Since my last recent reads posts at the end of January, I read seven more books! February included a vacation and a work conference, so between train/plane rides and beach reading, I had a lot of extra time. For me, reading is an escape. It’s a way to go on an adventure, escape the craziness of my commute, and how I calm my mind after a long day. There were definitely some good ones in this batch, so check out my reviews below and be sure to follow me on Goodreads for more of my favorite books!
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert: I love Elizabeth Gilbert, as a writer and a person. If you follow her on social media (or you’ve read any of her books), you know that she’s incredibly candid and honest. This book was kind of like Elizabeth’s version of a self-help book for fellow creatives. If you work in a creative field or have a creative side project, this is a good book for you to read, especially if you’re feeling discouraged. It will validate your feelings and help you feel like it’s worthwhile to keep going. If you don’t have any creative pursuits, you will probably find this book a bit fluffy and repetitive, but still a great reminder to believe in yourself and follow your dreams.
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff: I put this book on my to-read list having no idea what it was about. Pam Jenoff is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and she did not disappoint. She writes a lot of about relationships in times of war, and yet each new book always has a unique perspective. This story is expertly told, captivating and heart-wrenching. It takes place in a traveling circus during World War II, with two young women as the protagonists, and it will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: This book was incredibly powerful reminder that, as picture perfect as things may seem on the outside, they are almost never that way on the inside. It was also an interesting perspective on how we define right and wrong, and how deeply we are impacted by our upbringing. It’s beautifully written with an intriguing story line and entertaining characters, which is probably why it’s been on everyone’s must-read list lately. On a personal note, this book takes place in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland near where my mom grew up. I didn’t know much about the origins and culture of that community, so it was a really interesting to learn more.
The Address by Fiona Davis: Like her other book, The Dollhouse, this story takes place in New York City. It’s always fun for me to read books that take place where I live, but you can definitely appreciate this one without knowing much about NYC. There are two storylines, 100 years apart, and both main characters are struggling with their sense of self and trying to find balance in their lives. They each face love and loss, and the way their stories are tied together is fascinating.
The Captain’s Daughter by Meg Mitchell Moore: Touching at times and funny at others, this is a story about an imperfect family trying to maintain balance and happiness in their lives when something unexpected happens. The main character is still incredibly connected to where she grew up and doesn’t quite know how to reconcile those feelings with her life now. She learns that sometimes you have to experience the exact opposite of something before you appreciate it.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: This was a quick read, but so so good! I read it on the train ride back from DC and just couldn’t stop smiling. The writing was vivid and beautiful and totally had me hooked. I wanted to be friends with Simon and I found myself cheering him on. Although the tone is lighthearted at times because it’s told from the perspective of a teenager, this book covers some real issues and it does so with honesty and grace. The movie version is coming to theaters later this month (Love, Simon) and I really hope it does the story justice.
This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel: How do you help your child figure out who they are without overly influencing them one way or another? And how do you protect them when the world isn’t ready to see them as they really are? These are just some of the questions Rosie and Penn have to deal with while still trying to keep their family afloat…and remembering to parent their four other children. This book was so authentic, real and raw. It was a beautiful, powerful story about a family just trying to figure things out, when neither path is easy and sometimes the right decisions turn out to be wrong.
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