Pam Webb

Reader Roundup: Checkpoint

I used to panic a bit when August rolled around since it meant in a couple of weeks I would be knee deep in meetings and lesson plans getting ready for the new school year.

Fourth year into retirement I now say, “School supplies? Is it that time already?” and pick up more books from the library.

For this month’s Reader Roundup, I’m borrowing an idea from who Nicole over at Sorry I’m Booked who did her own checkpoint (do pop over and look).

Best book(s) you’ve read so far in 2026: The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel by K. Woodman-Maynard, The Mouse by Stephanie Shulman, Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams by Katherine Paterson, Sally Deng, H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald–and these are just a few.

Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2026: I am absolutely smitten with Beth Brower’s Journals of Emma M. Lion series, both the written and the audiotape.

New release you haven’t read yet but want to: Sunrise by Tea Obreht, which sounds intriguing with its plot resonating a Twilight Zone vibe.

Biggest disappointment(s): I waited a long time for Ann Patchett’s Whistler. The book jacket summary was misleading. It could have been a heart-warming family story, but it took a turn. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon also took an unexpected turn. The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockwell was also a long hold list wait. Too long and so many troubling issues held back true enjoyment.

Biggest surprise: My Friend Flicka by Mary O-Hara. Having ignored this kid classic all these years (thinking it would be a sad animal story, like The Red Fern), it was surprising how well-written, how emotionally deep it was, to the point that I think it is best savored and appreciated by adults, not that kids can’t appreciate a really good read. The movie version with Roddy McDowell downgraded its literary value by putting a Disney spin on the story.

Favorite new author (debut or new to you): Beth Brower, most definitely.

New favorite character: Emma M. Lion–spunky, witty, determined (yes, she does sound like Elizabeth Bennett, doesn’t she?)

Book(s) that made you cry: oh gosh, too easily that little chokey tear thing happens these days. Books that make me happy, like The Journals of Emma M. Lion, poignant moments found in books like H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald and The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

Book(s) that made you happy; clever writing always brightens my reading time. Anthony Horowitz’s Marble Hall Murders, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers

Most beautiful book you’ve checked out so far this year: The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer and Barabara Taylor has georgous illustrations.

What books do you need to read by the end of the year? Oh. So. Many.

Reading Challenge Progress:
It’s been an amazing year. My reading challenge was set for 101 and I am now at 134 with four months left to check off more “Want to Read” titles.

How’s your reading challenge going?

Emma M. Lion sweeps the categories.