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| the last four books I read |
During my breaks from school, I tended toward old favorites and "comfort" reads. I don't watch much television, so instead of "binge-watching," I binge-read. Over winter break, I reread Jane Austen's novels. Over spring break, during which I also happened to be very sick, I reread North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. (And watched the BBC miniseries adaptation of North and South twice on Netflix.) Continuing my obsessions with Austen and Gaskell, I read a number of retellings or fan fiction throughout the spring
Northager Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (rereads)
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (reread)
Unmarriageable (Pride and Prejudice in Pakistan) by Soniah Kamal
Pride by Ibi Zoboi (a modern day Pride and Prejudice remix set in Brooklyn)
No Such Thing As Luck: A North and South Variation by Nicole Clarkson (fan fiction)
Fiction (with a few notes on the books I read most recently)
Once Upon a River by Diana Setterfield: This story - part historical fiction, part fairy tale, part mystery - develops slowly and meanders, like the titular river. I was drawn in by the fascinating characters, the historical elements, the river, and the focus on stories and storytelling.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: I've always been a fan of Greek mythology. This is a beautifully-written retelling that focuses on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus.
Solar Storms by Linda Hogan (book club): I appreciate book club for introducing me to books I may never otherwise read. This is a lyrical coming-of-age story and a fascinating (and often heart-breaking) look at Native American culture and history
The Leavers by Lisa Ko (book club): Highly-recommended! Identity, belonging, borders...topics at the forefront of current events. This is a compelling and sometimes heartbreaking/sometimes hopeful story about an undocumented Chinese immigrant and her son.
Nothing to Lose: Stories by Kim Suhr: Intriguing short stories with a local/regional flair. Suhr is the Director of Red Oak Writing, a great resource for local writers. You can read more about her and the book here.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (book club; reread)
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver (book club; reread)
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Almost Maine by John Cariani
Youth & young adult literature
All of these are really good reads that deal with important topics. I recommend them all, but my favorites from this list are the two novels by Sharon Draper.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds: A novel in verse about gun violence; packs a powerful punch.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas: The second novel from the author of The Hate U Give.
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
Nonfiction
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport: A good read from Newport. I wrote about his book Deep Work in a previous post.
Lost Cat: A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS Technology by Caroline Paul: A very fun story with great illustrations!
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein: I read this for a discussion group. It's infuriating how entrenched racist government policies have been even in recent history. A good companion to Evicted by Matthew Desmond. See more about Evicted in this post.
Not Always Happy: An Unusual Parenting Journey by Kari Wagner-Peck: A moving and inspiring memoir about adopting a child with Down syndrome and advocating for him within a frustrating education system. Might be of particular interest to parents of children with special needs and educators.
*****
Member of my household: "You can't just read all summer."
Me: "Oh yes I can." (especially if I'm sitting outside in the sun)
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| current TBR pile with four more books on hold at the library |
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