Friends, readers, fellow poets and lovers of the written word,

I am writing to share my top five picks (one in each category) for writing books, self-help books, romance, sci-fi, and graphic novels that I have recently read.

I hope you enjoy this new type of content!

Writing Books:

The 3 a.m. Epiphany by Brian Kiteley

• Is wonderful for its wide array of prompts
• Has a helpful little list of suggestions at the front
• Inspired a lot of good scenes

Self-help Books:

Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life by Gretchen Rubin

• Is another happiness project from Gretchen Rubin
• Inspired me to clean up a bit more than usual around the house
• Is a quick, fun read

Romance:

I must confess I had to go back a bit in my reading log to find a romance book! But here is the most recent one that really struck me: The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

• Is based on Egyptian Mythology
• Is a young-adult romance
• Was a really quick, fun read
• Stuck with me for about a week, longer than most books, which I tend to go through like matches

Sci-Fi:

The best sci-fi I read this summer was Semiosis by Sue Burke.

• I loved the premise
• I loved most of the characters
• This book is a very interesting departure from your classic first-contact book

And, finally, graphic novels:

The Skyward Series – authored by Joe Henderson, among other collaborators.

• Is beautifully illustrated
• Drew me immediately into the world
• Is still a work-in-progress – the third book in this Graphic Novel trilogy is not yet out! Something to look forward to, for sure.