It's no secret that I love to read. I keep a book in my purse, always have an audiobook playing in my car, and I stream audiobooks on my Kindle while I do chores. Basically, if I have a free (or not so free) second, it's spent with my nose (or ear) in a book.
For the past five (!) years, I've shared what I'd read throughout the year in one large post in December. This year, I'd like to try sharing a few of my current favorites throughout the year as well and use it as an opportunity to get recommendations from you. I love having a constantly growing To Read list!
So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite reads from 2017 thus far:
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
This debut novel is beautifully written and very engaging. The author expertly weaves the stories of three high school friends and how their lives become forever intertwined. I found myself deeply invested in the lives of these characters and wasn't ready to let them go when the story ended.
The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
This debut novel is beautifully written and very engaging. The author expertly weaves the stories of three high school friends and how their lives become forever intertwined. I found myself deeply invested in the lives of these characters and wasn't ready to let them go when the story ended.
The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flagg
I've never read anything by Fannie Flagg (author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe) and had dismissed her writing in the past as being too folksy and predictable. I was wrong. I really enjoyed this whimsical story about a small Midwestern town and its residents, both the living and the not-so-living. I appreciated the mixture of magical realism with down-to-earth (so to speak) characters and an ending I did not see coming.
Year of Yes by Shonda Rimes
I picked this book up for #beyourownbookclub and was honestly a bit skeptical. I've been feeling frazzled lately and was all, "Shonda, I get it, but I could really use a Year of NO." Then I started reading and fell in love. Shonda Rhimes writes to you like she's your best friend, sitting you down for a nice long chat with a glass of wine. Her insights are wonderful because they're real and flawed and encouraging. I especially love her assertion that sometimes, you have to say "yes" to saying "no."
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
I've waxed poetic many times about my love for Bruce Springsteen and his music. I was a bit hesitant read his autobiography--if I didn't like the book, I didn't want that to ruin his music for me as well. I decided to take a chance on the audiobook (read by the author, of course) and loved it immediately. Springsteen's mastery of storytelling is not limited to song lyrics.
I've waxed poetic many times about my love for Bruce Springsteen and his music. I was a bit hesitant read his autobiography--if I didn't like the book, I didn't want that to ruin his music for me as well. I decided to take a chance on the audiobook (read by the author, of course) and loved it immediately. Springsteen's mastery of storytelling is not limited to song lyrics.
Ms. Marvel (Vols. 1-6) by G. Willow Wilson
In recent years, I've become obsessed with graphic novels. It's one of my favorite formats to read and I absolutely love when young library patrons specifically ask me for recommendations. This new Ms. Marvel series has captured my heart and imagination. Kamala Khan is Muslim, a child of immigrants, and a true super hero (in more ways than one).
In recent years, I've become obsessed with graphic novels. It's one of my favorite formats to read and I absolutely love when young library patrons specifically ask me for recommendations. This new Ms. Marvel series has captured my heart and imagination. Kamala Khan is Muslim, a child of immigrants, and a true super hero (in more ways than one).
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What are you currently reading? What must-reads do I need to add to my list?
If you're interested in learning more about what I'm reading,
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