DorEm Answers

Dear Dorigen,

It’s hot; I’m hot; we’re hot, so indoor reading is the theme of my late summer days. I like to simultaneously read a mix of books; a variety that harmonizes or enchantingly conflicts with each other. Here’s my current list.

Chapterhouse: Dune

I recently read Chapterhouse: Dune, the sixth book in Frank Herbert’s Dune series, and now I’m listening to it on Audiobook. Characters are often equal parts hero and villain; human and other. It’s a wonderful, open ending to a complex world that Frank was unable to finish in a planned seventh book before his passing. I’ve dipped into his son, Brian Herbert’s, sequels, and I’m attempting to appreciate them for what they are: plot-focused fan fiction or a dramatization of an outline. Brian’s books may answer questions, but they’re just not the same as Frank’s contemplations.

The Friendship Breakup

Annie Cathryn’s novel, The Friendship Breakup, is delightful “why-aren’t-you-texting-me-back” realness and its depictions of chocolate make me want to add “candy isle” to my grocery list. Full discloser: I met the author, a fellow Chicagoland writer, and she’s lovely. After finishing The Friendship Breakup, it will also be consumed via Audiobook.

The Artist’s Way

Energized by a recent Huge Witch moon reading, I’m building discipline in my creative pursuits, starting with practicing Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. A friend gave me this book a while back, and its whispers of “read me” have slowly increased to an unignorable “READ ME ALREADY!”. The first (and consistently present) assignment—Morning Pages—include hand writing three pages first thing in the morning. When my alarm goes off, I think, “Bring me… blue pages;” Myst’s Achenar “must have… the blue pages.” I’m in.

Next on the list is The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G. K. Chesterton, a “metaphysical thriller” just in time for spooky season. As a side note, for Halloween this year I plan to be my version of Holly Hobby: bonnet, patchwork dress, 70’s color story, pride flag pin.

Are you reading anything interesting while avoiding the sun? Will the copy of Modelland that I sent you make the short list?

Love,

Em

P.S. Disease Is a Mirror is available for pre-order and can be read anywhere you get eBooks on October 3, 2023. I’m so excited.