Hello, hello,
Happy(ish) 2026, Bookish Friends!
First things first, WELCOME to my first bookish newsletter! Thank you for being here. I am hopeful this little monthly offering will bring a smile to your face... and some inspiration for your reading/writing/creativity goals. So, without further ado...The truth is that I just can’t quite quit Christmas this year. I mean, I am never really ready to take down the tree and put away the lights and decorations (regardless the year). But this year. This year I am even less prepared for the transition. The season has felt like a sanctuary from some really difficult realities. And I feel like I need to hold on a little longer.
So, I am giving myself permission to do just that.
When I mentioned this permission to my husband, he suggested celebrating Christmas 2 (the day after Christmas), Christmas 3 (the day after that), and… Well, we’ve kept the celebration going like that for the month. I mean, we did put away some of our decorations and changed the tree lights from their colorful holiday setting to a soft white glow, but… I have made the decision that we will keep the tree up for the foreseeable future. Also the Christmas music stays (which if I’m being completely honest already plays in our home year round– one of my MANY quirky coping strategies):) Listen, friends, life can be hard. If there are little things you can do to get through the day with a bit more ease, a bit more delight, a bit more hope… I give us all permission to do those things! For me, that will be a Christmas tree. And Christmas music. Oh, and my writing! Did I mention my novel is finally done and ready for querying?
Here’s to finding (and holding tight to) those things that bring us joy in 2026! And perhaps considering how we can share it with others!
What I've read (and loved)
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami If you are looking for a novel that will make you think, resonate deeply, and emotionally stir you, this one will not disappoint. It is one of my favorite reads of the last few years.
This novel is equal parts cautionary tale (about the surveillance we allow in our lives - and its possible implications if those surveilling choose to use our information for increasingly nefarious purposes) and timely reminder about human nature (and the things we need to survive - physically and emotionally). In addition to being a gripping topic, the writing is really well done. The protagonist is someone we relate to. The setting is one we can viscerally conjure. The pacing is perfection. And the predicament is one we could all easily imagine ourselves ensnared in (without too much reach). While there are some spaces in the book I would have liked to linger longer - and others I wasn't sure added to the narrative, I still could not wait to get back to this story each evening.
Oh, and one thing I really, REALLY loved about this novel is that, while it is undoubtedly a smart story by a smart author, it remains accessible. If I wielded such power, this would be mandatory reading for all.the.humans. In lieu of that, I will merely highly recommend it :)
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9780593317600
And a cozy(ish) read to recover I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Jenny BaylissIf you are looking for a well rendered, tropey, holiday themed treat, I recommend this one. The protagonist is real and relatable, and the unfurling romance with her childhood friend is compelling. Appropriately, we all dislike the competing love interest (even if I thought that was one of the weaker aspects of the novel - I hate when female protagonist's ignore their guts). The quirky family of origin makes up for this though by being wholly entertaining (especially the beloved aunts). And while I did find that the relationship dynamic with the protagonist's mother could have used a bit more working out, I found the forgiveness aspect endearing (if not completely satisfying). Overall, while this one has some things that didn't quite land for me, I would be lying if I said I didn't quite enjoy it.
https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9780593717929
What are you reading and loving?
[Please note: The links for purchasing books are affiliate links and will offer me a small percentage of the payment amount if used for grabbing your copy. If you choose to utilize, thanks for the support!]
What I'm working on
I have recently completed my first novel, a YA magical-realism novel set in the PNW, and I could not be more proud to have finished – and curious about the path ahead. Whatever that might look like, I hope my story will find its way to the right agent/publisher (and more broadly to the readers that need it most).
Additionally, I am continuing to develop short stories and launch them into the world. I recently completed both a sci-fi(ish) flash fiction piece and a horror/thriller piece for two different writing contests. Neither genre is one I ever planned to take on, but I have loved the challenge of dabbling in all brands of new spaces.
I'd love to know what you all are working on (or what you dream of working on someday). Send me a message!
What's making me smile
My husband and I *might be* a teeny bit obsessed with these “noodles.” And by "might be," I mean definitely are :)
https://youtube.com/shorts/aHZbEF0Rd_Q?si=Buabg4WIdgTIUNlN
A little unsolicited writing advice
A lot of people send me messages these days sharing their desire to write a book, and I usually say something like “You can totally do it!” And also... “Take a class or two."
If you really want to write a book, you’ll be much more successful if you commit to learning about story structure (and setting and pacing and character development and... well, there's a lot to learn):) But I earnestly believe that learning is the path that leads to us putting things out in the world that we can be proud of, so... I think it's worth it.
I would love to share more tips about writing in coming newsletters. If you have a specific question you’d like me to attempt to answer, let me know. Otherwise, I will keep offering the unsolicited brand :)
BONUS: A random fact about me (for fun?)
My family lived in Hawaii during my childhood, and I was on a performing hula team (think grass skirt, enormous headdress, and far too much lipstick for any 7-year-old):)
What's a fun, random fact few people know about you? Could you use it in an upcoming story?
Thank you, friends, for joining me on this next leg of my journey. Please feel free to share this newsletter with other bookish friends who might enjoy the content.And don't forget to email me with your answers to some of the posed questions! I'd love to connect!
Gina
ginahandley.com