I’ve tried to review the Emily books so many times that it’s just silly. But the books are so much a part of my existence at this point that it’s hard to be coherent about them. Emily is the quintessential writer. Not only are her thoughts, feelings, and work ethic extremely similar to mine, but Montgomery (along with Garrison Keillor) is one of the people I hold up as a paragon of a point I like to make. Every subject matter is valid, even everyday mundane life. You don’t have to have experience in darkest Africa or on the fringes of society to write an interesting book. The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding is rural Prince Edward Island in the early 1900s with plenty of aunts and family traditions to make a girl crazy.
I have marked Emily Climbs as the book where she is most like me on the 2016 reading challenge. This is the book in which she’s a struggling, working writer while still trying to balance school duties and family expectation. Emily is more sensitive than I am. I’m able to not care about what people think of me in a way she can’t. But otherwise we are alike. Right down to the writing habits – spilling out all the chaff of life into a diary before writing into the wee hours of the night. Sending manuscripts back and getting nothing but rejections for them. Scribbling sketches of events and trying to capture character in a few paragraphs. Watching the rejections pile up and pretending you don’t care. Being so proud of the free subscription or set of contributors copies that come with your first publication instead of pay. Always hoping for more.
The only thing I don’t find terribly realistic is that Montgomery doesn’t treat Emily’s writing as exactly right. We never see her editing, only writing more and more things. It’s such a faithful portrait of a young writer otherwise that I’m sad it’s left out, not because I feel it detracted from the story but because I think it would have helped me earlier to realize that 75% of the writing process isn’t actually writing. It’s editing the stuff you wrote.
I don’t know whether to recommend this book or not. I cannot see it clearly anymore because I am far too close to it. But owls in the Land of Uprightness, Egyptian trinkets at the snowshoe dance, Perry’s terrible poetry and Ilse’s bad temper, midnight donuts with Cousin Jimmy, and Aunt Ruth’s terrible snooping all make for something pretty magical.
I also read Emily’s Quest this time. I don’t often, because this book is full of heartache. Emily makes one bad mistake after another, spends all of her time lonely and wanting, and I generally feel morose and horrible at the end of it. She gets a happy-ish ending, but it is so quick and so slim that it hardly seems worth the pain to get there. It qualifies quite well as a book that makes me a complete mess for the reading challenge.
This is another one I don’t know if I should recommend. I love knowing what happens to Emily, but watching her be so proud and so mistaken, to attempt to give things you know she can’t, to watch her succeed professionally and fail so hard personally, is not an easy thing to do. I love New Moon, but this Emily is not the carefree, hopeful girl of the other books. This girl has taken it on the chin hard and is struggling to make a life knowing that. It feels true, but it doesn’t make it better to digest. The moonlit snows and gray cats in the orchards seem lonely now, and not a comfort. One by one, all her friends go away. That, too, I think is a bit like the rest of us. The promise of college never is quite the same from the other side.
I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to read Emily as a comfort book. I realized that I’ve memorized large swaths of Emily Climbs this time around, and it didn’t grip me as hard as it usually does because of it. This read around might be the end of an era. For quite a while, at least. We’ll see how I feel in a year or so.
, by EM Forster: I guess this book is fairly cliché these days for writing students. Or so says the website I was just on. But having never been exposed to Forster’s essays before, I was floored. He just outlines the decisions you’re making, and the deliberateness with which you have to see everything when you’re writing a novel, in a way that was totally new to me. I learned buckets, and still swear that I need to go back and read it again. It made writing a novel seem like a craft, and not like flailing around in sentences until you hit something that works. Particularly eye-opening were the passages about windows, and the passages about flat characters vs. round characters.
, by Stephen King: the book is ½ memoir, and ½ writing tutorial. It’s interesting, funny, and it has much good advice tucked between the pages. I felt just a bit better about my own trials knowing that he had a stake on the wall to pin all his many rejection letters to, and to know that he was a starving English professor before Carrie was optioned in paperback. It was encouraging to hear that even Stephen King, the most prolific of writers, can have a life crisis that would make him stop writing for a while. And better still to know that writers return to their craft, even if it takes a while. His thoughts on scene description, adverbs, and editing have stuck with me. Perhaps my favorite section is the bit of writing he includes before edits, and after edits. It’s fascinating. Because of the structure of the book, it’s easy to get through. Even the instruction part feels like there’s a caring professor coaching you through it.
, by William Zinsser: I heard once that you could teach someone the rules of writing in about 2 weeks if you had the time. It’s the pacing, the punctuation, the finding your voice that takes the longest, the years of writing. This book is that “rules of writing” crash course, and it gives you tips on how to maximize your use of language at the same time. It’s also written well, with clarity, and is easy to get through. It’s not tied to genre or anything, either, so it’s a good all-around guide. Even if you feel like you already know the rules of writing, I guarantee you will learn something by reading this book, or be told stuff you’ve forgotten.
by Anne Lamott: Another part-memoir, although this one is mostly writing advice. The book is also a writing student cliché, of the worst kind. But hear it out. It’s a cliché for a reason (the reason is, it’s good). I do not know why or how, but for some reason this book was balm for my crazy-writer soul. She outlines all the neuroticism, the certainty that you’re failing, the daily struggle with yourself you have to navigate, and somehow makes it all seem funny. Not just funny, but cathartic. She’s nuts, in every way. But you’re nuts too, and laughing at her feels like you’re laughing at yourself, and suddenly it all seems manageable. Not only that, but it contains a billion good tips for fooling yourself into getting things on paper. And once you’ve learned the rules of writing, that’s your new biggest hurdle: how to get that butt into that chair, and convince your fingers to start typing.
or Francine Prose’s 
. But I don’t find myself constantly thinking of their content as I write as I do with the above 4.
by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Pamela Hill Smith: I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who isn’t a fan of her novels or of history. It’s basically a rough draft surrounded by a WEALTH of cool information. Needs a bit of determination to get through, but it’s 100% worth it in every way once you do.
by Terry Pratchett: A collection of his non-fiction essays and talks. It’s good. His wry wit shows through clearly, and he has interesting things to say about his Alzheimer’s. Ultimately, it’s mostly fluff and opinion. But it’s good, funny fluff, so…
by Brene Brown: Holy crap. I always feel like her stuff is life changing, but I feel like this one brought me a greater understanding of what’s happening with me. I’ve been a bit depressed for a long time, and it feels like I found the key as to why and how to get out.
by Eloisa James: Not as good the second time around. I mean, I still liked it. But the first time I read it I felt like Piers was great and the story was so fresh. This time his demandingness was a bit much, and Linnet is SO naïve.
by Eloisa James: So much better the second time around I think. I liked it the first time, but the second I fell head-over-heels for the prince. Add in rats of dogs, horrible wigs, and an awesomely innapropriate Godmother, and it turns into a very fun romp.
by Julia Quinn: Knowing the surprise ending didn’t ruin it for me at all the second time around, which was nice. I do like the Bridgertons and all the silly they come with. Colin and his perpetually empty stomach being one of them.
by Julia Quinn: You know, I liked the book. I did. But it fell into that uncomfortable territory for me where the main hero was a bit too forceful for comfort. Despite that, Henry really is the best sort of girl and it was fun seeing her get the hero into a pigsty, among other things.
by Julia Quinn: Yeah, it was a cute premise and all but I found it a bit cheesy. I still maintain that the Bridgertons are her best work.
by Julia Quinn: Two childhood friends find out they have a bit more in common when he suffers a deadly injury and has no one to nurse him. There’s a lot of horrible woundiness that I skipped through – the hero gets gangrene and it’s rather descriptive about the treatment. But otherwise great.
by Eloisa James: A bit less salacious than it sounds. I liked this one a billion times more the second time around. The hero is such an ass, but he’s such a handsome, principled ass. Also, the quippy letters he and Xenobia send back and forth are hilarious. Bonus points for neither of the main characters growing up rich.
by Scott Weidensaul: Full of really frightening pioneer stories during the colonial eras, but an interesting read nonetheless. I felt like I got a better idea of some of the fiction books I used to read as a child (Calico Captive being one of them).
by Madeline L’Engle: You know, I like this sort of espionage world she operates in sometimes. She does it fairly well. I think her strength is family relationships, and there’s very little of that in here; but it’s still a compelling thriller, even if it’s a bit predictable.
by Julia Quinn: Again with the names. And I seem to be in an espionage mood. But this one was EXCELLENT. Very fun and unpredictable. Although maybe her loose ends weren’t wrapped quite as nicely as I’d like them to be. Proposal at the end was perfection.
by Stephanie Perkins: a re-read that I’m finding less captivating the second time around. Perhaps because I know what’s coming and I’m not super excited to get to the soul-crushing parts of it. You have to love Lola, though.
by Holly Black: a super-gritty and dangerous delve into Faerie Land in the middle of modern day. Kaye finds out she’s a changeling when she moves back home to New Jersey when her mom’s boyfriend gets murderey. She also becomes the target of a sadistic queen when the queen’s knight Roiben falls for her. There’s weird human neighbors and much intrigue. Amazing book.
by Holly Black: The sequel to Tithe, and just as crazy as the first. Kaye finds herself trapped between faery wars when Roiben gives her an impossible quest, and the Seelie queen tries to use her against him. Where has this series been all my life?
by Robin McKinley: In her fabulously frantic yet real-life voice. It gets a little too much sometimes, especially by the end. But I do love the outcome of the book so much. Once Lois is older it starts to feel like actual life again, and it’s nice to watch and be in. Keep with it!
by Andrea Kihlstedt: A little shorter than I wanted, but ultimately it made me feel like I could make this fundraising thing work for me despite my shyness and lack of teeth. Which I think was the purpose.
by Julia Quinn: I liked this one a LOT. I know I said I go to romance novels to escape, but this one dealt with poverty well. A sweet where the heroine fell for the property manager, who was really a Marquis in disguise. I would recommend, and will probably re-read at some point.
by Julia Quinn: It was the usual thing. And the usual thing when done by Julia Quinn is awfully well done. It’s weird, because there wasn’t anything I can pinpoint exactly that I didn’t like, but it just didn’t stick with me like some of her others. I liked it, but I would recommend others first.
by Brene Brown: I don’t know why Brene Brown is so amazing for me, but she really is. I thought that Rising Strong was helpful, but I feel like after reading this one I have a whole new understanding of how to become a better, more resilient person. I also think I have a better handle on why and how others around me are making the choices that they are. This one felt so do-able. I feel like EVERYONE should read it.
by Katherine Reay: Oh, so good and sweet and awful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I love Sam so much. She feels like a real girl, taking refuge from her bad social skills in books and always on the verge of dropping out. Every small good thing that happens to her feels like such a triumph. And the ending – !!! – wow. That’s all I’ll say. But this might be a new favorite of mine.
by Jenny Lawson: I basically spent the entire time trying not to break out in a belly-laugh when I was reading during my lunch hour or next to Brian as he slept. I love Jenny SO MUCH. This book is messier than her first, but it doesn’t seem to matter much for enjoyment. In fact, it may be funnier than her first, the sometimes (okay always) awkward ramblings serving the subject matter so well.
by Rainbow Rowell: is it bad that this is fanfiction for a series that never existed, and yet I want ALL THE BOOKS RIGHT NOW? It’s perfect, in a way that satisfied all my Harry Potter longings, with much steaminess included as well. Baz is such a shit, and I’m head over heels for him. For all of them. “So Good” doesn’t even begin to explain how I feel about it. Maybe asdfjkl;!!!!! will?
by Julia Quinn: Good, although a little ridiculous at times. I mean, she lives in his bathroom for a week or so… I don’t know. It just didn’t seem likely. But funny and quippy and full of good romance like most of Quinn’s stuff.
by Julie Murphy: Oh, quite good. I felt like Will’s journey didn’t quite come as full circle as I’d like, but overall it was a good book and unlike anything I had read before. It dealt not just with boys and body image, but also what happens when friends grow apart. Worth it.
by Rainbow Rowell: I forget how much this one slays me. She gets that whole “married too young” relationship right, and I see so much of Brian and I between the covers here. I don’t think I’d ever try and convince past Brian not to marry me, though.
by Mary Stewart: I wanted my Nano novel to feel a little like this novel. It’s one of my favorites of all time, and definitely a comfort book. You have to love the animals, and the house just for Gilly, and her romance with Christopher. So great.
by Diana Wynne Jones: Another story I’d like my Nano novel to feel like. It’s totally different than Thornyhold, but also not. There’s witchcraft and a magical house that becomes a home. There’s a little bit more of the fae in this one, though. Another favorite.
by Mary Stewart: I thought this book was a bit like Thornyhold, which it sort of is, but it’s not really a homecoming book so much as it’s a home-leaving book. At least for most of it. It didn’t help much with Nano, but I enjoyed it all the same. Another comfort book of mine, with a very puzzling mystery right until the end.
by Susanna Clarke: I picked this up because Neil Gaiman told me to (through an online article – not in person, sadly.) I’m finding it pretty slow going. It starts off as an older novel would, with much telling and exposition. But I like the characters and it’s an interesting premise. I even like the fact, a bit, that it feels older than it is. I’m going to stick with it and see if I don’t love it later. Because this is the sort that you LOVE or don’t. Nothing in between.
by Jane Austen: I’ve been wanting to tear apart a couple of books and see if I can’t learn something about the structure of them. This one was a 50-cent wrecked paperback that I bought at the local Thanksgiving rummage sale, so it was perfect. The tearing-apart stuff is going well, and is SUPER interesting. Did you know that Jane isn’t even mentioned by name for, like, almost 3 chapters? I’m trying to figure out why Austin would do that…
by Joanna Shupe: Pretty darn good, of the regular romance variety. I picked it up because it was named best of the year, and I think it deserves the crown. The PTSD of the main character was a bit of a twist, as was the total spunkiness of the heroine.
by Lisa Kleypas: I almost liked this one. I just have such a hard time with heroes who won’t take no for an answer, even if the heroine is really enjoying it – and this one was FULL of that. But the arc of the story line was good and the writing was excellent. I won’t read it again, although I might look up the other “Wallflower” books.
by Jenny Hale: The writing was, well, less than good. Her main character felt wooden, and played into a lot of female stereotypes that I hate (she’s nothing without a family of her own?). But there was something about the story line that wouldn’t let me put the book down, so there’s that.
by Lisa Kleypas: Her writing is so good, with the cinematic description you usually find in literary fiction. The book went way too fast for my liking, though, and it didn’t feel resolved enough at the end. Still probably the best of the Christmas novels I’ve read this month.
by Lisa Kleypas: Aside from a bit of disbelief that the main character wouldn’t confront her husband with the main problem but instead run to crappy relatives, I would consider this a pretty perfect romance novel.
by Diana Wynne Jones: I usually LOVE a Diana Wynne Jones book. Even “bad” ones are typically great when compared to other authors. But for some reason, I just couldn’t get into this one. Maybe it was because the zaniness was so fragmented among worlds/characters?
, by Terry Pratchett: Tiffany Aching accidentally joins the dark mummer’s dance, and then has to contend with Jack Frost, who thinks she’s his new girlfriend. Embarrassing snowflakes in Tiffany’s shape, a cornucopia spilling out all sorts of things you just don’t want, the Nac Mac Feegles, and relations with the human boy Tiffany has a thing with are just some of the problems she faces. But now that Tiffany has dethroned the goddess of spring, will Summer ever come again?
, by Ursula K. LeGuin: Genly Ai has agreed to go as an emissary to the planet deemed Winter to see if he can get them to join the ecumenical society of planets. It is first contact, and Genly is more than aware that he could be killed or imprisoned. Winter is a world where most humans there are genderless until they mate, and over the course of a lifetime can be both male and female. The planet is as unforgiving as it’s icy landscape, with a strange code of behavior called shifgrethor, and Genly is getting nowhere with his quest. He places his trust in Prime Minister Estraven, who is then accused of treason and cast out of the kingdom. But Genly and Estraven meet again in a work camp on the outskirts of civilization, and together they undertake a perilous journey over icy wastelands so that they can be free.
Casey E. Hamilton 