Today’s post
Something we’ve been doing a lot of in recent months is reading more. I (Emma) because I’m trying to hit my Goodreads reading goal this year, and Sofie because soothing a baby to sleep is a good time to get some reading in! We both use Kindles and try to borrow books from the library when we can, but also love buying a hard copy of the books that we really like, especially if you can find them secondhand online or in a thrift store.
We thought this was a good time of year to share some of our recent favorite books, in several different genres so hopefully you can find one that appeals to you. So whether you’re looking to cozy up on the couch with a good book as the weather gets chilly, or you’re looking for ideas to add to your Christmas list, or you’re going to set a New Year’s Resolution to read more, we hope you find some inspiration in this post. We’ve linked the Goodreads links to each of the titles so you can find different ways to read the books! If you have a library card, you can check out Libby where you can check out and read library books digitally!
1. Thriller: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
If you’re looking for a book that hooks you in and keeps you on your toes with lots of creepy and mysterious encounters, this is the one for you. Gillian Flynn wrote “Gone Girl”, which is also a strong thriller, but this one just has something extra creepy about it. A reporter named Camille returns to her hometown to cover the murder of a girl and the disappearance of another. She must deal with her weird mother and half-sister, who is a very intriguing character, and deal with lots of family secrets and psychological demons along the way. There are other characters too, like the detective investigating the case and Camille’s boss, so you end up with plenty of action and mystery to work out.
2. Sci-Fi: 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Although we’ve read quite a bit of Stephen King over the years, this one is pretty unique and captivating. This story follows Jake Epping, an English teacher, as he jumps back in time from 2011 to 1958 and is sent on a mission to prevent JFK’s assassination. It follows his journey and adventure to Dallas as he finds ways to work, live, and fall in love in a decade far removed from the modern age. Don’t be daunted by the length of the book, it reads so quickly since you just want to know what’s next.
3. Fantasy: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you’re into fantasy and romance, this book is for you! It follows the adventure of Violet Sorrengail, who has been ordered by her mother to join the Basgiath War College as a dragon rider. Her journey as a cadet is treacherous, since you either become a dragon rider, or die. There’s a larger war happening beyond the walls of the College that doesn’t seem to be what it appears. This is another book that’s hard to put down since you just want to know what happens next – and luckily there’s a sequel and a third book coming next year!
4. Memoir: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Warning: only read this book if you’re ready to cry. And listen to Japanese Breakfast. It’s an amazing memoir about Michelle Zauner’s childhood growing up Asian-American in Oregon, her troubled teenage years, and her journey to becoming an indie artist known as Japanese Breakfast. But most importantly, she reflects on her relationship with her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2014, and the many disagreements they had throughout life, but also how they shared their love for each other through food. She really delves into complex questions about identity and grief but through anecdotes that make you feel everything she feels. It’s great and is one of my favorites of the past year.
5. Historical Fiction: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Short read alert! This book is only about 130 pages long, but it manages to make a big impact in that short number. It’s also very timely to mention this one, as the film has just been released, featuring none other than Cillian Murphy. It’s a very emotional read, but definitely worth it, especially as it’s based on the abuse suffered by many women over centuries in the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland.
The story follows a man named Bill Furlong in 1980s Ireland, where he works as a coal merchant and lives with his wife and five daughters. On one of his deliveries at the convent in his town, he comes across a young pregnant girl in the shed in the freezing cold. The nuns tell him that she was locked in there by accident, but he knows that’s not the case, as he knows that there are women forced to live and suffer there. The rest of the book follows him as he grapples with the question of how he can do the right thing, reflecting on his own childhood as the son of a young single mother and the five daughters he has now. It truly showcases the power that convents and the Catholic church had over communities, even if they knew the truth of what was going on behind convent doors.
Thanks for reading!
These are some books we’ve enjoyed this year, but what did you think of our list? Let us know if you have any book recommendations for us, we are always looking for more to add to our list!
