Goodnight, moon. Time to escape...
Vol. 2 Issue 3
"Books don't offer real escape, but they can stop a mind scratching itself raw." --David Mitchell
BOOK NEWS & NOTES
@$%^&**^%$#@: The talk of the book world this week was about the explosive allegations of sexual abuse and assault made against Neil Gaiman in New York magazine. The award-winning and bestselling author denied engaging in "nonconsensual sexual activity with anyone," though he also noted: "I’m far from a perfect person." This is not the first time Gaiman's behavior has been called into question. Last summer, a British podcast called "Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman" aired similar claims from five other women. As someone who has been a fan of his for decades -- my name was inspired by one of his characters and I have a tattoo inspired by another -- this whole situation is horrific, disturbing and deeply disappointing. (The New York Times)
A dark escape hatch: Between the natural disasters, wars, terror attacks, mass shootings and heinous political shenanigans, 2025 already feels pretty horrific. But, if you're looking for a bookish retreat, one with a side of dread, here are 25 of the most anticipated horror novels that will come out this year. I'm looking forward to "The Haunting of Room 904" by Erika T. Wurth, "The Staircase in the Woods" by Chuck Wendig and "Never Flinch" by Stephen King. (Paste Magazine)
Time for some thrills: I love snuggling under a blanket and reading an exciting thriller during cold, winter nights. Apparently, I'm not alone. The editors at Reader's Digest recently spoke with librarians, authors and book influencers to create this list of 40 new books as well as some thrilling classics. I've already added four titles to my TBR. (Reader's Digest)
More TBR candidates: The Queer Crime Writers have put together a fabulous list of crime novels by LGBTQIA+ writers for when the weather outside is frightful. The organization also offers this excellent advice: "As the days grow shorter, let your reading list grow queerer..." (Crime Reads)
Goodnight letters: The U.S. Postal Service announced this week that it plans to release a set of stamps honoring "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd. The stamp collection, which will feature eight images from the beloved 1947 children's book, was designed by USPS art director Derry Noyes. No word yet on when the stamps will be released. (USPS)
My January bookmark:
It's a business card inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. I obtained it from Susie Humby, a British graphic designer who runs the fabulous Book Ephemera shop on Etsy.
What's between your pages? Take a photo and share!
SUPPORT THE MOONLIGHT READER SOCIETY
The Moonlight Reader Society is a reader-supported newsletter featuring book news and reviews, interviews, reading quotes, polls and more. New issues come out every Friday and subscriptions are free. But, if you want to aid my efforts — and can afford to do so — paid subscriptions are only $5/month, or $50/year. Everyone who purchases a subscription will also receive extra subscriber content, gain full access to the archives and be automatically entered into a monthly giveaway for bookish prizes.
READER POLL
LAST WEEK’S POLL
LOVELY DEDICATIONS
"This book is dedicated to those men and women who began the quest to explore our universe, and to those children who will someday continue the journey. "
25-WORD REVIEWS
Rating System:
* * * * * One of the best books I've read in a while
* * * * A wonderful book, recommended
* * * Good book, worth the read
* * This book was fine, but not my favorite
* This book wasn't for me
A good place to start if you want to be a better ally. Accessible but comprehensive, this book describes the trans experience in today's world. --Nikki Clark
Rating: * * * stars
In a world where men are discouraged from expressing their feelings, sometimes a podcast about a man trying not to kill himself is what's needed. --Nikki Clark
Rating: * * * * stars
FMI: Click here.
LITERARY HOLIDAYS
January is: National Book Blitz Month
January 18 is National Gourmet Coffee Day, National Thesaurus Day and Winnie the Pooh Day
January 19 is National Imagination Day
Jan. 21 is International Sweatpants Day
January 22 is Come in From the Cold Day and Library Shelfie Day
WRITER BIRTHDAYS
Jan. 18 - A.A. Milne and Robert Anton Wilson
Jan. 19 - Edwidge Danticat, Patricia Highsmith and Edgar Allan Poe
Jan. 20 - Robert Olen Butler, Nancy Kress and R.A. Salvatore
Jan. 22 - Francis Bacon, Lord Byron, John Donne, Robert E. Howard, Stephen Graham Jones and Joseph Wambaugh
Jan. 24 - Edith Wharton
RECOMMENDED SUBSTACKS
MOMENT OF GRATITUDE
Thanks to New York magazine, Apple News, Tortoise Media, The New York Times, Paste Magazine, Reader's Digest, TedEd, YouTube, CrimeReads, the U.S. Postal Service, Ron Charles, Susie Humby, Book Ephemera, Etsy, A Bit of Good News, Betty Winslow, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, A Fictional Place, Instagram, Writers Write, Keeping Up With the Penguins, Brainy Quote, The Literary Lifestyle, Wikipedia, The End Files, Wri/ter, interrupted, Canva and Deposit Photos for art and story suggestions.
Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and Amazon and earn a commission when you click through these links and make a purchase. Thank you for being so supportive!
KEEP IN TOUCH
If you want to share book news, odd titles, memorable dedications, a photo of your latest bookmark, catchy hooks, reader poll ideas, 25-word reviews, reading-related quotes or just say hello:
Like this newsletter? Please forward it to your friends and encourage them to subscribe.