Goodwin Reads Issue #4
The Silent Patient, How to Read Literature like a Professor, The Vampire Lestat, and more.
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Hey there, book buddy!
My reading week was so-so, no fireworks, but not bad either. I completed two books and am working on two others. Two fiction, and two nonfiction.
I have been switching up the format from issue to issue. I’m afraid this my jar you. I want to experiment with different ideas, but I also want you to feel comfortable.
Will you please leave a comment to tell me which formats you enjoy? What parts are working for you? I appreciate your feedback.
This Week’s Books
The Silent Patient was so-so for me. It’s a psychological thriller, which usually translates as slow burn. The Silent Patient doesn’t disappoint in this respect.
The Silent Patient follows a psychotherapist named Theo down two separate paths. One, he’s treating a convicted murderer who refuses to speak. The other is about his unfaithful wife. We learn lots of backstory on Theo and the patient, Alicia. However, all the other characters remain flat.
I’m giving The Silent Patient three stars. It could have been four if the side characters weren’t so flat, and the ending wasn’t so obvious.
How to Read Literature Like a Professor is an amazing book about literature. I gained a newfound appreciation for literature after reading this book. It takes us on the road to what literature is all about, how it relates to life, and its importance. I’m at a loss of words to describe the book, but I think it’s a must-read for anyone interested in reading and story craft. I give it four stars.
I’m currently reading The Vampire Lestat. This is the second book in the Vampire Chronicles series from Anne Rice. The first being, Interview With a Vampire. I’m about a quarter of the way through. Rice’s prose is captivating, to say the least, although the book doesn’t have much direction. Very much character-driven, there doesn’t seem to be a plot so far.
I’m also reading Save the Cat! Writes a Novel. This is a highly rated writing book. I loved the first part of the book that goes over the beat sheets. Beat sheets break down a book into its essential elements. Theoretically, you can plan a story by using cards for each beat.
Her insights into the beats are eye-opening. I’m thoroughly impressed. I’m about halfway through.
Bookstagram
I want to do something new and fun by highlighting some Bookstagram posts that I have found. Check out these accounts, like and follow if you are so inclined. If you do, drop a comment on the post and let them know @goodwinreads sent you.
I like the color scheme in this photo. While there is no green, it does give the Christmas vibe.
This photo is well laid out. I like the multiple layers of books and the accent candle. Great color matching throughout.
This account always goes above and beyond with the costumes to match the book. Amazing.
The color scheme on this one gives me a calming effect.
Who doesn’t love LOTR? This edition is beautiful.
What a way to organize your bookshelf? I love this.
Riley Sager is one of my favorite writers. He hasn’t been around that long, but he’s already published five books. Home Before Dark was the first book I read of his.
Giveaway
No winner for this week, as we did not get to 100 entries. Would you please share about the giveaway on your social media? We’ll extend the giveaway until next Tuesday. I want to buy you a book!
You’ll win one book, up to $20 value, from your Amazon wishlist. I’m accepting entries all week. The winner will be announced in next week’s newsletter.
Tell Your Bookish Friends and Family
I need your help to grow our bookish community. We benefit from having a larger community with more voices and more engagement. Having fun in the comments and discussion threads is what it’s all about.
Would you please tell your bookish friends and family about it? I’ve made it easy to do. Click the button below.
Discussion Thread
Please join us in our Discussion Threads. Right now, we are doing a Meet-N-Greet. I want to get to know you, and I want you to get to know each other. Don’t be shy. Post a quick comment in the Meet-N-Greet thread.
Book of the Month
I want to take a quick moment to tell you about Book of the Month. Every month, you get one hardback book of your choice delivered to your home. Not only is the price phenomenal for a hardback, you get to enjoy reading a book that many others around the world are also reading.
The book will be a special edition hardback. You can addon two hardbacks for the unheard-of price of $10.99 each. Book of the Month is something I have subscribed to for years.
Every member I know loves the service. Don’t miss out. Get your first hardback book for only $9.99 when you use my link. 🎉
December’s Buddy Read
I invite all premium subscribers to participate in the monthly buddy read. Buddy reads are fun because we read as a community and enjoy spoiler-filled discussions. You’re going to love it.
December’s buddy read book is going to be In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. I chose this book for the holiday season. It will be a great fit and will help us all enjoy the festive month.
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.. (Goodreads)
Each week we will read 25% of the book. DO NOT read ahead. DO post in the discussion group. Here is the breakdown for the dates and the chapters.
Dec 5th: Chapters 1 - 9
Dec 12th: Chapters 10 - 15
Dec 19th: Chapters 16 - 21
Dec 26th: Chapters 22 - Epilogue
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