I can’t believe how long it’s been since I last wrote a book review. I write a review on Goodreads for every book I read, and I’d love to have you join me there. I occasionally post a book recommendation on Facebook, as well. But it’s time for a roundup!
For now, I’m featuring 8 books that I loved most recently.
Fun and Uplifting
Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center: Let’s start with one of my favorite authors. Center’s books are life-affirming and engaging. They always leave you feeling good and cheering for the main character as she struggles through relationships and other issues. Center has a lovely Facebook presence, by the way, if you want to follow someone upbeat and creative. I’ve read all of her books. I would say that Things You Save in a Fire was her best, but Happiness for Beginners is a feel-good story.
Historical Fiction
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera: It’s hard to believe this was the writer’s first book. Set in South Carolina in 1924, this was a stunning debut novel about three women and the choices they make for themselves, their families and their sanity. The writing was exceptional and the character development breathtaking.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Adi Dare: An unforgettable story of a teenage girl in rural Nigeria who longs to be educated and find her voice. I will warn readers of two things: the book is written in the broken English spoken by the main character, which is a bit tricky to get used to, and the third part of the book dragged a bit. With that said, I think it’s an important read about slave labor, education and life in Nigeria.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris: This story takes place in Georgia just after the Emancipation Proclamation and focuses on two freed slaves and the twists their lives take. It involves issues of race, class, sexual orientation, family and much more. The writing style was stunning and the themes thought-provoking.
Parenting
The Push by Ashley Audrain: This is a psychological drama that will give you night sweats. I haven’t been able to get the main character out of my mind since I finished this months ago. A terrifying look at motherhood, gaslighting and self. I don’t want to say much more. It would be an interesting book club read. I will warn that it’s really quite dark, but it certainly makes you think.
An Unusual Boy by Fiona Higgins: And that brings me to my next chilling book about parenting. I think every parent should read this book. It’s about a boy who sees the world in a very different way than those around him and the mother who believes in him. It makes us examine the role that computers play in the lives of our children, what it means to be different, and how much we can trust those around us.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman: This book has been out for quite a long time, but I just finished it. I actually picked it up a few years ago but I could not get into it, since it felt bogged down in hockey and character development. I’m glad I picked it back up. What a stunning book that makes you think about group think, the power of idolizing, teenager relationships, peer pressure, parenting and so much more. I think this should be required reading for every teenager around the world. And their parents too.
Psychological Thrillers
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: A very creative story about a dried-up writer who lifts a storyline but gets much more than he bargained for when he does so. Not the book of the century, but a great read to keep you on the edge of your seat.
That’s it for now. I also recently posted on Facebook about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Stationary Shop. I highly recommend both. I’d love to hear what you are reading and I look forward to hearing feedback if you select any of these choices!
Happy reading!
