reader. writer.

Recently, possibly coinciding with the increase in cruelty in our country, I have sought out comfort reads more often than not, books where I feel safe within the likelihood of a happy ending, books that are soothing without choking on treacle (not always a sure thing, alas). According to a discussion on Print Run, this kind of reading preference aligns with a trend in publishing, so I apologize—I didn’t mean to make it harder for edgy books to get published or read. It’s just my nerves are shot from even limited encounters with the news these days.

Not all are worth noting on my blog, though I sometimes gain insights into what works/what doesn’t from a writer’s standpoint. Two fantasy novels deserve mention, though: Sarah Beth Durst’s the Spell Shop and Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes. Reading one reminded me frequently of the other, at least in the way they made me feel. Both host a variety of mythical and magical creatures, both portray protagonists leaving behind combat and/or political conflicts in the wider world, both include romance. The narratives focus on a quirky protagonist wanting to build a new life in peace, taking the risk of making and trusting new friends. There are tensions enough to make me want to keep reading without stressing me out. Mostly, I relished cheering on the power of connection, friendship, and collaboration—not to mention solidarity against those who embrace violence. As always, it fascinates me as a writer to reflect on what works for me as a reader, what it takes to get me invested in a character’s success, whether it is to solve a mystery or build a life in a new place.