susan earlam ~ horror author

This is way overdue thanks to my summer absence from the blog.  It does mean the list is longer than usual, so if you are looking for a book to read next then take your pick from mine below. If you do read any of them let me know what you think.

Onwards to the list.

Read since April;

1. The Prestige by Christopher Priest. I love the film version of this, but it took me a while to realise there was a book, part of me assumed it was a Nolan Brothers story. Anyway, the book is brilliant, more so and in a slightly different way than the film. It also helped me structure my own writing. Fun Fact: Christopher Priest grew up where I live 🙂
2. The Last by Hanna Jameson. Here’s a thing- the first draft of my book was called The Last, so when I saw this had come out recently I knew it was a sign to change my title. I also obviously had to read it to check it’s not the same story. Reader, its not *phew*. Its a good dystopian tale though.
3. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Yes, late to the party with this, but I loved it. Eleanor has such a strong voice it’s hard not to fall in love with her.
4. Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll. The audiobook version as read to me in my car over a few weeks by Madeleine Maby, who nails the characters. It’s not something I would normally go for and I can’t remember how I even came across it. But loved the experience of listening to it in the car. I believe it’s being made into a film.
5. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Someone suggest I read this as its themes echo some of my own work, I loved it. A visceral and emotional um of a read, as more and more, is revealed. Not seen the film yet.
6. The Inner Reaches of Outer Space: Metaphor as Myth and as Religion by Joseph Campbell. One of my many research books, an interesting read, some ideas have dated though.
7. The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber. My first Faber after my editor (hi Vicky) suggested I read some of his work. I knew the film Under The Skin already, apparently, the book is quite a bit different. This story took me a while to get into and some of it is perhaps a bit frustrating, but overall I enjoyed it. An uncomfortable read in parts that I still think about often
8. Justine by Alice Thompson. An impulse purchase I was drawn to initially because of the Max Ernst painting on the cover, then once I’d read the blurb I was even more fascinated. I read this in about three days, and I’m sure I’ll go back to it at some point. A tale of obsession and power.  Buy It Here
9. And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts. This book was another recommendation from my editor and has reignited my interest in this area of our recent history. A moving book that brought me to tears more than a few times, it also wound me up with frustration at others.
10. The Familiars by Stacey Halls. I reserved this from my library (use your local library) and waited what felt like ages for it. But it was worth the wait, perhaps not what I expected, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
11. The Overstory by Richard Powers. If you choose one book from this list make it this one, please. Full disclosure; you need to make it past the first 150 pages for it to really get going. But those 150 pages are going somewhere and are necessary. This book will change the way you look at trees forever, and humankind relationship with Earth forever.
12. 2,000 to 10,000: How to Write Faster, Write Better, and Write More of What You Love by Rachel Aaron. The title says it all really, I want to get more out in my writing sessions!
13. Grief Works: Stories of Life, Death and Surviving by Julia Samuel. A friend recommended this one and I’ve been reading it more for novel research than anything else. It’s excellent though.
14. The Surreal Life of Leonora Carrington by Joanna Moorhead. I recently rediscovered this artist Leonora Carrington and have since become fascinated with her life story, and she’s a Northerner too. One of the leaders in Surrealism, she made it her own.
15. Down Below by Leonora Carrington. Did I mention Leonora wrote too? Well, she did, short stories, often reflections and versions of what was going on in her life at the time. This one documents a mental breakdown.

Currently Reading

1. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. My first Daphne!! Enjoying it so far.
2. How Not To Die by Dr Michael Greger. Non-fiction book all about eating backed up by evidence, no fads. Turmeric latte here I come- not a joke!

What are you reading right now? Have you read any from my list?