Three Books I'm Reading Now, 6/23/25 Edition

The Books I'm Reading Now

I'm reading the novel The Names, Florence Knapp's exploration of three possible futures stemming from three different names bestowed upon a baby boy; I'm reading the first in Dani Francis's dystopian romance series, Silver Elite; and I'm listening to Garrett Carr's literary fiction about a baby that washes up in a small Irish seaside community and how his presence shapes the path of those in the town.

What are you reading, bookworms?

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01 The Names by Florence Knapp

Florence Knapp's novel The Names explores three paths in a life--determined by three different names given to a baby upon his birth.

In one timeline, an abused wife makes a stand for a whimsical name; in a second, she makes a less aggressive but unsanctioned name choice; in a third, she registers her baby's name as "junior" to her brutal husband.

The three paths diverge dramatically, and the whole family's destiny is shaped in different ways for each option. None of the paths are too easy or perfect, but each offers varied satisfaction and challenge in the form of justice, tragedy, self-realization, fulfillment, confidence, and hope.

This is fascinating so far.

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02 Silver Elite by Dani Francis

In Dani Francis's dystopian novel, Wren Darlington is a Mod who has lived under the radar for her twentysomething years. A select few fellow members of the rebel Uprising are aware that she is psychic, but no one but her adoptive uncle is aware that she can, dangerously inconsistently, incite--forcing others to do her bidding.

But one careless move draws the attention of the enemy, and the military forces her to enlist in a training program for Silver Block.

Wren attempts to sabotage her own success, but in order to aid the resistance she must earn her way into Silver Elite, a small unit sure to access more sensitive information that could assist the rebels.

This is the first in a series.

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03 The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr

In a seaside Irish town in the 1970s, a baby is washed up on the shore. As the community wonders at his mysterious appearance, they embrace Brandon, as he is ultimately named, as one of their own yet hold him separately and credit him with the power of bestowing blessings upon them.

But this is not magical realism; it's grounded in day-to-day stressors and challenges. The country is reeling from economic troubles; Brandon's older brother deeply resents his presence; and conflicts and complicated dynamics underscore friendships, family relationships, and the community as a whole.

I'm listening to The Boy from the Sea as an audiobook.

For more Bossy novels set in Ireland, please check out the books at this link.