5-star book recs from 2021
One of my New Years’ Resolutions was to read more books and watch less TV, and I’m happy to report I’ve done pretty well at that. I’ve gotten really into my Goodreads bookshelves, and thought I’d share some of my absolute faves (you can find more on my bookshelf).
Fiction
The Alice Network
I loved the back and forth between the two main characters’ lives - one a female spy in WWI and the other an American in France in the aftermath of WWII. I could hardly put these frenemies down to eat or sleep.
Verity
I think this one’s described as a “romantic thriller” and that seems fair to me. The main character, Lowen, is a struggling author who receives a career-defining opportunity to help complete another author’s (Verity) famous series. Hired by Verity’s husband, Lowen goes to live in their house to get familiar with the series, but gets sidetracked by an unfinished, horrifying autobiography she finds in Verity’s office.
The Lion’s Den
This one I stole from my sister-in-law’s Goodreads list, and I was not disappointed. Another book that flips back and forth between timelines, this one follows a dream yacht vacation that turns deadly.
Memoir/Personal stories
Inspired
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible again was written by Rachel Held Evans in 2018. Evans unpacks some sticky issues that challenged her faith, not to tear apart the Bible, but to understand the context in which it was written and how it relates and translates to our world today.
This is Not a Fashion Story
I actually won a free signed copy of this book in an Instagram giveaway (even though I’d already read it 😄)! I’ve been following Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat for years so I jumped on the pre-ordering when she announced she was writing a book. Hence the title, this isn’t a story of how she built her fashion empire and influence, this is the story of her life off-screen and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From the excerpt, “It’s a story that proves success isn’t about a college degree or who your parents are.” Such a quick and fun read with great takeaways for young women, regardless of if they’re influencers/ fashionistas or not.
Wild
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a memoir by Cheryl Strayed, detailing her 1,100-mile self-discovery hike on the PCT in 1995. Her life story is unfolded slowly throughout her (mostly solo) journey through deserts and ice, revealing the hardships she was in the mountains to overcome.
The Dirty Life
My boss gave me this book during the 2020 lockdown but it took me a year to finally pick it up. But once I did, I couldn’t put it down. Kristin Kimball writes about her experience falling in love with a farmer, leaving the city life and starting their own farm. Their dream was to create a CSA (community-supported agriculture) where their neighbors and friends could buy all the food they’d need from Kristin and Mark’s place. She’s an amazing writer and I lowkey wanted to quit my job and start a farm. I won’t though, maybe I’ll start a garden next spring.
Self development
The Defining Decade
Written by Dr. Meg Jay, The Defining Decade is about how formative your 20’s are, and how you can make the most of them. Jay breaks down 3 sections - work, love and brain & body. This is a book I think everyone should read in their 20’s. Jay gives concepts and actionable advice for why your 20’s matter and how you can make the most of them. It was an inspiring and informative read, and I find myself remembering different parts of her book in my daily life.
White Fragility
White Fragility was written in response to increasingly polarized culture in the U.S. by sociologist Robin DiAngelo. DiAngelo breaks down the need for white people to understand racism and lays out the ways in which racism is the bedrock of American society. She breaks myths and defines the harmfulness of systemic racism and ongoing discrimination. She provides a detailed history as she walks through many elements of white fragility and the need to do something about it now.
Young Adult (#booktok)
Shadow and Bone
After watching the Netflix series, I knew I had to read the book. Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse is binge-worthy, and I wish I had magical powers. Did I say that out loud? Moving on…
Six of Crows (& Crooked Kingdom)
Six of Crows is about a band of thieves in Ketterdam, thieves that show up in Shadow & Bone. Happening 2 years after the events of Shadow & Bone, I love the witty characters and their interactions with each other, the intense plotlines and different points of view.
