Space Station Mir

August was an excellent reading month. I got to read some hotly anticipated books for review, and I had a few intriguing book club reads. My favorite part of book club is when I enjoy a book I would never have chosen myself--or even if it's just a good book to discuss. Books Read in August 2025 Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller (Book club read)--An ensemble novel centered around a Little Free Library with undercover banned books--it's wrapped up a little too neatly and the characters are a little too black-and-white, but definitely a comforting take on the issues in our country in miniature. Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders (Read for review from the author)--Loved this moody, melancholy, and beautiful novel, an ode to 18th century British women writers, fraught mother-daughter relationships, and the nature of reputation in our world.  Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland (Other book club read)--Interesting ethical conundrum--3 s...

  Happy Top Ten Tuesday! This fun topic was chosen by Hopewell's Public Library of Life. I also got a little creative with the idea of "occupation," but I do think all of these genuinely fit, even if some are a bit fantastical! Books With Occupations in the Title The Fire Apprentice by Jane Buehler--A cozy fantasy romance I highly recommend (as long as you're ok with spice)--the title could refer to two characters who become blacksmith's apprentices--or to a character who becomes apprenticed to a fire-breathing dragon to learn to control her fire magic. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb--Probably needs no introduction to most fantasy readers; the title character is exactly what it sounds like! The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro--The fictional muralist in question works for the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s in NYC. The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro--Maybe not a technically legal occupation but the eponymous character really does make her living as an...