What I’m reading this Spring

Spring is upon us! Time for gardening, picnics, egg-themed holidays and lots of rain. At least, here in Western PA.

A new season brings a new reading list. Because at heart, I miss parts of elementary school.

Not all of it, just the structured creative and leisure activities. I would kill for someone to mandate afternoon recess for grownups, art and music classes and weekly library trips. Timed multiplication tests and state capital quizzes I could do without.

Sadly, I didn’t get to all the books I wanted to read during the Winter. I still read a lot of books, eleven in total. They just weren’t the ones I planned to read. So, some of these are repeats.

As always these are in no particular order. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction. The books on this list represent me as a speculative fiction fan, as a witch, and as a professional writer. So hopefully you’ll find some suggestions for your own TBR.

Coal Region Hoodoo by Maxim W. Furek

This is a nonfiction book about the horrors of Western Pennsylvania. Things like Centralia, the eternally burning city. And it includes stories about Ed and Lorraine Warren. So, super excited about that.

Ghost Hunters by Ed Warren

This is a book of firsthand accounts of spiritual battles fought by Ed and Lorraine Warren. Do I need to explain why I want to read this book?

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

I know, this is a classic. I should have read it years ago. I should have read it in high school. But I can’t go back in time and fix it. I can just make time this spring to read it.

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty

I love Mur Lafferty for her work on Ditch Diggers. I’ve been wanting to read Six Wakes for years, and I am finally going to do it.

Let The Whole Thundering World Come Home by Natalie Goldberg

Goldberg is one of my writing heroes. To find out she has another memoir that I haven’t read yet feels like a personal gift.

Where The Gods Left Off by Sara Raztresen

If you happen to be of the witchy persuasion and also happen to be Christian, Raztresen’s YouTube channel is a good place to go for answers. Or if you’re just wondering how those two things can exist in the same person. I’m eager to see what she has to say in print.

New Moon Magic by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok

I love some good moon magic. I love it even more when it’s anti-capitalist.

Welcome to Nightvale by Joseph Fink

I’d be very surprised if you’ve never heard of this insanely popular podcast. I haven’t listened to many episodes, just because there are so many episodes that it seems daunting. So I thought starting with the book might help.

Self Publisher’s Legal Handbook by Helen Sedwick

I’m not in any legal trouble. And I would like very, very much to keep it that way.

Save The Cat Writes A Novel by Jessica Brody

I’ve always wanted to read this book. Everyone raves about it. I just haven’t gotten around to it. But 2024 is my year of intention. And I will intentionally read the books I’ve been meaning to read.

Rainbow Magic by Molly Roberts

I’ve mentioned Roberts before as someone you just have to look up if you’re an artsy or witchy person. She has a new book coming out all about color magic, and I am so excited.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

Stephen King is publishing a new short story collection. I love him.

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

I have yet to read a book by Valentine that I haven’t loved. Her book, Delicate Condition, is the inspiration for the latest season of American Horror Story.

So that’s it. That’s what I’ll be reading this Spring unless something else comes along and distracts me.

I do want to make this suggestion, though. If you make your list, but are distracted by another book, that’s okay. Reading is supposed to be a pleasure. We aren’t in elementary school anymore, thank goodness. We aren’t giving ourselves homework. We are keeping lists of experiences we want to have and things we want to learn.

Keep it casual. And please let me know in the comments what you want to read this Spring.

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