I’ve been back in my reading era recently! Making time to read was hard while school was in session, so now that I have a break, I’m trying to refocus on it. I’m also trying to actively resist the anti-intellectualism that seems to be sweeping my generation and the ones following it. Reading keeps me curious, and curiosity keeps me learning! Even if it’s just a romance book, I'm trying to read a variety of books!

I’m currently reading Waste by Catherine Coleman Flowers, which is a book on her journey in activism and her work on improving waste management in Lowndes County, Alabama. 

And while I’m on a mission to read (and hopefully achieve my reading goal this year), I wanted to share some books I’ve read in the last couple of years that I’ve loved, both fiction and non-fiction, in no particular order.

1. Happy Place by Emily Henry

People keep saying this is the worst Emily Henry book, and they are completely wrong. It’s about a woman who is doing everything to keep the people around her happy, when she feels deeply unhappy. It’s about friendship and love and how people who love each other come back to each other. And it tore my heart up before putting it back together. I felt so seen by Harriet, almost as if Emily Henry cracked open my brain when she created her. I gave it 5/5 stars when I read it in April of 2024. 

2. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

I adore this book; it is magical and truly just one of the best things I’ve read. It’s about ghosts and romance, but more than it’s about grief and how to keep on living when all you want to do is stop and cry. I read this book in 2023, and I honestly needed it. It helped me move through some of my grief for the first time. I truly believe that a good book will transform you, and I was thoroughly transformed after reading this. Ashley Poston writes fantasy realism in such a modern and well-thought-out tone. This book made me a fan for life. Another 5-star read for me. 

3. Know My Name by Chanel Miller

This is a must-read, but be aware that the book touches on triggering topics such as sexual assault. If you did not hear about Brock Turner, this book is a memoir written by his unnamed victim, who at the time chose to be anonymous. In the public, the story became about Turner, but the person hurt behind those stories was Chanel Miller. Her memoir goes over her experiences and her life before, during, and after the assault and the following trial. It was a reminder that women’s voices and stories are important, and this book was written so beautifully. I’m glad to have read it, but heartbroken that this is still the reality for so many women and unfortunately continues to be. 

4. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

As someone with a complicated relationship with my mother, this was an incredibly interesting read. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Jennette McCurdy. I grew up watching her on iCarly, and I had no idea what she was going through behind the scenes. This book was a wonderful read on the complicated feelings that come with someone who treated us horribly, especially when you lose them. Grieving someone who hurt you and abused you is a unique feeling that I would never want anyone to experience. McCurdy highlighted her experience so well in this book; I would recommend everyone to read it or listen to it, like I did. 

5. The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E. Schwab 

I love V.E. Schwab’s writing, so I have to read absolutely everything she publishes. This was such a quick read for me; I flew through it. I read it a couple of years ago now, but I remember just how heartbreaking Addie’s story was. I felt myself getting so pulled in, and I was crying. It was written so beautifully, and if you’re looking for a quick fantasy read, this is perfect. 

6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

I waited way tooooo long to read Gone Girl. I was finally forced to pick it up for book club, and it was fantastic. I was honestly stressed out the entire time, but I fully enjoyed the stress. I love a complicated woman, and Amy was definitely one of the more complicated fictional women I’ve read. Flynn writes an unreliable narrator so well that I was falling for so many things. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for suspense that’s going to surprise you and also confuse you. Now I need to watch the movie!! 

Currently Consuming

Reading

• Waste by Catherine Coleman Flowers

Watching

• And Just Like That season 3

• Just watched The Waterfront on Netflix

Listening

• Echo by The Marias

• Giddy Up Gorgeous by Tanner Adell

Life Recently

Currently at Lolla!!!!!!! been waiting for this all summer

See ya! 

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next week!

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