Tag: reading list

What I’m reading, Fall 2026

It’s not technically Fall until September twenty-second. But the pumpkin spice has been flowing on social media since the first. So, why not dive into my Fall reading list a little early? After all, I actually finished all the books on my Summer reading list, and early too. Currently, I’m reading Sisters in Hate by Seyward Darby and listening to I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I’ll be reviewing that last one next week, but here’s a spoiler. I’m also glad her mom died.

So, here’s what I plan on reading this Fall. Hopefully with some sort of warm beverage and no one asking for my attention. And you can always follow along with what I’m reading on Goodreads.

Halloween by Silver RavenWolf

Can you believe I’ve never read a Silver RavenWolf book before? This one seemed to be the place to start.

This is a book full of recipes and spells for Halloween. It’s also got history behind certain traditions. I’m super excited to crack into this book and indulge in some crafts, both of the spell and glue stick variety.

Please Remain Seated by Marcus Kliewer

This is only being released in audiobook format. Which is quite fun, I think. This is a collection of short horror stories ranging from the sky to the sea, as the description said. It’s an interesting premise for a short story collection. And after being emotionally devastated by the last two books by this author, I’m super excited.

Mazywood by Tananarive Due

This appears to be a book about Black female rage, set in the present and the past. I am so here for it. Especially after reading (devouring) The Reformatory.

The grandson of a famous Black actress goes to her cabin and is presumably accosted by terrifying ghosts. This book doesn’t come out until the 22nd, and I cannot get my hands on it.

Building 903 by Lois Lowry

You know, the same Lois Lowry who wrote Number The Stars and The Giver, among others. This one is about twins who live in a safe and highly regulated dystopian future where everyone is ruled by tyrannical and faceless leaders, and reading is forbidden.

I don’t like how precient this is. But I hit that pre-order so fast.

The Rednexorcist by ‘Frank Sloane’

Actually, this is a novella by Grady Hendrix. I don’t know why he wanted to use a pen name for this one. Maybe it’s some contractual issue; who’s to say?

This looks like a fun romp through possession and wild ghost battles. I think this is going to be fantastic. Keep an eye out at Weird Wyrlds, where I’ll be reviewing it.

Mary by Nat Cassidy

I got this book in a Blind Date With A Book. And it took me a while to realize that, um, something is off with the cover.

Look close. When you see it, you can’t unsee it.

This book is about a woman reaching menopause, going through a lot of changes. Some of the changes might be homicidal. But you know, who’s going to argue with her?

How To Survive a Horror Novel by Mallory Arnold

This is another Blind Date With a Book surprise. And the copy I got has the cutest etching on the sides!

This book is about a group of horror writers summoned to the mansion of one of their own who recently died. Hijinks and murder ensue. How exciting!

The True Secret of Writing by Natalie Goldberg

You know I have to sneak in a Goldberg book in the Fall. This one started as a seminar that she gave, which I have never gotten to see because I’ve sadly not met her yet.

Yet.

I’m sure I’ll be talking about this book after reading it. I’m sure I’ll be learning a lot. And probably crying. She always makes me cry.

Mary Magdalean Revealed by Meggan Watterson

Did you know that Mary Magdalean had a gospel? And that the Catholic church has known about it for a very long time?

I’ve got a whole thing with Mary. I love Her. I honor Her. And as a Christian Witch, she’s a big part of my practice. Honestly, I’m kind of furious that so many of our female Christian leaders have been hidden from us. I’m willing to bet that this book is going to make me more furious.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

There’s just something about a good thick horror novel that just screams Fall to me. This one is a historical fiction about the tragic assassination of JFK. I’ve seen the mini-series. I’ve never read the book. I’m excited.

Now it’s your turn. What are you reading this Fall? Let us know in the comments.

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Books are books

Books are my favorite thing. I guess that isn’t a huge reveal. I love books. I love reading them, writing them.

Smelling them.

I love having a physical book to read, then display on a shelf like a trophy. Honestly, right now my favorite thing is swinging in my hammock and reading my way through my Summer reading list.

Recently, someone on Instagram said that they love cat people. Because cat people don’t just love their cat to death. They love your cat to death. They love street cats to death. They love all cats to death. That’s how I feel about books, and avid readers. (And cats.) I love everyone who reads. I love all books. But, apparently, this isn’t a universal opinion. I’ve seen far too much infighting among my book peers about things that, honestly, shouldn’t be argued about. So today I want to let you know where I stand in the literary world. I don’t think anything I’m about to say is a hot take. But it’s the internet, after all. Let’s see what happens.

Ebooks are books

My preferred method for reading is a physical book. That being said, I have read e-books and will continue to do so. Sometimes it’s easier. Sometimes the book isn’t available in print yet. Sometimes I don’t want to take several books on vacation. Sometimes the book came out, I forgot to preorder it, and I have to read it right now. Either way is valid. It’s still a book, on screen or on paper. It’s just like preferring mint toothpaste to cinnamon. Your teeth still get clean.

Audiobooks are books

This is another thing I am shocked I have to argue. Listening to an audiobook is still reading a book. I don’t know about you, but I want to read a lot of books. And I have shit to do that requires my hands. So if I can listen to a Grady Hendrix book while doing the dishes, weeding, or formatting a damned paperback, then I’d like to do so.

I’ve seen people putting down audiobook readers online. And it’s got to stop. We don’t all have the time to read as much as we want. Some of us (hi) are reading for work as well as recreation, and we need to get through some pages. And there are people with disabilities for whom physical reading is a challenge. There should be no barriers to enjoying a good story.

Comic books are books

I have always had a rather advanced vocabulary. This started when I read Calvin and Hobbs as a child. This led me to fall in love with comic strips. And I still love them. Snoopy, Cathy, Garfield, Girls With SlingShots, Squid Row. Comics were one of my first passions.

I do not understand why people will look down on comics as being cheap kids’ entertainment. They’re a great introduction to the fact that, hey, reading is supposed to be fun. There are heavy graphic novels, like Maus. There are fantastic adventures, like Bone or Wonderland. These are good stories. They promote literacy and a passion for reading. Also, they’re just fun.

Nonfiction and fiction are books

I read fiction and nonfiction. I do not understand people who read only one or the other. What, you don’t want to learn something? You don’t want to experience a good story? And even if you have a particular preference, why would you enforce that on everyone else?

Honestly, if you find that you read a lot of one or the other, I would encourage you to branch out a bit. My reading list has been really fiction-heavy this year. I need to fit some nonfiction in.

Genre books are books, and so are literary books

This one’s similar to the last two, if we’re being honest.

If you’ve read On Writing, then you know that Stephen King was once asked by a teacher why he wanted to write trash. By trash, she meant a ‘novelized’ version of a movie he’d seen. The answer didn’t come to him then, and he says there’s still a little part of him ashamed of it.

Genre fiction tends to be frowned upon by literary snobs. At the same time, literary fiction tends to be frowned upon by people like me, who believe in telling an entertaining story that damned well goes somewhere.

I kid. Actually, I enjoy writing some literary short pieces, just playing around with words. Evoking emotion, creating art. It’s fun.

But if you don’t think that genre writing can feel like literary writing, you’re not reading the right kind of books.

Books I don’t like are still books

There are lots of people in this world who enjoy some truly terrible books. Just awful. And there’s just no accounting for taste. I have DNF’d books that got glowing five-star reviews. I’ve devoured books that others couldn’t stomach. Honestly, there are whole genres I can’t stand. For instance, I’ll never be a romance girlie. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to talk shit about the romance girlies. Those are still books, and they still give people joy.

So here’s the main point. Books are books. It doesn’t matter how someone is reading. Reading is always worth it. It’s always a good choice.

Live and let read, everyone.

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The best books of 2026 so far

It’s July, and the year is half over. The days already grow shorter, the nights (slightly) colder. So it’s a good time to stop, take a beat, and see where we are for 2026.

Because it’s been a hell of a year already, hasn’t it?

2026 has brought with it some surprises. Most of which have been bad, but a few have been good. One thing I didn’t plan for was the influx of new (to me) writers that I would discover. People who were not on my radar or my insta buy list before this year, but are working their way there now.

A lot of my reading this year has been horror. You can read my reviews of many of these books over on Weird Wyrlds. But, for the first time, a book of poetry snuck its way into the top ten.

So let’s get into it. Here are the top ten books I’ve read so far in 2026, rated from 10 to one. As always, I’m not going to go into a ton of detail, because I’ve already reviewed all of these books.

The Fox and The Devil by Kiersten White

This was the sapphic vampire murder mystery love story I didn’t know I needed. But my goodness, reading this book while sipping red wine was one of the highlights of my year.

Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro

This was such a cute book. Okay, it was a cute book about political uprising, dark magic, gruesome murders, and class warfare. But it also had bubble tea, cats, and sun spirits. So, overall a super cute read. Even better, it’s the start of a trilogy. So please join me in waiting for the next one.

The End of the World As We Know It by misc authors

Have you ever read The Stand by Stephen King and thought, man, this book could easily have been 800 pages longer? No, just me? Well, for the first time, King opened up one of his worlds for other authors to play in. This book is a collection of stories in the world of The Stand by some fantastic writers. Go check it out. And avoid the Walking Dude.

Can You Sign My Tentacle by Brandon O’Brien

I heard one of O’Brien’s poems read by the man himself at a Nebula conference. And it was fantastic. I’d never read a whole book of speculative poetry before. But now, I’m hooked.

Year of The Mur by L.D. Lewis

For someone like me who loved The Little Mermaid as a child and now realizes how dumb Ariel was as an adult, this book was fantastic. And, again, it’s the first of two.

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

Imagine being broke. Well, chances are you don’t really have to imagine that. But imagine being offered a house-sitting gig for the weekend for an exorbitant amount of money. But it comes with weird rules.

This book is a textbook example of actual obsessive-compulsive disorder. To say it was unsettling is an understatement.

The October Film Haunt by Michael Wehunt

The past always catches up with us. Part slasher thriller, part paranormal mind fuck, this book had me looking over my damned shoulder.

The Republic of Memory by Mahmud El Sayed

This is a fantastic political story, told from various points of view as a generational ship has to ask whether their living citizens are more important than those in cryostasis. The question is complicated, and so is the book.

I know a place by Nat Cassidy

This was a collection of short stories. And every one was better than the last. One, Laughlines, has stuck with me the most. Ugh, the visuals in that one. It will haunt you in the best way possible.

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

This is the best book I’ve read all year by far. It’s the kind of book that you read and then have to sit with. I mean, I was bawling.

This is a historical fiction about a twelve-year-old Black boy who’s sent to a reform school after kicking the son of a wealthy landowner. He soon finds out that the school is haunted by boys who never left. The ghosts are fiction. The abuse described in the book is accurate.

Read this one in the Summer heat. It’s a whole experience.

Alright, now it’s your turn. What are the best books you’ve read so far this year? Let us know in the comments.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. You can support us by liking this post, sharing it and commenting. You can also support us on Ko-fi.

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My 2026 Summer reading list

I am really trying so hard to get into Summer this year. I got a pool and a hammock. I made a Summer playlist. I’m making ribs and pasta salad for Litha. I’m really, honestly, super excited to experience the next 73 days.

Yes, I’m counting.

But alright, we’re here. It’s Summer. And since I can’t speed it up, I’m going to do what I do best.

Read. In as many places as possible.

So, of course, I’m starting the season out by sharing my reading list. Some of these are coming out this summer. Some are nostalgic re-reads. Some I just found out about during Nebula Con. All of them should help me enjoy the sunny season.

Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep By Paul Tremblay

I know, this one was on my Spring reading list. But that’s because I somehow didn’t realize it launched on June 30, not May 30th. And it still looks awesome! Digging into the morality of bodily autonomy in a dark science fiction novel? Of course, I want to read that.

The Intrigue By Sylvia Moreno-Garcia

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even read the description of this one before I pre-ordered it. That’s because Moreno-Garcia is on my Insta Buy list. And this one is about a Casanova thief who’s apparently going to run into some supernatural trouble. I can’t wait.

Also, I love that her books come out so regularly that they’re basically a Summer staple for me.

Deadly Little Lessons By Danielle Valentine

Another author you’ve probably heard me sing the praises of. I’ve yet to read a book of hers that isn’t fantastic.

This one is about a girl who ends up in a school where most of the students won’t survive the classes. So, fun!

The Reformatory By Tananarive Due

I found out about this book, and the next one on the list, during a Nebula Con panel about horror writing as resistance. I ordered these two books before the panel was even over.

The Reformatory is about a young boy named Robbie who’s put in a correctional facility for doing something that sounds like it needed to be done. Of course, the facility turns out to be terribly haunted.

The Curse of Hester Gardens By Tamika Thompson

The second book purchase, inspired by the panel, The Curse of Hester Gardens, is about a neighborhood haunted by gang violence, drugs, and the unquiet dead. It’s about a mother trying to protect her children, who may have made a terrible decision.

Fright Time Books by various authors

Alright, this one might sound strange. But Fright Time books were a big favorite of mine as a child. I recently did a whole nostalgic review of Shivers over at Weird Wyrlds, and thought it might be fun to do the same for Fright Time.

It’s also just a great reason to revisit some of my horror roots.

Not With A Bang By Temi Oh

This is an arc I’m expecting from Saga Press. It’s a fascinating-sounding book about the end of the world and how people respond to it. I am super excited to get my hands on it and tell you all about it.

SCION By James Islington

Another Saga Press arc, this one is about an assassin who’s never had any qualms about their job, until this most recent one. And, of course, he lives in a world where the rich can literally live forever.

Small detail.

The Children By Melissa Albert

Funny story. This is a late addition to this list, because I literally learned about it while checking Goodreads for book information.

Thanks, Goodreads.

This book is about a woman and her brother who had their childhoods kind of ruined by their mom’s invasive storytelling. Now, there’s something dark and terrible haunting them. The cover doesn’t seem to reflect the horrors that the reviews promise.

I need like five more sets of eyes to read all the books I want to right now. But I also want to hear from you! What are you reading this Summer? Are you loving the Summer weather or counting the days to fall like me? Let me know in the comments.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. You can support us by liking this post, sharing it and commenting. You can also support us on Ko-fi.

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The best books I read in 2025

2025 wasn’t a great year. It was, in fact, a damn hard year. But you know what? We’re not going to focus on that today. Because there was one thing 2025 was good for, and it was books.

The books that I read this year were, let me tell you, fantastic. Normally, when I do my top ten list for the year, at least some of them are old books that are just new to me. This year, every book on my list either came out this year or in 2024. So well done, everyone, keep up the good work.

I did review most of these books earlier in the year, so I won’t go into a lot of details here. I’ll leave links to the full reviews if you’d like to check them out.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Told entirely from the point of view of a little girl named Bella, this is the horrific tale of a demonic possession that rips a family apart.

Sunrise on The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

This might be the final book in the Hunger Games series. And it was fantastic. If you’ve somehow not read this, do it now. Haymitch’s story is heartbreaking at every turn.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This book was so cool. There’s witchcraft, lesbians, and Mexican ambiance. Everything one could want in a horror story. I almost wish I’d saved it for a more wintery month, as it feels like a winter horror book. So if you’re looking for something to read while the snow falls, this might be the book for you.

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

This book was fascinating. I learned so much that I didn’t really want to know about how terrible tuberculosis is, and how it really doesn’t have to be. We are choosing to let it be because, you guessed it, money and racism.

The Dead Husband’s Cookbook by Danielle Valentine

This book was fantastic. The tension was thick, the recipes were great. The subterfuge was well-layered. The cooking puns abounded.

Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix

Alright, I lied. This one actually came out in 2014. But it was a great story.

I love a good haunted house. But I don’t think we consider that other buildings and places can be haunted. Like, for instance, a big furniture store.

This book kept me entertained while I spent a lot of time traveling back and forth to different hospitals for The Darling Husband. So for that, I owe it a great debt.

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

This was one of the last books I reviewed for Haunted MTL before it closed. This book also broke my damned heart.

You all know I’m a bit obsessed with fundie families, and the Ruby Franke case in particular. I was raised in the Mormon church, the same as Ruby and Shari. And it is so good to see Shari reclaiming her voice.

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

For someone who isn’t a woman, isn’t a witch, and isn’t a pregnant teenager in the middle of the Summer in fucking Florida, Hendrix has somehow managed to capture the feeling of all of these things. I read this book in the dead of winter and felt too hot. I felt a lot of things reading this book.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

This book was fantastic. Charlie and Eve are in the middle of renovating their new home when a mysterious family shows up. It seems like a simple visit down memory lane, until their daughter vanishes into the house.

At no point did I know what the hell was going on in this book. Though I will say that I’m glad I can recognize Moris Code.

This was a debut novel, and I am incredibly jealous. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewart

This was hands down the best book I read this year.

Look, I consider myself to be a fairly ‘woke’ person. I try. I want to understand racism and what I can do to combat it. But I did not realize exactly how much of my daily life I owe to Black women. Like blue jeans, Vicks VapoRub, and pancakes. I’m also newly angry at every racist person who was mad about the Little Mermaid being Black.

I learned so much from this book. If you have any interest in American history, I highly recommend it.

So now it’s your turn. What was the best book you read this year? What books are you most looking forward to next year? Let us know in the comments.

Also, this will be my last post of the year. I’m taking next week off for some much-needed rest and family time. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday. And I’ll see you in January for another year of writing and reading.

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My winter reading list 2025/2026

Winter is almost here. Inside of me, there is still a little class kissass who loved getting a reading list. (There’s still also some strep. So if you notice any grammar issues in this post, mind your business.)

I’m especially excited about this Winter’s reading list. I’ve asked for some exciting books for Yule. And, I found two new Christmas books that might well end up on a new ‘Christmas books that aren’t romance’ post once I’ve collected enough. You can find links to those posts here, here, and here.

In the meantime, here’s what I intend to read as the weather gets cold and hopefully I recover. They’re in no specific order. Some are witchy, some are fiction. Some are new, and some are just new to me. I hope you enjoy.

A Christmas Story, by Jean Shepherd

I don’t know how I managed to miss this one for so long, especially in the annual search for Christmas books that aren’t about a meet-cute at a ski rink.

I think everyone knows this story. A middle-class family fights and loves through the holiday season, while the main character only wants a gun for Christmas. Let’s see if the book holds up to the warm fuzzy reputation of the film.

Fear Not by Anne Holt

This is a dark murder mystery about a serial killer before Christmas. Feels like a pretty common setup. But it sure is catnip to me.

You weren’t meant to be human by Andrew Joseph White

The cover caught my attention at my local library. It’s about a dark alien invasion in West Virginia. I can’t wait to dig into it.

Can you sign my tentacle by Brandon O’Brian

I was lucky enough to hear the author read some of his poetry during the recent SFWA Quasar. It’s fantastic. I had to order it right away.

The End of the World As We Know it by various authors

Someday, I hope to be a well-known enough author to be invited to something like this.

This is a collection of stories in the world of The Stand. I’ll be honest, I’ve already partially read it before I put it aside for more festive fare. What I’ve read so far is fantastic.

Star Spangled Jesus by April Ajoy

I’m still looking for other people who survived high-control religions. April is hilarious if you’re not following her already on Instagram. I can’t wait to dig into this one.

Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes and Du Mez

In the same vein as the last book. I’m finding myself increasingly angry about how America has corrupted Christianity. I’d like to know more about this.

Your favorite scary movie by Ashley Cullins

My favorite horror movie franchise is actually Paranormal Activity. But Scream is a real close second. It’s a horror series for horror fans. And, being the big old nerd that I am, I’d like to learn more about it.

The Green Witch’s Guide to Herbal Magic by Annabel Margaret

I’m not a very green witch myself. But I do love making tonics, teas, and desserts that double as spells. And that’s exactly what this book has.

I also follow Annabel on YouTube. If you want to get started in green witchcraft, her channel is the place for you.

The Bible Says So by Daniel McClellan

As I heal from my upbringing, I find myself more and more wanting to be a good Christian. Part of that is trying to understand the Bible for what it really is. So it seems like the book written by a Biblical scholar who also happens to be the most liberal Mormon I know is a great place to start.

Marie Laveau Voodoo Grimoire by Denise Alvarado

Alvarado’s first book about Mother Marie was fantastic. When I saw this book on the shelf of my local witchy shop, it was an instant buy for me. I’m very excited to read it. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Discovering Christian Witchcraft by Sara Raztresen

Again, I want to be a better Christian. For me, that means being a better Christian witch. I also think Raztresen is starting an online church in January. Stay tuned, I’ll let you know when I know.

So now it’s your turn. What are you reading this Winter? Have you read any of the books on my list? Let us know in the comments below.

By the way, Smashwords is having an end of year sale. Most of my books are half off. This one is free.

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What I’m reading, Spring 2025

Spring is here. And for once, I’m not mad at it. Winter was kind of long, kind of cold, kind of dark.

Kind of full of me helping my husband to heal from a stroke that had him out of the house in intense medical care for two months and even now has him debilitated, unable to move his right side or speak.

I’m done with Winter. And, it should surprise no one that I’m behind on my reading list for the month.

Like, real behind.

But the books I’ve read so far have left me with a deep passion to read more. Specifically, more horror. So today I’m sharing the books I plan to read this Spring. Hopefully, I can get them all in, because there are some great books here by some great authors.

As always, this is a jumbled collection in no particular order. You’ll find fiction and nonfiction. You’ll find old books and a few new releases. I am a writer, witch and horror content critic and all three of those elements of myself are on display with this reading list. Hopefully, you’ll find something on this list that will catch your fancy and make its way onto your own TBR.

Who Holds The Devil by Michael Dittman

This is the book I’m reading right now. But as I probably won’t finish it before the first day of Spring I feel alright listing it.

A tree brought down under mysterious circumstances on Halloween lets loose a horrible demon in the town of Butler. One that has been there before.

This one is fun for me because I’m from Butler. I’m sitting in Butler right now. But even if you’re not a native, it’s a damn good story.

HorrorStor by Grady Hendrix

Imagine a haunted house, but bigger. Much bigger. Like maybe a giant furniture store with funny-sounding names and demonic possessions. That’s HorrorStor.

Also, if you get a chance, this is a great book to listen to in audiobook form. It’s fun.

Fairy Herds and Mythscapes by Kerry E.B. Black

I have long said that fairies are not something to be trifled with. This collection seems to agree with me.

Incidents Around The House by John Malerman

The cover and the title caught my attention, and I couldn’t move away from it. I am a sucker for haunted houses.

By the way, I’ve never read Bird Box or seen it. If I like this one, I might check that one out. Should I? Let me know in the comments.

The Cabin at The End of The World by Paul Tremblay

If I’m being honest, I got this book from the library just because it was written by Tremblay, who also wrote Horror Movie. And that was one of the smartest books I’ve read in years. But the description of little Wen being menaced by a stranger just pulled me in. I cannot wait to read this.

The Spirit Collection of Thorn Hall by J. Ann Thomas

This feels from the description like a blend of Thirteen Ghosts and Haunting of Hill House. And I am here for it.

Sunrise on The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Do I really need to explain why I want to read this? It’s the story of Haymitch, the drunk mentor/freedom fighter from the astounding Hunger Games series. I am currently 17 on the list for this book at my local library. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

An Apostates Guide To Witchcraft by Moss Matthey

This is a book about growing from a toxic upbringing in a high-control religion and finding oneself in witchcraft. Gee, wonder why I want to read that.

Poetry As Spellcasting by Tamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill and Lisbeth White

Writing is magic. Poetry is doubly so. I’m sure this book has a lot to teach me about both.

City Witchery by Lisa Marie Basile

I’ve actually read this one before, but I feel like I need a refresher. Especially as Spring blooms and I’m going to get out into the city more. It’s easy to feel like a witch in the middle of the forest or sitting by the ocean. But in an apartment in the middle of Downtown? That’s magical too, just in a different way.

The Witching Year by Diana Helmuth

I’ve also read this one before. But it’s the sort of book that you need to read a few times to really soak it all in. It is the memoir of a modern woman who starts practicing witchcraft out of curiosity and finds a world of joy, empowerment and spiritual fulfillment.

If you’re thinking of witchcraft and wondering if it’s for you, read this book.

Sisters In Hate by Seyward Darby

I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s about the women of the alt-right, without which they wouldn’t be able to survive. They are the homemakers and cheerleaders of this dark movement. I want to understand them, so I can hopefully reach them. Maybe help them.

Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg

I’ve also been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s the memoir of one of my favorite writing teachers about her experience during the Covid lockdowns. While I was perfectly happy hunkering down at home, Goldberg is a traveler. I can only imagine how this impacted her. I want to see how she survived it.

Never Flinch by Stephen King

King wrote another Holly book. That’s all I need to know.

But it’s also about a serial killer, threatening to kill fourteen people if the police can’t stop them. Since we have some time before this book comes out, I highly suggest reading the other books Holly appears in. That would be the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, The Outsider and Holly. They’re all great.

Let The Whole Thundering World Come Home by Natalie Goldberg

Oh good, a book about chronic illness by Goldberg. That won’t feel very personal at all. This one might emotionally break me.

So now it’s your turn. What are you reading this Spring? Let us know in the comments.

Also, keep an eye out for Haunted MTL. There soon might be a brand new way to hear about the horror books I’m reading.

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My 2024/2025 Winter reading list

It’s cold outside, I don’t want to go anywhere, and there’s nothing I want to do more right now than read. This mood isn’t likely to change through most of Winter.

Which, when you think about it, is what Winter is for.

So, here’s what I plan to read during the winter of 2024, 2025. If you’ve read my planned reading lists before, you might notice this list is shorter. I have more information to come regarding this. You might also see some repeats from my last list. This is because Maggie Smith died and I had to read all of the Harry Potter books again. These things happen.

As always, this is a reading list that encompasses my many hats. I’m a writer, a witch, a horror critic, and sometimes I like to read something for fun. Hopefully, you’ll discover something here that you didn’t know about or had forgotten. If you plan to read any of these, or if you have already, let me know in the comments.

Appalachian Folklore Unveiled by Darkness Prevails

I’m all about folklore and legends. And, of course, I live in Northern Appalachia. So this book looks right up my alley.

Also, I discovered this book exists because it was featured on my local library’s website. Get involved with your local library, my friends. The benefits are endless.

Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg

I recently discovered a treasure trove (like, four) of Natalie Goldberg books I’ve never read. And through a series of events, most of which sucked, I’ve only read one of them so far. But this one is about her struggles with writer’s block during Covid lockdowns. I can’t imagine Natalie Goldberg having writer’s block, so this one is near the top of my list.

The Morrigan by Courtney Weber

I’ve already read a book by this author about Hekate. It was fantastic, faith-affirming, and packed with information I did not have.

I’ve been fascinated by The Morrigan since reading Mists of Avalon as a child. I know, that’s pretty basic but there it is. So I can’t wait to learn more about Her.

Long Quiet Highway by Natalie Goldberg

This was originally published in 1993, and it’s about Goldberg’s journey as a student of Zen Buddism. It also feels like it’s going to be about America. I’ll let you know after I read it.

Poetry as spell casting byTamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill, Lisbeth White

Honestly, the title says it all. Art is witchcraft and vice versa for me. So using poetry as spell casting is right up my witchy little ally.

This book is also about bringing about good changes in the world. Which I think we could use right now.

An Apostate’s Guide to Witchcraft by Moss Matthey

Any of my very Christian readers might worry about this one. But it’s about a topic that I need some help with, healing religious wounds and trauma. Because Jesus loves me, but the church of my childhood did not. Or, at least it wasn’t a healthy love.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

I actually don’t know a lot about this book except that it’s a dark, cold wintery haunted house story. And it must be damn well popular because I have been on the waiting list at my library for it forever. Watch Haunted MTL, I’ll be reviewing it as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Who holds the devil by Michael Dittman

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at a local author’s event. He seems like a dear. And when he talked about this book, I had just one question for him. Is the witch the good guy? When he said yes, I had to read it.

Also, it’s about a tree that was holding back an ancient evil in my hometown. I also wrote about trees holding back an ancient evil. Obviously, I had to read it. Again, watch Haunted MTL for the review.

Fairy Heards and Mythscapes by Kerry E.B. Black

I also met Kerry at the same author’s event, and we swapped books. I always love someone else who understands that fairy’s are dangerous and should be treated with respect and caution. Can’t wait to crack into this one.

Witchcraft for wayward girls by Grady Hendrix

Two of my favorite writers are putting out books this year about witchcraft. I know it isn’t just for me, but I like to think it’s a little bit for me.

This is a story about a pregnant teenager sent to a school for girls in that situation, who learns witchcraft as a way to take back control of her life. Relatable.

We’ll prescribe you a cat by Syou Ishida and Madison Shimoda

This one is way different than anything else on this list, as it is not horror and still fiction. Essentially it’s a story about lonely people who are, for many reasons, given a cat. I have two, and a dog, and I can tell you they’ve saved me during some dark times.

Never underestimate the power of pets.

This one’s probably going to make me ugly cry on public transportation.

Don’t let the forest in by C.G. Drews

Finally, I put this book on my to-read list because Bookstagram will not shut up about it. Then, of course, there’s the cover.

This seems to be a story about a writer and artist who accidentally birth monsters. Which, you know, sounds like catnip to me.

And, again, have you seen the cover?

So that’s the plan. I hope to get through all of these books and find that they lived up to the hype.

Now it’s your turn. What are you reading this winter? Let us know in the comments.

You can find all of these books, and follow along with everything I’m reading on Goodreads.

If you love what you see here and want to support Paper Beats World, you can do so on Ko-fi.

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The best books I’ve read in 2024 (so far)

June is nearly done, and we’re heading into the second half of 2024. Somehow I’m not as excited about the latter months as I normally am. It’s almost like something is lurking in November that’s going to suck a whole lot of emotional energy out of my life and cause a bunch of stress.

Strange.

But we don’t have to talk about that today. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on the best books I’ve read this year so far. Sadly, I haven’t read as much as I would have liked. But what I’ve lacked in quantity I have made up for in quality. I have read some very, very good books so far in 2024.

As always, this list is set up from number ten to number one. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction. All were well worth a read.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

You know this is going to be a good list when the last one, the one that barely got in, is the Stephen King book.

I did a whole review of this book on Haunted MTL so I won’t rehash that here. Suffice it to say, this short collection was great. My favorite story was Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream. It was fantastic.

Ghost Hunters by Ed and Lorraine Warren

This was a fascinating read. The Warrens discuss some of their best-known cases clinically and insightfully. I learned a lot.

The Mighty Goddess by Sally Pomme Clayton and Sophie Herxheimer

This book told some fantastic stories about goddesses. Some I’d heard of before. Some I am very familiar with. Some I’d never heard of before. If mythology and deities are a passion for you, this book is a must-read.

Undoctored by Adam Kay

This is a follow-up to a book we’ll be talking about later in this post. If you haven’t heard of him, and you haven’t read my Christmas Books That Aren’t Romance series, Adam Kay was a doctor in the UK. Now he writes about why he is no longer a doctor in the UK, among other things. This book is a collection of stories about his life as a doctor, and his life after leaving. It is funny, but it’s also incredibly dark. Be warned.

Art Magick by Molly Roberts

This isn’t the sort of book you read cover to cover. It’s a collection of art spells, most of which I’ve completed.

If you are a witch, or just artsy, get this book. The crafts are accessible and fun. The art in the book is so colorful and fantastic. I love everything about this book.

Rift by Cait West

Escaping from a high-demand religion is something I understand. But I had it easy. Cait had it far worse. Her father was a pastor, and she was forced into a special form of purgatory known as being a stay-at-home daughter. Everything in Cait’s life was controlled by her father. This book was harrowing, but it was also inspiring. It seems to say that you can get out. You can live how you want to live. I loved that.

This is going to hurt by Adam Kay

See, I told you we’d get there. This is Going to Hurt is the first book by Adam Kay. It’s a sometimes lighthearted, sometimes dark, always funny look at being a doctor in the UK. I learned some things I didn’t want to know. I heard some stories that stuck with me. I also heard some stories of things being stuck in the human body that should never have been there.

Bone by Jeff Smith

I’ve read Bone before, but it’s been a while. If it’s been a while for you, please go and read it today. It’s a good thing to read in the summer.

Bone, if you haven’t read it, is a wonderful story of an unlikely hero, a hidden princess and dragons. It’s everything you want in a good story. The artwork is funny to look at, and beautiful at the same time.

The Hacienda by Isabel Canas

This book was sold as a cross between Rebecca and Mexican Gothic. This was catnip to me. Realizing one of the main characters was a Catholic priest and a witch was just homemade buttercream icing on the cake.

I did a whole post about why this book works, so I won’t take a lot of time here. But it was a fantastic book that blended a great haunted house story with a sweepingly beautiful picture of Mexico. If you haven’t read it, go read it.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White

This is, by far, the best book I read this year. And it kind of wrecked me for like a month after I read it.

I reviewed this book on Haunted MTL, so again I don’t want to rehash that here. But the clear analogy, like smack you in the face clear, to the religion I was raised in, was almost too much. I bawled while reading this book. If you are healing from the LDS church specifically, but any high control group in general, this book might help you heal. Or it might point out how much healing you have left to do. For me, it did both.

But it’s also a fantastic story. The tale of a group of child stars coming back together for a reunion and recovering not just their scars but also their deep and pure friendships is touching and terrifying. Overall, this is the kind of book I want to be writing. It was perfect.

So that’s it for today. These are the books I have enjoyed the most this year. Will any of them be on my end-of-the-year roundup? Only time will tell.

What is your favorite book that you’ve read this year? Let us know in the comments.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you love what we do here, please like and share this post. You can also support us financially on Ko-fi.

Man in The Woods is now available for preorder on Smashwords!

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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.

Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you want to support us financially, you can do so on Ko-fi. Or, you can like and share this post.

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