As I shared in my previous book recommendation post, I love to read! I buy books all the time and my TBR (to be read) pile next to my bed was getting so big! I even got an iPad in January to help cut back on my book hoarding. However, I downloaded more books I wanted to read, so I now have a digital stack of books on top of all the tangible ones!
I didn’t have much free time last year between running my business and getting married — I only read six books. My 2020 resolution was to carve out more reading time, and I’m proud to say that I exceeded my 2019 reading count in the first two months of this year alone!
I thought I would share all the books that I read recently and really enjoyed in case you are looking for a book escape in, especially since the news right now can be overwhelming:
- The Last Mrs. Parrish: This book is a thriller and will absolutely pull you in. In a way, it reminded me of a Lifetime movie mystery, because I kept trying to anticipate what was going to happen next. My favorite thing about it was that the ending certainly throws you for a loop!
- Ask Again, Yes: This was a great fiction story that touched on the power of love, forgiveness, and the complexities of family relationships. I don’t want to give too much away, but I thought it was very well written had a hard time putting it down when I needed to get some sleep!
- Educated: Where to even begin with this book? I first saw this book in Bill Gate’s tote bag of books in the Netflix documentary “Inside Bill’s Brain,” and then my sister said it was the best book she had ever read. (She also reads a lot, so I knew I had to get a copy!) This is a memoir of a woman who grows up with very little education and a dysfunctional family. It gives you insight into how others live and that being educated is something we take for granted rather than seeing it as a privilege. I won’t get into the events too much, but I will say that I found several parts shocking. Domestic violence is addressed and I found myself having to take breaks for days at a time because it got so dark. However, the book overall is very good. I still gave it five stars in Goodreads.
- Open Book: This is Jessica Simpson’s memoir and I really enjoyed it! While it looks long, I finished it in two days. The writing style is honest, and it is entertaining. She really is an open book, sharing about her relationship with Nick Lachey and filming Newlyweds (remember watching that show?!) her struggles with alcohol, and dating high-profile men. Highly recommend this, especially if you are looking for something fun to distract you from the news right now.
- Know My Name: A Memoir: I am in a book club with a group of local girls who listen to a book-centric podcast that I love and have enjoyed it because, aside from making new friends, it has exposed me to books that I never would have selected on my own. This is one of them. This is the memoir of Chanel Miller, the girl who was sexually assaulted by Brock Tuner, the Stanford swimmer a few years ago. Her story may be triggering for some, but it is so powerful. She chronicles all the emotions from the attack and the events that follow for an assault victim who decides to press charges against their attacker. She reveals all the cracks in our current justice system. I can’t tell you how good this book is and how well it addresses a sensitive topic.
- The Lying Game: If you love Ruth Ware books (think The Woman in Cabin 10 and in a dark, dark wood), then you will really enjoy this book. Like all her other thrillers, this one leaves you guessing. This book was a mash up of “Gossip Girl” meets “Cruel Intentions” meets “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Yes, that is a random description, but think mystery and suspense with best girlfriends who went to boarding school together and are forever linked by a scandal. Definitely read this one!
- A Sky Painted Gold: This was another pick from my Bad on Paper book club and I really enjoyed it. It was a whimsical story about love and kind of reminded me of The Great Gatsby, but with an English twist. After reading a few books that addressed heavy subjects, this was a welcome break.
Other books that I read this spring, but wasn’t crazy about: (CAUTION: some spoilers!)
- The Idea of You: I was very excited to read this book as several people said it was the best book that they read last year. It was a fun read and a little steamy, which is different since I don’t read a lot in the romance genre, but it fell flat. This would be a fun book to read by the pool this summer though!
- Such a Fun Age: I have mixed feelings about this book. It was Reese’s Book Club pick for January and I think the author set out to address important social topics, but just missed the mark. At the end, one of the main characters sabotages the other without any reason or gain. There was no resolution and so much anger in the story.
- Three Women: The concept is interesting: the author followed several women for ten years, and focused on the three women highlighted in this book. The book sheds light on women from different places and demographics. However, I think this book was overhyped and was dark.
- American Royals: This may be unpopular opinion, but I thought this book was WAY overhyped and found the characters to be whiny. I had different expectations, especially after seeing the author at a podcast live show.
- How Could She: This book was focused around three female friendships, but I found all the characters to be very selfish, and not truly friends when you looked at the core of their relationship.
- My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress: While this true story about the fake heiress who conned her way thought NYC society is captivating, I think you can save your time and money by just reading The Cut article. I cannot wait for the Netflix series about this!
Have you read any of the books I mentioned above? What did you think? What else are you reading?
