Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig

Hello my fellow bookworms!

November is here. The weather has taken a turn towards winter, but all the beautiful fall leaves are still clinging on and dancing in the wind. 

(c) 2026, Delacorte Press

This month, I would like to highlight a book that I found captivating. Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig is the story of the Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera from the point of view of ingénue Christine Daaé. I went back and forth between the physical book and the audiobook, but the audiobook. Oh, that was a treat! The audiobook is voiced as an immersive, full-case adaptation with music from the musical and the characters even sing a bit! It felt like I was watching the musical from new eyes, but still enjoying the songs I cherished over the years. I wish that audiobooks could continue be this spellbinding - it would make for the best distractions from a busy workday! The audiobook cast is as follows: 

• Christine Daaé - Beatric Penny-Touré
• The Phantom/Erik - Jordan Donica
• Raoul - Jordan Fisher
• Carlotta - Sierra Boggess
• Ubaldo - Norm Lewis
• Madame Giry - Katrina Lenk
• Monsieur Firmin - Jesse Tyler Ferguson
• Monsieur André - Dan Stevens

What a star-studded cast! I loved that this side of the story was an expansion of the musical, bringing reason to some of Christine's actions, and also to The Phantom's. The physical book is gorgeous, as it has sprayed edges, colorful illustrations on the inside covers, and even a red ribbon bookmark to keep your place as you read. The end left at a cliff-hanger, somewhat deviant from the musical, and I hope that Ms. Craig decides to give us a sequel! I know that the musical does already have a sequel musical titled Love Never Dies, and it is based off the book The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth, but the story leaves fans of the original with a bitter taste. When I began Our Strange Duet, I thought it was a sequel, but was still happily content on listening to a new version of a well-known and well-loved story. While I originally borrowed the book from my local public library, I went out and bought the book to follow along with while I listened to the audiobook via my library's Libby app. It was a fun few days, and I will definitely revisit the story again in the future.

(c) 2026, Delacorte Press

While this book is considered YA, or Young Adult, I highly recommend it to any Phantom of the Opera fans - no matter the age! It is a quick read, or a fun 12 hour and 16 minute listen. It takes a little bit from the original book, The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, lending The Phantom's name Erik, and explaining a little bit of the Opera House's architecture. It also explains other things not defined in the musical, such as Erik's ability to hypnotize others or why Christine was so focused on Raoul, even if that meant giving up her talent for singing. It is of course a fantasy romance retelling, with hints of historical fiction, horror, and gothic vibes. It was a perfect read for Halloween, if this sounds like something you would enjoy, I hope you delight in reading or even better, listening to this delightful rendition of The Phantom of the Opera. 

As a fun bonus, there is a quiz on Andrew Lloyd Webber's website titled Are you a Prima Donna? Reminiscent of the old early 2000's quizzes, you can choose from the selections to see which character you match with the most. It is a gorgeous interactive experience, and just a fun little diversion. I was surprised I ended up with The Masked Maestro! Maybe I should dress the part for next Halloween?

Until next time - Happy Reading! :) 

It's Banned Books Week!

Hi my fellow bookworms!

(c) ALA, 2026

I am with the banned! This week is the start of the annual Banned Books Week, which takes place this year from October 4th through October 10th. This year's theme is "Let Books Be. Protect the freedom to read" Let them be already! The American Library Association ("ALA") breaks down what this annual event is about perfectly in the following blurb:

"Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas." 

Upcoming on this Saturday, October 10, 2026, is Let Freedom Read Day! The ALA, among other event sponsors, are asking everyone to take one action on this day to defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make books available for all. Things you can do (not limited to the one day) include:

• Registering to vote. Be sure to check your voter registration, if you are unsure you are up-to-date. 
• Take the Freedom to Read Voter Pledge.
• Call or write a letter to your local elected representatives and ask them to support the right to read.
• Join Unite Against Book Bans.
• Report censorship to the ALA.
• Check out (and read) a banned book from your local library!
• Buy a banned book!
• Attend a Banned Books Week 2026 author event from EveryLibrary Live!
• Read some of the book resumes for the titles that are challenged, and see the reasons why they are challenged from United Against Book Bans.
• Take part in the Reading is Resistance: Banned Books are Brave Books activities from Sourcebooks.
• Check out ALA's lineup of events.
• Participate in Libro.fm's Banned Books Week Read-In.
• And of course....READ A BANNED BOOK!

Each year, the ALA documents which titles have been challenged and censored. The top titles change over the years, although from year to year, you may not see much of a difference. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, for example, has been listed as a most challenged book for quite a while, with the first time appearing on the list was in 2004. 

The top 11 most challenged books of 2025 are as follows:

(c) 2026, ALA

The updated censorship numbers, as reported by the ALA, are as follows:

(c) 2026, ALA

How many of the titles listed above have you read? I have read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. I have started Sold by Patricia McCormick, as well as Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas. I hope to read Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe soon, as that title is often challenged, as well. I hope to read all these titles at some point, especially with the frequent challenges against them.

I wish you well and hope you can be part of Banned Books Week, too! Let your library know that you appreciate all they do to make sure you have access to information, books, and other materials. They are the original data centers. 

Until next time, Happy Reading! :)