What a phenomenal post! There is so much content out there and so much good writing. I love that you bring some to light that may not have had their day!
Corie, thank you so much!! This is so lovely and also helpful to hear, and making me think (along with other responses) that I might do a sequel, outlining some other favorite books that deserve a much wider audience!
Really?? To me, at the time, it felt like a revelation. (Though I read it in galley, before there were even any advance reviews.) I've not re-read it in many years but I still love his work!
I recently rediscovered my love of novels, so I added your favorite books to my TBR list. Thank you! Also, can you provide an address or contact info for Julia Fierro? I love to send her some books, including a signed copy of my memoir.
So many wonderful gifts in this post, and… some lovely, nurturing ideas for how to support our fellow humans in LA through their loss and shock right now. Thank you x
It is so hard, isn't it, to feel so helpless in the face of this shocking destruction and loss? (I am still struggling with being told that I cannot fly out to volunteer, as my heart is breaking for the city.)
Dear Joanna. This post really resonated with me, because like you I am always reading brilliant books that have not reached wide readership. For example, I would love to recommend Ferne Arfin's book Tunnel of Mirrors, which is one of the most beautiful books I ever read. And so many more. It frustrates me so much to see the publishing industry focus on just a few books from famed authors (I for one did not find the Dutch House worthy of attention, I must confess. Not Patchett's best work). Thank you for writing this. Thank you also for letting me know about the book drive. I will send them some books! Hoping you and your family are safe and well. xo
It's thanks to you Joanna that I read This is All I've Got, and I agree it is gripping, heart-wrenching, and brilliantly told and constructed. I contributed to the GoFundMe the author had set up for the subject, and I remember being shocked that there weren't tens of thousands of dollars already in there from the masses of readers I assumed must be similarly moved. I also agree that Christine's work is beautifully written, astute, funny-sad, and juicy, and can't understand why half the people at the airport aren't getting her books off the most-loved rack at the shop. So many good books get buried. It's hard to understand the logic.
So, so many, Zoe!! And so many meh books--and even unreadable books--become huge. It can be so confounding. Eternally.
But with Christine's work, in general, I feel like: Why is everyone that obsessively loves Curtis Sittenfeld--whom I also love!!--not reading at the very least her novels?
And with This is All I Got, I do think a lot of it had to do with timing, that it got buried during this period when there was so little books coverage, and the coverage that might look at it from a news/political bent was all canceled because of the enormous societal upheaval of the time. It's crushing, as it's such an important work.
I would also love to see the stats on how what kind of coverage moves the needle. I've heard that NYT Book Review does not, really, which certainly seems to be the case for Little Known Facts. So what does? And is it possible to get it without a huge push from the house or a very well connected and expensive private PR firm?
Another enthusiastic thumbs-up to This Is All I Got, reported with precision and tenderness by a writer who tried to remain objective and couldn’t help but involved in the life of her subject. The writer’s dilemma gave the book another rich layer.
I love this post - thank you. I've made a note of these books and will be seeking them out. It's one of the reasons I always try review children's books that are less known. There are so many good ones! The Julia Donaldson's, Eric Carle's, Dr Seuss's etc are bestsellers for a reason, but too often parents don't look further. Harry's Stormy Night by Una Leavy comes to mind.
It's so, so true! And you're making me think perhaps my next column will be about my favorite children's books? I have three kids, ages 19, 16, and 8, and we have at least a thousand children's books in our house, probably more; it's been so interesting, as a parent, observing their different reading habits and tastes, as well as seeing which books from my own childhood they love (and hate), and which all three love, versus which just appeals to one or two of the three. My oldest is the most like me--reading all the time, omnivorously, and reading books over and over again--and he still keeps his favorite picture books in his room: Zen Shorts, the Olivia Books, The Seeing Stick, the Madeline books, and so many more.
Yes! I used to read The Once and Future King at least once a year, from childhood and well into my twenties, probably thirties. I just listened to it and, largely, it holds up! And, of course, Winnie the Pooh! And Narnia! And Beatrix Potter! (Can you tell I was raised by English parents?)
I've had this instinctual feeling that we have similar taste; now, confirmed! (So excited to read A Gorgeous Excitement, which sounds like it was written for me!)
Just purchased and started LKF. Love the opening view of Renn by his son Will/Billy. Thanks Jane and thanks Joanna for the suggestion and thanks Christine for writing it.
Little Known Facts is stealing my Sunday. I love the shifts in the POV. As i think you know i write a lot about wealth so the different paths of the two siblings with trust funds is fascinating. I'll stop bothering you with comments. But I may reach out to you when i've finished the book.
I am a poet by training, but there is one novel that wants to be written within me. Maybe one day I will be as diligent as you and manifest enough talent to write it down. Thank you for sharing your voice with the world.
Christine, I was so happy to read Joanna's mention of your book. I was first introduced to your beautiful writing by Victoria Redel when I was her student at Columbia -- and I fell in love! ❤️
What a phenomenal post! There is so much content out there and so much good writing. I love that you bring some to light that may not have had their day!
I agree! Glad you enjoyed it, Corie!
Jane, thank you for letting me ramble on about whatever plagues me at the moment!!
Corie, thank you so much!! This is so lovely and also helpful to hear, and making me think (along with other responses) that I might do a sequel, outlining some other favorite books that deserve a much wider audience!
That sounds awesome! There are so many books and so many authors that need someone like you!
Never could understand the furore of positive publicity for The Corrections.
Really?? To me, at the time, it felt like a revelation. (Though I read it in galley, before there were even any advance reviews.) I've not re-read it in many years but I still love his work!
I appreciate the landscape you laid before me as I read, imagined, and remembered. Thank you.
This is such a gorgeous way to put it! "the landscape you laid before me"--can that be the title of my next book???
So cute! Yes. A book for all of our stories!
I recently rediscovered my love of novels, so I added your favorite books to my TBR list. Thank you! Also, can you provide an address or contact info for Julia Fierro? I love to send her some books, including a signed copy of my memoir.
Hi! If you dm Julia on instagram, she'll send contact info for the book drive!
So many wonderful gifts in this post, and… some lovely, nurturing ideas for how to support our fellow humans in LA through their loss and shock right now. Thank you x
It is so hard, isn't it, to feel so helpless in the face of this shocking destruction and loss? (I am still struggling with being told that I cannot fly out to volunteer, as my heart is breaking for the city.)
It really is 😔
Dear Joanna. This post really resonated with me, because like you I am always reading brilliant books that have not reached wide readership. For example, I would love to recommend Ferne Arfin's book Tunnel of Mirrors, which is one of the most beautiful books I ever read. And so many more. It frustrates me so much to see the publishing industry focus on just a few books from famed authors (I for one did not find the Dutch House worthy of attention, I must confess. Not Patchett's best work). Thank you for writing this. Thank you also for letting me know about the book drive. I will send them some books! Hoping you and your family are safe and well. xo
Jennifer, this means so much to me, and I am adding Tunnel of Mirrors to my winter reading list!! xoxoxo
It's thanks to you Joanna that I read This is All I've Got, and I agree it is gripping, heart-wrenching, and brilliantly told and constructed. I contributed to the GoFundMe the author had set up for the subject, and I remember being shocked that there weren't tens of thousands of dollars already in there from the masses of readers I assumed must be similarly moved. I also agree that Christine's work is beautifully written, astute, funny-sad, and juicy, and can't understand why half the people at the airport aren't getting her books off the most-loved rack at the shop. So many good books get buried. It's hard to understand the logic.
So, so many, Zoe!! And so many meh books--and even unreadable books--become huge. It can be so confounding. Eternally.
But with Christine's work, in general, I feel like: Why is everyone that obsessively loves Curtis Sittenfeld--whom I also love!!--not reading at the very least her novels?
And with This is All I Got, I do think a lot of it had to do with timing, that it got buried during this period when there was so little books coverage, and the coverage that might look at it from a news/political bent was all canceled because of the enormous societal upheaval of the time. It's crushing, as it's such an important work.
I would also love to see the stats on how what kind of coverage moves the needle. I've heard that NYT Book Review does not, really, which certainly seems to be the case for Little Known Facts. So what does? And is it possible to get it without a huge push from the house or a very well connected and expensive private PR firm?
Thank you for these reflections!
Oh my gosh, thank you for reading and not hating!
Lots of great and fascinating BOOK LINKS! Thanks!
Thank you, thank you, and I'm so, so glad you think so!!! xoxo
I agree! So good!
What a great post. Thank you!
Oh my gosh, what??? THANK YOU!! You've completely made my day!
That article on the Gilmore Girls!!! Amazing! Thank you!
Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you!! It was many years in the making and I am so grateful to you for taking a moment to read!
Another enthusiastic thumbs-up to This Is All I Got, reported with precision and tenderness by a writer who tried to remain objective and couldn’t help but involved in the life of her subject. The writer’s dilemma gave the book another rich layer.
Yes, it really does!! When I rave about it, in conversation, I often describe it as “part memoir,” because of this.
I love this post - thank you. I've made a note of these books and will be seeking them out. It's one of the reasons I always try review children's books that are less known. There are so many good ones! The Julia Donaldson's, Eric Carle's, Dr Seuss's etc are bestsellers for a reason, but too often parents don't look further. Harry's Stormy Night by Una Leavy comes to mind.
It's so, so true! And you're making me think perhaps my next column will be about my favorite children's books? I have three kids, ages 19, 16, and 8, and we have at least a thousand children's books in our house, probably more; it's been so interesting, as a parent, observing their different reading habits and tastes, as well as seeing which books from my own childhood they love (and hate), and which all three love, versus which just appeals to one or two of the three. My oldest is the most like me--reading all the time, omnivorously, and reading books over and over again--and he still keeps his favorite picture books in his room: Zen Shorts, the Olivia Books, The Seeing Stick, the Madeline books, and so many more.
Yes! I used to read The Once and Future King at least once a year, from childhood and well into my twenties, probably thirties. I just listened to it and, largely, it holds up! And, of course, Winnie the Pooh! And Narnia! And Beatrix Potter! (Can you tell I was raised by English parents?)
Christine, your novels and stories are among my all-time favorites, forever and always!
Another fan here! Of Christine's writing AND her substack!
I've had this instinctual feeling that we have similar taste; now, confirmed! (So excited to read A Gorgeous Excitement, which sounds like it was written for me!)
I think you will love it, Joanna! Cynthia is an old friend of mine and the January interview!
I’ve been reading & loving your work for years - what a thrill to know you’ll be reading mine!
Truly cannot wait! (I’m finishing prep for an event this week, then I get to turn to it!)
But, of course!! ❤️
Just purchased and started LKF. Love the opening view of Renn by his son Will/Billy. Thanks Jane and thanks Joanna for the suggestion and thanks Christine for writing it.
It only gets better! You will love!
Little Known Facts is stealing my Sunday. I love the shifts in the POV. As i think you know i write a lot about wealth so the different paths of the two siblings with trust funds is fascinating. I'll stop bothering you with comments. But I may reach out to you when i've finished the book.
Ohhh! Your novel sounds wonderful.
IT IS!!! As are her following two novels, like PARIS, HE SAID, and her story collections.
Corie, I have to ask: Are you related to Susan and Emily Feiner?
I am a poet by training, but there is one novel that wants to be written within me. Maybe one day I will be as diligent as you and manifest enough talent to write it down. Thank you for sharing your voice with the world.
Christine, I was so happy to read Joanna's mention of your book. I was first introduced to your beautiful writing by Victoria Redel when I was her student at Columbia -- and I fell in love! ❤️
How did I not know this?! I was, too! At Columbia, 97-99!
I was right after you! 2000-2002!
I agree with Joanna in her assessment of your work! I remain a fan! Bon courage with all of your work and with the coming year. xo
It's so fun to be agreed with!!