TYF Column: What Are We Reading?

In order to spark some excitement back into the world of literature, welcome back to our monthly column What Are We Reading, where myself and other writers talk about what books are our current obsession. A collaborative effort we hope to engage other fellow readers who are looking to be enthusiastic about reading again (like myself). Make sure to comment below about what’s your current page turner and/or if there are any recommendations you have for us!

Yes, yes-we know! You’re all too wrapped up in The Cursed Child to read anything else but, if you have a spare moment, there have been plenty of books worth devouring to our staff in the recent months.

However, if you can’t bring yourself to be distracted from all things Potter, we’ve got you covered.

Let us know what you’re been reading!

Happy reading! To read previous months columns, go here. 

Leigh-Ann is Reading-The Hawkweed Prophecy by Irena Brignull 

I just finished reading this novel and I think it’s one of the best YA Fantasy novels of the summer that have managed to give a realistic and well-developed depiction of sisterhood and friendship.

Set in a modern day world where witches live away from humans, the Hawkweed sisters receive a prophecy that says one of their children will be the next queen of all the witches. Readers are introduced to two sisters – one who isn’t the brightest spark in the pack and the other one determined to make her daughter the next queen of all witches. From page one, I fell in love with the way this book was written and the fact that romance wasn’t the main focus among the women in the story. It’s so uncommon to find a Fantasy YA novel which emphasizes friendship that doesn’t lead to romance and The Hawkweed Prophecy is a gem among stones.

Gabrielle is Reading: The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

Camille is Reading-Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert &  The One That Got Away by Leigh Himes 

I’ve always loved Elizabeth Gilbert’s work. Her work is entertaining, relatable and meditative. Her books inspire me to reflect on my path in life and truly consider if I’m going down the path I’m meant to be on. Overall, her words and her style of storytelling gives me zen and comfortability. Her books are usually what I’ve been gravitating to, especially after a busy day at work.

After reading Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It and interviewing Linsi Broom and Lisann Valentin, I wanted that spark of inspiration and guidance again because unfortunately, you don’t get much of it when you’re adulting. Gilbert’s latest work, Big Magic, does the trick. It’s the page-turner of inspiration and fluid storytelling that I was craving. This book isn’t just for artists, musicians, bloggers and the like. It’s truly for anyone that wants that sense of creativity in their lives again. She reminded me that creativity comes in all forms only if you encourage yourself to seek it.

The second book that I’m reading is entertaining and filled with humor and quirkiness. The One That Got Away is Himes’ debut novel and it’s quite the page turner so far. I’m really enjoying how real she makes the story, situations and characters feel. Her way of storytelling is what truly grabs my attention.

The story’s main character is Abbey, who is a working mother and wife trying to do it all. She endures a terrible accident that alters her life- but not in the traditional sense you may be thinking of. If you’re looking for a light read for the summer, definitely check this book out.

Allyson is Reading- Billy Lynn’s Long Half-Time Walk by Ben Fountain

I’ll be honest, my sole purpose in reading this book was based on the positively stunning trailer released earlier in the year for Ang Lee’s upcoming adaptation of the film.

Watch it here.

I can’t say I’m incredibly far into reading it so far (at the most maybe three chapters in) but it’s a different type of read for me so I’m excited to see what I take away. The slightly skewering, satirical nature of the story should appeal to my sensibilities and, even more so, get me even more excited for the upcoming adaptation.

The book I just finished however has me still reeling, which was Patrick Ness’s tremendously moving More than This which had me emotionally engaged from beginning to end. A must read.

Brittany is Reading-Babylon Revisited and Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Katey is Reading-Odd Apocalypse by Dean Koontz

It’s been awhile since I delved into the world of Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, but I got back into it with “Odd Apocalypse,” the fifth book. I’m not far into it yet, but it’s clear Koontz is just as great as ever. The book follows the events of “Odd Hours,” but the only lasting effect here is Odd’s new companion Annamaria. The “Odd” books usually work as stand alone stories. This time, Odd and Annamaria are staying on the estate of a billionaire financier on the property called Roseland. When the ghost of a young woman asks for Odd’s help in discovering the secrets of Roseland, Odd and Annamaria have no choice but to stay and face another form of evil. I’ve always loved the unassuming heroism of Odd Thomas, and his quiet and profound contemplations on life, death, and the natures of good and evil.

 Lauren is Reading – The Rose and the Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

Hannah is Reading- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo