I'm late to the party on reading this, but decided that I needed to put Demon Copperhead on my summer reading list. And also thinking that I might re-read Prodigal Summer because that was an "unputdownable" book when I first read it many many years ago and I want that feeling again.
Prodigal Summer is one of the books of my life. I always want to re-read it but I don’t because I remember the feeling of reading it for the first time (on a US road trip) so clearly.
I would also recommend a book Barbara herself recommended on Instagram, Miss Benson’s Beetle, a madcap misfit cross-ocean and continent adventure by boat, bus, car and on foot. Funny, moving, unforgettable—everything a book should be! My book club loved it, too!
My plan for summer reading is also reading way past my bedtime, on balmy summer nights, next to an open window and a ceiling fan overhead, reading just one more sentence…
My new favourite propulsive read is out today, BORN, by Heather Birrell, published by small but mighty Coach House Books here in Toronto (on their very own gorgeous press). It's a novel that begins with this premise: What happens when an English teacher goes into labour during a high school lockdown? And what follows is taut, brilliant, literary, life-affirming and so so wondrous. https://booksaremagic.net/item/eICIMlJ6k5F0j8h1ysydvA
I read "The God of the Woods" last month, so you are not the only one late to the party. I now want Liz Moore to write a novel about the young inspector, Judyta "Judy" Luptack -- what an interesting character. Add to your summer reading list "Isola" by Allegra Goodman and "A Marriage at Sea" by Sophia Elmhirst. Happy summer reading!
I'm just starting Long Bright River, also by Liz Moore where the main character is a woman police officer on a case. Close! Overall theme is a bit dark for summer, but I also loved God of the Woods so I'm excited to get into some characters and plot and jumping time periods again!
Emma - can you share your list? always love your recs! just read " run for the hills" by Kevin Wilson and LOVED. reading "we decided to go in a different direction" by Tess Sanchez. lovely essays - I have laughed, cried and want to hug the author.
Yes to plot heavy books! I just inhaled Maggie Shipstead's Great Circle. Last summer, the same went for Life After Life, and forever summer fave, Lonesome Dove.
As a fellow bookseller I know the state of betwixt and between reading you describe. Though, between reading old books (Orlando- Virginia Woolf is another very smart friend), and not yet released titles (Book of Guilt is next), I read The Doorman by Chris Pavone the week it came out. Did that ever rush over me. Highly recommend it if you haven’t already read it. It’s this year’s city version of The God of the Woods.
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay is such a great read! I was happy to learn more about the Serbian/Bosnian conflict because when that occurred, I was in my early 20s and wasn't paying attention to world news. All of the characters in this book are delightful. Enjoy!
It's not out until September but the last book "that drugged-up feeling, where you just want to get back to the page" was It's Different This Time by Joss Richard. Set in New York two former roommates find themselves back in the city in the brownstone they shared once upon a time and of course, there is history there. I loved Richard's language, capturing that feeling when you like someone but the franticness of not being sure if you can make the leap to more. It's so so good.
Argh i skimmed past “not out til September” and spent a few frustrating minutes searching my libraries’ catalogues for this. Sounds soooo good! Thanks for putting it on my radar
God of the Woods on audiobook was the best week- I barely slept, just shuddered with glee. Can’t wait to visit the store and make a reading plan based on your shelves.
All the colors of the dark I couldn’t put down, your book This Time Tomorrow I also couldn’t put down and actively sobbed as I was landing on a plane, We All Want Impossible Things And Sandwich by Catherine Newman and Happiness Falls 🥰❤️
I'm late to the party on reading this, but decided that I needed to put Demon Copperhead on my summer reading list. And also thinking that I might re-read Prodigal Summer because that was an "unputdownable" book when I first read it many many years ago and I want that feeling again.
Prodigal Summer is one of the books of my life. I always want to re-read it but I don’t because I remember the feeling of reading it for the first time (on a US road trip) so clearly.
I would also recommend a book Barbara herself recommended on Instagram, Miss Benson’s Beetle, a madcap misfit cross-ocean and continent adventure by boat, bus, car and on foot. Funny, moving, unforgettable—everything a book should be! My book club loved it, too!
We read this at my book club too. Loved it.
A great book!
That looks good!
You may enjoy this post/interview with Barbara Kingsolver shared by Cup of Jo a few days ago (I sure did!):
https://joannagoddard.substack.com/p/barbara-kingsolver-favorite-things
yes I saw that! love her garden too :)
Prodigal Summer and Demon Copperhead are on my TBR this summer!
Prodigal Summer is a perennial reread for me…so beautiful and full of heart and originality.
My favorite, after Demon Copperhead, of all her novels. The Lacuna is also high on the list.
Summer of Barbara!
Prodigal Summer changes every time I read it❤️❤️❤️such a beautifully written book
My plan for summer reading is also reading way past my bedtime, on balmy summer nights, next to an open window and a ceiling fan overhead, reading just one more sentence…
This Time Tomorrow wasn't quiet at all! It ached with propulsion.
My new favourite propulsive read is out today, BORN, by Heather Birrell, published by small but mighty Coach House Books here in Toronto (on their very own gorgeous press). It's a novel that begins with this premise: What happens when an English teacher goes into labour during a high school lockdown? And what follows is taut, brilliant, literary, life-affirming and so so wondrous. https://booksaremagic.net/item/eICIMlJ6k5F0j8h1ysydvA
Thank you! Just placed a hold at my local (Toronto) library for this! It sounds wonderful.
I hope you love it!
I read "The God of the Woods" last month, so you are not the only one late to the party. I now want Liz Moore to write a novel about the young inspector, Judyta "Judy" Luptack -- what an interesting character. Add to your summer reading list "Isola" by Allegra Goodman and "A Marriage at Sea" by Sophia Elmhirst. Happy summer reading!
I'm just starting Long Bright River, also by Liz Moore where the main character is a woman police officer on a case. Close! Overall theme is a bit dark for summer, but I also loved God of the Woods so I'm excited to get into some characters and plot and jumping time periods again!
You won't be disappointed! Very different subject matter, but an immersive plot just the same!
just finished Isola ~ SO GOOD
Emma - can you share your list? always love your recs! just read " run for the hills" by Kevin Wilson and LOVED. reading "we decided to go in a different direction" by Tess Sanchez. lovely essays - I have laughed, cried and want to hug the author.
Yes to plot heavy books! I just inhaled Maggie Shipstead's Great Circle. Last summer, the same went for Life After Life, and forever summer fave, Lonesome Dove.
oh I LOVEEEEEEE great circle!!!
As a fellow bookseller I know the state of betwixt and between reading you describe. Though, between reading old books (Orlando- Virginia Woolf is another very smart friend), and not yet released titles (Book of Guilt is next), I read The Doorman by Chris Pavone the week it came out. Did that ever rush over me. Highly recommend it if you haven’t already read it. It’s this year’s city version of The God of the Woods.
Bookseller here and I keep pushing WILD DARK SHORE on everyone who comes into the shop. Loved, loved, loved it.
Loved that book!
One of my favorites of the year - if not all time!
SO GOOD
Oh... that time travel novel? A plot knockout, my friend.
You’re too nice to me. ❤️❤️❤️
Impossible! 💖💖💖
Margo’s got money problems!!! God I loved that book. 10/10 recommend. Also all Melissa Broder if you haven’t yet.
love love margo!
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay is such a great read! I was happy to learn more about the Serbian/Bosnian conflict because when that occurred, I was in my early 20s and wasn't paying attention to world news. All of the characters in this book are delightful. Enjoy!
Agreed! That one surprised me. It had a lot more depth than I was expecting
It's not out until September but the last book "that drugged-up feeling, where you just want to get back to the page" was It's Different This Time by Joss Richard. Set in New York two former roommates find themselves back in the city in the brownstone they shared once upon a time and of course, there is history there. I loved Richard's language, capturing that feeling when you like someone but the franticness of not being sure if you can make the leap to more. It's so so good.
Argh i skimmed past “not out til September” and spent a few frustrating minutes searching my libraries’ catalogues for this. Sounds soooo good! Thanks for putting it on my radar
Hah sorry I work in the book world and I’m always reading in the future. I’m currently reading books coming in Spring 2026!
God of the Woods on audiobook was the best week- I barely slept, just shuddered with glee. Can’t wait to visit the store and make a reading plan based on your shelves.
playworld by Adam Ross. couldn’t put it down.
All the colors of the dark I couldn’t put down, your book This Time Tomorrow I also couldn’t put down and actively sobbed as I was landing on a plane, We All Want Impossible Things And Sandwich by Catherine Newman and Happiness Falls 🥰❤️