One good thing about 2020 is that it’s been great for reading! As usual, I’ve waited too long to share these recent reads. One day I’ll be better about sharing what I’ve read more regularly, but until then, follow me on Goodreads. What are you reading?
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis-Graves: Annika has always known she was different and found social situations a challenge. It takes a lot for her to feel comfortable with situations and people, but remarkably she meets two such people in college. Over the years, she learns how to adapt and even how to be more comfortable with who she is. Her relationships evolve and she finds out that’s really important.
The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham: Stella was a member of the partisan resistance in Venice during WWII. She believed strongly in the cause and had a fierce loyalty to her city. Stella was fearless, smart, and determined, and I really enjoyed following along with her adventures. The parts that tied to a modern day story didn’t seem entirely necessary to me, but it was otherwise great historical fiction about a lesser known perspective of wartime life.
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver: After tragedy strikes Lydia has the chance to experience what life could have been like if things had gone differently. It makes her appreciate her own strength and sheds new light on her relationships. This was a sad story, but with a good message, and a valuable perspective on dealing with grief.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert: Such a colorful depiction of the life of a fiery young woman trying to find her place in 1940s New York. It takes her a while, and there are some major misadventures and bumps in the road, but she eventually learns to own up to her mistakes and embrace who she is.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle: I understand why this book is divisive. Glennon has been through a lot and it’s taken a long time, but she is confident in who she is and what she has to say. I really admire the honesty with which she tells her story, and she shares some really valuable wisdom. Does everything apply to everyone? No, but it’s not supposed to. This book definitely gave me a lot to think about.
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano: Really fascinating look at how people process grief, and how losing someone you love impacts people differently in the long and short term. The characters were flawed and they all struggled and really authentic ways. Definitely a book that will make you think about how you’re living your life.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone: Read this one quickly because I was so into it. I don’t want to call it an easy read because it was really powerful. Although it was published in 2017, it’s sadly still incredibly relevant to our current climate of racial inequality and police violence.
Odd One Out by Nic Stone: Three teenagers majorly struggling with their identities and making lots of mistakes as they try to figure things out. This book seemed less “deep” than some of Nic Stone’s other ones, but it addressed some really important issues and I found myself wanting to find out what happened with the characters. In the author’s note, she says she wrote this book because it’s what she needed to hear as a teen, and I’m sure there are plenty of others who need it too.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: Wow, so powerful! Sometimes we can’t help but wonder what life would have been like if we had taken the other path. This story follows twin sisters whose choices take them in opposite directions. No matter how hard they try, they are always somehow connected to each other, and they each struggle with their racial identities.
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré: My mom recommended this one to me after she read it with her book club. Such a fascinating story about the power of education and determination, especially for young women in impoverished communities. Also, major perspective on how much where you live and how much money you have can totally change your life.
Beach Read by Emily Henry: One of my favorite genres is well-written rom-coms with substance. It’s not super serious, but it’s not fluff, and the characters are well developed and intriguing. This book was exactly what I needed after a few with more serious subject matter. Gus and Janie reconnect when fate brings them together unexpectedly and a connection develops despite their best efforts to resist. They both have their baggage and things they’re working through, but they end up being exactly what each other needed.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas: Another powerful story from Angie Thomas. She was inspired by some of her own experiences as she created main character Bri and took us on her journey. Bri is a sixteen-year old girl trying to figure out who she is and what she wants, without letting anyone (or her circumstances) define her. She deals with a lot, especially for a teenager, and she messes up a lot too. But she eventually learns who really has her back and what she needs to do to succeed.
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London: I loved this so much! I was a little wary because I’ve never been a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, but this was different. Bea is a complicated woman with a lot of self-doubt that she’s trying to overcome to find love. This book really made me think about the way we talk to ourselves and how much our self-image impacts. Some parts of the plot were predictable (as with all reality television), but I still feel like this was a really important read.
