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4 Thrillers to Read to Get Your Halloween Fix
Cozy sweaters and cooling weather make autumn the perfect time to dive into a few spooky stories. Before you rewatch Hocus Pocus for the fifth time this month, why not pick up a written thriller instead? We put together a list of four of our favorite Beaufort thrillers to curl up with during the month of October. But be careful, only the extremely brave should dare to read these titles alone after the sun sets.
The Woman in the Park
As a summer 2019 release, The Woman in the Park is the latest psychological thriller from Beaufort to hit shelves. While The Purist Magazine called it “the beach read you’ve been waiting for” and SheReads named it one of the 10 best chilling end-of-summer thrillers, The Woman in the Park is just as great of a read while stretched out on the sand as it is curled up on the couch.
Synopsis:
When Manhattanite Sarah Rock meets a mysterious and handsome stranger in the park, she is drawn to him. Sarah wants to get away from her daily routine, her cheating husband and his crazy mistress, her frequent sessions with her heartless therapist, and her moody children. But nothing is as it seems. Her life begins to unravel when a woman from the park goes missing and Sarah becomes the prime suspect in the woman’s disappearance. Her lover is nowhere to be found, her husband is suspicious of her, and her therapist is talking to the police. With no one to trust, Sarah must face her inner demons and uncover the truth to prove her innocence.
RED Hotel
A timely thriller based on real-life acts of war, RED Hotel teeters on the edge of reality until the very end. This action-packed book is a combined effort of authors Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller, in which they use their long-standing experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries to write a novel about a terrorist attack at a Tokyo hotel.
Synopsis:
When a bomb rips the façade off the Kensington Hotel in Tokyo, dozens are killed and injured while one man walks calmly away from the wreckage, a coy smile playing on his lips. Former Army intelligence officer Dan Reilly, now an international hotel executive with high level access to the CIA, makes it his mission to track him down. He begins a jet-setting search for answers as the clock ticks down to a climactic event that threatens NATO and the very security of member nations. Reilly begins mining old contacts and resources in an effort to delve deeper into the motive behind these attacks, and fast. Through his connections he learns that the Tokyo bomber is not acting alone. But the organization behind the perpetrator is not who they expect.
Facilitated by the official government from a fearsome global superpower, the implications and reasons for these attacks are well beyond anything Reilly or his sources in the CIA and State Department could have imagined, and point not to random acts of terror, but calculated acts of war. RED Hotel is an incredibly timely globe-trotting thriller that’s fiction on the edge of reality.
Seeking Hyde
If you love Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, you’ll love Thomas Reed’s Seeking Hyde. Reed’s book dives into the history of one of the world’s most famous authors, while taking readers along a gripping, heart-pounding journey through late-19th century London. This Beaufort title is the perfect Halloween read for lovers of historical thrillers and die-hard Stevenson fans.
Synopsis:
Seeking Hyde sticks closely to the biographical record as Robert Louis Stevenson struggles to write another book to be the successor to Treasure Island. After the infamous two characters, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, take form in a dream, Stevenson writes passionately for three days, convinced that he has crafted his masterpiece. His wife Fanny, a willful and demanding gypsy, offers a scathing critique, obliging him to start over from the beginning. While the revised tale is published to great acclaim, it is ultimately blamed for inspiring a gruesome series of murders in London’s East End. Desperate to address his own guilt, Stevenson enters the dark underworld of Victorian London. As he follows a twisted path through this midnight landscape, the author-turned-detective wrestles with the social demons of prostitution, police corruption, and the hypocrisy of powerful men—ultimately coming face-to-face with Jack the Ripper himself.
Ladies of the Lake
Author Ken Corday, established producer of popular day-time soap Days of Our Lives, made his publishing debut with the chilling thriller Ladies of the Lake. Since publication, Corday’s novel has been adapted into a successful digital TV series by the same name. This thriller offers readers entertaining family drama, a world-class cast of characters, and a shocking twist-ending that will leave you wanting more.
Synopsis:
From the outside, Avalon seems like the ideal place to live; full of rich men and beautiful women. Six couples form a close-knit friendship; the men all golf together, the women all shop together, and their six children all skip school together. But the wives begin to resent feeling like possessions and realize that the men become crueler every day. When more husbands start dying, the so-called “Ladies of the Lake” find themselves under suspicion from the LAPD and their own children. The six children try to uncover their parents’ secrets before the handsome Detective Daniels can discover what is truly going on behind closed gates.
Get into the spirit of Halloween with any one of these Beaufort titles. Visit Barnes & Noble or IndieBound to pick up a copy of your chosen thriller today!
Wishing you all a happy Halloween,
Mia ThermoBEAUlis
Beaufort Titles on the Big Screen
Hi readers! Mia ThermoBEAUlis here. We’ve had a busy fall here at Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press as we prepare to go to press for five separate titles.
Out of these titles, two have been making some major headlines as of late. The first title, School Choice: A Legacy to Keep, is the new memoir from Virginia Walden Ford, a courageous trailblazer who paved the way for a complete overhaul of the education system in her local community. What began as a grassroots movement has since turned into a national organization. The Opportunity Scholarship Program now provides “scholarships for low-income children to attend private schools, while boosting federal funding for traditional public schools and public charter schools.”
Virginia didn’t always have the influence she maintains now, however. Her movement began as an act of desperation, as she worked three jobs so she could afford a private education for her son who was failing out of a deteriorating public school in the suburbs of Washington D.C. School Choice: A Legacy to Keep is Virginia’s retelling of the years she spent fighting corrupt politicians in Congress and how she and other dedicated parents changed the face of the American education system forever.
We were thrilled when we found out the Moving Picture Institute was planning to produce a film based on Virginia’s story. “Miss Virginia,” starring Uzo Aduba and Matthew Modine, is an inspiring drama that retells the true story of Virginia’s fight for educational rights. The film hits theaters this Friday, October 18th, but we were honored to be invited to attend the world premiere for the movie here in New York City.
Director R.J. Daniel Hanna, Virginia Walden Ford, and actor Matthew Modine before the premiere.
Several members of our team were present at the premiere and had the opportunity to hear from Virginia herself, as well as Modine, director R.J. Daniel Hanna, and other panelists related to the school choice cause. Nick Reid, executive producer and senior vice president of the Moving Picture Institute, moderated the panel and lead the discussion about the making of the film and the impact the school choice movement has had on families around the country.
Virginia Walden Ford, Matthew Modine, and other panelists join Nick Reid for a Q&A after the premiere.
Also present at the premiere was another Beaufort author, Andrew Campanella. As the president of National School Choice Week, Andrew has worked closely with Virginia through the years to empower parents and educate them about the different types of education available. Andrew’s new book, The School Choice Roadmap, is another upcoming Beaufort title. It serves as a guide for parents looking to find the best learning environment for their children.
Both School Choice: A Legacy to Keep and The School Choice Roadmap are available for pre-order now. School Choice: A Legacy to Keep will hit shelves on November 21st of this year, while The School Choice Roadmap will be available on January 21st, 2020.
We’re so excited to be publishing both titles. If you’d like to support these incredible authors and changemakers, you can pre-order a copy of both books from Indiebound or Barnes & Noble.
Until next time,
Mia ThermoBEAUlis
A Book-Filled Weekend
The Brooklyn Book Festival 2019
Cheers, readers! I’m Beaufort and Spencer Hill’s second intern for Fall 2019. For the remainder of the semester, I will be going by the alias Mia ThermoBEAUlis in honor of my all-time favorite author, Meg Cabot, and her most popular character to date. Growing up, Meg Cabot’s colorful, creative, and always slightly disheveled protagonists strongly resonated with me, and the fact that every Meg Cabot book I own has been read to the point of near destruction serves as proof.
It’s crazy to think I’m already approaching my 2-month mark since starting my internship with Beaufort and Spencer Hill. Fortunately, there have been plenty of exciting projects to keep me busy, which is why I’m just now getting to my introductory blog post.
While I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, I’m considerably new to the publishing world. With the exceptions of the Harry Potter series and a few classics by Roald Dahl, it always felt like I was the only book lover among my friends growing up. It wasn’t until I stepped into my first screenwriting class my freshman year of college that I knew what it was like to be among other eager storytellers.
Moving to New York feels like freshman year all over again. It’s been equally thrilling and terrifying to be surrounded by people who live and breathe books. I finally feel at home, but every day I’m in the Beaufort office brings new challenges and reminds me just how little I knew about the publishing industry before starting the internship.
I love that each day in the Beaufort office brings opportunities to learn something new about the publishing industry, and that indoctrination continued with a few book-related occurrences two weekends ago. On Friday, while in Philadelphia, I got lost on my way to dinner and wound up at an inconspicuous used bookstore. The storefront was unmarked and from the front room, it appeared to consist of just five bookshelves stuffed with old CD’s and dusty self-help titles. I was about to ask the store owner if he had any fiction books when I saw a small entryway that opened up to another tiny room that was packed with books. Each secret room led to another, with each room getting progressively bigger and home to more obscure titles, stacked wherever the owner could find space.
At the very back of the store was one bookshelf filled with antique books. For just $10, I grabbed three different antique books, each published in the 1920s. While any bookstore is great in my book (yes, pun intended), the challenge of searching through piles of pre-loved stories makes bookstores like the one in Philadelphia a rarity that should be preserved.
A look inside the used bookstore
On that Sunday, I stopped by the Brooklyn Book Festival. If you’ve been before, you know how palpable the energy is among the authors, publishers, and festival attendees. Whether it was a Big 5 publisher, an indie from a small town in Minnesota, or a local bookstore from Brooklyn, each table was swarming with authors, publishers, booksellers, and devoted readers, all looking to discuss the transformations the publishing industry is undergoing and the new books about to hit the market. I even had the opportunity to stop by and say hello to some of the publishing professionals I’ve heard about while working at Beaufort. Going into the festival I had no idea what to expect, so to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement.
If anything, this weekend reinforced my love for books and my desire to work in publishing. I can’t wait to see what the next few months with Beaufort and Spencer Hill bring!
Until next time,
Amelia Mignonette ThermoBEAUlis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia Intern at Beaufort Books.
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
Welcome to New York!
Manhattan skyline, August 2019
Hello fellow book lovers!
I am the newest intern here at Beaufort Books & Spencer Hill Press! Over the next four months, you’ll be seeing periodic updates on the blog about my latest bookish adventures and NYC experiences. For this brief time as a blogger, I’ll be going full James Bond and using the alias of Captain Beaumerica (I am a Marvel fiend and cannot be stopped). I am so thrilled to share my thoughts, musings, and lessons learned with you all!
I think it is only appropriate that this first post serves as an introduction to myself. Below you’ll find a list of a few of my favorite things.
Favorite Book:
One thing to know about me? I will never lie to you. I have so many favorite books. I’m not a parent, but I imagine that choosing your favorite book is not unlike trying to choose your favorite child. For the sake of time and your sanity, I won’t list all my favorites, but here is my default:
Divergent by Veronica Roth – This book isn’t a groundbreaking novel with an ultra-diverse cast, nor is it an underrated gem that everyone will love, but as a lost middle schooler this book was exactly what I needed to read. It brought me comfort and guidance during that complicated time of adolescence. It was an influential book that shaped the rest of my school experience. I could talk for hours about the first book in this series and the injustice of the film adaptation, but instead I will just encourage you to read it for yourself. Come share in the heartache.
Favorite Movie:
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but I have several favorite movies… Here’s a few:
The Way Way Back – A coming-of-age story starring Steve Carrell and Toni Collette. This film is so heartwarming and emotional. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
The Truman Show – I love Jim Carey. He did a phenomenal job in this movie, but honestly, when does he not?
The Entire Marvel Cinematic Universe – Captain Marvel. Black Panther. Iron Man. Too many to name. I love them all with the passion of a thousand Suns.
Favorite Place:
In May of 2019, I spent two weeks in Southern Oregon and Northern California. They are easily my favorite places in the World. If I could hole up in the California Redwoods to write for the rest of my life, I absolutely would. These massive trees brought tears to my eyes and made me emotional in a way that I never thought trees could. I consider it a travesty that the Redwoods are not on the official Wonders of the World list.
Favorite Thing About NYC (so far):
The subway. I consider myself I great driver, but I highly dislike it. Not having to drive everyday is a blessing that I never want to lose. Also, the bookstores. So. Many. Bookstores.
That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about me! I am so excited to be a part of the Beaufort team and interact with you via Beaufort social media. Check back soon for more updates!
Your Favorite Hero,
Captain Beaumerica
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
Always Wandering, Never Lost
Hello Readers!
This summer has been a whirlwind of exciting things, both at work and outside of it. One of my favorite things about New York City is that there’s always something new to explore. I spent every weekend hopping from park to thrift shop to ice cream place and I definitely haven’t been everywhere! Maybe it’s only because I’m here for the summer, but I feel like I could stay for years and still discover new and interesting places every week. Even simple things like walking up 6th avenue instead of 5th on the way to work change the experience of a day so much. Not to say that a one-block difference is as far afield as I went this summer—quite the opposite. I went all the way up to the Cloisters and down to Coney Island, exploring pretty much every bookstore I passed along the way. As much as I loved the things I planned (the Coney Island Cyclone holds up to the hype!), some of my favorite things happened purely by chance, like stumbling across a street fair or seeing the same adorable dog on the subway and later on Governor’s Island. From conceptual ice cream bars to hole-in-the-wall record stores, I never knew what to expect when I set out wandering.
In much the same way, I never knew quite what to expect when I came into the Beaufort & Spencer Hill office—and I’m just as happy about that! From visiting printers to proofreading manuscripts to hunting down addresses for reviewers, it’s been a busy summer, and I’ve enjoyed it all. I came in thinking I wanted to go into publishing, but now I know I do. I like the everyday chaos of working at a small publisher, from first submissions, corrections, and cover design, to ARC buzz, the excitement of pub date, and royalty statements. This might be a bit obvious, but it really does give me an appreciation for how many little projects go into the making of every book on my shelf. And I’ve not only gotten to see how things work, I’ve gotten to do many of them. I came up with keywords to help our titles be found in search. I’ve helped out with submissions. I finally learned how to use Instagram and Twitter! I’ve learned a lot this summer and I’m genuinely excited to explore the industry further.
When I go back to school in a couple of weeks, I know I’ll miss a lot about New York (like the many excellent restaurants on my block), but hopefully I’ll be back one day. And until then, I can always read about it in one of many fantastic books.
Sea you sometime,
Beauseidon
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
Welcome to NYC, BookExpo Style
Hello!
I’m Beaufort’s newest intern here to report back that, yes, BookExpo is exactly as cool as our previous post promises!
I’ve never been part of the publishing world before, but I had heard tell of a magical event where all the industry people came together to network and best of all—talk about books! I was very excited when Beaufort asked if I’d like to go to this paradise, so of course I said yes.
And BookExpo and BookCon did not disappoint! I hit the ground running on this internship, starting my first day by helping set up the booth. For the next three days I helped out there, meeting authors and helping with signings, and of course, exploring this mecca of the book world.
The Javits Center was full of larger-than-life posters of books and authors. It was like they were movie stars—some of whom I got to meet in real life! Just sharing a room with people whose books I’ve admired since I was little is enough to make my nerdy heart swoon, let alone all of the other fantastic things going on.
It was really interesting to see all the different people who came to BookExpo—not just publishers, but librarians, booksellers, and educators as well. I saw a few people from around where I live and said hello. It was nice to see a little bit of home in the big city.
But of course, for a young hopeful such as myself, it was great to see the variety of publishers there. From the big four to small presses, academics to picture books, a wide range of organizations came to BookExpo. Everyone was excited to show off the projects they’d been working on and even standing in line, attendees would talk about the exciting things they’d done or were planning to do during the convention.
BookExpo was a really great way to kick off my internship because not only did I get to be dazzled by all of the cool things happening in the industry, I also got to know the Beaufort & Spencer Hill teams better than I would have just starting behind the desk.
Signing off for now,
Beauseidon
P.S. These are some of the cool tote bags I got while I was there!
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
Bookish Dream Come True!
Hello Readers!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but I wanted to share some exciting news. As most of you may know, BookExpo and BookCon are coming up soon, and I’ll be attending both for the very first time! Now this is exciting for several reasons, but for those of you who aren’t familiar with either, I’ll elaborate.
BookExpo is the publishing industry’s leading trade event. Publishers, booksellers, librarians, and tastemakers all gather to find out what’s new and happening with authors, the latest titles, distribution channels, and new technologies and trends. It’s a great space to network and make connections within the industry, keep up to date with the comings and goings of the publishing world, and if you have a business, it’s a great event to attend because you can learn how to give it an edge.
Equally exciting will be Unbound, the adjacent show and new exhibit floor dedicated to unique non-book items to help businesses grow: “aka” the goodies show. Let’s face it, though we love books, we also like the toys and trinkets that bookshops sell to accompany and enrich our book reading experience. I’ll have to bring a tote bag!
Prepping up for BookExpo!
Running concurrently to BooxExpo will be the New York Rights Fair, which is the international adult and children’s content and licensing marketplace. This is where rights professionals, publishers, acquisitions editors, agents, scouts, film producers, and other attendees do business, discuss rights sales and the distribution of content across all formats.
As an intern at a publishing house, I am extremely excited to see up close what happens at these trade shows because A) they’re not really open to the general public, unless you’re in the books business and B) they form the biggest and most important U.S. publishing event of the year.
Between author panels and talks, and sessions meant to educate on the publishing business, book swag, and networking, this three-day-event is sure to be thrilling for book fanatics like me!
If you’re never been and can go, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hi!
BookExpo will take place May 29-31, 2019 at the Javits Center in NYC.
Wednesday, May 29: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 30: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, May 31: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Just as BookExpo closes on Friday, BookCon opens on Saturday. Now BookCon is an entirely different atmosphere. But what is it? In their own words, “BookCon is the event where storytelling and pop culture collide.” One of my friends described it as “Comic Con for book nerds,” and I couldn’t agree more.
So, while BookExpo runs more on the business side of books, BookCon is tailored for all the readers and book fans out there. Open to the public, and targeting all ages, eager bibliophiles like me will have the opportunity to meet & greet authors, attend workshops and panels, and get all our favorite books autographed.
Just a taste of what I’m hoping my haul looks like from BookExpo & BookCon!!!
I’ve been living in NYC for almost three years, but this will be my first time attending (finally!). For two years I have stared in awe (and felt very jealous…) of my friends’ hauls after attending. Though I will sadly be leaving this wonderful city in August, and I probably don’t need to add any more books to my packing list, I am anticipating eagerly all the fantastic reads I will leave the event with.
So, if you’re planning to attend, BookExpo (which I am hoping you are), you seriously CANNOT pass up on BookCon!
Sadly, weekend tickets are sold out, but you can still purchase tickets onsite & online. Adult tix go between $30-$45 depending on the day, and Kid tix (aged 6-12) are priced at $10 for either day.
BookCon will take place June 1-2, 2019 at the Javits Center in NYC.
Saturday, June 1: 10:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, June 2: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
I cannot wait for this fun-packed week to arrive! For more information on either event, please click on the links below.
Til’ next time, readers!
-Sir Arthur Conan Beauyle
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
A Story of Discovery
Hello readers! This post is bittersweet, as it’s the last one I’ll write for Beaufort and as Phoebe Beauffay. One of the most important things I’ve been able to do during my time in NYC and at Beaufort is make discoveries: about myself, the publishing industry, a new city. I was hoping this experience would be a good way for me to reach out of my comfort zone and that I’d learn a lot from it. I’m glad to say it was a success. Before my farewell, I wanted to share a bit about what my time here has taught me. I firmly believe we should always be looking for opportunities to discover and grow. We’re all stories in progress with never-ending opportunities to learn, and I’m especially grateful for my chapter set here in NYC.
On one of my last days, I was able to sit down with Megan and Karen and talk about things I wanted to learn more about and ask plenty of questions. It was a highlight of my internship because I had the opportunity to sit down with my supervisors and ask real questions about what it’s like to work in their industry. We discussed how they got into publishing, acquiring books, working with authors, foreign deals, and contracts. One of my biggest takeaways was that small publishing companies really can do it all (or at least have a big role in it all)! My brief internship alone has given me the opportunity to wear many hats, and I’ve loved it. What’s a good story without variety?
Some of our topics were publishing specific, and others could apply to any industry. We talked about important interview tips: send a thank you note post-interview, ask questions, be sure to ask what the interviewer likes about his or her job, and find out what the company is like. I hadn’t really thought to ask about company culture in an interview, and now it’s something I’ll never forget. After all, characters and setting are critical to any story.
I learned that publishing is a field I might really want to pursue further as a career. This internship was the first step in finding out if this field is the one for me. I may not have made an absolute decision on my future career, but I came away with a lot of knowledge and the desire to learn even more. The more chapters we read, the more we know about the story, and life experiences work the same way: the more we have, the more we discover. It’s always sad to close a chapter, but there are always more to be read. And when those chapters close, there are entirely new books. I’m so grateful for the pages filled by Beaufort and Spencer Hill.
One last happy reading and best wishes to you all,
Phoebe Beauffay
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
NYC: A Story-Lover’s Dream
As an English major, I truly love stories in all of their forms. This includes books (obviously), movies and television, plays and musicals, and even museums and concerts. All works of art tell a story in one way or another, and NYC is full of art. In other words, NYC is a story-lover’s dream. I hope in sharing my recent artistic outings, it might inspire readers to get out and experience some stories of your own (in any and all forms)!
Seeing a story unfold in front of you in the form of a Broadway musical is magical. I’ve only seen two shows during my time here, but they’ve made me want to see them all. Anastasia was my first ever show. Anastasia has been one of my favorite movies for as long as I can remember, and seeing it so alive and real was spectacular. After the show, I was able to meet most of the amazing cast, including singer Cody Simpson who played Dmitry (a middle school dream come true)! My second show was Mean Girls, and that was another great experience that filled me with memories of watching the movie in middle school with my friends at sleepovers.
The stories behind works of art found in a museum are fascinating to me: the lives of artists, the history of an entire civilization, the meaning of a work of art. I made my first visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently and loved every second. From the paintings to the sculptures to the artifacts, I was filled with curiosity and awe. It’s not every day you get to see a Van Gogh painting in person! Additionally, a concert is one of the most fun and lively ways to hear a story. Though I want to get to many more, the only concert I have been to so far was for singer Ryan Beatty that I attended for one of my classes; what an incredible show it was!
In terms of some of the more obvious story forms, I still try to make plenty of time for books and film. Despite the reader’s block I mentioned in my previous post, I was able to get my hands on a copy of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman from my reading list and having been loving it and (slowly but surely!) fighting my reader’s block. I’ve also recently been treating myself during my free time with Gilmore Girls binges and uplifting Netflix originals such as Dumplin’. I’ve found during my time in NYC that you can find a good story almost anywhere you look for one. Try and enjoy some art today if you can!
Until next time,
Phoebe Beauffay
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
New City, New Books
Photo taken at The Strand on Broadway at 12th.
Hello everyone! I’m Beaufort’s newest intern, writing under the pen name Phoebe Beauffay (Friends fans?) A little about me is that I’m an English major who loves stories in all forms and of all genres. I attend university in Nashville, TN, but I’m here for the semester. Not only am I new to Beaufort, but I am entirely new to NYC. Prior to my move here, I had never been. I’m more thrilled to be here than I can say!
I think most people who consider themselves to be avid readers would agree that sometimes we get reader’s block. My own reader’s block has been going on for far too long. I’m ready to pull out my reading list, my bookmarks, sign up for a library card, and get to work. Moving here has given me a spark to read that I haven’t felt in a while. How could it not? I’m surrounded by countless books and fellow book lovers here at Beaufort. I pass a public library to and from Beaufort each time I’m here. Readers are everywhere: on the subway, in coffee shops, in any of NYC’s abundant book stores. I’m planning an entire day to visit The Strand alone.
My reading list is ever-growing with no end in sight. It also refuses to be limited to one genre; it has a little bit of everything, which is exactly what I am looking for here in NYC. Here are a few of the books I intend to read on the subway and in coffee shops to cure my reader’s block:
Great Food Jobs 2 by Irena Chalmers
A Beaufort title I’m quite excited about! I love food and books. I love learning about the food industry and different careers. It’s full of insight on a world that I’m ready to learn all about.
North of the Tension Line by J.F. Riordan
Another Beaufort title, one that immediately reminded me of home. This story is set in Ephraim, Wisconsin. While I live in NYC and attend college in Nashville, Wisconsin is where I grew up. It’s rare for me to be able to read about home (New Yorkers are a lucky bunch in that department). I love that the story explores small town life.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I have so much admiration for the former first lady, and I cannot wait to hear her story in her own words. Autobiographies are newer to my list than other genres, but I believe this could be the read to get me going on them.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This one has been on my list for the last few months, and I’ve heard only good things about it. Stories about slightly awkward protagonists and friendship full of warmth and heart have a special place in mine.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
This is another one that has been on my list for a while (I blame the reader’s block). Psychological thrillers and mysteries are some of my favorites, and I’m a big fan of Gillian Flynn ever since Gone Girl. Looking forward to finally checking this one off the list.
Happy reading!
Phoebe Beauffay
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
Greetings Everyone,
It’s Sir Arthur Conan Beauyle.
We’re quickly approaching the end of the year and I find myself looking back regretfully at my reading goals for 2018. I barely made a dent in my ever-growing, never-decreasing, extremely tempting to-be-read pile and I won’t even give you the number because it’s too embarrassing. However, I did accomplish a great deal this year that will help convince myself it’s enough to forgive such a bookish faux pas.
May marked a major milestone in my life: I received my M.F.A. in Creative Writing degree. I say major because my self-doubt is constantly out to get me; when I left home for my undergrad program, and when I fulfilled my lifelong dream of becoming a pastry chef. My self-doubt even got in the way in the middle of moving to New York (literally en-route to the Big Apple on the plane). Yet I continue to surprise myself whenever I achieve something I once thought impossible. But no matter how present that self-doubt is, my persistence has ALWAYS won.
This year marked my second major milestone in the great city of New York. Living here has opened my mind, eyes, and heart to so many different opportunities. It’s impossible not to love it. I started writing my novel again, and this time it has direction. Though my original goal for this year was to complete the first draft by December 31st, I am confident that this work-in-progress will be finished in 2019.
2018 had several internship opportunities for me, and I found myself back at Beaufort Books, working alongside this incredible team! When you find a group of people who are passionate about their work and are eager to teach you everything they know, it’s a breeze getting up in the morning. The Beaufort bibliophiles have inspired me to really tackle my reading goals for next year.
As I’ve done diligently in the past, I’ve begun drafting my hopes and dreams, my desires and wishes for 2019. I try to be realistic when it comes to these resolutions, because most of the time, come March, I have forgotten all about them. Because of my dismal reading habits in 2018, one of my top three wishes is to complete my 2019 reading list (hopefully I will exceed it!). The list isn’t complete, but it does involve a book for each week. Our lovely managing editor Megan has encouraged me with her reading record for 2018, so like her, I will read at least 52 books in the coming 12 months.
“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” (thank you, Andy Williams!) and I find it impossible to be sad, or mad, or angry whenever I see those twinkling holiday lights. Who knows what’s in store for 2019, but I know that it’ll be great. And even if there are bad days, I can always turn to my books to escape.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!
Sir Arthur Conan Beauyle
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
It’s All About The Process…
Hello again readers!
The summer is winding down and so, in turn, is my internship with Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press. My last day will be bittersweet, as I leave behind the excitement of the summer for the hustle bustle of the school year. Nevertheless, I have come to really appreciate change while living in a city as lively as New York and working in a field as dynamic as publishing.
I had the opportunity this summer to read quite a few manuscripts, both fiction and non-fiction, at all different stages of writing. While evaluating manuscripts is only one of many steps in the editorial process, I found that it gave me insight into the publishing world as an industry that is constantly evolving, much like the way in which a manuscript grows into a book. Although most people only see the finished product with every detail in place down to the last period, I have learned that the beauty of publishing is truly all about the process – the process of artistic development, but more notably the process of seeing an idea become something tangible for the author and the readers.
From the acquisition of a manuscript to the publication date, agents, editors, sales teams, and endorsers think (and rethink) critically about an idea with not only the author’s vision in mind, but also the ever-changing market of readers. It doesn’t matter whether the writing is good or bad from the start, because a book will never be perfect in the eyes of every single person who encounters it and will inevitably shift in some way or another (even if it is just a matter of adding a serial comma). When a book moves from one stage to the next – whether it be a contract signed or a proofread cover design – it is one step closer to taking creative shape.
When the publication date finally rolls around, the words and illustrations on the page will remain the same, but the book itself will continue to evolve as the writing style, edits, endorsements, and press releases, impact each reader in a different way. The audience never sees the nitty gritty workings of the publishing process, but they do get to undergo their own process of engaging with the ideas, words, and production of a book, in a way that is significant to them.
A book is never just as it appears with all the different gears working behind it to make it a whole, and you have to embrace the process to understand what the book truly holds.
Happy reading,
Aphra Beauhn
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
In The Name of Summer Reading
Whenever I tell others that I’m an English major, I always get questions about either my favorite book or what genre I like to read most. I have a hard time answering these questions because, during the school year, my reading consists primarily of class assignments, everything from James Joyce to literary theory. I spend my time amidst great books, both classics and contemporaries, but rarely get to indulge in my personal reading list.
When the summer finally rolls around, I face the difficult challenge of picking out a pile of new books at Oblong, my hometown local bookstore, to keep me occupied over the following months. My collection is always an eclectic one, consisting of quite a few contemporary novels, one or two memoirs, and usually several random picks from the staff recommendations table (the best place, in my opinion, to discover new books). Since I have a hard time pinpointing my reading taste, I figured I would share with you all the books that have been getting me through my daily subway commute this summer and let the list speak for itself.
Below are some of the highlights:
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
After diving into Parks and Recreation this summer, I was excited to read Poehler’s memoir, full of pointed essays, knee-slapping anecdotes, and admirable honesty. I actually laughed out loud as I sat on the one train (probably looking like a crazy person to everyone else) while reading this book to and from the Beaufort Books/Spencer Hill Press office. I came to greatly appreciate Poehler’s witty, yet insightful musings on growing up, careers, and adulthood, but also her ability to capture the humor in the mundane things of everyday life.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
After reading Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day in high school, I was intrigued by the mix of mystery, love, and dystopic life in Never Let Me Go. In the same vein as Black Mirror, this book strikes eerily close to home, as Ishiguro packs the plot with an underlying commentary on the inhumane sense of detachment that accompanies technological advancements. Though quite creepy, the novel offers a unique, provocative perspective on the direction in which human life is headed.
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
I am not someone who reads scientific or psychological books in particular, but Outliers has been on my reading list since my high school calculus teacher read excerpts of the book to students every day at the beginning of class as our senior year came to an end. Gladwell’s thought-provoking style of writing lays out examples, misconceptions, and statistics about the nature of success as a product of culture and opportunity, rather than intellect. Outliers is an extremely important, pertinent read at a time where college and career opportunities are more competitive than ever before.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake is the one book on my list that I have yet to read, but I wanted to include it because I adore Atwood for her astute, spunky voice. As I was wandering the bookshelves at Oblong, a young woman spotted me checking out Atwood’s books and insisted that I begin the MaddAddam series (of which Oryx and Crake is the first, followed by The Year of the Flood and MaddAddam). She told me that these books would stand apart from other forward-looking titles that have been oh so trendy lately, due to Atwood’s exceptional use of language and historical undertones. I am very excited to see what this book holds, as it will most likely wrap up my summer reading.
Though different in many respects, all of these books caught my attention in some way or another. I hope my thoughts will inspire you all to check out at least one of these books before the summer ends!
-Aphra Beauhn
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
The Final Chapter
As I entered my final weekend in the city, I found myself both pleased and slightly disappointed with my accomplishments over the summer. While I had checked nearly every box off the list I had made prior to arriving in June, I had barely scratched the surface of all the places I added while being here. I have fully taken advantage of one perk Beaufort and Spencer Hill granted me this summer, having Fridays off, but even with three-day weekends every week, New York City is an infinite attraction. Everywhere you turn, a sweet scent from a local bakery hits your nose, a cart brimming with classics outside a quaint bookshop catches your eye, a song covered by a group of musicians on the street plays melodically in your ears.
Potentially the most ironic part of this dilemma is that most of the places on my list are within a two-block radius of my apartment. Walking by all these places numerous times every day, I knew I wanted to stop in them, but I kept thinking, “I’ll do it later; I have time.” I was so used to planning out my weekends so strategically to fit in the maximum amount of stops in a particular area of the city, that I never spent any time near where I was living, apart from grocery shopping and walking to work and back. While this may not be an issue for others depending on where they live, I live near Union Square Park, which not only has tons of shops (and bakeries), but it also houses the largest Barnes and Noble AND The Strand, which basically means I am living in booknerd heaven.
My final Saturday in the city, I didn’t have anywhere pressing to go, so I thought, “why not go to The Strand?” I had been there before as a tourist, but never had enough time to appreciate every floor, or did not want to carry a bag of books around the city. I ended up spending over two hours browsing the stacks and left with twelve books (which will be a blast packing, I’m sure). I grabbed a hot chocolate from Max Brenner across the street (10/10 would recommend if you like drinking molten chocolate) and meandered my way around the neighborhood. On Sunday, I walked south of my building, into Chinatown, stopping at a bunch of hole-in-the-wall stores that I would have ignored had I been walking with any set destination in mind. These were some of my favorite days in the city, and as I enjoyed my wanderings, it dawned on me that if I were to live here in the future, this would be closer to what my typical weekend would look like, unlike all my previous ones, jamming as many tourist attractions as I could into three sixteen-hour days. Up until my last weekend, I had only known the city as a visitor, not as resident.
Now that I have grown so accustomed to New York, I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this time next week I will be back to driving around the vast green mountains of Vermont and packing for senior year (in hopefully cooler weather), but I know I will be back soon (and by “soon” I mean I already have plans to return in the fall). These past two months have been one adventure after the next, and I want to say a massive thank you to Megan and Karen for having had such a huge role in them.
In parting, I’ll end with the final lines of one of my favorite Roald Dahl works, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me.
All you do is look
At a page in this book
Because that’s where we’ll always be,
No book ever ends
When it’s full of your friends
The Giraffe and the Pelly and me.
Until next time,
Beauld Dahl
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
A Reader’s Guide to New York City
Now that it is my final week here at Beaufort and Spencer Hill, I have been reflecting on all the trips I embarked on this summer. I thought it would be fun to do a wrap up of my favorite times, along with a few ideas for anyone venturing into New York City longer than a weekend. So, without further ado, here are my top ten experiences, perfect for an avid reader in New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Manhattan):
While I tried to avoid including any huge tourist attractions in this list, The Met is arguably the most famous museum in the city, and it’s the largest. It is extremely overwhelming for first-timers but is a must-see. For some reason, I refused to visit this museum on any of my prior visits to the city, but I knew I had to go this summer. I spent four hours wandering the halls and still missed half of it. If you are into art in any sense, there is a gallery for you in The Met, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Plus, the iconic steps are a great place to enjoy your book and coffee.
Always check online before you go anywhere in case they have times where admission is free or reduced! General admission at The Met is pay-what-you-wish if you are a resident of New York or have a student ID from a college in New York, Connecticut, or New Jersey.
Coney Island (Brooklyn):
Since I was here in the summer, I figured I couldn’t miss Coney Island. I thought because I wasn’t going to ride on any of the rides I wouldn’t get as much out of the experience, but pick a gorgeous day, head down to the boardwalk to enjoy the sound of the ocean and the feel of sand between your toes, and you’ve got one flawless day in front of you. Spread out a blanket and devour a hotdog from Nathan’s as you immerse yourself between the pages of your next favorite read.
Free, although good luck staying away from the shops and eateries.
Museum of the Moving Image (Queens):
I visited this museum twice – once for a film screening, and then again to see the actual museum. Definitely check out its website to see what movies are playing while you are in the city; depending on the type of screening, some of the actors or crew members might be there for a Q&A afterwards! The museum has a cute café and some comfy seating throughout that makes for a cozy reading space.
Free on Fridays from 4 – 8 p.m. Screenings are an additional cost.
Lexington Ave/59th Street (Manhattan):
Anyone with a sweet tooth, this one is for you. When you get off the subway on 59th Street, you are less than a 10 minute walk to three major sweetshops: Sprinkles Cupcakes (there is an actual building but also a cupcake ATM outside if you want to avoid human interaction), Dylan’s Candy Bar (with a major list of funky desserts and one of the best milkshakes you’ll ever drink), and Serendipity 3 (frozen hot chocolate, anyone?). Whether you stay in the shop or head to Central Park (less than a 10-minute walk), you’ll be able to fully savor both your book and your treats.
Depending on what you want to spend your money on, Sprinkles is the cheapest option, Dylan’s is more middle-of-the-road, and Serendipity is the biggest splurge, but it’s worth it. If you do decide to go to Serendipity, be prepared for a wait.
Brooklyn Botanical Garden (Brooklyn):
This peaceful area is filled with blooming flowers in the spring and summer. It has many secluded areas with seating, along with a charming field fit for a picnic date with your next novel. While it may be a bit busier when it has free admission, I had no problems finding plenty of places to get away from the crowds.
Free on Fridays from 8 a.m. – noon
The Strand (Manhattan):
How could I make a list for book lovers without including The Strand? This bookstore is a must-see for anyone who has picked up a book in their lives. Three floors of floor-to-ceiling shelves and stacks of every genre of book imaginable. The first floor also has some spot-on merch, including t-shirts, magnets, socks, and pins with fantastic slogans.
Obviously entry is free, but we all know you aren’t leaving there empty-handed.
The High Line (Manhattan):
This walking path from the Meatpacking District to 34th Street has only been around for a few years, but it is already rising in ranks for a major Manhattan attraction. If you go on a gorgeous weekend day, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a high volume of sight-seers. Instead, go on a nice weekday, spread out in a lounge chair, and soak in the sun with the view of the bay on one side and the Manhattan skyline on the other as you work your way through your TBR pile.
Free, unless you stop at any of the numerous food vendors or restaurants on and along the path.
New York Public Library Tour (Manhattan):
The New York Public Library gives daily tours, showing a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at the building, its history, and its possessions. The tour is perfect for literary nerds because while it is just an hour long, it is packed with fun facts that will potentially blow your mind like they did mine.
Free tours are available in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday – Saturday to the first 25 people who show up. I got there around 1:15 p.m. on a Friday and was one of the first to get tickets. The wait was the perfect excuse to meander around the impressive gift shop.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens):
I am not a Central Park girl. Sure, walking around and through the expanse of greenery is always enjoyable, but it is too crowded and distracting for me to relax. Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens is my favorite park that I have visited, and I have been to a lot this summer. Since it is not in Manhattan, it is not too busy, and it is large enough that you can find a place to hang out very quickly. The park also houses the Queens Zoo and the Unisphere, which is incredible to see up close. The only downfall is how far it is if you are living in Manhattan, but you can always read on the subway!
Free!
Governors Island (Manhattan):
The day I went to Governor’s Island was arguably the best day of my summer. Governor’s Island is a tiny island around the Statue of Liberty – Wall Street – Brooklyn Bridge area. Spend the morning kayaking and ride a bike around the island’s small, 2.5-mile perimeter. Hike up Outlook Hill for an unforgettable view and wander around what was once Fort Jay, then finally curl up on a hammock in Hammock Grove with your favorite book. If you are in NYC anytime between May and October, put Governor’s Island on your To Do list!
The ferry is free on the weekends if you go before noon, and kayaking is free on Saturdays from 11-4. Bikes range in price, but everything else listed above is free!
As I wrote this post, I felt like a walking advertisement for some of these places, but I cannot recommend them enough. I wish I had a few more weekends to go back to revisit a few of my top sites because one day simply wasn’t enough time with each of them. I hope this list gives you some inspiration as you explore the Big Apple!
Happy exploring!
Beauld Dahl
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
The Digital Era of Publishing
Hello readers!
As a new intern at Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press, I will be writing under the pen name of Aphra Beauhn, the feisty, forward-thinking female playwright and novelist. After taking a 17thCentury British Literature class this past spring, I came to greatly admire Behn’s spunky interpretation of literature as not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool for social reflection and change.
I am currently a rising senior at Union College, a small liberal arts school in Upstate New York, working towards a double major in English and Classics. When my junior year recently came to a close, I received a flood of questions about my career plans for post-graduation. As an avid reader with a passion for language, publishing has always been the natural answer for me. While I have gained in my personal life a love for how stories build, evolve, and eventually come to touch their audience in different ways, my educational background has taught me how valuable it is to think and rethink critically about writing, craft a plausible argument, and effectively communicate ideas to a vast array of readers.
More often than not, I’ve been told that I’m going into an “impractical” field or better yet, that print publishing is dying in the age of iPhones, iPads, Kindles, and an infinite number of writing outlets on the internet that are available to just about anyone who wishes to publish. The term publishing for many of my peers now refers to posting a picture on Instagram or capturing a cool Snapchat story. I wholeheartedly agree that the digital era is upon us and gaining momentum with each day.
However, I don’t believe that there is any less of a demand for well-written books. Technology has provided new distractions and entertainment for sure, but it hasn’t taken away the power of literature to create a new vision and understanding of the world. Rather than “dying,” the industry is simply moving into uncharted territory. After two internships in publishing, what I have come to love most about this industry is that it is constantly changing and growing regardless of whether technology is in play or not. To me, the digital age provides an opportunity to develop creative approaches to writing that will reach more audiences and unveil new voices.
During the first few weeks of my internship at Beaufort Books/Spencer Hill Press, I was assigned a variety of tasks, everything from promoting books on social media platforms to updating metadata for past and upcoming titles. What has become evident to me so far is that the digital era provides a new means to market literature in increasingly dynamic and innovative ways. As the summer progresses, I am so excited to work at a company that is still dedicated to publishing high-quality books which are both compelling and impactful, fit for the fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
Publishing may no longer represent the once romantic vision of a library full of beautifully bound books, but it still serves as a guide to the people, places, and things of everyday life.
Until next time,
Aphra Beauhn
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.