The Sunday Salon: January 25, 2026

Hello from sunny Florida. I hope all of you in the path of this monster winter storm are safe indoors, warm, and cozying up with a good book. It's actually warmer than normal here, but we're expecting a cooler week ahead.

I don't have the words to convey how angry and disheartened I am by the news this week, so will jump right into the book talk. 

RECENT READING

Seascraper by Benjamin Wood

This short novel, longlisted for the Booker Prize, is heavy on atmosphere and light on plot. The writing, as you'd expect, is very good and it's probably best read in just one or two sittings. I made the mistake of beginning the book before we left on our travels, setting it aside while we were on the road, and then picking it up again ten days later. The spell was broken. I own this book, and will likely pick it up for a reread at some point.

⭐⭐⭐💫

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

I really enjoyed this book! It's a bit lighter than my usual fare and has me thinking I should read more cozy mysteries. Vera made me laugh, but there were also times when I rolled my eyes at her antics. The plot includes a 'found family' element that I found heartwarming.  Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping [On a Dead Man], the next book in the series, has been added to my tbr list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

CURRENT READING

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

I'm going to do it this year - finally read War and Peace! Every year I think about giving it a try and this year I learned about a slow, chapter-a-day read sponsored by Simon Haisell at Footnotes & Tangents. I bought the Maude translation, started reading on New Year's Day, and everything was fine for nearly a week. Our travels derailed this book, too. But once we got settled in Florida, I made the decision to start over and catch up. I managed to do that this past week and am slightly surprised by how much I'm enjoying it! We'll see if I still feel that way when we get to the 'war' parts.

There is a set reading schedule, a daily summary with historical notes and asides, plus a daily chat thread... which I've only looked at once or twice.  Wish me luck!

Are you in the storm's path? What are you reading this weekend?