Books I've Enjoyed Lately
THE FARMHOUSE
It’s time for another book roundup! These are all books I’ve read (or listened!) to this year and I compiled just my favorites below. As always, there’s lots of fictions on this list, but also plenty of thrillers and non-fiction too. Hopefully there’s something for everyone on this list. And please, share a book you’ve loved lately in the comments - I always love your recs!
I’m sharing links to Amazon and Indiebound today. The former is a great spot to find reviews and information, and the later is a great way to support local bookstores. And if you want to shop in person, you can find an independent bookstore near you here. Of course most of these books can be read for free via your local library, either as a physical book or an audio copy (just download the Libby App and connect your library card!).
For the record, I listened to most of these books. While I love reading a paper book (and do most nights before bed), I find listening to audio books the fastest way for me to get through them. I listen when I drive to school pickup, do the dishes, cook, garden, fold laundry, and all number of other household chores. I love how an audio book can turn a how-hum task into something I look forward to.
Without further ado, here are 11 books I’ve enjoyed lately…
In no particular order, here are my favorite books I’ve read lately…
The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown - a friend recommended this incredible story to me and I could hardly put it down! It’s the beat-the-odds tale of nine working-class boys from Seattle who would form an unlikely powerhouse in rowing, culminating at the 1936 Olympics. A movie is coming out soon, directed by George Clooney! (amazon, indiebound)
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver - Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, Demon Copprhead is the tale of a young boy, born to a teenage single mother in a shingle-wide trailer, who’s quest for survival spans decades. This is one of the most powerful books I’ve read in a long time! The audio version is excellent (and also really long ;). (amazon, indiebound)
The Perfume Collector, Kathleen Tessaro - newlywed Grace Monroe feels out of place in her 1950s London social circles. But when a mysterious stranger leaves her an apartment in Paris, Grace leaves embarks on a quest to uncover her benefactor’s past and how they’re connected. The story spans decades, from New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London - a fun read! (amazon, indiebound)
The Wife Upstairs, Rachel Hawkins - when Jane, a broke 20s-something dog walker, begins working in an exclusive gated community in Birmingham, she meets widowed Eddie Rochester and her luck changes. As Eddie and Jane fall for each other, Jane learns more about the mysterious death of Eddie’s previous wife and her best friend. This book is full of twists and turns and I could hardly put it down. (amazon, indiebound)
Between Two Kingdoms, Suleika Jaouad - What began as an itch on Suleika’s legs in college became exhaustion during her first job in Paris and ultimately a diagnosis of lukemia with only a 35% chance of survival. Suleika was only 22. This moving and beautiful memoir of life interrupted shows us what it is to fight and to begin again. (amazon, indiebound)
One True Loves, Taylor Jenkins Reid - Emma and Jesse are high school sweethearts who move away to California for college and travel the world together. But just one year after getting married, Jesse is lost in a helicopter crash. Emma must put her life back together and moves home to work at her parent’s book store. Years later, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, who gives Emma a second chance at love. That is, until Jesse is found alive. The audio version is expertly read by Julia Whelan! (amazon, indiebound)
All Good People Here, Ashley Flowers - a journalist returns to her hometown of Wakarusa, Indiana to care for an aging family member just as the disappearance of a local girl makes nation news. She investigates the crime and it’s possible connection to another disappearance 20 years before. This is a thriller that will keep you flipping pages well into the night! (amazon, indiebound)
Our Missing Hearts, Celeste Ng - Bird, a 12-year old boy, lives a quiet life with his academic father. His mother, a famous poet, left without a trace 3 years before and he doesn’t know what happened to her, only that her book is banned. Then one day Bird receives a letter that he suspects is from her and he goes on a quest to find his mother. I love Celeste Ng’s writing and this one was moving and suspenseful. (amazon, indiebound)
Discipline is Destiny, Ryan Holiday - a rare non-fiction read for me, this book really resonated and inspired! Author Ryan Holiday makes the Stoic case for self-discipline and balance in life. He draws on historic figures to show how mastering one’s emotions, thoughts, and actions can help us to meet our full potential in life. Highly recommend the audio version read by the author! (amazon, indiebound)
On the Roof Top, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton - In 1950s San Francisco, three talented sisters, Ruth, Esther, and Chloe, form the musical group The Salvations, mentored by their controlling mother. But as their star rises, the girls grow into women with dreams of their own. (amazon, indiebound)
Tiny Beautiful Things, Cheryl Strayed - a collection of “Dear Sugar” advice columns, anonymously written for years by best-selling author Cheryl Strayed. Strayed’s advice is moving, heart-breaking, compassionate, at times hilarious and above all beautifully-told. This one made me laugh, cry, and expand my world all within the first two chapters. (amazon, indiebound)
What about you? Read any good books lately?
