Book Lists

Families are complicated. This isn’t just a plainly true statement—it’s also my favorite literary sub-genre. For the last few years, I’ve even included a “families are complicated” category in my ... Read more

October 30, 2019October 30, 2019

12 essential books on writing for National Novel Writing Month

Book Lists, Books & Reading

Five years ago, I completed my first NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, where participants write a 50,000 word novel in November. On a whim in 2014, shortly before ... Read more

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019

15 quintessentially British audiobooks for chilly weather listening

Audiobook, Book Lists, Books & Reading

As far as I know, the British don’t have a term like the Danish hygge to describe the concept of coziness, but there’s something about dreary London Town or the ... Read more

October 10, 2019October 10, 2019

7 spooky (not scary) short story collections

Book Lists, Books & Reading

A few weeks ago, I shared some highly anticipated fall reads on Patreon (the video is still available). It was a LOT of fun, but it was still 90 degrees ... Read more

October 3, 2019October 3, 2019

16 Shakespeare-Inspired Books for Readers of All Ages

Book Lists, Books & Reading

Your relationship with William Shakespeare likely depends on your high school English class experience. I’m fortunate that my first Shakespeare experience, Romeo and Juliet, was reasonably interesting in the hands ... Read more

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019

Fall Book Preview

Book Lists, Books & Reading

Readers, it’s finally fall—at least according to the calendar it is; our forecast is still in the 90s here—and with a new season comes new books. Woohoo! Last week we ... Read more

September 19, 2019September 19, 2019

20 historical mysteries featuring feisty female protagonists

Book Lists, Books & Reading

Readers, my love of strong literary heroines is no secret. (I did named my blog Modern Mrs. Darcy after the inimitable Elizabeth Bennet.) A great heroine is strong in her ... Read more

September 5, 2019September 5, 2019

15 of the most recommended books from 200 episodes of What Should I Read Next?

Book Lists, Books & Reading

Readers, we have a big milestone coming up soon: next Tuesday, we’re publishing our TWO HUNDREDTH episode for my podcast What Should I Read Next. In the podcast world, 200 ... Read more

September 4, 2019September 4, 2019

15 fantasy novels that are grounded in reality

Book Lists, Books & Reading

I don’t read heaps of fantasy novels, but I do enjoy venturing outside my comfort zone and finding a book I absolutely love. The right fantasy novel for me is ... Read more

August 29, 2019August 29, 2019

Restart your life with these 12 nonfiction titles

Book Lists, Books & Reading

When I graduated from college and entered the workforce, I assumed my school days were behind me. I was wrong. One of the shocks of my adult life was discovering ... Read more

get more out of your (reading) life

Book Lists

25 family sagas that will sweep you away

12 essential books on writing for National Novel Writing Month

15 quintessentially British audiobooks for chilly weather listening

7 spooky (not scary) short story collections

16 Shakespeare-Inspired Books for Readers of All Ages

Fall Book Preview

20 historical mysteries featuring feisty female protagonists

15 of the most recommended books from 200 episodes of What Should I Read Next?

15 fantasy novels that are grounded in reality

Restart your life with these 12 nonfiction titles