This Week: July 25th

Discover this week's Southern Gothic theme, where small-town settings, family secrets, moral ambiguity, and the weight of the past create unforgettable stories. Featured picks include Sean Dietrich's The Incredible Winston Browne, a moving Florida-set novel filled with hidden histories and memorable characters, and Marc Cameron's new release Backtrack, the latest Arliss Cutter thriller that blends family legacy, danger, and suspense across Alaska and Texas. Plus, an important announcement about the future of this newsletter and what's coming next.

Killing Lincoln

In this review of Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, I share why this fast-paced nonfiction account of Abraham Lincoln’s final days earns 5 out of 5 stars. Blending presidential history, Civil War drama, John Wilkes Booth’s assassination plot, and the manhunt that followed, Killing Lincoln makes one of America’s most familiar historical events feel fresh and immediate. Readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction, American history, or books by Brian Kilmeade and David McCullough will find this gripping, accessible, and highly readable.

This Week: July 19th

This week’s reading challenge explores the timeless coming-of-age story and the journey of self-discovery that continues throughout life. Featuring a recommendation of Abraham Verghese’s Abscond and a spotlight on a captivating new release from Kelly Rimmer, this post celebrates unforgettable characters, family secrets, emotional growth, and the books that shape us. Discover your next great read, plus updates on upcoming changes to our reading community, reviews, and newsletter schedule.