For Readers: Knowledge is Power

Let historical novels guide you this January

The new year has brought new horrific and lawless actions by the current administration. This is not usually a political newsletter, but it’s time to speak up. The best way I know to fight back is through story and knowledge. I urge you to read a book you may not usually read to understand the dangers of repressive regimes.

January reads

Here are two powerful books, one for adults and one for young readers:

Flashlight by Susan Choi. An immersive, gripping, and moving book about a Korean American, his wife, and their daughter. Confidently told between different perspectives, Choi unfolds the story of their lives following the disappearance of the father and husband. It explores the notion of “home” when you’re from two countries and the forgotten (or unknown to me) history of the North Korean kidnapping campaign.

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinken. For a hopeful story of resistance, this great story follows Jakob and Lizzie who live in England’s Bletchley Park of WWII codebreakers. The two must solve the mystery of where their mother is (dead or alive after a dangerous mission in Poland) as well as help crack the encrypted messages from Germany before the first London attack.

Snowy Sierras | mini watercolor by Jennifer Gennari

Creative news

Before September, when Stifled publishes, I’ll be doing podcasts and other fun things to introduce you to Madge, my trombone-playing sixth grader. First up: A cover reveal in February on Instagram! I’ll also share the preorder link, which helps the publisher (and me!) know how sales are going.

Happy reading,

Jen

PS: You’ll notice that I’ve turned on pledges. There’s no pressure to switch to a paid subscription, but if you like my book recommendations, every bit helps.