“Picking up a book was a decision: I’m going to go away. The exciting possibility: I may not come back the same.” —Erica Bauermeister, No Two Persons
**If you’re new to Mourning Pages, welcome! I am Penny Zang, an author and English professor. Start here to learn more about Mourning Pages. My debut novel, Doll Parts, will be published by Sourcebooks in 2025. You can add it on Goodreads. Thanks for being here!**
Last time: What No One Tells You About Editing a Novel, Part 2
In the summer, I generally like to make lists of my favorite books of the year so far.
Last year, for example:
https://pennyzang.substack.com/p/best-books-of-the-year-so-far
But my reading is so much slower this year due to writing and editing. I’m drooling over the books on my TBR, holding off on requesting from the library, and longing for the books literally sitting on my nightstand. I’ll get to them soon enough.
I’ve also been side-eying the New York Times List of 100 Best Books of the 21st Century and thinking about how I would have voted.
Not that I’m avoiding my edits or my grading at all (though I am avoiding cleaning my house). Here a quick look at my favorites, plus some honorable mentions, even though the NYT didn’t ask me.
I won’t get into the issues with the NYT times list (where is Louise Erdrich, for example) or mention how many books I didn’t have room to list (The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, for example). Instead I will say that I loved how many other readers and book stores made their own lists. It generated a book discussion and I’m always glad for that.
As I prepare to return Round 2 of my edits and get back to my own reading, here is a short list of the books I can’t wait to read. Add your own TBR list in the Comments!
Note: I am a Bookshop.org affiliate and may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links.
Let me also mention that right now, for a very short time, Bookshop.org has free shipping! This is huge. Support independent bookstores and get a free tote bag if you spend 100 dollars or more.
Books I Can’t Wait to Read
1. What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jiménez
I had the pleasure of hearing Claire Jiménez speak at the WriteShare Summer Camp (in conjunction with M. Judson Booksellers in Greenville, South Carolina) last weekend and I was so inspired. She spoke about voice and introduced me to my new favorite poem, “That’s My Heart Right Here” by Willie Perdomo.
Did I mention that this debut won the Pen/Faulkner Award this year? I can’t wait to read What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez.
You can find Claire Jiménez online via her webiste.
2. Made for You by Jenna Satterthwaite
I have been watching Jenna Satterthwaite’s publication journey online for years, cheering for her and patiently-ish waiting to read her debut. This was a book I pre-ordered months ago. I love that it is filed under thrillers, suspense, and genetic engineering. Yes, Made for You is coming on vacation with me.
Find Jenna Satterthwaite online via Substack.
3. Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Emily Van Duyne
I love how many people have asked me if I’ve heard about Loving Sylvia Plath as if I haven’t had it on pre-order since it was made available. No complaints—I hope more people learn about Emily Van Duyne’s work. Reading this book will be my treat to myself after I hit “send” on my edits.
Find Emily Van Duyne’s work online via Substack.
That’s all for now, but I’ll be back soon with more announcements (!) and more thoughts about the weird, unhinged beauty of writing.
Tell me in the comments what books are on your TBR list this summer (or the books you would add to the “best” of the 21st century).
Love, love, love
Penny
The first time I read Gone Girl, thought it was meh. Then I listened to what others had to say about it. Under this broader perspective, reread it and enjoyed it immensely. I understood the two characters better.