September 2025
Well, friends, it’s been another Month around here. I had a whole bit about hope and fear and the state of the world typed up here, but it felt very trite and annoying, even to myself. I hope you’re all as well as you can be and finding strength in whatever way works best for you.
Favorite Books July - September
Middle Grade
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
A delightful middle grade graphic novel about a girl who wants to learn how to be a witch, and the old witch in the woods who reluctantly agrees to teach her. There’s a lot of regional flavor to this one, with an emphasis on family history and secrets. I also really enjoyed the art style, which reinforced the lived-in, magical feeling of the world.
Creaky Acres by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder
Another delightful middle grade graphic novel! Nora moves to a new house in the country and has to adjust to her new horse barn, which is...not what she's used to. A great coming of age story with a nice emphasis on friendship!
YA
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
My friend Jenny has been talking about this one forever and, despite not having the best track record with YA fantasy recently, I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did--it hits a lot of the things that I especially love about Megan Whalen Turner’s books, with some nuanced character development and a look at how trauma and unjust systems can warp people.
Adult
Rose/House by Arkady Martine
I was very excited to read this novella from Martine and it didn’t disappoint. With an immediately immersive narrative voice, this was a trippy, mesmerizing read. I'm convinced it was influenced by The Haunting of Hill House in structure, but certainly stands on its own. Fascinating examination of the beauties and dangers of art and technology.
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
Tesh is rapidly becoming a favorite author for me at this point; The Incandescent is her latest and a fantastic take on the magic school trope. I loved the slow reveals of Warden’s past and the way she sees herself echoed in her students while also trying to help them avoid her own mistakes.
The Charioteer by Mary Renault
I’ve had this classic on my TBR list for ages and finally picked it up. I’m so glad I did--I was surprised by just how much I loved it. The writing is so vivid and sharp, and I kept thinking, “You can’t just say that.” More favorite quotes and reactions here.
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a complicated, character-driven political fantasy book. My pal Renay had been talking up The Raven Scholar and I was thrilled to discover that it delivers on all of those notes. My only complaint is that the next book isn’t out yet.
Recent Media
Kim’s Convenience
R & I have been rewatching Kim’s Convenience for at least the third time. It’s a real comfort show for both of us at this point. While I don’t think the later seasons are quite as strong, there’s something very soothing about returning to the familiar characters.
Imperial Coroner
I’ve been trying to get into watching a new c-drama for quite a while now and haven’t quite managed it. I think I’m finally hooked, with a fun historical mystery series featuring a young female coroner/investigator with a mysterious past.
KPop Demon Hunters
We gave in and temporarily reactivated Netflix to watch KPop Demon Hunters, which a lot of people have been raving about (just in case you’ve somehow missed it). While I don’t think it’s an absolutely perfect movie (the Celine storyline in particular felt underdeveloped) the themes are really touching, the music is incredibly catchy, and I had a great time.
Kid Lit Faves
I genuinely enjoy a lot of children’s literature, and I’m always looking for ways to promote and talk about it. Starting next month, I’m going to send out a second newsletter every month that features one of my favorite kid lit authors.
Although it’s tempting to start with classics, I’m taking the opposite approach and working my way through the (long) list of current authors I love. First up: Grace Lin.
Watery middle grade fantasy
After reading two of these books recently, I thought it would be fun to put together a list of middle grade fantasy books that heavily feature the ocean. For this particular list, I tried to find books that aren’t just set on a ship, but that have a deeper connection between the main character and the underwater world.
I’ve read the books marked with an asterisk. If you have any suggestions I’ve missed, please let me know!
Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa*: A graphic novel retelling of three Indonesian folktales, focusing on female main characters.
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol: Jane must venture underwater to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do?
Kaya of the Ocean by Gloria L. Huang: Kaya has always been afraid of everything—but when she learns she is the descendant of a Chinese water goddess, she’ll have to master herself to master her powers!
Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina*: In the deepest recesses of the ocean, Graciela—once an ordinary girl—now makes sea glass and assists her friend, Amina, as she welcomes newly awakened sea ghosts from their death sleep.
Sabrena Swept Away by Karuna Riazi*: Inspired by the classic story of Sinbad, Sabrena Swept Away combines fantasy and family history in a beautiful, rich tale.
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat: Sai, an apprentice mapmaker, seizes the chance to join an expedition to chart the southern seas, but she isn’t the only one aboard with secrets.
Fall garden update
I bought some cheap mums at the grocery store late last month and they’ve been brightening up the front yard and making me happy ever since. Now, the New England Asters, Tall Swamp Marigold, and regular marigolds are all blooming, along with goldenrod. It’s a beautiful time of year and so satisfying to see the past few years of work developing the front yard coming to flower.
We’re also still harvesting lots of beautiful fall raspberries--we got a small spring crop, but they’re extra abundant right now. Raspberries are one of my favorite fruits, so it’s delightful to both snack on them and set some aside for later on.
I’m already thinking about next year, which I know is slightly absurd. I started a new bed in the backyard, where I think some annual herbs might thrive. One of the current beds hasn’t been thriving the way I’d like, partly because I never get around to actually weeding or watering it, so I’m planning to transplant asparagus and plant some other perennial or low maintenance vegetables over there. I’d also like to expand some of the front yard beds, although I haven’t gotten around to laying those out yet.
My mom sent me some of her iris roots, which I’m delighted about. I love irises and have been wanting to add some to the front yard this fall. Yay! (And thank you, Mama.)
Shawarma Quest update
As I mentioned last month, I’ve been trying different shawarma recipes to try and find my favorite. So far, I have a salad and side that were delicious! The quest to find the perfect shawarma itself continues.
salad (epicurious)
1/2 cucumber, halved, in 1/4"-thick half-moons
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
3/4 cup small tomatoes, halved (about 5 ozs)
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
chickpea puree (a change of appetite)
1 onion, finely chopped
1T olive oil
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1T ground cumin
1/2t allspice
15 oz chickpeas
1/3c olive oil
2T tahini
juice of 1 lemon
salad: Toss cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, remaining 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, 2 Tbsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, & 1/4 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl.
chickpea puree: Sautee onion in olive oil until soft & golden brown. Add garlic & cook 2 min, then add spices & cook 1 more min. Toss in chickpeas & heat through. Transfer to food processor with olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, salt & pepper, adding ⅓-1/2c water as needed. Puree & taste; adjust seasoning. Add more water to get right texture. Scrape into saucepan to reheat.
Various links
Baker & Taylor has been bought by another company…so that’s cool…
Scientists are investigating non-surgical methods of diagnosing endometriosis
Wishing you all well,
Maureen