Rad Reads: Sept. 2025
I’ve finished four books this month, but that math is a little off because I’ve been reading The Crippled God by Steven Erikson since, oh, January?
No joke, I started reading the Malazan Book of the Fallen series in 2012, I think. It’s one of the most memorable reading experiences of my life so far, definitely something incredibly singular, and an astounding achievement by Erikson. The books are challenging and most definitely not for everyone (no book is, obviously). I adore them, quirks and quibbles and all.
I read Fever House by Keith Rosson and immediately bought The Devil By Name while on vacation. I grabbed it from a wonderful store called Fireside Book Shop in Chagrin Falls, OH. I finished the book a day later, thanks to the languid pace of vacations Andrea (my wife and Moss Heart co-owner) and I insist on. I’ll 100% read whatever Rosson puts out, and have a copy of Coffin Moon on order, surely ready to be picked up any moment now!
The Very Heart of It by Thomas Mallon was my decompression read throughout the month, the book I’d grab as I wound down at the end of the night. It has quite a bit I enjoy, from lighthearted fun to literary drama/critique, to self-doubt and despair. I’ve been a fan of Mallon’s for a bit now and this added to my appreciation of his writing. I had quite a few emotions while reading this, shedding some tears on multiple occasions. I’m happy to report it was due to happiness and sadness. A wonderful book.
• BOOKS BOUGHT FOR ME •
The Devil By Name by Keith Rosson
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
Romance of the Grail by Joseph Campbell
Portalmania by Debbie Urbanski
They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib
We the People by Jill Lepore
We visited three bookstores while on vacation, including the aforementioned Fireside Book Shop.
The Kraus and Campbell were purchased at Loganberry Books which we visited on a rainy day, a practically perfect in every way bookshop on just such a day (or any, I imagine). Go there!
The Urbanski, Abdurraqib, and Lepore were bought at Mac’s Backs, which absolutely stole my heart. I adored this shop so completely I wished it could be my local shop - other than Moss Heart, of course. I would walk into this place regularly and simply feel immediately at home and at ease. I spoke briefly to one of the owners, and although I failed to ask her name, I did get to tell her how much her shop meant to me in my short visit. I loved it so.
• BOOKS BOUGHT FOR CUSTOMERS •
Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis
Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino
Alchemised (2) by SenLinYu
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
This Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman
God of Fury: Deluxe Edition by Rina Kent
God of Ruin: Deluxe Edition by Rina Kent
God of Pain: Deluxe Edition by Rina Kent
God of War: Deluxe Edition by Rina Kent
Katabasis: Deluxe Edition (3) by R.F. Kuang
If you’d like to place an order with me you can hop over to the Contact page or reach out to me on Instagram.
And don’t forget, our first tote is now available for order, with free shipping within the United States. And we have…sssssecrets…planned for more stuff, coming soon.
-Austin
