I’ve been a bit behind but I’m about to open up the facebook discussion page for The Fantastic Strangelings Book Club to discuss Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel. (And if you haven’t read it yet I suggest you move it to the top of your TBR list because I found it a strangely encouraging read during all this Roe V. Wade bullshit, and maybe you will too.) If you don’t do facebook I’ll leave my thoughts in the comments below.
(And check your email because we’re going to do a live zoom book discussion with Vaishnavi Patel next Tuesday!)
And this month’s book? The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas.
Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca in this debut supernatural suspense novel, set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence, about a remote house, a sinister haunting, and the woman pulled into their clutches. Suspenseful, fast-paced, interesting 19th century Mexican history, fascinating folklore, a strong female protagonist…it explores religion, colorism, class, and haunted haciendas. So good. And it’s not too late to get your copy if you want to join the club this month. Click here for details.
We do also have a limited time Fantastic Strangelings shirt on offer at Bonfire (celebrating Dorothy Barker and all the books we read last year) and that campaign ends after this weekend, so don’t miss it. 🙂
And if you’re anything like me and you need more than one book to get you through the month you are in luck because May was one of those months where there were a lot of good choices.
Some of my favorites:
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi – A complicated but entertaining romantic novel about finding love (and lust) after loss.
The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon – A novel inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein that explores the eerie mysteries of childhood and the monsters among us.
The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight – an enthralling true story of science and the supernatural as a psychiatrist investigates whether premonitions can prevent disasters…including the premonition that he was about to die.
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo – A lush historical fantasy set in the glittering world of old Hollywood, where stardom sometimes comes with dark bargains and literal soul sacrifices.
The High Desert: Black. Punk. Nowhere. – by James Spooner – A formative coming-of-age graphic memoir by the creator of Afro-punk. Set in the late 80s. SO MUCH NOSTALGIA.
Magic Season by Wade Rouse – a poignant, funny and heartbreaking memoir about caring for a complicated (and sometimes toxic) parent
The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker – Like if The Virgin Suicides and the Winchester house had a baby.
Happy reading! ~ Jenny