There is a reason professional book reviewers are disappearing. As a subscriber to NY Times book review, Atlantic, and New Yorker I rarely purchase the books recommended. Perhaps if the reviewers were sharing some of the more scintillating sides of publishing it could draw the public into their reviews. In addition, I believe there is a lack of transparency in their connection to the authors or publishing houses.
Kathleen - A personal encouragement - Juggling all you do drains you, leaving nothing but the dark. I did it, too...and more. But LOOK what you've accomplished just with your discernment for what to write when you have the time/energy/brainspace. We are out here appreciating you for your perspective. Do what you can, when you can - that's more than enough!
Sending virtual hugs 💗 As others have chimed in to say, many of us have been there. And it's hard enough to get out of bed during those days, let alone handle everything else that need your attention.
Thank you for your candidness about the depression. Even if you can't accomplish as much as you usually do with this newsletter, you accomplish a tremendous amount by normalizing the conversation around depression so that others may realize they don't have to hold it as a shameful secret. I say this as a clinical social worker, and as a person who has suffered depression in the past. Hang in there, and I hope it lifts soon.
Keep passing the open windows. I'm sorry things are so hard.
I've was disconnected from literature for a while during a depressive trough, so I didn't know Chloe Walsh until seeing her name multiple times in the TikTok list you gave. I'm curious now. I'm drawn to darker material, but not really romances, so we'll see how book 1 goes.
I'm sorry you're struggling, Kathleen. Thank you for this list. Your newsletter is always informative, and if you need time off, your subscribers will understand.
Re: the BookTok list--the one bright spot is seeing that Donna Tartt's The Secret History is above It Ends With Us.
Thanks for writing through the heavy fog, Kathleen. Because your readers care about books (and book reviews), I'm including a link to my review of Tia Levings' A Well Trained Wife (2024). It's out in paperback now. https://andipenner.substack.com/p/truth-and-pen-levings-dismantles Talking and writing about books sells books. Thanks for encouraging the ongoing conversation.
There is a reason professional book reviewers are disappearing. As a subscriber to NY Times book review, Atlantic, and New Yorker I rarely purchase the books recommended. Perhaps if the reviewers were sharing some of the more scintillating sides of publishing it could draw the public into their reviews. In addition, I believe there is a lack of transparency in their connection to the authors or publishing houses.
Kathleen - A personal encouragement - Juggling all you do drains you, leaving nothing but the dark. I did it, too...and more. But LOOK what you've accomplished just with your discernment for what to write when you have the time/energy/brainspace. We are out here appreciating you for your perspective. Do what you can, when you can - that's more than enough!
Thank you. :)
Hoping the depression lifts soon. All good wishes as you slog through this.
The Secret History is on the TikTok bestseller list? That’s astonishing.
Sending virtual hugs 💗 As others have chimed in to say, many of us have been there. And it's hard enough to get out of bed during those days, let alone handle everything else that need your attention.
Hang in there! 🐾❤️🩹❤️
Just wanted to second what Dave said. Many of us have been there! Thinking of you.
Write what you can when you can. We're here for you, not just your writing. 🤗
Thank you for your candidness about the depression. Even if you can't accomplish as much as you usually do with this newsletter, you accomplish a tremendous amount by normalizing the conversation around depression so that others may realize they don't have to hold it as a shameful secret. I say this as a clinical social worker, and as a person who has suffered depression in the past. Hang in there, and I hope it lifts soon.
Keep passing the open windows. I'm sorry things are so hard.
I've was disconnected from literature for a while during a depressive trough, so I didn't know Chloe Walsh until seeing her name multiple times in the TikTok list you gave. I'm curious now. I'm drawn to darker material, but not really romances, so we'll see how book 1 goes.
I'm thinking about you and I so greatly appreciate that you are showing up for all of us. Please know that I'm cheering you on!
Please take good care of yourself, Kathleen. I appreciate whatever you can offer for us here, whenever you can💛
A brilliant newsletter, and I'm sending you love during this time Kathleen. <3
Thank you, Emma. xo
I'm sorry you're struggling, Kathleen. Thank you for this list. Your newsletter is always informative, and if you need time off, your subscribers will understand.
Re: the BookTok list--the one bright spot is seeing that Donna Tartt's The Secret History is above It Ends With Us.
So sorry to hear you've been depressed. Take care of yourself.
Thanks for writing through the heavy fog, Kathleen. Because your readers care about books (and book reviews), I'm including a link to my review of Tia Levings' A Well Trained Wife (2024). It's out in paperback now. https://andipenner.substack.com/p/truth-and-pen-levings-dismantles Talking and writing about books sells books. Thanks for encouraging the ongoing conversation.