Thinking about books for Guerrilla Readers: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate-Naomi Klein; What You Should Know About Politics But Don't: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter-Jessamyn Conrad; Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism-Rachel Maddow; Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace- Elizabeth Neumann; The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It-Robert Reich
Thanks--all good suggestions, Donna, a couple on the list already (Maddow, Klein). I missed Reich's book--glad to see it. Question: do you think the Neumann book is likely to overlap Jesus and John Wayne (one of my personal favorites)?
I haven't read either so not sure. It looks like the Neumann book offers for suggestions to counter the extremism so does Jesus and John Wayne also do that? Likely there will be overlap.
Susan, what do you think of reading Jennifer Rubin's book "Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy from Donald Trump"? It is about the years between 2016 and 2020. It is available via Amazon in all formats, and both audio and eBook via Libby . I have always liked her take on things in DC. I have not read this book and don't know how others might feel about her views. I am also wondering what it is like to work at the Washington Post these day?
As a side note, I am into my 3rd week of watching very little TV news. Seriously taking a break from it. Steve Schmidt's Substack has kept me abreast of the recent 'Morning Joe' debacle. I am almost in a 'you guys carry on for me' frame of mind. There is rarely any relevant news about nature, climate, environment even when a good portion of the country/hemisphere/world is experiencing huge so-called 'natural disasters'. Everyone ignores such events unless it happens to them. Powerful people go on blowing people and things up with their weapons like that was what was important. I hear the good things people are saying about BlueSky.com, but I think I will wait and see how it pans out before jumping onboard. The good news is that giving-up TV news has freed-up a lot of time for other things! Like reading the books for the book club! :-)
I LOVE your China Bayles series. I own all of the books. The only thing I wish there was more of in the series was diversity - racial and otherwise. I am looking forward to discussions in your proposed book club. I think I will get notices of them?? I am still gobsmacked by the election of Trump. I am heavily involved in discussions about what WE can do and in contact with my senators and representatives about what THEY'RE doing. I'm interested in what your reading group will uncover. I have my own theories, but I always look to what others think to mold and improve said theories.
Yes, not diverse enough--the whole genre suffers from that deficiency, especially the longest running series (those that began in the 80s and 90s). You'll have to look to other series for that.
It's my sense (and I'm not alone) that Trump's marginal victory is a product of many different forces, not just the cult charisma of one flawed man. Guerrilla Readers will try to get at as many as we can, from as many angles as we can. I hope you'll join us, Carolyn.
I REALLY want to (join you) - is there something I need to know to do that?
Actually ONE of the longest running series by Donna Andrews has always included regular Black characters - the Chief of Police and his wife who leads the local Baptist Gospel Choir. It's true she didn't start until 1999, but there are at least 36 books in her Meg Langslow series. That's what it's called although EVERY TITLE in her series involves BIRDS - "Murder With Peacocks" was the first and the trend continues to this day.
I will say I love her books (I have all 36 and have read them all) - but (DON'T TELL ANYONE) particularly when I don't want to have to think about the plot or the characters. Ha Ha. Everyone is virtually a Perfect Person in her books, EXCEPT the victim. Invariably I just pick out the nastiest character immediately and they always wind up getting the ax.
I love your series because they're interesting, historical, and INFORMATIVE. But I have diverse tastes. I *LIKE* diversity - it's how I've lived most of my life - it's so much more interesting!!
Carolyn, have to tell you that I will look for Meg Langslow's books now. In part because some years ago while staying at a friends cabin, I had the experience of being worried sick that I was hearing a woman being tortured... or worse! Only to find out the next morning that I had heard their pet peacock!!! Anyone who has heard peacocks will know what I experienced. Totally with you on diversity! One only has to wake up to the kindness of stranger, to realize we do better together. That native Indian man who got up out of bed to help change my mother's flat tire. The 2nd generation American/Japanese woman whom I barely knew, who introduced me to the local business owners when I started my business. The Vietnamese waitress who always remembered me with her beautiful smile. I need people to wake up and enjoy one-another!
As I have explained here before, light enjoyable reading has gotten me through some tough times. In my opinion, it's another way that people have of sharing their kindness. I like to stretch my noodle, too. But never hurts to know there are caring, funny and likeable people in the world.
I just want to drop in a book I heard about today that may be of interest for next year. It was mentioned in the Washington Post Book Club.
Russell Muirhead, who teaches at Dartmouth, and Nancy Rosenblum, who teaches at Harvard, just published an illuminating — and alarming — book called “Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos” (Princeton University Press).
Penny, thanks for this. I'm adding it to the "suggested" list because of its price. There's no paperback, libraries may be slow to acquire, and the hardcover is pricey. Let's keep an eye on it--maybe more accessible in later 2025. And by that time, the Trump administration will have begun to demonstrate what they're likely to dismantle.
Anyone interested in reading one of the Mary Trump's books? I know some people do not like her. But, I have found her history of how DJT was raised a bit of an eye opener into how he acts today. Though she has more recent books, "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" may be useful. Not quite so challenging, but could be new information for some about just how lacking in any kind of warmth he was raised.
Sandy, I've read Too Much--yes, interesting. But if you're thinking of her work for Guerrilla Readers, I'd say probably not, unless something changes or an important new book comes out that illuminates the current situation. I think most of us will get enough Trump-focused material on the media over the next four years.
I understand. If only we could see how the taking in of information is so different by those who like him and those who hate him. There appears to be very little sharing of the watering holes.
Sandy, I’m with you on war books, especially WWII and even more if they’re busy extolling the comradeship, glory etc. and ignoring the constant dread, incessant noise, carnage…though have read one or two I liked. Glad you’ve caught up with the Beatrix potter series, I love the Sawrey area so find great comfort in that alone, but also enjoy how Susan has blended the animals into the narrative. Have you read the Robin Paige series? Also historical, including some well-known people in the narrative (Susan’s collaboration with Bill).
Oh, Sandy, I do understand! I was not quite a year old when WWII started, our London flat was bombed very early on and we went to live near relations in the Thames Valley, not far from Reading, which was bombed regularly because there was a big railway marshalling yard there. So some childhood memories include the sound of air raid sirens, the drone of planes overhead, searchlights and explosions and gunfire in the distance. Not even close to The Blitz, but quite enough! I’m sure you’ll love the Robin Paige series - a change of pace, but the same engaging characters and the freshness and attention to detail we have come to expect.
Hi Lynne, I have been saving the Robin Paige series for a treat. It does sound interesting! Thanks for understanding why I let other people read and write about war. It is not that I am not thankful for those who have fought for the rest of us to go on. It is just hard to keep myself on this side of the page and not be in the desperate situations of war when being reminded of how it takes place.
I’m late this week, so much going on! What a pleasure, Susan, to decompress a bit and read about China, Pecan Springs and all. I’ve wondered about series writing, the comfort of a framework in place versus the possible boredom of being restricted in some ways. In your case there is constant change within the framework - tensions between characters, focus moving from China and Ruby to other Pecan Springs people, travel outside the ‘zone’ and a sense of freshness with each new story. I’m certain this is not as easy as you make it look! The same applies to the Beatrix Potter series, and Robin Paige - and no doubt excursions into completely different eras/worlds help refresh the outlook. And Pecan Springs as a character is exactly right, familiar but always more to learn about and explore. I find this in others series - the Cotswolds for Rebecca Tope or the Dordogne for Martin Walker, for example. Interesting about readership - my brother is also a mystery reader but objects to anything involving relationships, cooking, everyday life. Much more ‘just the facts, ‘ma’am’ 😁
Yes, poor Conan Doyle painted himself into a corner for sure. Agree about the Brit writers, must have been difficult initially but they trail-blazed. Now thank goodness the ‘other’ perspective is everywhere, as you say. I can think of a couple of writers I stopped reading because they started writing the same book over and over. You DO NOT do this, Susan! Trust all your many loyal readers/friends 😁
I have to say (quickly--we both have other things to do) that the plants suggested certain themes (bloodroot, for instance, or Queen Anne's Lace) and the themes suggested plots. Plants are evocative in ways that--say, letters of the alphabet, as title prompts--are not. With different plants setting different themes, the books won't be a repeat.
Yes, mystery is a big tent! Noir, PI, police procedurals, legal, espionage, Western--mostly male dominated, just the facts ma'am. You Brits allowed the women in earlier than we did (Agatha Christy, Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh), --but once we American women got in, we were in to stay. And not all cozies, either.
In a long-running series, it truly is difficult to avoid repetitive plot lines, formulaic tropes, canned scenes. I'm glad you found my work to be fresh. I've always reached for that--never wanted to feel "trapped," as Conan Doyle did, by his Holmes and Watson. 🤨
Have to say I agree with Lynne about how you keep each book fresh with new situations and characters. Love that! I am okay with the focus and local changing to accommodate the development of a story.
Ok! I'm in! Also, I feel we need a connection to our natural environment. So I am suggesting Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and also her new book that just dropped yesterday, Serviceberry. I listen to Heather Cox Richardson every day and have shared her posts every day since 2019. I also bought her audio book while I was reading this so that I can hopefully keep up.
Thank you Susan for this Guerrilla bookclub. I feel it will be a place to share information and education and to help each other get through this. Yes, it is quite like holding each others hands as we walk down a darkened street moving from one streetlight to the next until the sun comes up again. Calming each others fears, hopefully.
Serviceberry is on the list, but we'll also be looking for titles on global warming. I'm also thinking of this title: On the Move: The Overheating Earth and the Uprooting of America. by Abrahm Lustgarten. It deals with both climate change and its impact on the economy as well as on individual lives. Glad you'll be with us!
My thought about holding hands: more like having someone's friendly hand to clutch as we all (collectively) walk off that (climate) cliff. Did I say that global warming is at the top of my Worry List?
Thinking more about books for the club and as several have posted here, a deep dive into how media has changed and its influence on the politics and culture. Perhaps a book on media literacy?
I follow several left-leaning Substacks and they are envisioning a new media by abandoning the legacy and corporate/billionaire owned media and countering the right's propaganda machine. This is fascinating especially in a time where many are getting their news through social media. I will ask and research about a book in that area.
Susan: Are you ok with me promoting the book club in my Substack this weekend? I don't know if you want to keep the numbers low?
Yes, promote if you choose--and thank you. We may have quite a few to start with, but these won't be easy books. I'm expecting many dropouts along the way.
My thought: "assign" one book but offer (and collect from readers) a list of related books/websites they can dig into if they want to take the subject further.
Attack Within Disinformation sounds like it would fit the topic.
I know you want to get a complete list of topics and books by Feb. but I wonder if just a 4 month list to start might be better. Our reading and discussion will surely lead to more topics and book suggestions. (Don't mean to alter or hijack your plan or thinking!).
I do think that racism, misogyny and otherism are key factors - falling under the blanket of patriarchy. There's tons of writing on this so need time to think about a good book.
Each election I am reminded how exclusive the concerns are - for decades (probably since the 1960s, poverty and poor people have been absent from the election rhetoric. Rev. Benjamin Barber of the Poor People's Party has been vocal about this. I wonder how many of the 93 million Americans who didn't vote live in poverty.
Sue, it seems so obvious that our lack of equality in education in this country has a lot to do with why poor people are out of the loop with things like voting. I never hear of civics classes being taught. Here in Washington state, in particular, in King County - home to Seattle, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon there is a critical shortfall of money for the public schools. So much so that each year 2-5 schools have had to close their doors in recent years. Forcing kids to travel to attend other schools. The opportunities for classes in things like art, music, even gym classes are falling away. Of course the schools in the wealthiest neighborhoods, remain untouched! I just became aware that the lunch period in the new crammed schools are served in shifts and can be as little as 20 minutes. Even in elementary school. And this includes standing in line to be served and taking bathroom breaks! UGH! Isn't it enough that kids have to live in fear of intruders in our schools!?! Is this some type of training of the underclass to just keep working and scraping the money together to pay for your needs. We haven't got time for you to develop into fully fledged human beings. Let alone learn about voting.
If you can find a copy, I highly rec The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto. Our modern public education program was designed to produce industrial workers and this effort was heavily influenced by the wealthy industrialists. Factory work did not require well-read critical thinkers; workers needed to accept their future lots in life as factory workers.
In 1997, I completed a Master in Teaching with a K-8 endorsement. I lasted exactly one year in the public school system. I worked at the second poorest school in my county (measured by free lunches) that also had the largest immigrant populations - we had over 30 first languages in our school. I witnessed exactly what you described and worse if you were student who didn't speak English. My mentor teacher did not teach science because she explained quietly that these kinds of children don't need science. The teacher in the room next to me spent her days yelling and shaming 4th graders, including making them stand in the corners of the classroom. It was the most disillusioning experience of my life. I quit after that year and returned to the community college as an academic advisor.
Even in higher ed, there are real problems. My community college removed the development of a citizen in a democratic system as one of its pillars of education. They removed the required US History courses for AA. There was terrible bias against trades and vocational technology. The GED program and ESL programs were off campus in a shabby old building and when I was tasked with coordinating pathways for these students to move to the main campus to continue their education, I was asked by the VP assistant "Why would we want those losers here?" My response was: GED completers are fully cabable and I know this because I quit high school to complete my GED." Few people knew this about me because I was fully aware of the classism and bias in higher ed.
This might be a good topic for the book club! Sorry for my rant, Sandy, - it's a subject I am passionate about.
Sue, the problem with using Gatto's 2000 book for a reading group is that most libraries won't have a copy--and many of my SS readers will be using library books. They might get it ILL, but they'd have to wait. I don't know of a similar recent alternative. This is more historically oriented: A Perfect Mess: The Unlikely Ascendancy of American Higher Education (2017) by David F. Labaree And this is good (interesting, even mildly controversial) but it's 2013 (written out of early-century experience). COVID changed everything, from pre-school to post-doc.
Yes - I didn't think my suggested book was a good one for the club but the topic of education in general. I will search around a bit to see if there is a more recent book about democracy and education e.g. John Dewey ideas .
Sue, so glad you spoke up about your experience! Total respect for going back and getting your GED. I have a sister who also did this and is glad that she did. After reading your teaching experience, I wish there was a way we could go back and see how many of those kids are voters today. It seems so unlikely that they would feel it would matter, let alone feel welcome to vote. Dems need to shine a light on ALL of this. Including what is happening to school and public libraries! UGH! Thanks for the book reference. I have noted it!
My son (now 62) got his GED at 22, did well in all his college work, and went on to a technical education and his own carpenter business. We need more trades/vocational education!
I just happened on this New York Times article about Substack, which I find worrisome and thought you should know of what it says. You may need to be a NYT subscriber to view it.
My first reaction to reading this is it is a hit piece on Substack. The tone is so biased and negative that I had to check to see if it was an op-ed! Substack is young and growing, attracting a great diversity of writers, readers and topics. I do think that Substack's growth will be limited not by its model or voices but by the reluctance of citizens to engage in deeper thinking. I am thrilled with the diversity, access and thoughtful participants! And so thankful that they resisted Musk the Destroyer! Thanks for posting this article, Sandy. I have greatly reduced my NYT reading this past month.
Nothing is ever perfect, Sandy. The writers I'm in frequent touch with here are content--some of us even quite satisfied. For myself, I can say that Substack offers all the support I could ask for, and more. It's the right place for me, at this point in my writing life.
Susan, I know you have said that Substack is working for you. It is part of why I posted the link. I was not aware that Musk had been interested in buying Substack. Or. their financial weakness. I am aware of the reshuffling towards a political format. With all that is going on in the world that seemed ... timely. I had noticed that people like Bannon were lurking. I had hoped that since Substack is based outside of the US, we might be shielded from these types of threats to the platform. I was sad to see little mention in the article of the people and things many of us come here for, like the environment, sharing of cultures world views, art and women's and senior's topics. Substack is the only social media I participate in because I have not trusted the other formats. I will be watching to see how Substack' s financial viability plays out. Sad to say, with the interest in 'woke topics' and people of many cultures getting along well, it is likely to be targeted by the incoming administrations.
I enjoyed reading about the backstory of the China Bayles series. I am fascinated by your idea for the Guerrilla Readers book club. I am tired of grimacing at the evening news and am ready to do something constructive. This is it!
A fascinating detailed explanation of writing a cozy series. My one question is what process do you use for keeping all these threads organized and detailed?You do an extraordinary job of preventing little "oops" as the series continues.
That's one of the hardest things about a long-running series, Georgeann. I've had my share of "oops" but thankfully, they've been minor. When I was writing Nancys, there was a "series bible" (names, places, hair color, car model, favorite things, etc). It would have been easier if I had done that, but by the time I realized there would be more than the original 3 books, it was already pretty late in the game. Luckily, by that time I was using Word and all the MSS were searchable. So if I needed a detail, I could do a key-word search. For anything larger, I just had to rely on memory--fallible, as we all know. 😗
Thinking about books for Guerrilla Readers: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate-Naomi Klein; What You Should Know About Politics But Don't: A Nonpartisan Guide to the Issues That Matter-Jessamyn Conrad; Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism-Rachel Maddow; Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace- Elizabeth Neumann; The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It-Robert Reich
Thanks--all good suggestions, Donna, a couple on the list already (Maddow, Klein). I missed Reich's book--glad to see it. Question: do you think the Neumann book is likely to overlap Jesus and John Wayne (one of my personal favorites)?
I haven't read either so not sure. It looks like the Neumann book offers for suggestions to counter the extremism so does Jesus and John Wayne also do that? Likely there will be overlap.
Susan, what do you think of reading Jennifer Rubin's book "Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy from Donald Trump"? It is about the years between 2016 and 2020. It is available via Amazon in all formats, and both audio and eBook via Libby . I have always liked her take on things in DC. I have not read this book and don't know how others might feel about her views. I am also wondering what it is like to work at the Washington Post these day?
As a side note, I am into my 3rd week of watching very little TV news. Seriously taking a break from it. Steve Schmidt's Substack has kept me abreast of the recent 'Morning Joe' debacle. I am almost in a 'you guys carry on for me' frame of mind. There is rarely any relevant news about nature, climate, environment even when a good portion of the country/hemisphere/world is experiencing huge so-called 'natural disasters'. Everyone ignores such events unless it happens to them. Powerful people go on blowing people and things up with their weapons like that was what was important. I hear the good things people are saying about BlueSky.com, but I think I will wait and see how it pans out before jumping onboard. The good news is that giving-up TV news has freed-up a lot of time for other things! Like reading the books for the book club! :-)
I LOVE your China Bayles series. I own all of the books. The only thing I wish there was more of in the series was diversity - racial and otherwise. I am looking forward to discussions in your proposed book club. I think I will get notices of them?? I am still gobsmacked by the election of Trump. I am heavily involved in discussions about what WE can do and in contact with my senators and representatives about what THEY'RE doing. I'm interested in what your reading group will uncover. I have my own theories, but I always look to what others think to mold and improve said theories.
Yes, not diverse enough--the whole genre suffers from that deficiency, especially the longest running series (those that began in the 80s and 90s). You'll have to look to other series for that.
It's my sense (and I'm not alone) that Trump's marginal victory is a product of many different forces, not just the cult charisma of one flawed man. Guerrilla Readers will try to get at as many as we can, from as many angles as we can. I hope you'll join us, Carolyn.
I REALLY want to (join you) - is there something I need to know to do that?
Actually ONE of the longest running series by Donna Andrews has always included regular Black characters - the Chief of Police and his wife who leads the local Baptist Gospel Choir. It's true she didn't start until 1999, but there are at least 36 books in her Meg Langslow series. That's what it's called although EVERY TITLE in her series involves BIRDS - "Murder With Peacocks" was the first and the trend continues to this day.
I will say I love her books (I have all 36 and have read them all) - but (DON'T TELL ANYONE) particularly when I don't want to have to think about the plot or the characters. Ha Ha. Everyone is virtually a Perfect Person in her books, EXCEPT the victim. Invariably I just pick out the nastiest character immediately and they always wind up getting the ax.
I love your series because they're interesting, historical, and INFORMATIVE. But I have diverse tastes. I *LIKE* diversity - it's how I've lived most of my life - it's so much more interesting!!
Carolyn, have to tell you that I will look for Meg Langslow's books now. In part because some years ago while staying at a friends cabin, I had the experience of being worried sick that I was hearing a woman being tortured... or worse! Only to find out the next morning that I had heard their pet peacock!!! Anyone who has heard peacocks will know what I experienced. Totally with you on diversity! One only has to wake up to the kindness of stranger, to realize we do better together. That native Indian man who got up out of bed to help change my mother's flat tire. The 2nd generation American/Japanese woman whom I barely knew, who introduced me to the local business owners when I started my business. The Vietnamese waitress who always remembered me with her beautiful smile. I need people to wake up and enjoy one-another!
Well Donna Andrew's books are definitely light reading, but enjoyable. But, yes as far as I'm concerned, diversity is where it's at.
As I have explained here before, light enjoyable reading has gotten me through some tough times. In my opinion, it's another way that people have of sharing their kindness. I like to stretch my noodle, too. But never hurts to know there are caring, funny and likeable people in the world.
I just want to drop in a book I heard about today that may be of interest for next year. It was mentioned in the Washington Post Book Club.
Russell Muirhead, who teaches at Dartmouth, and Nancy Rosenblum, who teaches at Harvard, just published an illuminating — and alarming — book called “Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos” (Princeton University Press).
Penny, thanks for this. I'm adding it to the "suggested" list because of its price. There's no paperback, libraries may be slow to acquire, and the hardcover is pricey. Let's keep an eye on it--maybe more accessible in later 2025. And by that time, the Trump administration will have begun to demonstrate what they're likely to dismantle.
Anyone interested in reading one of the Mary Trump's books? I know some people do not like her. But, I have found her history of how DJT was raised a bit of an eye opener into how he acts today. Though she has more recent books, "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" may be useful. Not quite so challenging, but could be new information for some about just how lacking in any kind of warmth he was raised.
Sandy, I've read Too Much--yes, interesting. But if you're thinking of her work for Guerrilla Readers, I'd say probably not, unless something changes or an important new book comes out that illuminates the current situation. I think most of us will get enough Trump-focused material on the media over the next four years.
I understand. If only we could see how the taking in of information is so different by those who like him and those who hate him. There appears to be very little sharing of the watering holes.
Sandy, I’m with you on war books, especially WWII and even more if they’re busy extolling the comradeship, glory etc. and ignoring the constant dread, incessant noise, carnage…though have read one or two I liked. Glad you’ve caught up with the Beatrix potter series, I love the Sawrey area so find great comfort in that alone, but also enjoy how Susan has blended the animals into the narrative. Have you read the Robin Paige series? Also historical, including some well-known people in the narrative (Susan’s collaboration with Bill).
Oh, Sandy, I do understand! I was not quite a year old when WWII started, our London flat was bombed very early on and we went to live near relations in the Thames Valley, not far from Reading, which was bombed regularly because there was a big railway marshalling yard there. So some childhood memories include the sound of air raid sirens, the drone of planes overhead, searchlights and explosions and gunfire in the distance. Not even close to The Blitz, but quite enough! I’m sure you’ll love the Robin Paige series - a change of pace, but the same engaging characters and the freshness and attention to detail we have come to expect.
Hi Lynne, I have been saving the Robin Paige series for a treat. It does sound interesting! Thanks for understanding why I let other people read and write about war. It is not that I am not thankful for those who have fought for the rest of us to go on. It is just hard to keep myself on this side of the page and not be in the desperate situations of war when being reminded of how it takes place.
I’m late this week, so much going on! What a pleasure, Susan, to decompress a bit and read about China, Pecan Springs and all. I’ve wondered about series writing, the comfort of a framework in place versus the possible boredom of being restricted in some ways. In your case there is constant change within the framework - tensions between characters, focus moving from China and Ruby to other Pecan Springs people, travel outside the ‘zone’ and a sense of freshness with each new story. I’m certain this is not as easy as you make it look! The same applies to the Beatrix Potter series, and Robin Paige - and no doubt excursions into completely different eras/worlds help refresh the outlook. And Pecan Springs as a character is exactly right, familiar but always more to learn about and explore. I find this in others series - the Cotswolds for Rebecca Tope or the Dordogne for Martin Walker, for example. Interesting about readership - my brother is also a mystery reader but objects to anything involving relationships, cooking, everyday life. Much more ‘just the facts, ‘ma’am’ 😁
Good point about the plants! Such a rich background, you’d never need to run out 👍
Yes, poor Conan Doyle painted himself into a corner for sure. Agree about the Brit writers, must have been difficult initially but they trail-blazed. Now thank goodness the ‘other’ perspective is everywhere, as you say. I can think of a couple of writers I stopped reading because they started writing the same book over and over. You DO NOT do this, Susan! Trust all your many loyal readers/friends 😁
I have to say (quickly--we both have other things to do) that the plants suggested certain themes (bloodroot, for instance, or Queen Anne's Lace) and the themes suggested plots. Plants are evocative in ways that--say, letters of the alphabet, as title prompts--are not. With different plants setting different themes, the books won't be a repeat.
Yes, mystery is a big tent! Noir, PI, police procedurals, legal, espionage, Western--mostly male dominated, just the facts ma'am. You Brits allowed the women in earlier than we did (Agatha Christy, Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh), --but once we American women got in, we were in to stay. And not all cozies, either.
In a long-running series, it truly is difficult to avoid repetitive plot lines, formulaic tropes, canned scenes. I'm glad you found my work to be fresh. I've always reached for that--never wanted to feel "trapped," as Conan Doyle did, by his Holmes and Watson. 🤨
Have to say I agree with Lynne about how you keep each book fresh with new situations and characters. Love that! I am okay with the focus and local changing to accommodate the development of a story.
I also read Carrie Newcomer's Substack and one from either yesterday or today struck me. I think we all need sanctuary from the chaos. So I'm sharing it here. I hope that you don't mind. https://open.substack.com/pub/carrienewcomer/p/row-and-rest-rest-and-pull?r=192dkz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Thank you, Karen! That's a remarkable poem. So glad you shared this link!
Ok! I'm in! Also, I feel we need a connection to our natural environment. So I am suggesting Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and also her new book that just dropped yesterday, Serviceberry. I listen to Heather Cox Richardson every day and have shared her posts every day since 2019. I also bought her audio book while I was reading this so that I can hopefully keep up.
Thank you Susan for this Guerrilla bookclub. I feel it will be a place to share information and education and to help each other get through this. Yes, it is quite like holding each others hands as we walk down a darkened street moving from one streetlight to the next until the sun comes up again. Calming each others fears, hopefully.
Serviceberry is on the list, but we'll also be looking for titles on global warming. I'm also thinking of this title: On the Move: The Overheating Earth and the Uprooting of America. by Abrahm Lustgarten. It deals with both climate change and its impact on the economy as well as on individual lives. Glad you'll be with us!
My thought about holding hands: more like having someone's friendly hand to clutch as we all (collectively) walk off that (climate) cliff. Did I say that global warming is at the top of my Worry List?
Thinking more about books for the club and as several have posted here, a deep dive into how media has changed and its influence on the politics and culture. Perhaps a book on media literacy?
I follow several left-leaning Substacks and they are envisioning a new media by abandoning the legacy and corporate/billionaire owned media and countering the right's propaganda machine. This is fascinating especially in a time where many are getting their news through social media. I will ask and research about a book in that area.
Susan: Are you ok with me promoting the book club in my Substack this weekend? I don't know if you want to keep the numbers low?
Yes, promote if you choose--and thank you. We may have quite a few to start with, but these won't be easy books. I'm expecting many dropouts along the way.
Re media literacy. Yes, good topic. How about Barbara McQuade's recent book? https://www.amazon.com/Attack-Within-Disinformation-Sabotaging-America/dp/164421363X.
Do you have another title to suggest?
My thought: "assign" one book but offer (and collect from readers) a list of related books/websites they can dig into if they want to take the subject further.
Other topic suggestions?
Attack Within Disinformation sounds like it would fit the topic.
I know you want to get a complete list of topics and books by Feb. but I wonder if just a 4 month list to start might be better. Our reading and discussion will surely lead to more topics and book suggestions. (Don't mean to alter or hijack your plan or thinking!).
I do think that racism, misogyny and otherism are key factors - falling under the blanket of patriarchy. There's tons of writing on this so need time to think about a good book.
Each election I am reminded how exclusive the concerns are - for decades (probably since the 1960s, poverty and poor people have been absent from the election rhetoric. Rev. Benjamin Barber of the Poor People's Party has been vocal about this. I wonder how many of the 93 million Americans who didn't vote live in poverty.
Sue, it seems so obvious that our lack of equality in education in this country has a lot to do with why poor people are out of the loop with things like voting. I never hear of civics classes being taught. Here in Washington state, in particular, in King County - home to Seattle, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon there is a critical shortfall of money for the public schools. So much so that each year 2-5 schools have had to close their doors in recent years. Forcing kids to travel to attend other schools. The opportunities for classes in things like art, music, even gym classes are falling away. Of course the schools in the wealthiest neighborhoods, remain untouched! I just became aware that the lunch period in the new crammed schools are served in shifts and can be as little as 20 minutes. Even in elementary school. And this includes standing in line to be served and taking bathroom breaks! UGH! Isn't it enough that kids have to live in fear of intruders in our schools!?! Is this some type of training of the underclass to just keep working and scraping the money together to pay for your needs. We haven't got time for you to develop into fully fledged human beings. Let alone learn about voting.
If you can find a copy, I highly rec The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto. Our modern public education program was designed to produce industrial workers and this effort was heavily influenced by the wealthy industrialists. Factory work did not require well-read critical thinkers; workers needed to accept their future lots in life as factory workers.
In 1997, I completed a Master in Teaching with a K-8 endorsement. I lasted exactly one year in the public school system. I worked at the second poorest school in my county (measured by free lunches) that also had the largest immigrant populations - we had over 30 first languages in our school. I witnessed exactly what you described and worse if you were student who didn't speak English. My mentor teacher did not teach science because she explained quietly that these kinds of children don't need science. The teacher in the room next to me spent her days yelling and shaming 4th graders, including making them stand in the corners of the classroom. It was the most disillusioning experience of my life. I quit after that year and returned to the community college as an academic advisor.
Even in higher ed, there are real problems. My community college removed the development of a citizen in a democratic system as one of its pillars of education. They removed the required US History courses for AA. There was terrible bias against trades and vocational technology. The GED program and ESL programs were off campus in a shabby old building and when I was tasked with coordinating pathways for these students to move to the main campus to continue their education, I was asked by the VP assistant "Why would we want those losers here?" My response was: GED completers are fully cabable and I know this because I quit high school to complete my GED." Few people knew this about me because I was fully aware of the classism and bias in higher ed.
This might be a good topic for the book club! Sorry for my rant, Sandy, - it's a subject I am passionate about.
Sue, the problem with using Gatto's 2000 book for a reading group is that most libraries won't have a copy--and many of my SS readers will be using library books. They might get it ILL, but they'd have to wait. I don't know of a similar recent alternative. This is more historically oriented: A Perfect Mess: The Unlikely Ascendancy of American Higher Education (2017) by David F. Labaree And this is good (interesting, even mildly controversial) but it's 2013 (written out of early-century experience). COVID changed everything, from pre-school to post-doc.
Yes - I didn't think my suggested book was a good one for the club but the topic of education in general. I will search around a bit to see if there is a more recent book about democracy and education e.g. John Dewey ideas .
Sue, so glad you spoke up about your experience! Total respect for going back and getting your GED. I have a sister who also did this and is glad that she did. After reading your teaching experience, I wish there was a way we could go back and see how many of those kids are voters today. It seems so unlikely that they would feel it would matter, let alone feel welcome to vote. Dems need to shine a light on ALL of this. Including what is happening to school and public libraries! UGH! Thanks for the book reference. I have noted it!
My son (now 62) got his GED at 22, did well in all his college work, and went on to a technical education and his own carpenter business. We need more trades/vocational education!
I just happened on this New York Times article about Substack, which I find worrisome and thought you should know of what it says. You may need to be a NYT subscriber to view it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/18/business/media/substack-politics-newsletters.html
My first reaction to reading this is it is a hit piece on Substack. The tone is so biased and negative that I had to check to see if it was an op-ed! Substack is young and growing, attracting a great diversity of writers, readers and topics. I do think that Substack's growth will be limited not by its model or voices but by the reluctance of citizens to engage in deeper thinking. I am thrilled with the diversity, access and thoughtful participants! And so thankful that they resisted Musk the Destroyer! Thanks for posting this article, Sandy. I have greatly reduced my NYT reading this past month.
Nothing is ever perfect, Sandy. The writers I'm in frequent touch with here are content--some of us even quite satisfied. For myself, I can say that Substack offers all the support I could ask for, and more. It's the right place for me, at this point in my writing life.
Susan, I know you have said that Substack is working for you. It is part of why I posted the link. I was not aware that Musk had been interested in buying Substack. Or. their financial weakness. I am aware of the reshuffling towards a political format. With all that is going on in the world that seemed ... timely. I had noticed that people like Bannon were lurking. I had hoped that since Substack is based outside of the US, we might be shielded from these types of threats to the platform. I was sad to see little mention in the article of the people and things many of us come here for, like the environment, sharing of cultures world views, art and women's and senior's topics. Substack is the only social media I participate in because I have not trusted the other formats. I will be watching to see how Substack' s financial viability plays out. Sad to say, with the interest in 'woke topics' and people of many cultures getting along well, it is likely to be targeted by the incoming administrations.
Looking forward to the Guerrilla Readers Book Club! Count me in.
I enjoyed reading about the backstory of the China Bayles series. I am fascinated by your idea for the Guerrilla Readers book club. I am tired of grimacing at the evening news and am ready to do something constructive. This is it!
How I wish I had your mind and talent! Count me in at the book club!
So glad you'll be with us, Pat!
As tohe unique book club, I too would love to participate.
Good! These won't be easy books, but we'll all hold hands and dive in together.
A fascinating detailed explanation of writing a cozy series. My one question is what process do you use for keeping all these threads organized and detailed?You do an extraordinary job of preventing little "oops" as the series continues.
That's one of the hardest things about a long-running series, Georgeann. I've had my share of "oops" but thankfully, they've been minor. When I was writing Nancys, there was a "series bible" (names, places, hair color, car model, favorite things, etc). It would have been easier if I had done that, but by the time I realized there would be more than the original 3 books, it was already pretty late in the game. Luckily, by that time I was using Word and all the MSS were searchable. So if I needed a detail, I could do a key-word search. For anything larger, I just had to rely on memory--fallible, as we all know. 😗