This was a summer of mood reading! Here are my latest reads along with the reasons I picked them up in the first place.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970; 224 pages) // Classic Literature
This seemed like the most approachable Toni Morrison, plus it popped up in a conversation with a friend. I found it literary and poetic and am glad to have read it. Appreciated but didn't actually enjoy—might have liked it better if discussed in a classroom for assigned reading.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (2016; 376 pages) // Contemporary Romance🎧
With the movie coming out, my West Seattle book club selected this one. I liked it more than I was expecting...but I was going in with the lowest of expectations. Appreciated the author's note and the discussion that came from it. Thought the movie was a great adaptation!
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017; 490 pages) // Historical Fiction
This had been on my list for a while and was one I prioritized for 2024. Knew it was a fan favorite and had heard it pitched as the Korean version of Homegoing, which I also loved. I purchased this secondhand and loved the character-driven storytelling. Not a 5-star for me, but very good.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024; 229 pages) // Novel
Had seen this around but borrowed it from a friend and read it while on our Connecticut vacation. Was a great pick for that trip since the main character reflects on motherhood and family while at a favorite summer vacation house. Quick and enjoyable enough, but not a stand-out.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (2024; 400 pages) // Contemporary Fiction🎧
Picked this up when I wanted to read a 2024 release and because I really liked her debut, "Such a Fun Age." I thought this was particularly good on audio, as there are lots of characters -- the southern twang was over the top but didn't bother me. Would classify this as an odd and quirky book that won't be for everyone, but I couldn't get over the true to life, albeit satirical, elements of college campus living. Convinced my UT girlfriends, one of whom was an RA, to read this and am looking forward to hearing their thoughts!
God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024; 490 pages) // Mystery
Heralded by many as "the book of the summer" in Fiction Matter's substack post, I also read this one while in Connecticut. Multiple perspectives and timelines usually works well for me, and this was certainly an engaging page-turner. By the end, I thought it was just okay; it was too long, and I didn't love the resolution of the mystery
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie (2024; 209 pages) // Memoir🎧
UT book club picked this one and while I love a memoir, I probably wouldn't have selected this on my own. It was a little heady at some points, but overall, an interesting glimpse into his life and highlighted both the beauty and pain of humanity.
Snobs by Julian Fellowes (2006; 288 pages) // Fiction🎧
From a close friend's all-time favorites list, I listened and really loved this one! Fellowes is known for Downton Abbey, and his wit and humor shine in Snobs as well. The details and characters didn't necessarily stick with me, but the language, descriptions, and dialogue are just utterly enjoyable. Reminds me of how I felt listening to A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting. Such a fun and fresh 'novel of manners'.
An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler (2011; 272 pages) // Food Writing🎧
My Seattle Book Club alternates fiction and non-fiction and I thought this was the perfect late summer selection. Her chapters are easy to digest, packed with encouragement, and provide helpful perspectives and motivation when it comes to simplified cooking. I ended up listening to it on audio and found listening to recipes and cooking methods rather soothing. Loved the discussion that came from this one!
The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024; 384 pages) // Contemporary Chick Lit🎧
Had seen this recommended by Literary Leanings and picked it up when I was in the mood for an easy read but with some depth. Once I got over the premise, I ended up liking this one. It was perfect on audio while doing dishes—I don't think I would have stuck with it in print
Book club collector,
- SJW
