Welcome to Shelf Life, where authors reveal their most cherished reads. Whether you seek solace, profound emotions, or laughter within the pages of a book, consider a recommendation from our series’ writers, who, like yourself, are passionate book enthusiasts. Perhaps one of their beloved titles will soon become a favorite of yours too.
The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Renowned for her prowess in both discussing and crafting literature, Kelly Link excels in both domains. With a repertoire comprising five collections of short stories, she has garnered accolades such as being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. Additionally, as a MacArthur Fellow and recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, she has clinched prestigious awards including the Nebula, Hugo, Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, World Fantasy, and O’Henry awards. Marking a significant milestone in her literary journey, Link has recently unveiled her debut novel, under the Random House imprint. Beyond her literary achievements, she co-founded the indie bookstore Book Moon and co-publishes Small Beer Press alongside her husband, Gavin Grant. Link’s involvement spans various literary endeavors, from contributing to the Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet zine to serving as an editor for horror and fantasy anthologies, specializing in genres like horror and fairy tales.
Hailing from Miami and currently based in Western Massachusetts, Link’s life is intertwined with elements like six dragons and fonts, a tattoo featuring the word “skin” as part of a Shelley Jackson project, and her association with the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop as both a teacher and alumna. Her literary journey includes amassing a collection of cookbooks from Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop in Boston, crafting erotic fan fiction inspired by The Great Gatsby, and reveling in a childhood surrounded by an extensive array of books. Notably, she once clinched a six-month trip around the world, adding another fascinating chapter to her adventurous spirit.
Preferences: [ppp1]. Dislikes: [ppp2], ppp3. Maintaining a positive outlook towards [ppp4] and [ppp5], Link’s recommendations promise to captivate readers across various genres.
The Book that:
…kept me up way too late:
Melinda Taub’s is a generous, humorous, and fantastical extension of Pride and Prejudice. One fateful night, I delved into its pages (my preferred reading time being long after everyone else in the household had retired), and found myself engrossed until the wee hours of 4 a.m. Such was its allure that I reluctantly paused, eager to savor the remainder on the following day.
…I recommend over and over again:
As an owner of an independent bookstore, offering recommendations is a cherished aspect of my role. Narrowing it down to just one is a daunting task, hence here are three noteworthy mentions. Molly Gloss’s exquisite historical novel narrates the tale of a woman traversing ranches, taming horses—an ideal recommendation for those rekindling their love for reading. For enthusiasts of non-fiction, Sofia Samatar’s stands out as a radiant exploration of personal and cultural histories. Catering to horror aficionados, Christopher Buehlman’s proves to be a recent gem: a gritty, intricate vampire narrative set in the 70s.
…I read in one sitting, it was that good:
Jessica Knoll’s enthralling narrative is both captivating and nerve-wracking. Drawing inspiration from the sorority house murders linked to Ted Bundy, Knoll shifts the focus to the women involved—those who fell victim and those who survived. It stands as a testament to triumphant and rejuvenating storytelling.
…currently sits on my nightstand:
The selection is vast, yet two titles that beckon me eagerly are Ed Parks’s and an advance copy of Bora Chung’s .
…made me laugh out loud:
A riotous read, Allie Brosh’s had me in fits of laughter until it hurt. Similarly, the four volumes of , an audaciously risqué webcomic satirizing fantasy tropes, never fail to evoke hearty chuckles.
…I’d like turned into a TV show:
The prospect of adapting Dorothy Dunnett’s swashbuckling historical series into a television spectacle is a tantalizing idea.
…has the best opening line:
Indelibly etched in my memory is the inaugural sentence of Dodie Smith’s : “I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.”
…has a sex scene that will make you blush:
Serving as my ode to the romance genre, is a testament to sensuality, even if it strays from the conventional romance novel archetype. Advocating for a romance writer, Laura Kinsale’s works are exquisitely crafted, irresistibly steamy, and often feature whimsically unconventional premises. For instance, the alluring duke in undergoes a transformative journey after a stroke impairs his language abilities, all while falling for a Quaker who employs archaic pronouns in her speech. In less skilled hands, their exchanges might have faltered, yet Kinsale navigates them with sincerity and poignancy.
…is a master class on dialogue:
Each of her short stories serves as a testament to the art of dialogue. Whenever I seek to rekindle my deep-seated love for language and its nuances in conveying emotions, her works never fail to invigorate that essential part of myself.
…describes a house I’d want to live in or a place I’d want to visit:
While the allure of Hill House in is undeniable, my heart gravitates towards Bilbo Baggins’s cozy abode. Its charm and warmth beckon irresistibly.
…I consider literary comfort food:
The entirety of ’s novels encapsulates literary comfort food for me. While it may seem reductive, she stands out as the closest counterpart to Jane Austen among the 20th-century authors I’ve encountered. With meticulous tenderness, she pins her characters like specimens, infusing each narrative with boundless affection and care.
…I would have blurbed if asked:
Given the chance, I would gladly provide glowing blurbs for every novel I’ve ever read. Each of her horror novels evokes a John Bellairs-esque charm tailored for adult audiences. Brimming with endearing, eccentric characters who follow their hearts, her narratives strike a delicate balance between fun and fright, never veering into excessively terrifying territories.
…everyone should read:
My persistent recommendation goes out to Megan Giddings’s . Set in an alternate U.S. where certain women are deemed witches, thus subjecting all women to stringent surveillance, the narrative resonates deeply with the contemporary political landscape. Simultaneously, it delves into themes of family, friendship, love, and identity with poignant finesse.
…that holds the recipe to a favorite dish:
Years ago, during a visit to a friend, I had the pleasure of savoring the Irish Oatmeal Cake with butterscotch frosting from the . Its exquisite flavor left an indelible impression, prompting an immediate acquisition of the cookbook. Since then, it has become my go-to dessert for celebrations or to impress acquaintances with my modest baking skills.
Bonus question: If I could live in any library or bookstore in the world, it would be:
Given the opportunity, I would opt for on the enchanting island of Santorini. The harmonious coexistence of books, the sea, and the availability of taramasalata encapsulates an idyllic setting that fulfills all my desires.