book recommendations – Slanted Spines

Bookish Brains Issue 15

February 25, 2022February 25, 2022Posted in Bookish Brains NewslettersTagged assembly by natasha brown, book recommendations, book recs, book review, Book Reviews, march book releases, new book releases, none but the righteous by chantal james, reading newsletter, upcoming book releasesLeave a comment

Letter from the editor:

February’s just about over already, and even though it was a short month, I read quite a bit! In the first two weeks of February, I read six amazing books, and then my reading came to a screeching halt with the beginning of my third graduate class on February 14. Not only did I then have a third class’s worth of work added onto my plate, but projects started ramping up in classes I had begun in January. Sufficed to say, things got a little stressful real quickly and I’ve been a bit burnt out lately.

Like I said though, the six books I managed to read at the beginning of February were amazing reads. I discuss them all in this edition of Bookish Brains, including Assembly by Natasha Brown, Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, None But the Righteous by Chantal James, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, and Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black. Plus, I share a list of upcoming March book releases you don’t want to miss!

Hope you’ve been taking care and reading well. We’re one day closer to spring!
-B.C.

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Bookish Brains Issue 9

July 30, 2021August 9, 2021Posted in Bookish Brains NewslettersTagged book recommendations, book recs, Book Reviews, Bookish Brains Newsletters, butter honey pig bread, filthy animals, ghost forest, junji ito's cat diary yon & mu, lgbtq book recs, new book releases, reading newsletterLeave a comment

Letter from the Editor:

Lo and behold, it is nearly August! Hoping you fared well this July and enjoyed at least one quality book.

July brought many changes to my life, most notably my recent employment at a local library! After a year of time off and re-evaluating my career direction, I became a part-time circulation clerk at a gorgeous community library. Spending my time there has been lovely, and consequently I have taken home quite a number of stray books with me! Because of this tremendous resource, I’ve been able to indulge in more new release books and “sample” books I may be interested in.

Though I’ve been fostering a decent stack of books, I’ve only had time enough to read five books so far this month, including two short story collections and one brief manga. Compared to my ravenous reading habits of June, this is a decrease in quantity for me, though I’m perfectly satisfied with the literature I have managed to read. I’ve gotten in the habit of reading for an hour or two every morning during my cup of tea, which has helped me keep up with the books on my TBR despite the changes to my schedule. Plus, it’s the most pleasant way to start the day!

In this month’s issue of Bookish Brains, I share my reviews of Filthy Animals by Brandon Taylor, Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia, Are You Enjoying? by Mira Sethi, Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi, and Junji Ito’s Cat Diary. Plus, what I’m currently reading, what I’d like to read next, and some new releases to keep an eye out for! Hope you enjoy!

Cheers!
-B.C.

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Bookish Brains Issue 6

April 30, 2021May 2, 2021Posted in Bookish Brains NewslettersTagged book blog, book newsletter, book recommendations, book recs, Book Reviews, Bookish Brains Newsletters, reading newsletter, upcoming book releases3 Comments

Letter from the Editor:

Spring is upon us, and I hope you’ve been reading some lovely books lately! I had a month full of good reads, and as always I’m happy to share my thoughts with you. In this issue of Bookish Brains, I’ve included book reviews for No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood, Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi, The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins, and How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps her House by Cherie Jones. Plus, I give a sneak peek at my May TBR and shout out a few upcoming book releases!

During April, I also received some exciting news: I was accepted into a Master’s program for Library and Information Science! Last week I registered for classes, so this fall I will be attending school again. Through this experience, I’m seeking a career in the library systems, and I couldn’t be more excited. When I was a teenager, I worked for a couple years at a shelver at my local library and loved it. So it’s been a rewarding month and I feel grateful for this opportunity.

Wishing you a beautiful, blooming May! Please leave a comment and let me know what your favorite read from April was; I would love to hear about it.

Cheers!
-B.C.

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Autumn Reading List & Recs

October 2, 2020June 3, 2021Posted in Book ListsTagged autumn reading, book recommendations, book recs, fall reading, fall reading recs, reading recsLeave a comment

Now that October is upon us, you may be feeling your preference in literature shifting as well. Many people enjoy reading spooky books during the Halloween and fall season, but sometimes it can be difficult to know which books will fulfill your personal requirements.

In the interest of helping my fellow readers curate their own autumn reading line-up, I’d like to share some of the books in my “Autumn Reading” pile and a few additional recommendations!

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