So, I’m not averse to a little retail therapy, as the saying goes, and given the week that just transpired, I decided to do exactly that. And it’s pretty standard that my kind of retail therapy is, well, books. Books comfort me. I like to be surrounded by them. Obviously, I also like to read them because, that’s the point. (Except when they’re just there in a tower, an obesisk of unread books, serving as a totem to whatever STORY GOD you worship.)
And I thought, hey, maybe you want some books, too. It won’t fix anything, not out there, not in the world. But maybe books fix a little something inside ourselves. One brick returned to a crumbling wall.
As such, hey, I’mma give some books away.
See, I have an ARC (advanced reader’s copy) of The Staircase in the Woods and I’d sure like to send it to one of you.
And I’ll send some other books, too. Whatever I have lying around. Might be some random stuff — I’ll definitely throw in a copy of Gentle Writing Advice and You Can Do Anything, Magic Skeleton, but also some other fictiony bits too. Not sure what I’ve got on the shelves but expect a box of books to come your way if you win.
I’ll sign ’em! Personalize ’em too if you want.
The way to enter is easy: just go into the comments below, and leave a comment with a book recommendation. You must leave the title and author name, at least. You’re free, but not required, to also leave more of a comment as to why you liked it or whatever. It’ll be nice to share the book love.
Share some book love, maybe get some books.
I pay shipping, you pay nothing.
Caveat here is, it’s open to US folks only. I know, I want to do international, but the shipping is high, and the chance to lose a package is also higher than domestic, and that would be sad for everyone. So, US only, I’m afraid.
I’ll run this till Friday, November 15th, 9AM EST. I’ll pick a winner randomly, and will send the books out in the following week.
Sound fair?
COOL.
All right. You know the drill. Get to the comments. Leave a book recommendation (title, author), you might get some cool books (including Staircase!) from yours truly.
Okay bye.
Angela Langford says:
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker is a beautifully written gothic horror fable about one very bright young boy and his dark adventures.
November 9, 2024 — 2:57 PM
Lorelei Feldman says:
The Armageddon Blues, by Daniel Keys Moran. I have no idea if it’s in print anymore. I have no idea why he isn’t more widely known! It’s really excellent – a woman from a post-apocalyptic future goes back in time and joins forces with a man who’s the enemy of entropy to try to stop the apocalypse.
November 9, 2024 — 2:57 PM
GMarkC says:
James by Percival Everett. Huckleberry Finn’s story from the perspective of Jim.
November 9, 2024 — 2:57 PM
Doc Rob says:
I think I would recommend the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (first book is Magic Bites). If you like audiobooks, the Graphic Audio versions are really great, but they have only published those up through book 6. They are solid urban fantasy books with a great magic system and the overall story arc is really engaging.
November 9, 2024 — 2:58 PM
Tom Hewitt says:
I am loving Jeff VanderMeer’s latest Southern reach installment. Passages about the most mundane things can give me the creeps.
November 9, 2024 — 2:59 PM
Jack says:
My recommendation for these trying times is North Woods by Daniel Mason. It’s not horror but it’s incredibly beautiful and, for me, it was about how time changes/erases everything eventually. The good, the bad, and all the shades in between. I supposed that concept could hit people in different ways but I find it comforting. It’s also very nature-centric and reading it is like taking a long walk through the woods of New England……Can I have your book now, please?? If not, I will be first in the door when Doylestown releases the pre orders!
November 9, 2024 — 3:03 PM
Sarah Parlin says:
I have two I’ve loved recently:
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, a super fun, magical adventure that involves a young baker finding her power.
And
a short story from Max Brooks, Tiger Chair, which is a fascinating war story in an alternate timeline.
November 9, 2024 — 3:03 PM
Rat says:
I enjoyed Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle. If you’ve only heard of him for the hot dino-on-sentient-coffee-cup action, give this a try. He’s got some great horror chops!
November 9, 2024 — 3:05 PM
Marc Criley says:
S.B. Divya’s Loka is an excellent follow-on to her novel Meru!
November 9, 2024 — 3:07 PM
Kevin Black says:
Harry Dresden books, all of them. TV series didn’t do it justice. Not to be all judgmental like.
November 9, 2024 — 3:12 PM
Jeffrey M. Davis says:
Quicksilver trilogy by Neil Stevenson. Or, The Magicians by Lev Grossman. The tv adaption was ok. But the books are slammin’.
November 9, 2024 — 3:15 PM
Allie says:
The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry. It has such a unique concept and is beautifully written. It was the perfect escape for me.
November 9, 2024 — 3:27 PM
Andrew Hockenbery says:
This one is for the kids – Chronicles of Prydain. Not even sure if it is still “good” but it is right there for me with Narnia, Animorphs, Goosebumps that got me hooked into SFF books when I was younger. It led me here!
November 9, 2024 — 3:16 PM
Kathleen Doan says:
Currently enjoying Alan Moore’s The Great When. Nice chewy sentences and great imagery. Storyline is of a book from an alternative magical London, lost in our ‘lesser’ version of London. There are eccentric characters, magic and a bit of London/WWII/occult history.
November 9, 2024 — 3:19 PM
Nick Martin says:
I’ve been on a non-fiction kick so Play Nice by Jason Schrier is my current read. Loved his work looking at the ugly side of modern dev
November 9, 2024 — 3:20 PM
Scott Senne says:
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
I love mystery and who done its. With this book mixing Agatha Christie, Quantum Leep, and a bit of Groundhog Day, this book was right up my alley. It got a bit long in the last act but I couldn’t put it down.
November 9, 2024 — 3:20 PM
bsparks2112 says:
Would love an ARC of Staircase In the Woods and whatever other Wendig-flavored goodies that may happen to get sent my way – Wanderers was one of my favorite reads of the last few years.
Something I loved in the last year or so: The Grace of Kings and The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu (books 1 and 2 in his Dandelion Dynasty series). I really loved his approach to worldbuilding – it’s a secondary-world fantasy series but at times it reads more like an alternate history, tracing royal families, revolutions, and technological progress in a really fascinating way. Should be great for a lengthy, immersive read.
November 9, 2024 — 3:20 PM
M T says:
For fiction, I recommend The Blacktongue Thief and The Daughters’ War (both by Christopher Buehlman)! I love his work, and his way of naturally working little gleams of horror into every story. I never wanted these two books to end.
For nonfiction, I recommend The Viral Underclass by Steven W. Thrasher. In light of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and upcoming (inevitable) H5N1 pandemic, I hope more people will give this important book their time ☆
November 9, 2024 — 3:21 PM
Brandon Cockrell says:
I am having a really hard time entering this giveaway. This is the third time I’m writing this up. It keep deleting itself, and I don’t know why. I would suggest Mean Spirited by Nick Roberts. It’s actually scary and it’s got a unique premise. A haunted dog? Who would have thought. Read it.
November 9, 2024 — 3:28 PM
Leslie says:
One of my favorite books is “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It’s got magic, it’s got a library, it’s got twists and it is written so well I felt like I was in the scene of every page. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t yet experienced it. It’s also the first book in a trilogy of amazing storytelling.
November 9, 2024 — 3:29 PM
Dana Schuman says:
A magical book. One of my favorites.
November 9, 2024 — 5:31 PM
CZ Wright says:
The Overstory by Richard Powers – Beautifully written book.
And I’m loving reading these recommendations. What a well-read crowd!
November 9, 2024 — 3:30 PM
Brandon Cockrell says:
Three people I know can’t enter because their posts keep disappearing. Does anyone know why?
November 9, 2024 — 7:01 PM
Brandon Cockrell says:
Did you read Orfeo?
November 9, 2024 — 7:01 PM
Michael Strickland says:
Legends & Lattes, by Travis Baldree. A cozy, warm blanket of a book, which is what we all need right now.
November 9, 2024 — 3:31 PM
GMark Cole says:
I wish I could like several of these comments recommending books or series I, too, enjoyed. I tried to comment previously but don’t see that it posted, so I’ll try again: I recommend James by Percival Everett. It’s “Jim”’s account of the time covered by Huckleberry Finn.
November 9, 2024 — 4:00 PM
Camille Hennessy says:
Haha I knew I wouldn’t be the only one to suggest this for the same reason.
November 9, 2024 — 4:03 PM
Jon Skocik says:
Mornnovin, by Alyssa Marie Bethancourt, is an epic fantasy adventure featuring compelling characters and rich worldbuilding. Trajalon is the sequel and takes thigs to a very dark place. Both are sublimely written and deeply meaningful. I cannot reccomend them strongly enough.
November 9, 2024 — 3:33 PM
Nikki says:
I just finished a fun little horror graphic novel called Youth Group. A little Buffy-esque if that’s your thing!
November 9, 2024 — 3:34 PM
Toni Rakestraw says:
Thanks for the opportunity, Chuck. I love your words… this week especially they’ve been a comfort to know others feel the same as I do. Wishing you the best.
November 9, 2024 — 3:34 PM
Megan says:
I recently finished Gentle Writing Advice and told my writing group it felt like that hug that writers need every once in while to keep going. Other books I’ve enjoyed this year are All Fours by Miranda July, Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by M.J. Wasserman, California Bear by Duane Swierczynski, Swim Team a graphic novel by Johnnie Christmas, Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra, All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby, The final book in the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman, and the Family Experiment by John Marrs ( I enjoy all of his speculative fiction).
November 9, 2024 — 3:37 PM
Sarah H says:
I apologize if this comment comes up twice. I thought I left one but now I don’t see it.
I wanted to recommend Never Whistle at Night. It’s a collection of literary, dark fantasy and horror stories from both familiar and new voices. Now that we are almost through 2024 I can confidently say it’s one of my favorite books of the past 2 years. There wasn’t a single story in the bunch I found disappointing. Each story had something to offer.
November 9, 2024 — 3:38 PM
Keri Culver says:
Rabih alameddine’s An Unnecessary Woman impressed me so much for the degree to which a male writer wrote convincingly from inside a woman’s head. Loved this intense, melancholy but somehow uplifting book.
November 9, 2024 — 3:38 PM
serenee3a96496ff says:
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson
It’s full of action and there’s plenty of gladiator gore!
November 9, 2024 — 3:41 PM
Mica Rossi says:
I’m rereading, for the umpteenth time, the LOTR trilogy by JRR Tolkien. Why? Because I need some hope that right -will- win out, and that good -will- triumph, even if it takes longer than I have left on the face of the planet.
November 9, 2024 — 3:45 PM
Suzanne Lucero says:
Well said. I’ve read Tolkien’s Trilogy several times myself and couldn’t agree more.
November 9, 2024 — 10:21 PM
Eric James Pederson says:
Recommending Dr. No by Percival Everett. Why? If you like it, you’ll know in the first couple pages, and if you like those, you’ll probably love the book, as I did. Very witty stuff from an author clearly much smarter than I am.
November 9, 2024 — 3:45 PM
GMark Cole says:
That book was a lot of nothing, actually. I loved it!
November 9, 2024 — 3:48 PM
governmentality says:
I really enjoyed this one as well. Once you get past the initial shock of the logical structure, the book comes to the only conclusion it can in ways that still surprise and delight.
November 9, 2024 — 7:23 PM
Nathan Wagner says:
Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaichovsky. In fact, the entire The Final Architecture trilogy (and anything else written by the guy). He has a way of blending science fiction with real human stories (or inhuman) that really touches you on the sweet spot inside the reader’s soul, and then thrusting that finger deep until it aches with sweet, painful bliss. I’ve also been delving back into Dan Simmons again. Carrion Comfort is exceptionally germane these last few days; and the Hyperion Cantos is an absolute mindf#%k in a fantastical way. Keep your head up, Chuck, and give us more fiction!!
November 9, 2024 — 3:46 PM
Aric Peterson says:
“The Beasts of Valhalla” by George C. Chesbro. Part of a series featuring a dwarf private investigator/professor/former circus performer. Described as Raymond Chandler meets Stephen King.
November 9, 2024 — 3:50 PM
Michael Harrington says:
Couple of books that have really stood out to me this year include: I was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones, Ghost Eaters by Clay Mcleod Chapman, Memorials by Richard Chizmar, and Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury – for novellas “The Ghostlands of Natalie Glasgow” by Hailey Piper…short stories “This Skin Was Once Mine and Other Disturbances” by Eric LaRocca.
November 9, 2024 — 3:51 PM
Michael Pogach says:
Great idea, this book rec giveaway! The Gathering, by CJ Tudor. It’s a murder mystery in Alaska, with vampires, but it’s got a fresh take on how vampires work. Like all Tudor’s books, it’s a can’t-put-down-er
November 9, 2024 — 3:54 PM
Pam Jean McGaffin says:
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl was . . . comforting, reminding us to slow down and see the beauty and resilience around us. This is a book you return to as needed.
November 9, 2024 — 3:59 PM
decaffeinateda710a1f411 says:
Hi, I’m Canadian but it’s OK, I’ve already pre-ordered Staircase in the Woods from Doylestown, it’s an indulgence for me, and I try and support bookstores no matter where they’re located. The shipping costs are high, but it’s worth it.
I am rereading Stephen Kings The Stand. It sort of parallels what’s happening in the world now, but the bad guys don’t win in the end, which is an optimistic thought I need right now. (This might be a spoiler but there’s a lot of story in between the beginning and the end so hopefully not) Thank you to everyone making recommendations…I’m adding a lot of books to my TBR pile which makes me happy!
November 9, 2024 — 4:01 PM
Ian M says:
Oh this is fun!
I arrived late to the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch but have fallen in love with it and am devouring the 9 books: snarky Brit detective + magic + monsters!
Many have read Martha Wells’s Murder Bot series which is excellent, but her latest is Witch King which blew me away! It’s a wild new take on fantasy and I can’t wait for book two to come out next year.
Thanks for being you, Chuck. Keep doing what you do!
November 9, 2024 — 4:02 PM
Camille Hennessy says:
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. I’ve read it 3 times already and it’s just so cozy and heartwarming. And I think that’s something a lot of us could use right now
November 9, 2024 — 4:03 PM
Catherine says:
For something completely different,
The Assasination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin is a YA tale of an elfin historian who goes to visit goblin territory, from which no elf has returned in 100 years. All narrators are unreliable, and the illustrations tell a different story than the printed word. A cunning tale that addresses prejudice, chauvinism, war and peace, and more.
Read anything by James Lee Burke for prose that will make you stop and catch your breath from time to time. An interesting view of life and the impact of the presence of generations past. Heartwrenching at times. Sometimes violent.
I highly recommend Billy Collins – accessible poetry full of everyday truths. His words can be like a flashlight in the dark.
If you cook, which I do especially when tortured by current events, Australian chef Nagi Maehashi’s cookbook Recipe Tin Eats Dinner is easy to use and inspiring. Worth exploring if you havent trotted theough a cookbook recently.
Robin Hobbs world building is nice for an escape from current reality, dragons, magic, pirates, intrique and wonder.
November 9, 2024 — 4:04 PM
Steve Fahnestalk says:
What if we non-US people (many of us are citizens living abroad) offer to pay the postage? Give it some thought, O Great Chuck.
November 9, 2024 — 4:06 PM
janinmi says:
My recommendation: Queen of Iron Years by Lyn McConchie and Sharman Horwood, Kite Hill Publishing (London), 2011. (Science fiction/historical)
From the back jacket:
“Welcome to 2035…
“Pollution and technology have overwhelmed the population; people are abandoning urban neighborhoods for apartment enclaves; a new STD is claiming lives.
“Tensen’s virus affects transsexuals, bonding with their body chemistry to induce a lethal allergic reaction to anyone who has sex with a carrier. Tensen’s carriers are demonized. Even those profiled with the same hormone mix come under attack.”
A man under attack from this society meets a scientist who gives him the opportunity to achieve two dreams: change the course of history to prevent his time’s horrific slaughter, and meet the iconic ancient Irish queen from whom he believes he is descended. The journey will certainly be dangerous…
Lyn McConchie is an award-winning New Zealand writer who’s published multiple dozens of books in several genres. Sharman Horwood is a retired teacher who writes and mostly paints, and lives in Canada.
I love this book. It makes me angry, scared, and cry when I read it — but it’s also a very hopeful book as well. The writing is beautiful. For the current time, I think it’s a very suitable read if one can handle the darkness in it.
November 9, 2024 — 4:06 PM
Betsy says:
Brian Evenson’s GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT is filled to the brim with Mobius tricks. To me, he’s a transmuted successor to Poe. I was charmed by the way Evenson’s work called to mind the joy of reading Italo Calvino for the first time. In the interest of full disclosure, I have pre-ordered STAIRCASE from the Doylestown bookshop, but I would love a box of worlds to enter….Peace.
November 9, 2024 — 4:10 PM
Micah says:
Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear by Erica Berry
November 10, 2024 — 2:51 AM
Joe says:
Two books came to mind, but you’ve probably already read them; 11/22/63 by Stephen King (in my opinion, the best time travel novel ever written), and Project Hail Mary (a sci-fi book that my wife, who generally does not like sci-fi, loved. She calls it a “Buddy book.”) Instead, I’m going to recommend a children’s book series that is the perfect comfort book for these troubled times: The Wild Robot, The Wild Robot Escapes and The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown. You may have seen or heard of the movie that’s out now. The books are full of heart. They’re sweet, lovely, and the type of books that restore your faith in kindness. I’ve gifted several sets of them — all to adults — and they all said the books left them brushing away tears. The Wild Robot will make your Grinch heart grow three sizes.
November 9, 2024 — 4:13 PM
Toni Rakestraw says:
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. OMG, it is entertaining, funny, a little romance, and a real page turner. It is guaranteed to lift you from ordinary life for a little while.
November 9, 2024 — 4:16 PM
Jennifer says:
Never Say You Can’t Survive: Getting Through Hard Times by Making Up Stories by Charlie Jane Anders. It’s my emotional support book!
Anyways, I’m in Canada, so I’m not eligible, but maybe someone else needs this book right now and sees it here. Cheers
November 9, 2024 — 4:18 PM
Jack says:
Thank you for this, just ordered a copy❤️
November 9, 2024 — 4:28 PM
Eileen says:
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri and The Djinn Waits A Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan are my 2 favorite books I’ve read so far this year.
November 9, 2024 — 4:21 PM
Alina says:
I love the Johannes Cabal series by Jonathan L Howard. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it. 🙂
November 9, 2024 — 4:25 PM
Eric Gettings says:
A duology: Fever House and A Devil By Name, Keith Rosson. Another author i found (like you) and I had to work way through every book
November 9, 2024 — 4:28 PM
bcookin23 says:
A great book I just finished was What an Owl Knows by Jennifer Ackerman. Lots of information about owls from a personal perspective. I especially enjoyed the section about Marjon Savelsberg. She was a classically trained Dutch musician who, due to a chronic heart disease, could no longer play her instrument but went on to use her musical ear to study the calls of the local owls. When she thought her life might be over she was able to use all her training to help the owls at her favorite park.
November 9, 2024 — 4:37 PM
Emily says:
I just read Maeve Fly by CJ Leede and absolutely loved it. Highly recommend this book. Also, When The Devil by Emma Murray was a fantastic read.
November 9, 2024 — 4:43 PM