The silver lining of social distancing and basically not leaving the house for months is the fact that I am blowing up all of my reading goals.
This season, I read 30 books. I am highlighting the best of the best. I am thankful for all of the amazing book suggestions I have received lately, especially those that feature African American authors. I am doing my very best to become more educated on social issues and trying to listen, listen, listen.
Persepolis
I can't believe that I was this many years old before I finally read a graphic novel. This book by Marjane Sutrapi is educational, disturbing, hilarious, and frustrating. Her autobiography explores growing up in Iran during the Revolution and her subsequent school years in Austria. Many thanks to my Canadian Twitter friend Freda for recommending this gem.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
I could not put this book by Abi Daré down for one second. I did not want the story of Adunni to end. She is one of my all-time favorite characters. Adunni is a young Nigerian girl. Wherever she turns, tragedy and misfortune soon follow. Life does not dampen her spirit as she searches for her voice. I laughed, I cried, I cheered for this girl. I cannot say enough good things about this book and this wonderful author. Virtual fist bumps to my sister-in-law Victoria for sending this book my way.
Homegoing
I bought this book by Yaa Gyasi in San Francisco (my favorite city to go book shopping) based on a rec by my brother Casey. It is shocking that this is a debut novel. This incredible collection of stories follows the descendants of two half sisters from Ghana. It spans hundreds of years and the stories will break your heart. If you are looking for a fictional book to help you to better understand African American history, this is a good place to start.
Educated
This book had been on my TBR list for way too long. Every Instagram reader I follow hailed this memoir. My mouth was literally hanging open for half of the book. Tara Westover was born unto a family of survivalists in Idaho. She first went to school when she was seventeen. This shocker is one that proves truth is often stranger than fiction.
Other Books Read Spring 2020
Followed by my personal ratings, out of a possible five stars.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark ***
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston **
The Fixer by Bernard Malamud **
After by Anna Todd *
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher ****
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray ***
The Boy From the Woods by Harlan Coben ***
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver ***
The Guest List by Lucy Foley ****
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates ****
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid ****
Watchmen by Alan Moore ***
All Adults Here by Emma Straub **
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore ***
Rabbit by Patricia Williams ****
A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight ***
The Mother In Law by Sally Hepworth ***
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner ****
The Paris Hours by Alex George ***
The Overstory by Richard Powers **
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card ***
A Burning by Megha Majumdar ****
Beach Read by Emily Henry ***
The Bitterroots by C.J. Box ***
Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill ****
The Lies that Bind by Emily Giffin ****
Perhaps the biggest honor shall go out to the USPS, FedEx, and UPS. Book mail is my new jam.
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