It’s time to wrap up Why I’m Afraid Of Bees and kick off Monster Blood II.

Why I’m Afraid of Bees was definitely a buzz worthy addition to Goosebumps. Bees are terrifying ! 🐝

Wrap Up

1. Did you enjoy this one?

2. If you could become any insect what would you become?

Kick off

Next up is Monster Blood II, the sequel to Monster Blood—which featured a blob that wouldn’t stop growing!

Synopsis:It's Baaack . . . .
Evan Ross can't stop thinking about Monster Blood and what happened last summer. It was so horrible. So terrifying. Too bad Evan's science teacher doesn't believe him. Now he's stuck cleaning out the hamster's cage as punishment for making up stories.
Then Evan's friend Andy comes to town, and things go from bad to worse. Because Andy's got a present for Evan. It's green and slimy and it's starting to grow . . . .

Okay so this week was very much a “I almost loved you” reading week.

Like… multiple books that were this close to being five stars and then just didn’t quite stick it.

Let’s start with The Ending Writes Itself because I cannot stop thinking about it and not in a clean, satisfying way. The premise? Elite. Six authors, private island, finish a dead author’s manuscript in 72 hours. I was immediately in. It gave me You Are Fatally Invited vibes (which was a five star for me), and I loved how it handled writers. The egos, the insecurity, the way they all viewed success differently… so well done.

But the ending?? Why did we rush it like that. This is literally a book about endings and that’s what we did?? I just… I wanted more time. More weight. It could’ve been so good.

Morsel though??

This one wasted zero time.

Four hour audiobook. Rural Ohio. Something in the woods. Immediately no. Immediately stress. It’s giving Blair Witch Project meets The Ritual and it does not ease you in at all. It’s graphic, it’s gory, and it just keeps escalating.

What I liked is that it actually had something to say too, like the whole generational poverty / capitalism angle was very much there without feeling forced. But yeah… this one is not for the squeamish.

The Concrete Alibi was exactly what I expected, in a good way.

Very procedural, very straightforward legal thriller. If you’re going in expecting humor or personality like Eddie Flynn, it’s not that. But if you want a case you can follow and short chapters that make you keep saying “one more,” this works. I listened on audio and it flew.

Tusks, Tails, and Teacakes was my emotional support read this week.

I read it in one sitting and I swear I spent the entire time craving baked goods. It’s cozy fantasy in the truest sense: low stakes, light magic, found family, shy awkward romance (just kissing!!)

Nothing stressful happens. No one is saving the world. People are just… baking, rebuilding a tavern, and caring about each other. And honestly? That’s exactly what I needed. Also it’s on Kindle Unlimited which feels dangerous for me personally.

Smoke and Scar…I fear I’m locked into this series now.

Shadow mommy. Cinnamon roll knight. Deadly trials. Found family. Like it just works. The magic is easy to follow, the stakes feel real, and I actually care about these characters. Also the reverse age gap?? I was smiling.

West of Wicked is one of those books where I was like “oh this is doing something interesting.”

Dorothy with no memory, Tin Man as an assassin, witches fighting for power… I loved the direction of this. The world felt darker, a little twisted, and I was into it.

My only warning: the spice goes from zero to one thousand with zero transition. Like we just… arrive there. So just know that going in.

And then Love & Other Side Effects, I had high expectations because I loved Love Sick and this one delivered.

Asher as a main character?? Perfect choice. He’s funny but clearly using humor as a shield, and watching that slowly crack was so good. Jocelyn is emotionally closed off in a way that made the tension even better.

You get best friends to more, he falls first, workplace chaos, and such good banter. Like the banter is what makes this series for me. It feels natural, not forced, and I was actually laughing.

So yeah… a very “almost five stars, but I’m still thinking about you” kind of week.

And honestly? Those are sometimes the most interesting ones.

Hey y'all,

May is coming upon us quite soon so what better time to vote on our May book club pick!

This month's choices are:

A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang (Magical Realism, Chinese-American Author)

Call of the Dragon by Natasha Bowen (YA Fantasy, Nigerian-Welsh Author)

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman (YA Fantasy, Autism Rep, Puerto-Rican American Author)

The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa (Sci-Fi, Author of Nigerian, Caribbean, and Chinese descent)

Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen (Contemporary, Vietnamese-Canadian Author)

Can't wait to see what y'all pick! There's also a surprise in store for May's book club that I'll reveal at the end of this week after the votes are tallied.

If you use the links I've included for purchasing, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (while supporting indie bookstores).

XoXo,

Rae

Join The First Editions Today! 📖✨

Hello, fellow bibliophiles! Can you believe we’re already diving deep into April? Whether your TBR pile is a leaning tower of paperbacks or your Kindle is working overtime, it’s time to share those reading vibes with the world without spending hours behind an editing screen.

We know you’d rather be tucked into a chapter than fussing over font sizes. That’s why we’ve curated a stunning collection of Canva templates designed specifically for Bookstagram, BookTok, and your bookish stories.

But if you want to move beyond the basics and unlock our entire library there’s only one place to be: The First Editions.

💌 We’re Here to Help!

We want your feed to look exactly how you imagined. If you’re looking for a specific style or a type of template you’re dreaming of that we haven’t built yet, let us know! We love creating new ways for you to share your passion for books.

Ready to take your bookish content to the next level? Don't miss out on the full experience. Join The First Editions today and get every tool you need to make your feed as beautiful as the stories you read.

Happy reading and posting! 📚✨

Hello Besties!

It's been a few weeks since I shared an update, so let me dust off the cobwebs...

To be honest, not much reading has been happening here. We just got back from a 7-day epic California road trip when NO books were read AT ALL! It was kinda refreshing honestly. We saw all the sights, ate all the things, and shopped at all the bookstores...well, maybe not all. 😜

I have some great content planned around our trip, including a haul from what I'm calling the Great Bookstore Tour. Ten books, eleven bookstores, and 975 miles = a smashing success. Much recording and editing were done yesterday, so stay tuned for fun Youtube and Instagram releases coming very soon.

The only books I'm actively reading right now are The Astral Library (which you all voted should be my next read) and The Art of the Lie. The Astral Library is VERY different from any other Kate Quinn book I've ever read, but it's still VERY much her voice and style. Her FMC is snarky and witty, and the magical world building is strong. I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy it, but not sure if it will be a 5⭐️ read for me.

The Art of the Lie on the other hand has A LOT of potential. It's nothing like what I expected; it's reading much more like a historical thriller/mystery which I am enjoying very much. There is a twist in Chapter 7 that I didn't see coming, and a character storyline that is giving me morally grey vibes (which is my jam).

I plan to start a few new books this week, and I'm really itching to get back to Lonesome Dove, which I abandoned at 25%. Those characters are calling to me. I started a vlog when I first began reading the book...should I pick it back up? (vote below)

Some Roadtrip Highlights You Won't Find Anywhere Else for Now:

• EATING THE BEST BURRITO I'VE EVER EATEN at La Taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District

• seeing sea otters in the wild at Morro Bay

• enjoying a perfect meal at Loquita in Santa Barbara

• spotting a whale at sea while taking in the views at The Lone Tree (pictured above) in Big Sur

• epic clam chowder at Splash Cafe in Pismo Beach

• finding the most amazing piece of vintage Navajo jewelry in Carmel by the Sea

• enjoying a perfect bottle of Sicilian white wine in Monterrey

• dumplings and more dumplings at Dumpling Story in San Francisco

• a massive amount of seagulls loitering over Oracle Park in San Francisco

• standout bookstores: Godmothers in Summerland, Monarch Books in Arroyo Grande, River House Books in Carmel by the Sea and Browser Books in San Francisco

ICYMI:

• a love letter to strong women = In the Great Quiet

• come with us on an urban hike in Los Feliz

• March reading wrapup

• April Historical Fiction Heads Up

• sneak peek at May's new Historical Fiction releases

• massive California independent bookstore map

• Go as a River is the BBFL's book club book for April

Hear it here first:

I'm starting a Discord community for us to talk all things books! Stay tuned for more about that VERY soon!

Have a great Sunday, y'all.

xoxo

C

I've read almost 50 books this year so far. A few on my list I had been looking forward to since early 2025. Some left me disappointed and others just weren't very memorable or were challenging for me to follow. As an author I know now how challenging it is to write a book and put a piece of yourself into the world. And with that I won't negatively review any book. I am just not the reader for certain books.

So let's break down my top 5 reads of 2026 (so far) in no particular order. Headlights by CJ Leede was a recent read and really shows how much Leede cares about the environment and animals. I love how she focuses on a part of the country with every book. Maeve Fly will always be my favorite of hers. American Rapture wasn't my favorite so I was a bit nervous about reading Headlights. It broke my heart and while CJ did put it back together it was done so in a messy way. It was haunting, heartbreaking, and sad. I'm not sure if I'll reread it as right now I am enjoying reading lighter horror or cozy horror.

Now some may not consider Morsel, Nothing Tastes as Good, and Trad Wife lighter but I do because they have parts in them that are so off the wall. Parts I did not see coming AT ALL and I loved that. I laughed at parts and thought "good for them" numerous times. This is my new favorite genre of horror. Not sure what to call it but for me all of these are in it.

The Caretaker grabbed me from the beginning and I was led through a wild ride. I'd say most of the decisions the MC make are ones I would have made too because money troubles are very relatable. I'm definitely going to read more fantasy and sci-fi this year too. I'm not sure where to start but I'm excited to dive into other genres.

What are your favorite reads of 2026 (so far)?

Reminder that our Count of Monte Cristo chat is scheduled on Discord for 8pm GMT tomorrow!

See you then, Booksworn.

Y'all, I've been distracted.

I have four new parasocial besties, and if NASA does not come out with merch featuring that adorable freaking moon plushie, I may actually cry.

I will go ahead and tag a handful of my favorite space-related reads below (and a couple on my immediate TBR), but just know that precious little reading has happened amidst all of the cuteness.

That said, I DID make a sticker, and if ANYONE wants one, please comment below! I'll email you separately for details of where to send it.

More Bindery love to come this week as I recover from the return to gravity — including a STACK of ARCs I'm offloading that subscribers can nab here first!

To the moon and (safely) back,
Mary

Welcome back to my Director's Cut Reviews! Today we're slicing into the stunning novel Japanese Gothic.

Book: Japanese Gothic

Author: Kylie Lee Baker

Setting: Rural Japan

Genre: Horror

Subgenre/Themes: Samurai, Historical, Dual Timelines, Escaping Fate, Japanese Mythology, Gothic, Liminal

Release Date: 4-14-26

Brief Summary: October 2026: Lee Turner flees New York to his father's house in Japan after killing his roommate. He doesn't remember killing him. The house seems great at first, but something strange is going on. A window is sometimes there. Something strange is happening in his closet. He keeps seeing a woman. Could she be a ghost? Is there life after death?

October 1877: Sen's family lives on edge. Food is scarce. Money is tight. And Samurai's are in exile. Sen lives in fear that soldiers will appear and kill her family. But when she sees a young man outside her window, everything changes.

How will their stories intertwine?

My Thoughts: This story is beautiful. Baker did such an excellent job crafting such a unique story involving Japanese mythology. The way these two characters became intertwined with one another absolutely wowed me. And I loved the house! It felt very liminal with the house changing and the worlds connecting through the closet.

My heart hurt for Sen. The way she desperately wanted to please her father and prove her strength all while her father dismissed her left and right truly hurt. And the way he twists her desperation to hurt those around her was sick. This reminded me a bit of Silent Hill f. Lee's family also has some skeletons in the closet. His mother is missing and presumed dead.

The last 20% got a bit confusing for me. Characters died but then they really did not. I wasn't sure what was real and what wasn't. It felt like a bit of a fever dream for me. I left the novel having many questions that I wanted answers to.

But I loved this book. It's beautiful and gory and heartfelt all in one.

Hello, friends!

So we're going to be doing a Libro.fm Golden Ticket giveaway to honor Indie Bookstore Day on April 25! The Golden Ticket is good for 12 audiobook credits on Libro.fm!

Rules:

1. Follow us on Instagram

2. Follow us on TikTok

3. Share our post about our Bindery account on your story on either platform (tag Ryn or the bookstore account!)

Each share earns you one entry into the giveaway! It runs until April 25 at 11:59pm! I'll draw the winner on April 26. I have posted this giveaway on both Instagram and TikTok, so there will be a large pool of people who can win!

**If you do not have social media, all I ask is that you consider ordering a book through our Bookshop.org shelves, perhaps the upcoming release The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe? I LOVED IT.

Thanks!

Ryn

My Fools! My Friends!

I apologize for my absence here, especially as it relates to updates on our March books and announcing the April books! Candidly life got away from me as I spent the end of March and beginning of April supporting my darling Mother through a (successful!) hip replacement. More to come re: March & April soon.

In an effort to make it up for it, I'm going to be doing a giveaway for Gal Beckerman's new book How To Be a Dissident, out 4/21. Gal writes for The Atlantic and you should definitely check out his work. If you're reading this email, you're already signed up for the raffle, as I'll be drawing names from existing subscribers (at any tier) on Sunday.

Talk more soon!

I know wayyy too many people who can’t stand a serious chunk of their social circle. I wonder if the only reason they continue to be friends with their friends is to have friends?

Perhaps they maintain friends for optics. They see friends as a conduit to status: how else do you get invited to parties? Or accessories: who else is gonna fill out your bridal party? Or maybe friends keep loserdom at bay (your mailman will judge you if you don’t receive any holiday cards).

friendship is a necessary nutrient

People who despise their friends yet continue to socialize with them are baffling because friendship is my primary source of joy. I rely on my friends to keep my life from feeling like drudgery. (I am a joyless, deeply discontent person aka a writer -- writing brings me meaning and fulfillment, not happiness.)

true friendship is taking selfies in the club bathroom while he pees

The peak of my March one of those special nights where you think, This is what life's all about. I was with an old friend (9 yrs friendship**), a newer friend (2 yrs friendship**), and a new friend (<1 year**). New didn’t know Old or Newer. Old&Newer are old friends themselves (that’s how I met Newer). I had no idea how the chemistry would shake out, but it was superb.

** I’m cracking up at typing the # of years I’ve known someone as if it’s their credentials. Sanibel (Penn, 10 yrs friendship). This feels like something that would go on a bridezilla’s wedding planner’s clipboard (“falling out in 2009, friendship re-established 2013 after intervention”).

Conversation 10/10

The socializing at that March dinner was so good that when I got home, I felt like I had accomplished something. The evening was gratifying akin to finishing a challenging book.

It’s impossible to capture this feeling without sounding cheesy: it’s when you’re in a cab going home and you’re so happy that it transforms into gratitude (which never lasts) and you’re like, Life is amazing. What an honor to exist. (It's the type of friendship Stegner paean-ed in Crossing to Safety.)

So why do so many people hate their friends?

The problem is accepting that social life plateaus as you get older. It’s normalized to resent your friends, and for friendship to become a chore. I’ve gotta see xyz person, ugh. Or so-and-so just asked me to get coffee 🙄. Part of the chore-like feeling, imo, is the bias toward old (as in, long duration) friendships. It’s seen as disloyal and ungrateful to end these. Which means many people are keeping friends out of inertia. Or nostalgia.

Nostalgia friendships

“What’s wrong with nostalgia?" was this woman’s comment on my tiktok about friendships that are dragging the bedraggled corpse of “we’ve been friends for 20 years,” death rattle, behind them.

If my friend were to say, “ours is a nostalgia friendship,” I would be deeply offended. This means that the only thing tethering us is something ancient, like the fact that our dads were college roommates. Or we happened to be enrolled in the same ice-skating class at 6yo. Be more hateful, please.

My reply to the idiotic comment is: what’s wrong with doing anything out of inertia is that YOU HAVE FREE WILL. What's wrong with being passive and letting life wash over you? Everything is wrong with that.

Nota bene: Deep meaningful friendships formed over many years are the most valuable. Full stop. “Old friends” sounds like a slur 😓 but old friends are absolutely the best genre of friend. I am not disparaging them whatsoever.

There's a difference between having friends and having friendship

If you're deep in an unsatisfying-comfort-zone-malaise of friends -- it's been the same stale circle for decades, with undercurrents of animosity and tension, lots of prickliness -- it's very possible you have friends but not friendship.

my new theory

is that the healthiest social life is one that exists in many stages of friendship at once. Both in the sense of a mixture of young and old (duration of friendship) friendships and also a mixture of friends whom you can imagine getting close to, and others whom you are content to remain at acquaintance+ level with.

Diversify your friend portfolio.

Has your social life stagnated?

Most people hit a social plateau because there are no longer new infusions of friends. My last infusion was grad school, which was 9 years ago. My MFA friends are now my “old” friends.

Until last year, I only had old friends. Thanks to my book coming out last April, I got introduced to a bunch of authors who were also debuting, and for the first time since grad school, I got a new crop of friends. It felt like college orientation. Or summer camp.

New blood is fun

do you remember this maybe fake, definitely performative kourtney/addison rae friendship?

We went to each others' book launches and stayed out late gossiping about our pub sagas. I went to DC to guest teach a class for a new friend who’s a professor at GW. The shared experience of First Book provided a pretext for all these new friendships—but as the year came to a close I realized there'd be no more book launches, and I couldn’t help but wonder: Would my new friendships fade alongside my debut novel?😙

What I actually couldn’t help but wonder was how to orchestrate regular infusions of new friends into my life.

i feel like i'm arguing for an open relationship

It’s not that I want to cheat on my old friends or replace them – it’s about social complacency. Variety is what makes you appreciate anything (if you’ve ever been a spoiled rich brat on vacation, you know the hell of eating at fine dining restaurants back to back to back when all you want is lamyun or mcdonalds).

Hosting my Salon and meeting so many people has reminded me how fun it is to connect with someone anew. Making new friends uses similar muscles to dating. If you’re married AND you have an established friend group, those muscles are bound to weaken.

SRG Salon is the best friend-making vehicle I could've dreamt up

Ask me to RFK an ideal friendship pyramid: I'd design it to be 60% long term friends, 20% people that are most likely becoming long term friends, and 20% new/casual friends. Call me an ethical friendship slut.

BTW

This is not a rah-rah “put yourself out there and make new friends” self-help post (because if you wanted to you would). This is, instead, a year of realizing post about how I unconsciously, unthinkingly resigned myself to the notion that these 20-or-so-people are my friends *fixed mindset* and that is that. This finite group (of wonderful people) are mine to hold on to (or not) for the rest of my life, lest I become one of those people whose only friend is their spouse.

It's not true. Plateaus are not permanent. This is a philippic against inertia 😇

Good morning, mis internet amigxs!

It's finally here! Bien Leidos first annual Read-A-Thon weekend!

If you're on Bien Leidos Discord, just find the #Readathon channel. It has a cute pink flower emoji and is in the Bookish Discussions section.

Are you a Bien Leidos member who's NOT on Discord yet? Now is the perfect time to join!

If you haven't subscribed to Bien Leidos yet, now is the time! Subscribers at ALL MEMBERSHIP TIERS get access to Discord and the Readathon this weekend.

What is the Readathon? Well, quite simply, we'll be reading at home all weekend while chatting our current reads AND...competing for prizes!

Cole has put together bingo cards for the weekend and each day there will be 1 book winner each day and 1 mug/stickers (all pictured below) each day! So come for the readathon and stay for bookish chit chat!

We'd love to have you join Bien Leidos Discord! xo, Carmen