Fall into Reading
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It's been a minute since I shared book recommendations. Below are some recent reads, my favorites asterisked.
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Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
I related to the main character who recently moved to the suburbs from Brooklyn. While trying to adapt she deals with new motherhood, her writing career and her relationships. She has a particularly complex relationship with her son's sitter, and the novel provides intertwining viewpoints from both women. A good, not great, read.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Critically acclaimed and captivating, this novel chronicles a year of a young woman's severe depression. As an empath and someone who struggles with depression, it was quite painful to read. Such a realistic depiction of despair. I'm ashamed to admit I didn't finish it.
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
Heavy on religion but also heavy on candor and wisdom. Simpson shows true vulnerability. Her story is gut-wrenching at times but, ultimately, triumphant. A memoir worth reading.
Stray by Stephanie Danler
The memoir by the bestselling author of Sweetbitter. Not my cup of tea because Danler so expertly paints the picture of her devastating childhood. Her story made me flinch repeatedly. But the writing is beautiful and the book is well-done.
Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl*
Everything Reichl does is pure gold. Or shall I say pure chocolate. Dig in. This book chronicles Reichl's childhood and reveals a stark dichotomy between her mother's literally poisonous cooking and the gourmet foods Reichl eventually finds and falls for. We learn about the author's unexpected introductions to good cooking as well as her complicated familial relationships, famous friendships and surprising love interests. Highly recommended reading for foodies and non foodies alike.
The Boys' Club by Erica Katz*
This novel is addictive and relevant. The book centers on a female lawyer working her way to the top of her firm, the themes of sex and power rampant throughout. A page-turner.
Who is Michael Ovitz? by Michael Ovitz*
I love a juicy memoir and this did not disappoint. It felt like an education in everything that came before Entourage, written by one of the founders of the iconic, and notorious, Creative Artists Agency.
Joss (American Girl) by Erin Falligant*
Yes, that "American Girl," as in the dolls for kids. Did you guys have American Girl dolls as kids? I had Samantha. Liv just got Joss, and Joss came with a book. It's for eight year olds but Liv and I both loved it. We read a few pages each night, and I was hooked. Joss is a surfer who starts cheerleading to win a bet... Recommended reading for kids and grownups.
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