We’re enjoying Spring break this week, and I’m getting in a little more reading time than usual. In case you’re looking for something new, here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve read lately. I always enjoy hearing your recommendations, too, so be sure to leave them in the comments. (And, pop over to Instagram to see what I’m reading this week.)
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley. I’d heard a lot of good things about this book but kept putting it off until I knew I wasn’t flying anytime in the near future. It starts out with a private plane crashing into the ocean with only two survivors. The rest of the book deals with the mystery surrounding the crash (if, in fact, there was one). I actually really liked this book until the ending, which I felt came out of nowhere, leaving me feeling a little meh about the whole thing. . . I don’t have to have a perfect or happy ending but this one didn’t fit with the rest of the book.
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I read Everyone Brave is Forgiven by the same author but had somehow missed this book. What a story! It’s timely as it deals with a refugee and the relationship between a couple that helps her in a huge defining moment for each of them. It draws you in and makes you think long after you finish. Loved this one.
All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir by Brennan Manning. I read this one (quickly) while I was in bed with the flu, and although it’s not the type of book I normally read, I appreciated the honesty and truth shared in this memoir. Written by an ex-priest, it’s a beautiful reminder of God’s grace no matter how far we may fall.
The Longest Night by Andria Williams. I think I bought this on a Kindle daily deal whim and didn’t know anything about it. The story starts in 1959 and is a really honest look at the evolution of a marriage when one spouse is called away for military service and how they deal with an impending disaster after he returns home. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a good novel.
Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubel. Usually loving a good story of family drama, I bought this one expecting to be wowed. I ended up somewhat disappointed. In a nutshell, it’s about a family who has money, then doesn’t, and how it causes them to completely unravel—like immediately. I just didn’t buy it. I thought the characters made irrational, silly decisions. I’ve heard other people rave about this book. . . Would love to hear your thoughts, if you’ve read it.
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner. If you choose just one from my list to read, pick this one. This is a memoir about growing up in a polygamist family in the 1980s, and the resilience of one young girl who is put in the position of raising her younger siblings, enduring poverty, heartbreak and tragedy. This is the first book that ever prompted me to immediately email the author after finishing it. I am in awe of her strength and positive outlook she now has as an adult.
The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle. I’d put this one in the category of Gone Girl or Girl on the Train. And, while I didn’t completely dislike it (in fact, I was pretty drawn in while I was actually reading it), I’m a little over these kinds of books in general. I felt like it lacked some detail of how the whole plot came to be. Maybe these types of books just aren’t for me. . .
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. My dad passed this one to me, promising I’d love it. I did like it—but felt like it kind of dragged on for longer than it should have. I found the time period and setting interesting/horrifying. It takes place in the 1940s when the US was evacuating Japanese citizens to internment camps and focuses specifically on the relationship between a Chinese boy and Japanese girl. Even though I thought the middle was a little slow, I’d still recommend.
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman. It’s been a long time since I’ve picked up an Alice Hoffman book, and I was very pleasantly surprised to love this one as much as I did. It takes place in the 1800s on the island of St. Thomas and is a story that spans over several generations of the same family and their struggles within their own Jewish community. There’s also a lot of sub-plots that revolve around forbidden interracial relationships at the time and how it changes the courses of their lives. I got wrapped up in this book; so, so good.
Find more of my book recommendations here. And, tell me what you’ve read lately!
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Thank you so much Emily! I have to say you have really motivated me to get back to reading. You have so much on your plate but make reading a priority. What a wonderful example you are setting for your children. I saw your recommendation for the Sound of Gravel on IG and immediately went to the library and checked it out. It was so good. Strange to say “good” considering the subject matter and story line but a book I will not ever forget. What some people deal with in this life puts everything in perspective. Heart breaking to say the least.
Glad you got to read it. I know–hard to believe what some children survive.
Please keep these fantastic recommendations coming! I read The Sound of Gravel and it was fantastic, thanks for that. I also gave Little Bee to a friend as a gift and she loved it so very very much. I’m reading that one next. All The Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth was good imo. Thank you Emily! You are delightful! I have a “give and take” you would love to do. I have a massive fireplace and I have no clue how to style it. Help!
I’ve heard all good things about Edie’s book. It’s on my (long) list to read!
YES! read this! i loved it and have given it to many people! you will be amazed at what edie has been through! :)
I just finished the Sound of Gravel and loved it. So fascinating. Kept me on the edge of my seat more than a Gone Girl type thriller.
I need to read Little Bee. Everyone Brave is Forgiven is my favorite book I’ve read this year.
I think I may have liked Little Bee even more than EBIF–and I loved that one, too. A completely different type of story but so good.
Have you ever read anything by Brené Brown? I recently listened to The Power of Vulnerability, a lecture series on Audible, and I’m now listening to The Gifts of Imperfection. I recommend starting with The Power of Vulnerability so you can get to know her voice. It was life-changing for me!
I always love your book recommendations- please keep these posts coming.
Thanks so much Emily! I am always looking for new recommendations too. I have LOVED the last two books I read – Lilac Girls and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. Both are so, so good – I think you would enjoy them
Thanks, haven’t read either of these.
I think you would enjoy War Brides if you haven’t already read it!
I’ve never heard of this one. Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations! I do have one comment about Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet…..Many of the “Japanese citizens” sent to internment camps were actually Americans of Japanese descent – full, legal citizens of this country. It was a shameful time in our history.
Right, I did understand that was what the book was about. I can always count on you gals to correct me ;) It’s amazing to me how little that time is talked about… Sad.
I love book lists! Thank you so much. I read Little Bee loved it! Also read Church Of Marvels, A Man called Ove and A Spool of Blue Thread!!! All 3 great reads couldn’t put them down.
Have only read A Man Called Ove so I’ll definitely check out your other two recommendations. Thanks!
My mom just recommended The Sound of Gravel too, so after reading your post, it’s on my short list for sure.
I just finished Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and I am enthusiastically recommending it to everyone (30 years after it was published, ha). You will not be disappointed!
Anna Quindlin’s ‘Still Life With Breadcrumbs’ is wonderful! I just finished it & loved it.
Thanks (as always!) for the recommendations. I just put The Sound of Gravel on my hold list. I’ve been reading a ton lately but most have just been ok (3/5 rating on my Goodreads list). Hands down, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi has been the best book I’ve read in months. I also really liked Commonwealth.
Loved Commonwealth! And, I’ve heard so many talking about how good Homegoing is lately. I need to put that on my library list.
Your book recommendations are one of my favorite parts of your blog.
With all of the craziness going around in politics etc. I was drawn to Nicole Wallace says three novels she wrote with the main character being the first woman president. I don’t know if that’s the kind of book he would like but they’re pretty easy to find and they’re really enjoyable reading. Kind of like books that you can zip through when you have time to read it but I also have a lot of tasks and events swirling around you. And that would describe this week for me in a nutshell. But if you’re looking for something light I recommend those books. I’m so glad you ended up reading Orphan Train. Something about that but just grab me maybe it was the way the story was told or the subject or the history of it, but in any case I thought it was a keeper. I hope you and your family have a happy Easter and a beautiful spring. I will keep up with you through your blog and your Instagram account and cheer you on all the way!
Easter blessings and resurrection joy,
Peggy
After I read Orphan Train, I gave it to my dad who also loved it and I think he’s been passing it around :) Hope you had a glorious Easter!
The Sound of Gravel was an amazing book. I read it a few months ago! Going to check out your other recommendations. Thanks Emily
Oh. My. Goodness. Yes! I read The Sound of Gravel last summer and it was heart wrenching and amazing what the author went through! Great book. I would recommend The Glass Castle and Waiting to Be Heard by Amanda Knox. Both very good. Just finished Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Another good one! I recently read The Children (chosen because you recommended it) and I really enjoyed it. Thanks!
This is such a great list! I have Little Bee and The Sound of Gravel on my TBR list!
Glad to hear you liked Little Bee by Chris Cleave! I’ve been wanting to read it and just got it for $.50 (!!) at a used book sale. I’m so excited to start it!
I highly recommend the book Sugar by Kimberly Stuart. Its been described as food network meets sleepless in Seattle. Great book.