It's been a year and a half since I last posted, thanks to school and long commutes, but in that time I've read many excellent books and gotten into university! I'll be attending Scripps College in the fall, and am thrilled to be joining such a supportive, literary environment. Given that finals are approaching at the fast rate of Monday, I'll post a list of must-reads to stock up on before the regular book analyses resume.

• Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, by Therese Anne Fowler (Historical fiction, biographical, amazing period narration. Will induce literary delight into any reader.) Pairs excellently with
• The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain (Historical fiction, biographical, literary, drama.)
• My Name Is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok (Historical fiction, art, family, Judaism. Considered the best portrayal of childhood depression.)
• Breakfast at Tiffany's, by Truman Capote (Classic, New York, short story, drama.) Far better than the movie!
• The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights, by John Steinbeck (Classic adaption, fantasy, historical.) Excellent translation of Malory's Middle English version of King Arthur, this version in Steinbeck's distinct style is an amazing read.

I'd like to take a minute to unaffiliatedly promote the Goodreads app. I'm sure many of you know and love Goodreads, but you should consider checking out the app. They have an excellent book-scanning feature that allows you to easily add books to your library or check reviews in your local library or bookstore, as well as streamlined features of the beloved website. Find it on the app store. 

Happy reading--stay posted for full-length reviews!

M. Gabrielle

Author update

Dear readers,
I'd like to address the recent lack of posts on Friday Spines. In January I started part-time at a high school a few hours away to catch up on classes over the summer. Between the beginning-of-year camping trip (interrupted by the Yosemite Rim Fire) and preparing for school starting (tomorrow!) I've had very little time to post about the books I've been reading over the summer. (The majority of them have been textbooks or school-related.)

Friday Spines is unfortunately no longer a weekly blog--depending on the homework and the commute (around 90 minutes) this fall, I'm hoping to post reviews bi-monthly and book recommendations or other updates at least weekly. Let me know your thoughts on your favorite summer reading, releases you're excited for this fall, or old favorites you rediscovered at the back of your bookshelf.

I read Ex Libris, by Anne Fadiman, while I was camping in July and it nudged its way onto my favorites shelf--look for the review this Friday. In the meantime, I'll be publishing a list of books I'm most exited to read shortly.

Happy reading!
M. Gabrielle