I'm looking forward to the new Nat Cassidy. I enjoyed his last book, but Mary is unhinged in the absolute best way. I'll be surprised if he's able to top that one.
I am celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with tiny dog, so I am at my friend's house. Where I get facials in Boston is right next to Brookline Booksmith, so I shall be celebrating there which is great cause they have so many things other than books (cough cough mugs)
Also, they have a small (but mighty) foreign language section including French books and I am just not going to be paying shipping or tariff prices so I've gotta stock up. *bangs gavel*
I get them at Holiday Clean Beauty Spa in Brookline! It’s right in Coolidge Corner. I have very sensitive skin (partially from rosacea, mostly from EDS) and they use a lot of products my skin can tolerate which is why I keep going back. Link below!
I've been using tentinoin for almost 13 years and I'm a pro, so if you ever have any skin questions, I'm here. Also, cannot recommend a growth factor serum enough. Allies of Skin has the best one for the price.
I'm currently reading The Sarah Book by Scott McClanahan. (The afternoon spent blacked out in Walmart parking lot description got me lol). I just started it last night and I like it so far.
LOVED the footnote fun! Also, THANK YOU for your labor!!! These new books of 2025 lists overwhelm me so much I just stop looking at them altogether. YOUR lists are def a love language for me.
Fav independent bookstores in NYC are McNally Jackson and Three Lives & Company 💘
thank you!!!! im nervous about the sun sensitivity but I always wear sunscreen so I hope that keeps me safe. I will look into the serum never heard of it.
someone else was just telling me about the Sarah Book....? maybe we heard from the same person
The footnotes are alllll for me. That is just how my brain works and its so fun to get it out - everything reminds of me of something 😂
I would DIE to go visit some NYC indies. The ones in New Orleans were fantastic, but CA isn't too shabby either
As long as you wear sunscreen, you should be good. Your skin might peel at first, that's the most annoying part. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 works wonders for the sensitivity or Instant Angel by Dieux.
It was me 😂 I took a pic of the McNally Jackson employee description of The Sarah Book and posted it on Notes--you commented. (unless you heard about it again!)
1. Just picked up Exit Zero and am so stoked to dive in. (Should we buddy read????) Beautyland was one of my faves last year!
2. Tragically Wild Dark Shore was Floptina Aguilera for me, but I would be interested to hear your thoughts!
3. GREAT call skipping The Unworthy – another flop that started out pretty strong (Contrary to popular opinion, i love cucarachas in a pillowcase) but was ultimately trying to do too much and, i think, spread itself too thin and fizzled out in the end.
4. I started prescription strength retinol (tretinoin) a few years ago and I'll never f*ck with that weak shit again. Bury with my tretinoin and sunscreen.
3. La cucaracha, la cucaracha ya no puede caminar because I forced everyone around me to kill him lalalalalallalalala
4. ok wait back up do you mean you started with non-prescription strength, which was weak?? I'm starting on one day a week so my face doesn't burn off I hope this is going to work out for me
4. yea i would use like retinol products from sephora and none of them actually did anything. tret is the only thing that has made noticeable improvements in my skin, im obsessed with it. i worked my way up to basically every other night, sometimes a few nights in a row.
It was very much a like not a love! Mostly because it just pushed my nostalgia buttons but if I hadn’t been in college at the exact same time as the characters I wouldn’t have cared much
These books feel so you!!!! you really have curated a list that is truly suited to your taste - I am impressed. I am really interested to hear the comments on Wild Dark Shore bc I read Migrations by her a few years ago and hated it - but I thought the concept was great.
Well thank you !! I’m really starting to understand what I love and it’s very freeing. If I can get my hands on a used or library copy I’ll read it sooner than later and report back
helll yes girl be FREE! I love that for you. It IS an art knowing what you love, and it does take time to understand it! Plus, it is always changing which is the beauty (and nightmare) of it all lol
I completely understand about the reading life balance. I flew through S.A. Chakrabarty's City of Brass in a day. I was also mesmerised by Geraldine Brooks' Horse. So while I could easily pick up the next book in series and also read any of Geraldine Brooks's blacklist, they will be waiting for me next month.
I am currently reading Poppy War by R.F. Kuang and rereading The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny via audibook this time.
Natalie, I’m begging you. You gotta stop writing these posts and spending my money. Everytime I read a post of yours I’m out like $50. I got bills to pay.
Loved this post! Have you read Charlotte McConaghy before? I'm a fangirl of hers so I adored Wild Dark Shore but I know for some it veered possibly into melodrama.
Also I just finished The Bee Sting and searched your posts to see if you'd written about it since I had a feeling it's one you'd like. You articulated so well so many feelings I had about it! I finished it yesterday and am feeling untethered in my reading life, not knowing where to go next. It was just so so good.
I haven't yet, the Wolves one sounded interesting but just never got around to it. I could be ok with some melodrama, you just have to be in the mood!
AHHHHH THE BEE STING. Such a unique reading experience and you feel like you are part of the family by the end. That one was a hard act to follow - read something completely different is my suggestion
I'm a massive Marie-Helene Bertino fan... Beautyland? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! So freakin' good.
I'm about halfway through Exit Zero, and I'm loving it. The stories are her usual blend of gorgeous writing (that's super readable and also, somehow, stunning and unexpected at the same time) and weird happenings. Unicorns, ghosts, quirkiness but not a lot of whimsy in a way I find very appealing.
BTW, 'Can Only a House Be Haunted?' might be my favorite story of the collection so far. It's very, very good. Spooky and then blammo! punch in the feelings.
The first book that made me fall in love with Bertino is 2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas. It's less weird than her more recent work, but what a heroine! Have you read that one? It's the story of 9-year-old Madeleine (trash-talking, cigarette-smoking firecracker) who's on a quest to perform at the Cat's Pajamas nightclub in Philadelphia for REASONS. The whole story takes place in one night: Christmas Eve Eve. (https://strongsenseofplace.com/books/2_am_at_the_cats_pajamas_bertino/)
I'm looking forward to the new Nat Cassidy. I enjoyed his last book, but Mary is unhinged in the absolute best way. I'll be surprised if he's able to top that one.
I haven’t read any so I’m excited to try anything - his fan club is very passionate
I am celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with tiny dog, so I am at my friend's house. Where I get facials in Boston is right next to Brookline Booksmith, so I shall be celebrating there which is great cause they have so many things other than books (cough cough mugs)
Also, they have a small (but mighty) foreign language section including French books and I am just not going to be paying shipping or tariff prices so I've gotta stock up. *bangs gavel*
tiny dogs, facials, mugs!!!!!
excellent rationale on why we all must stock up before the terrible Ts
Right?? I must do it for the plot as the youths™️ say.
ooh where do you get facials?
I get them at Holiday Clean Beauty Spa in Brookline! It’s right in Coolidge Corner. I have very sensitive skin (partially from rosacea, mostly from EDS) and they use a lot of products my skin can tolerate which is why I keep going back. Link below!
https://holidaybrookline.com/
Thank you so much!
You are most welcome! If you go I hope you enjoy <3
I've been using tentinoin for almost 13 years and I'm a pro, so if you ever have any skin questions, I'm here. Also, cannot recommend a growth factor serum enough. Allies of Skin has the best one for the price.
I'm currently reading The Sarah Book by Scott McClanahan. (The afternoon spent blacked out in Walmart parking lot description got me lol). I just started it last night and I like it so far.
LOVED the footnote fun! Also, THANK YOU for your labor!!! These new books of 2025 lists overwhelm me so much I just stop looking at them altogether. YOUR lists are def a love language for me.
Fav independent bookstores in NYC are McNally Jackson and Three Lives & Company 💘
thank you!!!! im nervous about the sun sensitivity but I always wear sunscreen so I hope that keeps me safe. I will look into the serum never heard of it.
someone else was just telling me about the Sarah Book....? maybe we heard from the same person
The footnotes are alllll for me. That is just how my brain works and its so fun to get it out - everything reminds of me of something 😂
I would DIE to go visit some NYC indies. The ones in New Orleans were fantastic, but CA isn't too shabby either
As long as you wear sunscreen, you should be good. Your skin might peel at first, that's the most annoying part. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 works wonders for the sensitivity or Instant Angel by Dieux.
It was me 😂 I took a pic of the McNally Jackson employee description of The Sarah Book and posted it on Notes--you commented. (unless you heard about it again!)
COME VISIT!!! (New Orleans is my soul city 😍)
OMG IM DENSE HAHHAAHAH. I thought it was you but then I was like she just started reading it.....??? I need coffee
I JUST finished In The Dream House on Wednesday and started The Sarah Book last night.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter was phenomenal
that is wonderful news!
1. Just picked up Exit Zero and am so stoked to dive in. (Should we buddy read????) Beautyland was one of my faves last year!
2. Tragically Wild Dark Shore was Floptina Aguilera for me, but I would be interested to hear your thoughts!
3. GREAT call skipping The Unworthy – another flop that started out pretty strong (Contrary to popular opinion, i love cucarachas in a pillowcase) but was ultimately trying to do too much and, i think, spread itself too thin and fizzled out in the end.
4. I started prescription strength retinol (tretinoin) a few years ago and I'll never f*ck with that weak shit again. Bury with my tretinoin and sunscreen.
5. Lists are absolutely a love language.
1. YES. when are you starting???
2. Floptina Aguilera 💀
3. La cucaracha, la cucaracha ya no puede caminar because I forced everyone around me to kill him lalalalalallalalala
4. ok wait back up do you mean you started with non-prescription strength, which was weak?? I'm starting on one day a week so my face doesn't burn off I hope this is going to work out for me
5. I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
1. No plan we can start whenever!
4. yea i would use like retinol products from sephora and none of them actually did anything. tret is the only thing that has made noticeable improvements in my skin, im obsessed with it. i worked my way up to basically every other night, sometimes a few nights in a row.
5. I love YOU!!!!!!!
I went to an author event for exit zero and i’m so excited to read it!
That’s the best, meeting the authors always gets me hyped!
I'm reading Deep Cuts because I snagged an express copy from the library. It's not living up to the hype for me :(
It was very much a like not a love! Mostly because it just pushed my nostalgia buttons but if I hadn’t been in college at the exact same time as the characters I wouldn’t have cared much
Cucarachas in the pillow was a hard pass for me too!
Hell to the naw naw nawwwww
These books feel so you!!!! you really have curated a list that is truly suited to your taste - I am impressed. I am really interested to hear the comments on Wild Dark Shore bc I read Migrations by her a few years ago and hated it - but I thought the concept was great.
Well thank you !! I’m really starting to understand what I love and it’s very freeing. If I can get my hands on a used or library copy I’ll read it sooner than later and report back
helll yes girl be FREE! I love that for you. It IS an art knowing what you love, and it does take time to understand it! Plus, it is always changing which is the beauty (and nightmare) of it all lol
I share your exact thoughts on Death Takes Me. I made it about 3 pages and was like “nope, not for me” and yes, lists are a love language 📝🩷
We are on the same wavelength 🖤
Of these I am definitely going to read Code Noir and maybe Exit Zero. I do not need more books and yet… Indie bookstore day makes it a requirement!
I know same! Too bad we got there so late there was barely anything left on the shelves so I just got a few preloved ones 😂
I completely understand about the reading life balance. I flew through S.A. Chakrabarty's City of Brass in a day. I was also mesmerised by Geraldine Brooks' Horse. So while I could easily pick up the next book in series and also read any of Geraldine Brooks's blacklist, they will be waiting for me next month.
I am currently reading Poppy War by R.F. Kuang and rereading The Cruellest Month by Louise Penny via audibook this time.
Haha, *backlist not blacklist as autocorrect suggests.🤦♀️
I knew what you meant 😂
Been a long time since I’ve read Brooks, and love Louise Penny, so heartwarming!
Your anticipated reads 🤝🏻 my anticipated reads (but what else is new??)
I love that for us
Natalie, I’m begging you. You gotta stop writing these posts and spending my money. Everytime I read a post of yours I’m out like $50. I got bills to pay.
look I cant help it that I need to bring everyone down with me OK???
Loved this post! Have you read Charlotte McConaghy before? I'm a fangirl of hers so I adored Wild Dark Shore but I know for some it veered possibly into melodrama.
Also I just finished The Bee Sting and searched your posts to see if you'd written about it since I had a feeling it's one you'd like. You articulated so well so many feelings I had about it! I finished it yesterday and am feeling untethered in my reading life, not knowing where to go next. It was just so so good.
I haven't yet, the Wolves one sounded interesting but just never got around to it. I could be ok with some melodrama, you just have to be in the mood!
AHHHHH THE BEE STING. Such a unique reading experience and you feel like you are part of the family by the end. That one was a hard act to follow - read something completely different is my suggestion
Yes my go-to is something completely different after amazing reads so I'm trying a YA fantasy! Pushing myself out of my comfort zone a bit ..
I'm a massive Marie-Helene Bertino fan... Beautyland? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! So freakin' good.
I'm about halfway through Exit Zero, and I'm loving it. The stories are her usual blend of gorgeous writing (that's super readable and also, somehow, stunning and unexpected at the same time) and weird happenings. Unicorns, ghosts, quirkiness but not a lot of whimsy in a way I find very appealing.
I talked about it on our podcast today, if you want to hear me go off about it for about 4 minutes. https://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2025-04-25/ (Transcript here, if you just want to know what I said: https://strongsenseofplace.com/transcriptions/lolt_transcript_2025-04-25/)
BTW, 'Can Only a House Be Haunted?' might be my favorite story of the collection so far. It's very, very good. Spooky and then blammo! punch in the feelings.
now you have me all hopped up to read both of them!!! I will add this pod to my listening list...!
Beautyland is funny and heartbreaking and weird — I loved it so much. Our heroine believes she's an alien. Who hasn't felt like that at some time in their lives?! (https://strongsenseofplace.com/podcasts/2024-07-05-space/)
The first book that made me fall in love with Bertino is 2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas. It's less weird than her more recent work, but what a heroine! Have you read that one? It's the story of 9-year-old Madeleine (trash-talking, cigarette-smoking firecracker) who's on a quest to perform at the Cat's Pajamas nightclub in Philadelphia for REASONS. The whole story takes place in one night: Christmas Eve Eve. (https://strongsenseofplace.com/books/2_am_at_the_cats_pajamas_bertino/)