I’ve been writing very slowly lately.
The excuse for my sluggardly pace? I’m trying to get better at it, rather than just churning out substandard prose that will make me cringe later.
One of the ways I’m working on improving is by reading more. I’ve read a few enjoyable novels lately—I’m finally reading some Cherie Priest, which I’ve been meaning to get around to for ages. I’ll never actually get around to everything I want to read, but I’m working on it.
One novel I’m excited to recommend is A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker. Maybe this isn’t a book for everyone, but I’m not the only one who thinks it’s terrific. A bit of praise:
A back cover blurb by Charlie Jane Anders reads, “You’d better keep a copy with you at all times, because this book will help you survive the future.”
The starred Kirkus review calls it: “a gorgeous novel that celebrates what can happen when one person raises her voice.”
For my part, I love the plausible, unsettling near-future feel of the world Sarah Pinsker has created. It feels like it could happen about ten years in the future, or maybe even sooner. I love how the novel eventually feels upbeat. I love its implied call to action.
But will you like this book? You might if:
- You love music, especially live music
- You enjoyed her 2016 Nebula Award winning novelette, “Our Lady of the Open Road”
- You want to know even a few of the 173 ways to wreck a hotel room
- You like thinking up terrible names for bands
- You feel hopeless
- You feel hopeful
- You crave a feeling of connection
- You want to change the world
