Reading Rec: Broken Country
Commerical Literary Fiction for the Win!
At last year’s LA Times Festival of Books, while I was perusing the booth of an indie publisher, the woman working the booth asked me, “What kind of books do you like to read?” The question stumped me. I froze, mouth agape, deer in headlights. I’m embarrassed to admit that at such a loss for what to say, I turned to my husband for the answer. Maybe he knew what I liked to read?
Over the past year, I’ve thought about this humiliating moment. Why couldn’t I answer her? I realized, like many writers, I often choose critically-acclaimed books so I can study their craft. I also read what will best position me to support my clients, and so I read across genres and categories: literary fiction, memoir, thriller, fantasy romance, science fiction, historical fiction, YA, the list goes on. I read to learn and for work and professional development. But… what do I like to read?
After devouring Clare Leslie Hall’s Broken Country, I’ve made a discovery, or probably more of a rediscovery: I like reading commercial fiction! Or commercial literary fiction, rather. Or upmarket fiction, as it’s popularly known. Whatever you call it, it makes for propulsive reading and it’s so fun! Now I’m asking another question: Why don’t I read it more often? I’ll keep reading the important stuff, the literary award-winners like Percival Everet’s James, Kebah Akbar’s Martyr! and All Fours by Miranda July, but I can get bogged down in the serious stuff. Whereas… oh my god, Broken Country is romance, mystery, and a thriller, all in one. Now I’m tearing through The Wedding People by Alison Espach. One is a Reese’s Book Club pick, the other is a Read with Jenna selection. Both have been optioned for film adaptations. (These women are on to something!) Each has strong elements of literary fiction and is notably well written, but they are pleasurable reads, a good time!
I’d love to know what you most enjoy reading. In these darkening times, I encourage you to read indulgently, for enjoyment and escapism. Read to feel love, happiness, heartbreak, grief, fear, and surprise. Read to get carried away. But, and, also… since I am a writing coach, let me quickly add that Broken Country is a great example of how to structure a novel between two timelines and how to build suspense. In The Wedding People yet, the dialogue is particularly good. Enjoy!
When you work with me as your 1:1 writing coach, part of the package is receiving book recs from me. I’ll also support you in putting together your reading list. Read on!