21 Comments
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Andrew's avatar

I agree that Lukas Marell (not sure how to @ here) is a great writer!

I’m interested to check out the Eucharistic Presence book. I’m reading Lamb of the Free and it’s great, feels like it’ll have a similar impact.

Here’s more of what I’m reading if you’re interested:

https://open.substack.com/pub/andrew756864/p/what-im-reading-and-why-january-2026?r=fx017&utm_medium=ios&shareImageVariant=overlay

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

I haven’t heard of Lamb of Free but I’ll have to look into it. I’d love to know what you think of Eucharistic Presence whenever you get to it! Thanks so much for reading

Andrew's avatar

I put it in my cart and will definitely give it a read this year at some point

From the Shelves's avatar

Emilia, I'm beyond grateful to be included in the company of these talented few. This past year has been wonderful, and I'm blessed to have made acquaintances with people like you. Writing can be incredibly lonely, however, through this platform, I've been blessed to witness the work of creators like yourself and have been inspired continually despite being overwhelmed with doubt and confusion.

I can't say thank you enough for the kind words, as well as the mentioning of those other authors--I have paid each of them a subscription! You've yet to fail me in the recommendation department!

I wish you and everyone else on this thread the very best, Happy New Year!

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

That’s wonderful! I completely agree, and thank you so much

Don Beck's avatar

What a nice surprise to read this post and do a double-take when I see my own name in there! Thank you so much, Emilia--you're too kind :)

Although I'm a little miffed you're adding books to my TBR list... ;)

Here's wishing you continued success 2026!

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

Same to you, Don! And I promise these are worthwhile additions to the TBR, haha

From the Shelves's avatar

Don, I felt the same way! I just subscribed to your account. I can't wait to make your acquaintance and follow your work in the coming year, cheers!

Don Beck's avatar

Hey thanks so much! Keep up the good work :)

Sandrina de Klerk's avatar

This was so fun! I loved a Gentleman in Moscow. Totally with you on it being one of the best books of the 21st century.

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

Yes, it is fantastic! I’m happy to hear you agree.

Florian G. R. Hartmann's avatar

It is heartwarming and gratifying to read that someone of discerning taste enjoys and recommends my work!

From this list I see that I am not quite on your level of reading— I tend to read for fun, not so much for enlightenment. However, a thing or two that you’ve said about a thing or two has piqued my interest. Particularly A Gentleman in Moscow. Might be the right blend of diverting writing and good literature for me… 🧐

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

This comment made me laugh. I’m glad a thing or two I said about a thing or two piqued your interest, and I absolutely recommend A Gentleman in Moscow. Based on your writing style alone, I can imagine you really enjoying its wit and general tone. And it is very fun, any enlightenment a merely happenstance side effect 😉

Victoria Cardona's avatar

This is such a great comprehensive list ! Love all the recommended books too

Ryan Hall's avatar

Great list. You have me intrigued about The Sea,The Sea. I've come across it here and there but I've always picked a different book instead (why can't I be a millionaire and buy every book?), so maybe now I'll just grab it.

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

I highly recommend it! And the temptation to buy every book is painfully real

Mandy Morris's avatar

This is such a thoughtful and generous list. I loved how clearly you named not just what you read, but how it shaped you. Thank you so much for the mention. That was incredibly kind of you.

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

It was well-deserved, Mandy 😊

Xan Doane's avatar

What thank you so much for including me in this🥹♥️

Abigail's avatar

Emilia, your kind words mean so much. Thank you, friend. I loved A Gentleman in Moscow too. I thought the premise sounded boring, and yet I couldn't put it down. It is a love song to good books, good food, and friendship. I left its pages thinking how rich we can be if we curate a life full of the best things. I haven't read the other 4 books you list, so I am putting them on my TBR right now.

Emilia Nessuno's avatar

That is an excellent description of A Gentleman in Moscow. Let me know what you think of the others whenever you get to them!