My list is a little longer than usual and while I’d usually pare it back to keep my post shorter, why not give you all I’ve got while we’re at home more than ever. I’m trying to stay away from too many novels centered around war or the Black Plague at this point and most of these fit the bill.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert I’ve never read Eat, Pray, Love and never plan to, so it almost deterred me from reading this one by the same author. I’m so glad I did; I adored this book. The narrator is almost 90-years-old and tells the story of her life, going back to her college years when she takes a completely different path than the one her family (and society) expected from her.
Inside Out: A Memoir by Demi Moore I listened to her book on audio and it was wonderful to hear her (husky) voice telling her own stories. I never knew about her tumultuous childhood and it’s interesting to see how it affected some of her later career and relationship choices. She talks about everything–Bruce, Ashton and her near overdose.
Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt I’ve had this one on my shelf forever and finally decided to try it. It’s rich in character description, set in charming Savannah and centers around a murder involving one of the town’s elite.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides I decided to buy one, brand new book for the trip we took in February and chose this one because it was supposed to be the latest and greatest thriller. While the book kept me enthralled to the end, I left not loving it. If I tell you why, it gives the entire plot away. Curious to hear your thoughts on this one if you’ve read it. . .
Paper Wife by Laila Ibrahim This story centers around a young Chinese woman in the 1920s whose family sends her to America with a new husband, under the pretense that she is his first wife who had recently died. It’s not necessarily lighthearted but it is a beautiful story of friendship and overcoming. (This Kindle edition is currently free if you’re a Prime member.)
Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams I’m a Beatriz Williams fan in general but this was probably my favorite I’ve read by her so far. I almost always love a main character that’s spunky and female. Tiny has married into a very Kennedy-like family in the 1960s and isn’t content with everything she sees going on around her, including the secrets within her own marriage.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart I’d put this one in the family drama category and I really liked it, although I’m not so sure about the ending. . . The story centers around a teenage girl from a wealthy family who all gather on their private island each summer. She is struggling after an accident that she can’t remember but that’s all we really know until the very end. Lots of interesting family dynamics with a strange twist.
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall I was so anxious to read this story about two couples who are in church ministry together but it wasn’t all that I expected. The writing is great, but it’s definitely very character-driven and reminded me a little of Crossing to Safety, another book I wasn’t totally as enamored with as I expected to be.
All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin I also listened to this title on audio and it was perfect in that format. It had just enough substance but was light enough to follow as I’m doing 17 other things. After an incident happens with some of the town’s teenagers, it unveils how social privilege and money can often skew justice. It’s told from the viewpoint of several narrators, which also made the audiobook a good listen.
Writers and Lovers by Lily King I just finished this one and wish I could’ve made it last longer. It was a nice escape from our current reality, detailing a young writer’s experiences as a waitress trying to follow her passion while figuring out her love life and struggling with grief after her mother’s sudden death. I highly recommend this book.
Up next for me: I just started We Are Not Ourselves (is it worth the 620 pages?) and I’m itching to listen to Jessica Simpson’s new book on audio. What are you reading these days?
Find more of of my book recommendations in my Amazon store.
Listening to Harlen Coben’s latest novel…The Boy From The Woods. Great!
I felt the same about the ending of “The Silent Patient”. I’m not sure what I wanted to happen, but I guess not that. Ha.
I’ve also read “We were Liars” and it was well written as well, but the ending was… disturbing? Among other things.
Thanks for this list. I need a book and haven’t been able to find one that kept my attention these days.
Just mooching roun d the internet and found your list of books. Of all of them the only one I had read was We were Liars, E Lockheart, which I enjoyed. Then I looked on your shelves….. are all of those “keepers”? or just not got round to yet? I spotted A Gentleman in Moscow. Oh! such a beautiful novel, story and writing. And then you asked what had we been reading – my favourite of this month was The Bees – Laline Paull, which will definitely be one of my top ten this year. Question for you! Are you reading more during the lock-down. I have done in 13 this month and may even get to the end of 14! My own blog (much less professional than yours) does have book reviews, also bits about the garden from time to time, and currently a wee bit of cheer regularly because of the bloomin’ virus.
Thanks for sharing your reads! I would recommend The Dutch House – Tom Hanks read the audiobook and he’s perfect! Anonymous Girl – interesting thrilleresque. Educated – a true story about a girl with a not so cozy family situation but rises to overcome.
Just finished Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. Incredible story, couldn’t put it down.
I highly recommend this book.
That was an excellent book! You might also like North of Normal.
thanks, I’ll check it out!
I love your recommendations Emily. I wish I could say I have read a great one lately but I am in a slump. Looking forward to trying one of these!
I’ve read a lot lately – but 2 that I loved are Little Fires Everywhere (and now watching it on Hulu) and Such a Fun Age – really great quick novel. Also have read American Dirt – so engrossing and then watched Oprah’s Book Club on Apple TV about this book.
I read LFE and am also getting ready to watch it on Hulu. And just downloaded Such a Fun Age to my Kindle. :)