Read and become someone else

“It’s funny how books can change you. You open up a book and one minute you are who you’ve always been, then you read some random passage and you become someone else.” --Brian Joyce

Back off, book banners: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) recently signed the Freedom to Read law, which aims to keep book bans out of public schools and libraries. The law not only establishes a transparent process for reviewing library material, it also protects the librarians and educators who make selections. “Books open doors for students to explore new ideas, deepen their understanding of the world and develop the critical thinking skills they need to succeed,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Our schools should encourage that curiosity and give students access to books that challenge them, inspire them and help them grow as learners. This law affirms that commitment and supports the educators and librarians who make those opportunities possible every day.” (The Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

Not available on Amazon: MacKenzie Scott, billionaire philanthropist, author and ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is releasing her third novel, “Last Days in Two Nations: A History in Eighteen Minds,” serially on Substack. (Fortune)

Talking about why literature matters: Former President Barack Obama will launch a new podcast on Sept. 24 about the books that have meant the most to him. “A Great Book With Barack Obama” will also feature six special guests to talk about the highlighted titles. “I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world,” Obama said in a statement. (People Magazine)

So many books: The Moonlight Reader Society has featured more than 500 books since it launched in 2024. If you’re looking for something fabulous to read, check out this list.

Bookish state of mind: What is your favorite book that is set in California? Let me know here, and I’ll create a list for fellow Society members.

Major reading milestone: Nehemiah Turner recently became the first child to spend 100 hours reading books to the animal residents of the Jacksonville Humane Society in Jacksonville, Fla. Since 2024, the 11-year-old boy has been participating in the Pawsitive Reading program, which helps kids build their literacy skills and has been shown to lower the animals’ stress levels. (A Bit of Good News)

Horror, crime and family drama: Starz is developing a TV series based on “Bone Parish,” a graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Jonas Scharf. The story focuses on a drug called “The Ash,” which allows users to connect to the memories of the dead. The Winters family are the only ones in New Orleans who know how to make the drug, which makes them a prime target for other criminal syndicates. (Variety)

Time to travel: Australian author Jaclyn Moriarty recently announced that time travel books are “having a moment” – not surprising since she writes such stories. But I was thrilled to read her claim because time travel is one of my favorite genres. If you also enjoy traveling to the past or the future, or are curious about doing so, check out this list of eight adult and children’s books she’s curated to help readers get started. I’ve already requested her novel “Time Travel for Beginners” from my local library. (People Magazine)

Bookmark love: What’s between your pages? Take a photo of your bookmark or placeholder, send it my way and explain why you love it. I may share your image/thoughts in a future issue.

What I’m reading: “Coroner” by Dr. Thomas T. Noguchi with Joseph DiMona, “The Bookbinder’s Secret” by A.D. Bell, “The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations From a Family Farm” by Rosamund Young, “Did I Ever Tell You This?” by Sam Neill, “Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure” by Rhys Bowen and “Alchemy of Secrets” by Stephanie Garber

The Moonlight Reader Society is a reader-supported newsletter featuring book news and reviews, interviews, reading quotes, polls and more. New issues come out every Friday, and subscriptions are free. If you want to support my work, paid subscriptions are only $5/month or $50/year. Everyone who purchases a subscription will also receive extra subscriber content, gain full access to the archives and be automatically entered into a monthly giveaway for bookish prizes.

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It began the usual way, in the bathroom of the Lassimo Hotel.

Bookshop.org

Rating System:

* * * * * One of the best books I've read in a while

* * * * A wonderful book, recommended

* * * Good book, worth the read

* * This book was fine, but not my favorite

* This book wasn’t for me

Not my favorite, but still very interesting. This one taps into Gerritsen’s Chinese ancestry, depicting a murder with some mythological elements that keep you guessing. --Nikki Clark

Rating: * * * 1/2 stars

Bookshop.org

Finally broke down and bought an air fryer because it was too hot to use the oven. This cookbook helped me avoid making rookie mistakes. --Jade Walker

Rating: * * * * stars

Bookshop.org

FMI: Click here.

August is: Romance Awareness Month

August 15 is National Relaxation Day

August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day

August 18 is Bad Poetry Day and Serendipity Day

August 21 is Poet’s Day

Thanks to Roma, Unsplash, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Last Days in Two Nations, Fortune, Apple News, People Magazine, Topher’s Library, YouTube, A Bit of Good News, Variety, The End Files, the American Library Association, Holidays Calendar, National Today, National Day Calendar, A Wandering Scribbler, Good Good Good, The Tearoom, Canva and Deposit Photos for art and story suggestions. Note: Generative AI was not used during the ideation, creation or publication of this newsletter.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and Amazon and earn a commission when you click these links and make a purchase. Thank you for being so supportive!

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