Bestsellers List, and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam M. Grant (Nonfiction)
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (Mystery/Thriller)
Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment #2) by Rebecca Ross (Fantasy)
This author of the week was chosen by someone on my Instagram. Thank you for your recommendation, @manuseaofbooks! Laura Wood is an author who I genuinely haven’t heard of before. She has many books out ranging from YA to Middle Grade to Adult. Some of her more popular releases include A Sky Painted Gold, Under a Dancing Star, The Agency for Scandal, and A Snowfall of Silver. Her newest release, Under Your Spell, was out on January 1st. What a way to start the new year! All of these look like incredibly interesting and unique stories. You can read more here on her Goodreads or here on her website.
Outside of her award winning books, she lives with her husband and their dog, Bea, in Warwickshire. Laura enjoys a full life of tea, romance novels, Fred Astaire films, fancy cocktails, and a whole lot more that you can find on her website (linked above!).
I adore learning about new authors and finding new books to read. I look forward to sharing more of your favorite authors and books on here! Comment any authors you’d like to see featured.
Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment Duology) by Rebecca Ross
This fantasy duology is so great! Rebecca is a beautiful writer, and the two main characters here - Roman and Iris - I love dearly. We have typewriters, rivals to lovers, found family, a war between gods, and magic. What more could you need?
That’s all for this week. Much love.
Izzy