On My Nightstand January 10, 2026

love walking and looking at clouds

This week has been a lot. I am reeling from the news, and exhausted from being thrown back into life head first while the world is set on fire. I am thankful for the act of reading and for the thoughtful community of readers I have found myself in.

Quote of the week

“I got to figure,” the tenant said.

”We all got to figure. There’s some way to stop this. It’s not like lightening or earthquakes. We’ve got a bad thing made by men, and by God that’s something we can change.”

— The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

a rare moment of peace between these two

On My Nightstand This Week

Kindle - I need something simple with a clear ending, so cozy mysteries it is. I have Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews out from the library.

Audiobook - A friend told me about a fantasy set in 1920’s DC so I grabbed it from the library right away - The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope.

Paper Book - I started The Chesapeake Requiem by Earl Swift over the summer but didn’t get very far. (Me not the book.) I’m trying again now that I have repaired my attention span somewhat.

started this one again. 2026 needs some poetry.

Hang in there everyone, and happy reading.

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This post is linked to The Sunday Post on Caffeinated Reviewer.

REVIEW: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock is everything you could want in a beach read, if you happen to be going somewhere warm this weekend. It's the story of Vera, a rich but lonely woman drinking her way through 1920's New York. Vera is so rich she doesn't know how to make tea, but with all her comforts she's never been allowed a bit of fun or self expression. Even when she's tried her very proper mother or socially conscious husband has shut it down. Enter a mysterious European artist, and, well, you know.

This book is not one that will change your life with its prose. It's not The Great Gatsby. This book has characters you can root for, a backstory that keeps you interested, and a satisfying ending. If you're sitting in the sand sipping a drink, isn't that exactly what you're looking for?

Note: I received this book as part of Library Thing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. Links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!