Books read:
*The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs
*Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery
*Miss Emily by Nuala O’Connor
*So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
*Re Jane by Patricia Park
*In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
*The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza
Happy Sunday everyone! (And a belated Happy June!)
I can’t say May was the easiest or best month that I’ve had, but I think this is a time in my life where I’ll look back on and realize that it was a really important one. For one thing, I officially started publishing school! Publishing has always been something that I’ve been excited about, so it made sense for me to take the next step and learn what it’s all about. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, as well as meet like-minded classmates that will hopefully turn into future colleagues. It’s been a lot of fun! We’re doing something called “Pub Fight” right now, which is a fantasy football-esque game for books. ‘Nuff said.
Reading-wise, I slowly but steadily read 7 books this month. I actually had no idea I’d read this much until putting this post together! It’s so funny how that happens sometimes. I had another month of great reading. I’ve stuck to my goal of reading more non-fiction this year, and read two non-fiction books this month. The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy made me squee, and So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed offered a really interesting take on how online shaming affects those involved. Fiction-wise, In The Unlikely Event was a stand-out, but I could have told you that even before reading it. I grew up reading Judy Blume, and I loved that this novel, while intended for adults, included younger voices. I read Re Jane while intense things were happening in my life, and I’ll be forever grateful for its ability to distract me from said things. It’s a modern Jane Eyre retelling set in New York and Seoul featuring a Korean-American protagonist, and I loved it a lot. Reviews for these books to come!
How was your May? Here’s to warmer weather, and a happy month of June reading!
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Hope June proves to be an “easier” month for you! Can’t wait to hear more about your publishing classes!
Thank you so much, Lisa! I’m sure I’ll have lots to share!
Wow, I’ve been out of school for a year and I already miss the classroom! I’m thinking of looking into this publishing program for distance education! Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s amazing! Let me know if you end up doing it! I’d love to hear how distance ed is like!
Congratulations on finishing school! It sounds like you had a great month even though you had so much going on – so excited to hear good things about Re Jane!
Thank you, Shannon! Have you read Re Jane yet? I loved that it was obviously an homage to Jane Eyre, but was distinct enough to stand on its own!
Congratulations! That sounds so exciting. To be able to do something you love and be it your career to boot, is precious. Good luck! I’m also curious to read Re Jane. I think it’s very interesting! Have a great June!
Thank you! I’m definitely hoping to have a full review of it soon! Hope you’re having a great June so far 🙂
Sounds like you had a good month. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on In The Likely Event!
I’m so worried about overhyping it, but I loved it!
Congratulations on starting Publishing School – very exciting news! You also did a lot of great reading. I’ve been hearing good things about Re Jane and The Unlikely Event, so I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on them. I’ve also had my eye on Miss Emily – how did that one go?
I actually had never heard of Re Jane until I read it (oops) so I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts! Miss Emily was a good book, but it wasn’t my favourite. The tone and the language were gorgeous – so poetic to match Dickinson’s – but I was hot and cold when it came to the plot.
Good to know – thanks!
You’ll love pub school. Try to do as many internships as possible. That’s the way to get a job! I got to work at HarperCollins when I was at Ryerson. So great.
I’m going to be starting my Masters in Publishing in September, so I’ll be joining you at the school thing.
That’s awesome! I’d love to intern if I get the chance! I bet working at HarperCollins was amazing. That’s so exciting that you’re doing a Masters! I can’t wait to hear all about it 🙂
Congrats on starting publishing school! I’m sure you’ll learn a ton and make some great connections!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to learning more! 😀
I read the sample of In the Unlikely Event and it didn’t really do it for me, so I didn’t spring for the whole book. But, sounds like you think I should reconsider?
I really liked it because I always get incredibly attached to Blume’s adolescent characters. Also, while we know that there will be multiple “unlikely events,” Blume spreads it out in a way that you never know when it’s going to happen. I think that kept me on my toes and kept me feeling super invested!
That picture is stunning.
Ahh thank you 🙂
I’d like to read the Judy Blume book. Happy June reading!
I hope you do! I’d love to hear what you think of it. Happy June reading! 🙂
Congrats on starting publishing school, Karen. I remember us talking about it at a book event and I’m so glad you took the plunge! I hope it is going well for you 😀
Happy reading this month! Miss Emily is so good! 😀
Thank you, Christine! I’m really enjoying it so far 🙂 I hope I can see you at an event soon!
Congratulations on starting school! I’m headed in that direction soon (not publishing school, but grad school too) and am glad you were able to get in so much good reading – it’s reassuring, hah! Looking forward to the reviews, and happy June reading.
Good luck with grad school! It’s always exciting to go to school for something you love. And about the reading time, commuting is my friend! That, and lunch breaks 😉
Are you taking part in the #BlumeAlong? It might be up your alley, if you grew up on Blume!
Glad you had such a fantastic reading month. 🙂