Hi there, listeners!
Michelle here:) This week Chelsey and Sara are reminiscing about their fall season and reading lives. I am so excited to hear their favorite books and their favorite episodes from this season. There have been a lot of lists coming out from major magazines and websites listing the best books of 2020, so I am definitely in the headspace to hear a wrap-up.
I personally loved the episode on “Horror Story” by Carmen Maria Machado and the episode on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I very much enjoyed reading the artfully written “Horror Story” before listening to the episode on it and Frankenstein has long been one of my favorites. Sara and Chelsey gave me new perspectives on both of these amazing works. Finally, my favorite book I read for myself this fall was Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. This novel checked many boxes for me—mystery, comedy, feel-good, and more. We hope that this week’s episode will lead you to reflect on your own favorites from the past several months.
For more wrap-ups and best of’s, check out these links…
For a wide scope, take a look at Time’s must-reads of 2020.
To narrow it down, here are some best books from just the month of November.
Finally, start thinking about next week’s episode with this list of 45 great audiobooks.
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:
Next week Chelsey and Sara will be discussing their favorite audiobooks* of 2020. I am especially looking forward to this one because I know I struggle to find a good audiobook. From the narrator’s voice to the length of the recording, I feel like there are many factors that go into creating an audiobook that can hold a reader’s attention.
The following week, look out for an episode on the classic My Ántonia by Willa Cather. I am so excited to be a guest on this episode that covers one of my favorites! In my opinion, this is the perfect novel for the seasonal transition between fall and winter, so if you’re feeling like a mood read this is a great one to pick up.
Currently Reading:
Of course, I am currently re-reading My Ántonia for the upcoming episode. I am having such a fun time reminding myself of this story, the amazing class discussions I had around it, and the interesting life of Willa Cather herself.
I am also slowly making my way through My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. I saw Sara recommend this one a while ago but keep getting sidetracked from reading it. Hopefully with the Thanksgiving holiday I will be able to finish it up!
*Listeners, we’re excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you two audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get two audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!
Or click here to give the gift of audiobooks to your favorite bookworm.
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 and @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her newsletter. We love hearing what you’re reading, so feel free to 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!
Have a wonderful week, listeners!
-M