I’m SO GLAD I Read These Authors This Year! | Vlogmas Day 21

TL;DR

A discussion of the authors discovered in 2020 who have become favorites and made a significant impact.

Transcript

hi everyone it is april and here today we're going to chat about the authors that i discovered in 2020 that i have fallen in love with i might not read all of their works but i know that i will assist i will work my way through their stuff because they made such an impact on me i can't wait to read all of their stuff so let's get into it first we'r... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫠 Nikki French's character-driven thrillers, particularly the Frieda Klein series, provide riveting and thought-provoking reads.
• 🙂 Colson Whitehead's "The Nickel Boys" sheds light on the horrors of a real reform school, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
• 😳 Susan Meissner's historical fiction, such as "As Bright as Heaven," offers a poignant portrayal of the Spanish flu's effects on a family in Philadelphia.
• 🍃 Candice Carty-Williams combines humor and deep exploration of relationships in "Queenie," leaving readers rooting for the flawed yet relatable protagonist.
• ✍️ Katherine Ryan Howard's writing style in "Rewind" thrills readers with unexpected twists and turns, making her a favorite in the thriller genre.
• 🫠 Stacey Halls' historical fiction novels skillfully blend history and mystery with a touch of creepiness, making them compelling reads.
• 🥡 Angie Kim's "Miracle Creek" takes readers on a journey through a courtroom drama that challenges assumptions and explores the complexities of human experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the Frieda Klein series by Nikki French about?

The Frieda Klein series follows the psychotherapist Frieda Klein, who becomes entangled in various crime investigations that challenge her skills and lead to character development.

Q: What is the premise of "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead?

"The Nickel Boys" tells the story of a young black boy named Elwood who is wrongly accused and sent to a brutal reform school, based on a true story of a similar institution in Florida.

Q: What is the setting of Susan Meissner's "As Bright as Heaven"?

"As Bright as Heaven" takes place in Philadelphia during the time of the Spanish flu pandemic, following a family running a funeral parlor trying to cope with the devastation.

Q: What is the main theme of Candice Carty-Williams' "Queenie"?

"Queenie" explores the experiences of a young black woman in London, highlighting toxic relationships with men and the importance of female friendships.

Q: What makes Katherine Ryan Howard's writing style stand out in "Rewind"?

Howard's writing style in "Rewind" is known for its smart twists and unexpected turns, drawing readers into a gripping and thrilling narrative.

Q: How does Stacey Halls incorporate creepiness into her historical fiction novels?

While Stacey Halls' historical fiction novels, such as "The Familiars" and "The Lost Orphan," primarily focus on historical events, they also have a subtle element of creepiness that adds depth to the stories.

Q: What is the central focus of Angie Kim's "Miracle Creek"?

"Miracle Creek" is a courtroom drama that centers around a tragic event at a medical treatment facility called the Miracle Submarine. It explores the perspectives of the people involved and challenges readers' assumptions.

Q: What is the theme of Kate Elizabeth Russell's "My Dark Vanessa"?

"My Dark Vanessa" addresses the difficult subject of an abusive relationship between a high school student and her teacher, delving into the complexities of denial, trauma, and self-reflection.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nikki French: The author's gripping and character-driven psychological thrillers, particularly the Frieda Klein series, have captivated the reader's attention.

• Colson Whitehead: "The Nickel Boys" tells a powerful story of a young black boy's experience in a brutal reform school, based on a true story.

• Susan Meissner: "As Bright as Heaven" explores the devastating effects of the Spanish flu on a family running a funeral parlor in Philadelphia.

• Candice Carty-Williams: "Queenie" delves into the life of a young black woman living in London, navigating toxic relationships with the support of her female friendships.

• Katherine Ryan Howard: "Rewind" is a thrilling and smartly written book that follows the lives of three characters intertwined in a web of deceit and murder.

• Stacey Halls: The author's historical fiction novels, such as "The Familiars" and "The Lost Orphan," expertly blend history, mystery, and a touch of creepiness.

• Angie Kim: "Miracle Creek" is a courtroom drama that explores the complex perspectives and gray areas of a tragic event at a medical treatment facility.

• Kate Elizabeth Russell: "My Dark Vanessa" delves into the difficult and dark subject of a woman's reflection on her past abusive relationship with her high school teacher.