It probably would not surprise you to learn that as someone who has devoted their life to the sharing of stories, one of my core beliefs is that books hold a form of true magic. They transport us to new places, help us see the world from different viewpoints, teach us things we didn’t even know we wanted to learn. Whether fiction or nonfiction, books do so much for humanity on every level. How else could something small and portable, made of humble paper and ink, do so much? Clearly, it’s magic.
So when I saw the tagline on my current read, I knew it would be exactly my kind of book: Some Stories Make Their Own Magic. With a core belief acknowledged and shared, I had to dive in.
Higher Magic is the debut novel by local author Courtney Floyd. With its whimsical, dark academia setting (ed: as Boston.com describes it, dark academia is “a fully-fledged subgenre that blends mystery, tragedy, and intellectual obsession with the aesthetics of elite academia”), it has been so cozy to settle into this fall. It is a campus novel for sure, as the main character is working her way through a grad school that turns out mages, but don’t let the “dark” scare you—the feelings are mostly warm. Sure, there are struggles and difficulties that must be overcome, but it doesn’t feel like anything deeply nefarious is happening, just life. Halfway through this book as I’m writing this piece, I am thoroughly enjoying this fantastical trip back into the life of a student.
The author’s background in education (as student and teacher) shines through, as her protagonist, Bartleby, works her way through grad school and struggles with her thesis: trying to compare classic literature with grimoires (textbooks of magic), looking for patterns and ultimately proof that these beloved books really do contain literal, actual magic that over time has changed the world at large. One of the pre-publication reviews said it best:
“Floyd creates a spellbindingly accurate reimagining of the grad school experience, where magic does little to improve the struggle of trying to succeed in academia for neurodivergent or nontraditional students. The quirky fantasy, which includes spell-eating ghosts, literary incantations, and a talking skull powered by machine-learning, will appeal to fans of trending witchy and dark-academia settings. Chosen-family lovers will also appreciate Bartleby’s supportive roommates and budding romance with a fellow student.” - Erin Niederberger, Library Journal
I also have to admit that this book is extra special to me because the author is going to be celebrating her book launch with us next week at the Norman Williams library in Woodstock. A shameless plug, for sure, but also a genuine one. If you ever wished you could have attended Hogwarts instead of your own alma mater, love reading a school-centered tale in the autumn months, or enjoy the idea of a magical skull reciting quotes from Austen and Dickens, I do hope you’ll check out this book. And feel free to join us Tuesday 10/7 if you’re able!
Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowski co-own and run the Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock.