absorbed in fiction, this memoirist takes a staycation

Fiction I've been loving in March

I love to give book recommendations, but my quirky taste in non-fiction oftens meets with the skeptical eyebrow raise, and an “Okay….I’ll look it up.” They never do, I’m pretty sure.

I’ve been teaching non-fiction this semester in the wonderful program at Sheridan College, working on two book proposals in my own name (non-fiction) and getting into the weeds with six client books (non-fiction). See the theme.

So my car rides, wakeful spells in the night, and time in the kitchen have been spent with fiction on audio. Here’s what I’ve been LOVING on!! Run, don’t walk to your local bookseller, library, audiobook provider, or get your hands on the personal paper.

Weyward, by Emilia Hart. Described at bewitching historial fiction, which is a great disservice to this captivating peek into generations of women, outsiderness, attachment to nature, and savouring of the self. The cover is gorgeous and Emilia Hart’s love of detail from the stuck window to the sound of footsteps, messages in the breeze and the magical powers of plants enthralled me. (Paperback just dropped on that big American bookseller.)

The Scent Keeper, by Erica Bauermeister Where did this glorious idea come from. Snapshots of moment recorded in the scents. If only…the dream at the heart of this book is only part of the pleasure…that we could revisit memories by using our most powerful sense…smell. The central character carries the book so well. Her self-trust and self-blame are inextricably linked to the love of her father and place he taught about safety. Her nose leads, and she loyally follows. This is a deep dive into our senses, how we love and attach, and purpose. Another incredible cover too:

The House Keepers: Never Underestimate the Women Downstairs in This Daring Heist Novel, by Alex Hay.

I smiled the entire time. The plot held enough surprises to win me over, and the strength of the characters had everything to do with that. I had the advantage of enjoying the voices and accents in the audio which I highly recommend. I got it from my local library on audio too. It’s been out a while. Wander the marble halls of this mansion with the below stairs staff and you’ll never look at a room full of people the same way again.

You’re welcome.

Lemme know what you’re reading. I need a new recommendation, please.