I read a lot this past month. Since this covers the span of time that I was off work, I was able to log more reading time than usual, which I’m thankful for. As usual my book choices are all over the place, spanning the serious and important to a lighthearted romance.
Also, I wanted to make it its own separate post, so on Wednesday I’m rounding up some favorite books by Black authors. If you’re looking for (more) recommendations to diversify your shelves come back then. It’s a very bookish week around here. (My favorite kind.)
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. I listened to this on audio, and Stevenson himself narrates it. This is a must read. I was aware that our system unjustly punishes the poor and especially people of color, but this book still blew my mind and broke my heart. I haven’t watched the movie yet but it streams free all month so I plan to. My rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Sourdough by Robin Sloan. If you’ve been quarantine baking and you love a smart, quirky female narrator, you’ve got to read Sourdough. I adored this story of Lois, a software engineer who never baked a day in her life, and a sourdough starter she inherited that changed her life. Books like this one are my sweet spot: light but not fluffy, compelling yet just a little zany. My rating: 4/5 stars.
Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong. If you enjoyed Sourdough, I think this one is one you should also pick up. The underlying thread of the story, Ruth’s father’s battle with alzheimer’s, is much more serious, yet I found that Ruth’s voice has the same wit and quirkiness that I loved in that of Lois of Sourdough. I always love a strong female character, but I adore them even more if they’re just a little bit, well, weird. You know? I’m not sure all authors could handle this subject matter in a way that manages to be tender, funny, and heartfelt, but Khong does. I loved it. My rating: 4/5 stars.
Sadie by Courtney Summers. Taking care of her sister Mattie is Sadie’s whole world, and when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s life shatters. This story follows Sadie as she disappears to seek revenge for her beloved sister, and the parallel story of a podcast trying to track Sadie down. YA isn’t always my favorite genre, but I highly recommend this one even if it’s not yours either. I also usually do memoir or nonfiction on audio, but again, I’m glad I ended up listening to this–it’s narrated by a full cast, and the podcast sounded like one you could really listen to, with intro music and everything. My rating: 4/5 stars.
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn. Every now and then I just want to read something light and fun, and Love Lettering was the perfect dose of that. It’s a romance about a successful woman who is known for her custom planners and beautifully hand-lettered wedding invitations, and what happens when she hides a secret message about the fate of a marriage in one such invite. I don’t read much romance, but this was sweet, not cheesy at all, and a lot of fun to read. My rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde. 14 year-old Lucas Painter feels burdened by the worries he carries for his loved ones: his brother who is fighting in Vietnam, and his best friend who suffers from depression (a fact that Lucas isn’t able to name or understand at the time). Lucas unburdens himself through running, and it’s while on a run in the woods that he discovers a cabin that leads to a life-changing kind of friendship. Told through the eyes of teenage Lucas, sometimes he seemed a bit too wise beyond his years, but otherwise I found this story of friendship and loyalty worth the read. My rating: 3.5/5 stars.
A Lily in the Light by Kristin Fields. Esme’s life has focused on nothing but ballet, until her sister goes missing and her world is turned upside down. This is the story of how Esme’s family crumbles as they search for the missing child, and how Esme tries to find her place within her family and in the world of ballet. This was an okay read for me; good but nothing life-shattering. My rating: 3/5 stars.
Under Lying by Janelle Harris. Susan, her husband Paul, and their three year-old daughter Amelia move from Dublin to the Irish countryside. Their lives seem perfect, but during a housewarming party Susan throws to get to know her neighbors, Amelia goes missing. Like so many thrillers, there are lots of lies, and a few twists and turns. This one kept me turning the pages, but more out of curiosity than true enjoyment. My rating: 3/5 stars.
What have you been reading lately?
Linking with Show Us Your Books.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Books purchased through my Bookshop.org links will help support local bookstores (and give a very small amount to me as well).
