In this issue:
- 📚 Your Favorite Reads: Community Picks
- 🌙 Night-Themed Books to Explore
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts: What's Your Go-To Nighttime Read?
Hello Reader,
Autumn allergies have been hitting me hard the past few days, so I've been reading a lot. I'm nearly two-thirds through The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, and almost 80% done with Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Stayed up way too late Thursday night with this one. 😩
Thanks to your suggestions, my reading list is growing longer. It's only fair that I share these recommendations with everyone else. So here goes.
What you're reading: Subscriber favorites
- The Martini Club by Tess Gerritsen (excellent book about aging spies)
- Every Tool’s a Hammer by Adam Savage
- Marilynne Robinson (anything, really!)
- Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
- Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
So keep those recommendations coming in — especially if they're available on Libby or some other read-for-free platform.
🌙 Night-themed reads: Unhustled book list
Every month, I thought it might be fun to share a curated book list compiled entirely of titles that are fun to read or evoke some sort of curiosity.
To kick off the very first Unhustled reading list, we're going with a "Night” theme since last week, we explored Night Owl, by Andrew Mayne and next week, I'll share my thoughts on The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah — one of my favorites of 2024.
Harry Bosch and His Own Night Journey
As someone who's read every single one of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch books (at least twice), I had to start this section with him. Over time, Bosch has become more than a fictional character—he's like an old friend I can't help but check in on.
Every time a new book comes out, I hold my breath. Will this be the one where Bosch dies? Ugh. When that chapter comes, it's gonna be a difficult day in our house. My mom loves Harry, too.
If you've followed his story like I have, you'll know that several books in the Bosch series center around "night" or "darkness."
A Darkness More Than Night
In this book, Harry Bosch works with retired FBI agent Terry McCaleb, investigating a series of ritualized killings. It's a thriller's thriller, and is the 7th book in the Harry Bosch series.
Dark Sacred Night
Jumping ahead in Bosch's timeline, this story is actually the second in Michael Connelly's Rene Ballard series. It's also the 21st book featuring Harry Bosch. With Bosch now in a mentor role, it's Ballard who's making the risky moves - even if her intentions are good.
The Night Fire
In The Night Fire, Bosch teams up with Rene Ballard once more. This time, Harry tackles an old murder case from his rookie days as a homicide detective. With Harry's mentor now dead, he must solve the case his mentor couldn't — or wouldn't — crack.
Not Into Bosch? Here Are More Night-Themed Titles to Explore
Not everyone is into Harry Bosch (I know, I know), so I've put together a broader list of books with "Night" in the title that might suit different tastes. Some of these I've read, and some are still on my list, but they're all worth checking out!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (read)
A powerful historical novel set in modern day, with WWII flashbacks. An aging woman reflects on the lives she's led. In the United States as a loving mother and doting wife, and in Nazi-occupied France, when survival challenged rules of civility and moral character. The woman finally decides to tell her beloved son all she had endured.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah (on my Kindle)
Looking forward to another Kristin Hannah novel. So far this year, I've read three of her books — The Women, The Nightingale, and Winter Garden (I cried my way through the second half of this one. So, so good!). Thank you to my IRL lifelong friend Debbie for recommending this author.
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (on my Kindle)
Based on the life of Erdrich's grandfather, this novel dives deep into historical and political issues while keeping a strong emotional core. I'm drawn to its themes of resilience and community.
Night Owl by Andrew Mayne (read)
Last Week's Feature: A fun, action-packed read that's perfect for anyone who loves a good thriller with a twist. If you missed my review last week, you can catch up here.
Up Next
Next week, we’re diving into The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah—a book that left me thinking long after I finished the last page. I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you!
That's it for this week. Read something you love today, Reader.
— Tracy
