Order of George Orwell Books
George Orwell (1903–1950) was the pen name of British writer Eric Arthur Blair, who wrote political fiction and non-fiction books. Orwell was known for his sharp social commentary, and clear, unadorned prose. His work spans novels, essays, reportage, and criticism, often exploring themes of authoritarianism, class, language, and individual conscience. Orwell’s influence on modern political thought and dystopian literature is immense, with Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four remaining touchstones of 20th‑century writing. (more…)
Order of T. Kingfisher Books
T. Kingfisher is the pen name of American author Ursula Vernon, who writes fantasy, horror, and fairy-tale retellings for both adults and younger readers. Her work blends dark humour, imaginative world-building, and emotionally grounded characters, earning her multiple major awards. (more…)
Order of Anthony Price Books
Anthony Price (1928-2019) was a British author of espionage and thriller novels. He wrote the David Audley series. His work is noted for its intellectual depth, historical grounding, and intricate plotting, often blending Cold War intrigue with archaeology, art history, and moral ambiguity. Price’s works are widely regarded as among the most sophisticated examples of the modern spy thriller. (more…)
Order of Anthony Marra Books
Anthony Marra is an American author of literary fiction novels. He writes deeply human stories set against the backdrop of conflict and political upheaval. He gained widespread acclaim with his debut novel A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, followed by The Tsar of Love and Techno, both of which explore love, loss, and resilience in Chechnya and Russia. Marra’s writing is full of emotional power, moral insight, and compassion for ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. (more…)
Welcome to February! Reader Mailbag: How Often Did You Visit A Bookstore Last Year?
In the January 2026 newsletter I asked readers how often they visited a bookstore in the last year.
Here were the responses:
Order of Amy Bloom Books
Amy Bloom is an American author and psychotherapist, known for her novels and short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and emotions. She is the author of works such as Love Invents Us and Come to Me, as well as the short story collections Where the God of Love Hangs Out and Normal (more…)
Order of Ali Land Books
Ali Land is a British author of psychological thriller novels. She is known for her gripping plots and darkly compelling characters. She is best known for the international bestseller Good Me, Bad Me, which explores family secrets, trauma, and the line between innocence and culpability. Land’s novels are praised for their suspenseful storytelling, emotional intensity, and ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats. (more…)
Order of Alan Garner Books
Alan Garner is a British author of children’s and young adult fantasy, best known for his novels steeped in British folklore and myth. His works, including The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and Red Shift, often blend magical realism with vivid depictions of place, exploring themes of history, memory, and the supernatural. Garner’s storytelling is celebrated for its rich language, imaginative depth, and lasting influence on modern fantasy literature. (more…)
Order of Alexandra Ripley Books
Alexandra Ripley (1934-2004) was an American author of historical fiction and family saga novels. She is best known for continuing the legacy of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind with her bestselling sequel Scarlett. She also wrote historical fiction under her own name and the pseudonym B.K. Ripley, drawing on Southern history and family heritage for inspiration. (more…)