This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get Booked

The Handsell: August 2, 2021

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: July 26, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss stories about male friendship, arranged marriages, paranormal mysteries, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. For listener feedback and questions, as well as a complete list of books discussed in this episode, visit our website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E291: Good Thing We Like Books

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Louise Jeal Kawai. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: July 19, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss Outlander read-alikes, funny alien/space stories, hidden identities, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. For listener feedback and questions, as well as a complete list of books discussed in this episode, visit our website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E290: British Version Of Rumspringa

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends Decoding “Despacito”: An Oral History of Latin Music by Leila Cobo. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Playlist! Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: July 12, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss dark Shakespeare retellings, where to start with cyberpunk, books on life transitions, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Feedback Lavinia by Ursula Le Guin, Margaret Atwood’s Penelopiad, books by Hannah Kent or Sarah Perry (rec’d by Laura)  Among Others by Jo Walton (rec’d by Lottie) Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (rec’d by Gina) Questions 1. My husband announced recently that he wants a divorce. We’ve been married 10 years and I don’t want a divorce, but we are going that direction anyway. Do you have any nonfiction recommendations with useful advice on how to emotionally manage the transition and after? Or any fiction suggestions where the female character ends up leading a satisfying single life post divorce with no romantic happy endings? Preferably without any characters that are happily single because they lead privileged lives with lots of money. I’m soon 40 years old and we have no children if that helps you target your recommendations.  Thanks. -Katie 2. Hi! I’m a white, cis-gender, lesbian. Over the past year I have started to discover just how bad the public school system failed me. I know next to nothing about black history or culture. I want to do better and would love some books on anti-racism, black history, or black culture. I normally read fiction and often struggle with non-fiction feeling like a textbook. Some non-fiction authors I’ve really liked have been Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Ali Wong, and Tara Westover.  Thank you so much! I’m attaching my goodreads list.  -Jessica  3. I’ve just started reading Hogarth’s Macbeth retelling by Jo Nesbo. I’m loving the dark and gritty feeling of the story. I was wondering if you had any more recommendations for dark, gritty retellings of Shakespeare’s tragedies. I’m not looking for retellings of his comedies or other lighter plays, but more Macbeth, Hamlet, maybe The Tempest retellings would work. I’m also not looking for YA recommendations or any type of romance books (although this probably wouldn’t be what you would recommend anyway)! If you can’t think of any of these, any retellings of dark or gothic classics like Jane Eyre, etc. would also work! Thanks a bunch! -Kari 4. Hi, ladies! I love this show, I’ve been a listener since this podcast’s very first episode, but I’ve never sent in a question before.  Recently I’ve become interested in reading some cyberpunk, but I’m not quite sure where to start. Most of what I know of the genre is from video games, and I’m very drawn to the aesthetic, and attitude, and its anticapitalism politics. I did read Necromancer and I remember enjoying it, but that was when I was maybe fourteen. I’m in my mid-twenties now, and I don’t remember all that much of it, or if I would even still like it. I keep hearing about Snow Crash, but from what I have gathered it’s better read if you have some familiarity with the genre already. I would love any recommendations you could give. Bonus points if the books are not straight, white, and male.  Thank you so much for your show, and all the book recommendations you have given me over the years.  For reference if you would like to know my reading tastes, here is some sci-fi I have recently read and loved (though is not cyberpunk) (and yes, I think I may have at least discovered half of these books through your show):   The Broken Earth Trilogy (which I guess is also fantasy, it’s hard to pin one genre onto this series, but it is maybe my favorite series of all time so I thought it was important to include)  Gideon the Ninth  A Memory Called Empire  This Is How You Lose the Time War The Machineries of Empire Series Ancillary Justice -Marisol 5. In a few weeks, I will be moving to a new state where I don’t know anyone and I have no connections, to attend medical school. It will be my first time not living with my parents/family (and beloved kitties), and I’m scared that I won’t be able to cope with the transition into this completely new environment and this new phase in my life. I’m looking for recommendations for fictional characters in a similar situation (YA or adult), or non-fiction books that may have tips on how to go through a huge life transition and maintain good mental health. Thanks in advance. -Anonymous 6. I’m looking for romance/erotica with adorable characters and delightfully emotional relationships. I’m new to the “romance” genre: I’ve read and loved Olivia Waite’s the feminine persuits series and The Queer Principles of Kit Webb. I’ve read most of the Sebastian St Cyr series and enjoyed it. I LOVE the romances in the Graceling series and I did enjoy ACOTAR despite feeling ick about some of the weirdly agressive heteronormativity and creepy possessiveness etc. SO basically, I want steamy like ACOTAR but with nuanced and cute relationships where characters can heal and work out their issues together and find love and support. I prefer historical or fantasy, no mystery/thriller please and no really cliched writing. One Last Stop is on my radar as is The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham and The Duke who Didn’t by Courtney Milan. If you can rec books in series or by really prolific authors that would be amazing!  -Margot 7. Always loving your recommendations!  I was wondering if you know of any books that are written from a perspective of an object or from a different unique perspective. I’ve loved how The Book Thief is written in the perfective of death and would love to read more from uncommon views. Thank you so much as always! 

E289: 300 Pages Of Velociraptor Thoughts

Amanda and Jenn discuss books set in Polynesia and Ireland, aristocratic mysteries, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters (rec’d by Elizabeth) Questions 1. This is an oddly specific request. I recently read Girl at War and Ask Again, Yes. I really enjoyed the concept of two childhood friends, a boy and a girl, having to be separated for some specific, dare I say tragic, reason and then reunited later in life where they have to address the reason for their separation and decide what they mean to each other now that so much time has passed. Do you know of any other novel that involves a plot line like this? -Emily 2. Hi Jenn and Amanda, I’m super fascinated with Polynesia and I would love to read more that’s set on one of the islands in the Pacific. I loved Euphoria and The People in the Trees, which is how I found out that I want more. Can you recommend any books set in historic or contemporary Polynesia that aren’t told exclusively from a white colonial perspective? Made-up islands or peoples are fine, too. I prefer fiction, narrative non-fiction is OK, no memoirs please. Love the podcast and thanks in advance! -Cat 3. I love your podcast. It’s so much fun and you have given me so many great reads. I have 2 requests if that is not too greedy. I am getting close to retirement and was hoping you could recommend some books about women transitioning into this time of life. As much as I am looking forward to this phase of life, it is somewhat daunting. I’m interested in the transition process and finding meaning as one moves into another way of being in the world. Fiction or Nonfiction is fine. A memoir would be great. I am not a huge fan of Romance but if you could suggest a couple that are character driven and involve a spicy, slightly overweight, post menopausal woman that would be freaking awesome. Again, just love your show.  Thanks, -Joan 4. I stumbled on this delightful mystery series (Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen) a few weeks ago, and I’ve read them all now!  I tried her other mystery series, but they lack the whimsy and fun of Georgiana and her aristocratic problems. Do you have another mystery series that is as smart and fun as this?  If so, please share. I need more, and so do my friends to whom I have introduced these books. Please answer by email, even if you don’t get it on your podcast. There is no rush except that all this at-home time has really upped my reading time.  So I’m always looking for a next read…. Thank you for this service and for your fun podcast. -Susan 5. I am looking for recommendations for fiction set in parts of history that had major societal change. The Enlightenment interests me particularly, but any social revolution would be great! Bonus points if the book has female perspectives. Happy reading, -Michelle 6. Hey Get Booked ladies! Love your show! ? I’m looking for some Ireland/Irish book recommendations. I just finished Normal People by Sally Rooney (the book AND the show – SO GOOD). I also studied abroad there a few years ago and am feeling quite nostalgic. So now I’m craving more books either set in Ireland or anything that gives me Ireland vibes. Leaving the subject or genre open to you – I’m generally all over the place with fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, historical fiction, etc. Just nothing so history textbook heavy that I doze off. Thanks! -Sam 7. Hello!  First of all thank you for the Lady Sherlock series recommendation, I’ve now finished the series and loved every minute of it. I’m hoping you can help me with some more. I’m good about reading diversely in my non fiction book life but I feel like I’m lacking it in my fiction reading.  So any authors  who are a part of marginalized communities that you think I would enjoy are welcome.  My fiction wheelhouse is:  thriller/mystery, strong lead characters ahead of their time, romance subplot (will they/won’t they preferred), historical romance, real world fantasy/magical realism, myth retellings from a lesser characters pov. Don’t feel it has to be in my wheelhouse I’m always open to any good book. Ebooks or audiobooks preferred because money and slow mail. And I know you like puppy pics but I think my hairless one eyed cat Bella is the cutest so I hope you enjoy the photo. Thanks so much! -Kristen Books Discussed The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (tw: racism, lynching, domestic violence) Recipe For Persuasion by Sonali Dev (cw: graphic death by suicide, alcoholism, rape, intimate partner violence, emotional child abuse) Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn Island of Shattered Dreams by Chantal T. Spitz, translated by Jean Anderson A Taste of Heaven by Penny Watson Wayward by Dana Spiotta (shout-out to Parul Sehgal’s review in the NYT) Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn (#1 A Curious Beginning) The Windsor Knot by SJ Bennett Conjure Women by Afia Atakora (tw: slavery) Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan Other Words For Smoke by Sarah Maria Griffin Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (cw: sex trafficking, domestic violence, addiction) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Sexy Flour

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends Cultish by Amanda Montell. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: June 28, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss middle-grade read-alouds, atmospheric novels, snarky narrators, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Dare to Disappoint: Growing Up in Turkey by Özge Samanci (rec’d by Jan) Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World by Suzy Hansen (rec’d by Sibyl) Anthony Horowitz’s the Susan Ryeland series (first book: Magpie Murders) and the Hawthorne and Horowitz Mysteries (first book: The Word is Murder) (rec’d by Ann) Questions 1. My [niece] is 23 and just informed my sister, brother-in-law, and the family that [she] is transgender. (So she is now my niece). She is starting the process of taking hormones and the like. My sister was shocked and did not see it coming. She is very liberal and is coming around to the idea. I was hoping for book recommendations that would help us (especially my sister) understand what my niece has felt like being in the wrong body. In a quick search I found books involving young kids. I was hoping for books centered more on coming out as trans as a 20-something. I’m thinking maybe a biography or non-fiction. Also my whole family loves fantasy so if there’s a book in that genre maybe we could read it together. -Klista 2. Love the show!   I’m looking for recommendations to read aloud to my 7 1/2 year old boy/girl twins that I will enjoy too.   We love well-written, funny middle grade books – preferably with animal characters.   They are still sensitive readers – we avoid books with any violence and try to avoid orphaned children or those with not great parents.   We’re not scared of long books or intricate language.   Books we’ve loved (and read over and over) include: The True Blue Scouts of Sugarman Swamp  The Very Very Far North & it’s sequel Winnie the Pooh Collected Stories Books we’ve liked a lot:  Flora & Ulysses  Ruby Lu Brave & True Gooseberry Park Books that I liked but they didn’t: Wild Robot Books they love but I’m not as into:  Humphrey series Mrs Piggle Wiggle & Missy Piggle Wiggle We’ve read most books by Roald Dahl & most age appropriate ones by Kate DiCamillo. They are still too nervous to start Harry Potter. Thanks! -Marisa 3. Hi Jenn and Amanda! I’m finally coming back to Get Booked now that I can read again! (baby girl took all my free time hihi) In the last couple of months, I realised that I love atmospheric books, even if the plot is weak or nonexistent. Some other books I loved are Erin Morgenstern books (both!), The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and Piranesi.  Do you have other recommendations like it? If it’s mixed with greek mythology it’s even better. Thanks a lot! PS: love from Canada. -Emilie 4. I’d love recommendations for books set in or about Bogota, Colombia. Preferably, something like Chanel Cleeton’s books about Cuba that help to understand the history and current impacts or nonfiction about the history. Any genre is fine! -Tracey 5. Two of my favorite books/series I read this year have been “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik and “The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells. On the surface they might seem kind of different, but they both had such a great narrative voice, with the right amount of sarcasm/snark/humor, and a completely lovable main character, and they left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Also, my favorite genres are Fantasy and Sci Fi, so these were perfect. I’m so sad I have to wait until more comes out from these authors. Please tell me what I can read while I’m waiting! Thank you! -Lauren 6. I recently read Lost Roses and seriously loved A Gentleman in Moscow before that.   I’ve also just marathoned The Last Csars on Netflix — and I haven’t had my fill!   Can you recommend some historical fiction set in late 19th, early 20th century Russia that will help me get my next Russian nobility fix?  Thank you! -Emily 7. Hello there – Trigger Warning: So this is a tough one since it deals with a sensitive topic – suicide. I’m looking for a book (fiction or non-fiction I suppose, YA or Adult) that deals with how to cope when a friend/family member attempts suicide BUT does not succeed/commit. I find that most books about suicide are dealing with the aftermath of someone’s death, but what happens if they didn’t die? No one ever seems to talk about that. A recommendation for this would be very helpful, as this past year has been rough and I’d like someone else’s perspective of coping with this kind of situation. Sorry this one is a bit of a downer, but important given the need for mental health awareness. Thank you. -Sam Books Discussed Fairest by Meredith Talusan (tw: racism) Sorted by Jackson Bird Bright Lines by Tanwi Nandini Islam The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Where The Mountain Meets The Moon by Grace Lin Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vasquez, transl. by Anne McLean Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (tw: rape & other violence towards women, harm to children including death, panic attacks & PTSD) Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O’Keefe Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/  Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel (tw: suicide attempts) Please Like Me S2, particularly Episode 7 Post: https://bookriot.com/6-novels-featuring-mental-illness-world-suicide-prevention-day/ Borderline by Mishell Baker See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E287: Supernaturally Cute

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: June 21, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss books set in Appalachia, feel-good classics, some Pride reads, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Feedback The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult (rec’d by Laura) Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan (rec’d by Elizabeth) Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld (rec’d by Linda) John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed (rec’d by Sofia) The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton (rec’d by Gina) Questions 1. Lately I’ve been missing the days of reading as an adolescent when there were so many action/adventure book series (all that included great romantic subplots) like Ally Carter’s Heist Society and Gallagher Girls, Divergent Series, Hunger Games, the Uglies series, the Maze Runner, The selection, etc. Now I’m in my twenties and I feel like all the best book series fall under the YA category. So I’m looking for a book series that has all the action, adventure and romance of the ones from my youth, but are more mature. I don’t love fantasy, but enjoy dystopian, spy and government stories, and any other realistic adventure story. I read the memory police earlier this year and while I liked it, it wasn’t as fast paced, and I didn’t connect to the characters like I wanted to. Any thoughts? -Nostalgic Adult 2. I’m going on a trip to the Appalachian mountains at the end of July and I’m trying to gather some books to bring with me. I’m looking for books that take place either in the Appalachian mountains or the woods. So far, I’m bringing Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods,” but I’d love some fiction recs. I’ll pretty much read anything, but I’m not a fan of horror. My favorite books are thrillers, mysteries, found family, and memoir. Bonus points if they make great audio versions that I can listen to on the drive down there.  Thanks!  -Megs 3. I realize I am coming in a bit late here since Pride is in full swing now, but since it deserves recognition all year-round here goes anyway! After coming out of a long-term “normal” cis/hetero relationship, I have been finding my true self. Right before the panini-times struck the world, I started exploring poly-amourous relationships and within the last year I openly acknowledged that I am a bisexual woman. My poly-partners have been amazing additions to my life and truly helped hold me together in the last turbulent year. Now that the world is re-opening I’m now tentatively forging a friendship with one of my metamours- the partner of one of my partners – and we’ve both discovered that we’re each new to this way of doing relationships and are trying to figure out how to co-exist peaceably with each other. She’s already given me a great recommendation of a book centering on the poly-lifestyle so I’d love to be able to return the favor, as well as find reading material to help further my own journey of self-exploration. Fiction or non-fiction are welcome, but I’m mostly curious to see if there are any novels that feature characters in these types of relationships that are figuring it out. I’m not so much into romance myself but if it’s an aspect of the story that’s totally fine. Looking forward to seeing what you can come up with! Thank you for all you do to keep my reading lists overflowing! -Heather 4. hi! so in honor of pride month and almost a year of being more open about being nonbinary and using he/they pronouns, i would really enjoy something full of lgbt rep, especially a trans and/or nonbinary character/s. i don’t really have anything specific, just preferably fiction and queer characters. also maybe a good happy ending or at least something that won’t rip out my heart, tearing it to shreds and leaving me as an empty shell of what i was for weeks at the end, you know?  -Rey (he/him)  5. *Time sensitive – due by July 2nd*. Hi! My father-in-law is having a surgical procedure soon that has an estimated 6 weeks of recovery time. I’m looking for some good sci-fi books to keep him entertained during his recovery. He’s a retired computer scientist and he’s read a ton of classic sci-fi like Aasimov, Bradbury, and Heinlein. I’m pretty sure he’s read some more recent sci-fi like Ready Player One, and I know he’s not into military sci-fi. Any recs would be appreciated ? Thank you! -Arielle 6. I’m currently on a boarding school/college books kick. I’m open to YA, adult, magic… I just ask that they not be too (young) if that makes sense. Here are some books I’ve enjoyed in the past: Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro Shadow And Bone by Leigh Bardugo Vampire Academy by Richelle mead The London Prep series by Jillian Dodd The Hashtag series by Cambria Hebert The Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout Thank you in advance for your help! -Julie 7. I recently finished reading ‘The Secret Garden’ and ‘Little Women’ which left me craving for feel-good classics. I picked up Jane Austen but I can’t get through them because of the complicated language. So can you PLEASE recommend some easy-to-get-through and feel-good classics? P.S. Love your podcast. You guys give the best recommendations! -Ananya Books Discussed A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine The Cas Russell series (Zero Sum Game) by SL Huang (tw: torture, lots of violence, mention of suicide, disordered drinking) Even As We Breathe by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (tw: racism) Betty by Tiffany McDaniel (tw: rape, abuse, animal cruelty) (rec’d by Kendra) Post: https://bookriot.com/appalachian-audiobooks-about-home/  Next Year, For Sure by Zoey Leigh Peterson Bound To Be A Groom by Megan Mulry What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee (cw: racism, torture) Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty Murderbot by Martha Wells Machinehood by SB Divya (cw: mention of death of a child due to chronic illness) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E286: Anne Of Green Gables Is An Enneagram Four

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends Dial A For Aunties by Jessie Q. Sutanto. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: June 14, 2021

Amanda and Jenn discuss books about witch trials, X-Files read-alikes, rainforest stories, and more in this week's episode of Get Booked. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Feedback The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris (TW for racism and death of a child) (rec'd by Ashley) The Cat, the Quilt, and the Corpse by Leanne Sweeney; Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs; Lowcountry Boil by Liz Talbot; The House on Tradd Street by Karen White (rec'd by Laura) The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon; Certain Dark Things by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia (rec'd by Cari) Questions 1. Hi! Thanks for your podcast. I love it! My request is about the country of Turkey. I have never been and don't know when I might get to travel there but I would love to learn about the culture of Turkey. I generally prefer fiction but I'm open to any genre. I have also been enjoying memoirs/biographies lately.  Many thanks! -Sue 2. I just finished the Once and Future Witches and loved it.  I'd be interested in reading more on the Salem witch trials from the feminist perspective...but I would want the non-fiction to feel a lot more like fiction.  -Melissa 3. I'm not sure if what I'm looking for even exists, but I figured it was worth the ask! I unironically adored the X-Files short story collections edited by Jonathan Mayberry. There were three of them (Trust No One, The Truth is Out There, and Secret Agendas.) And I've listened to them over and over again. I'm looking for something, really anything, but preferably short story collections, that scratch that itch of weird, paranormal, urban folklore, and cryptids. (Bonus points if there's a mothman appearance.)   I'm not stuck on traditional America folklore and cryptids, though I do love them, I also love the stories of Indigenous people and other countries and people. I'm not super interested in the government storylines. My favorite stories were: Snowman, Perithicia , Desperately Seeking Mothman, Non Gratum Anus Rodentum, and Loving The Alien.   Please nothing with sexual assault.  Thank you, -Annie 4. Hi Amanda and Jen! So I just finished The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune and omg it was exactly what I needed right now. Normally I am into fantasy/scifi/horror but with everything going on in the world I guess I just needed a literary hug which was The House in the Cerulean Sea did for me. Do you have any read alike recommendations of just some feel good happy books?  Preferably not mainly romance but I would give it a shot if you felt strongly about it. Bonus points for diversity and found family themes.  -Jennifer 5. I have read all of Louise Penny's mysteries, Agatha Christie mysteries and Sherlock Holmes stories..  I like mysteries that feature a competent detective who doesn't have a lot of angst.  Hercule Poirot is a detective that I think fulfills that requirement.  Recent authors that I have liked are Hans Olav Lahlum whose detective is working with a wheelchair bound woman who is brilliant and serves as his advisor, mysteries by John Farrow and Louise Luna.  I have also read all of Tana French, Peter Lovesey, Deborah Crombie and Peter Robinson.  -Ann 6. Hi Amanda and Jenn -  First off, love love love your show! It really has expanded my reading shelves the past year and half, and I am forever thankful to you for introducing me to so many wonderful authors and stories.  That being said, I'm in need of a recommendation. I read The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins last year, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. I finished the book with this feeling of "what did I just read!?", and to this day I still don't know how to articulate it to friends when I tell them they should read it. It's weird and wonderful and complex and I cannot get it out of my brain even after a year of reading it.  When I really think about it, the use of God's/mythology intertwined in everyday life and the impacts on the unsuspecting citizens is what really piqued my interest. But I also loved how random the plot line seemed until all the little strings came together.  I've read American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and it semi-scratched the itch. It was good and I enjoyed it, but I was able to figure out the plot line before the book was finished. My go to genres are obviously fantasy/sci-fi and I love mythology of any kind mixed in. I have Gods of Jade and Shadow queued up in my Kindle to read next (thanks to your recommendations), but I'm really at a loss for what to read to fill the hole in my heart that this oddity of a book left. Any ideas?   Thanks so much! Stay safe during all of this craziness!  -Christina 7. Do you have any recommendations for own voices novels that take place in rainforests (preferably in South America)? I've been enjoying reading books set in the Amazon lately, but everything I find is written by white people from western countries and it feels kind of gross. Nonfiction and fiction are both great, I just really enjoy the setting. Thanks!       P.S. - I know you skip reading praise on the air so I put this at the end but I want to tell you that I love your podcast. It's really expanded the types of books I read and I've found many I enjoy. -Laura Books Discussed My Name is Red by Orham Pamuk, transl. Erdag M Goknar Kedi, dir. Ceyda Torun Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak (cw: attempted sexual assault, prison abuse and torture) The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff North American Lake Monsters by Nathan Ballingrud The Unidentified by Colin Dickey Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons Two Dark Moons by Avi Silver Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala Lady Sherlock by Sherry Thomas  Circe by Madeline Miller (tw sexual assault, child abuse) The Machineries of Empire trilogy by Yoon Ha Lee (cw: coercion, rape, violence) Affections by Rodrigo Hasbun, transl by Sophie Hughes (tw: nazis) City of Beasts by Isabelle Allende, transl. Margaret Sayers Peden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E285: This Is An Angst-Free Zone

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Handsell: June 7, 2021

Get Booked is a weekly show of personalized book recommendations.