Kirsten’s nonfiction revision book is so good. As are all her picture books! (Full disclosure, we are friends but I do honestly think they’re fantastic)
Thanks for this! I read both Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s memoirs this year and thought they were interesting formats. I loved both of them, but Textbook definitely hit different. I guess I would say more poignantly, less laugh out loud humor? My two youngest kids came in as I was finishing it, and I was not okay. They sat with me on the couch and handed me tissues. But it is beautiful and again, I loved the unique format and have played with it a little in my own writing.
I checked out Textbook from the library but didn't manage to get to it before the loan expired, but I'm curious to read it too and good to know that one leans more poignant. I feel like I want to read it in physical format rather than on audio but will add to my list for 2025. I've been pondering trying to try out some of the techniques she uses too.
(edit: totally not a full-length novel humor piece playing with form.)
This short one-sided workplace epistolary humor piece may be an oldie by now, but Whoops! by Mike Sacks is a personal favorite https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/whoops
For pure audacity commiting to form and the bit, I love Boilerplate: History 's Mechanical Marvel. It's historical fiction with a full-color textbook treatment, following a robot who Forest Gumps their way through pivotal moments at the turn of the century. Played straight with meticulous research and supporting photos, it's not Capital H Humor writing, but lots of crossover https://www.amazon.com/Boilerplate-Historys-Mechanical-Paul-Guinan/dp/0810989506
I am still in the process of figuring out what it will be too as I have not managed to write anything yet but am just thinking through ideas! I think doing the Story Storm idea generation thing may help me get there :)
Kirsten’s nonfiction revision book is so good. As are all her picture books! (Full disclosure, we are friends but I do honestly think they’re fantastic)
I am intrigued by the sound of several of her picture books so I am going to check those out too :)
Currently listening to Ina Garten's memoir, it is such a comfort listen. It's a great way to ease into the new year.
Such a great comfort listen -- feels perfect for this week!
Thanks for this! I read both Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s memoirs this year and thought they were interesting formats. I loved both of them, but Textbook definitely hit different. I guess I would say more poignantly, less laugh out loud humor? My two youngest kids came in as I was finishing it, and I was not okay. They sat with me on the couch and handed me tissues. But it is beautiful and again, I loved the unique format and have played with it a little in my own writing.
I checked out Textbook from the library but didn't manage to get to it before the loan expired, but I'm curious to read it too and good to know that one leans more poignant. I feel like I want to read it in physical format rather than on audio but will add to my list for 2025. I've been pondering trying to try out some of the techniques she uses too.
Thanks for reminding me to read Attachments!
Great round up, Julie. 🥂
Thanks Meg, Happy end of the year/New Year!
(edit: totally not a full-length novel humor piece playing with form.)
This short one-sided workplace epistolary humor piece may be an oldie by now, but Whoops! by Mike Sacks is a personal favorite https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/whoops
For pure audacity commiting to form and the bit, I love Boilerplate: History 's Mechanical Marvel. It's historical fiction with a full-color textbook treatment, following a robot who Forest Gumps their way through pivotal moments at the turn of the century. Played straight with meticulous research and supporting photos, it's not Capital H Humor writing, but lots of crossover https://www.amazon.com/Boilerplate-Historys-Mechanical-Paul-Guinan/dp/0810989506
Definitely sounds intriguing -- thank you for the recs!
For epistolary novels, have you read Dear Committee Members?
I have and it's one of my favorites so good thought!
We enjoyed A Man on the Inside too! Thanks for these lists and recs — and I’m curious what your nonfiction picture book will be…!
I am still in the process of figuring out what it will be too as I have not managed to write anything yet but am just thinking through ideas! I think doing the Story Storm idea generation thing may help me get there :)