Hey, listeners—
Michelle here! Inspired by their recent read of Helene Hanff’s 84 Charing Cross Road, Chelsey and Sara have gathered up some of their favorite books about books that they want to express their love for. From serious to funny to sad, their list runs the gamut and hopefully you’ll find a title (or seven) to add to your ever-growing TBR pile. I, for one, appreciate the mix of backlist titles and newer releases they’ve incorporated. Which books about book would you want to write a love letter to? We’d love to hear about them!
Links for more bookworm reading:
Check out the Novel Pairings 2021 Reading Challenge (it’s casual).
Take a look at this essay on how books can change someone’s life.
We’re so excited for these 19 movie adaptations of beloved books in 2021 (including Nella Larsen’s Passing!).
George Saunder’s has some great book recs.
Teachers: just in case you haven’t taught Amanda Gorman’s poem yet…
Some of our links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Coming up:
Chelsey and Sara have been working tirelessly on creating an amazing Patreon that will be launching this spring! They’ll go live on Instagram in February to give you all the details so make sure you’re following @novelpairingspod. In the meantime, what’s on your Patreon wishlist? You can reply to this email to let us know.
And next week, Chelsey and Sara will be discussing There is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Faucet. This Harlem Renaissance classic is incredible and I’m especially excited for the contemporary books Sara and Chelsey are pairing with it!
Currently Reading:
This month, I finished Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce. I absolutely loved it and was so sad when it was over. It was the perfect escapist read for January and I loved the main characters’ friendship, as well. Now, I’m diving into The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, also by Rachel Joyce. I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while and I’m inspired to read more Joyce after Miss Benson’s Beetle.
I also greatly enjoyed Most Likely by Sarah Watson this month. This YA novel opens on January 20, 2049 when the first female president is being sworn into office. The remainder of the novel flashes back to four female best friends during their high school days. Only at the very end do we learn which of these women becomes president.
Finally, Sara made a guest appearance last week on Sarah’s Bookshelves Live to talk about her experience with the Aspen Literary Prize. Check it out HERE!
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our blog for bonus pairings, reading tips, and book recommendations. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her newsletter. We love hearing what you’re reading, so tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
-Michelle