I’m an avid reader — or perhaps it’s more honest to say, I’m an avid book collector. I planned to carve out time more “me time” to plow through the books that have been accumulating around our apartment, but alas, life has happened. While I haven’t managed a book a week like I could while commuting by bus in London, these six stand out in the ‘favourite books’ category. I have to share them with you. They’re all different and beautiful in their own ways. Next to each, you’ll find the Amazon and Indigo links if you’d like to check them out.
Disclaimer: Take my ratings with a grain of salt. I’m a tough critic, even with my favourite books. I’ve never given out a perfect 10, and only ever handed out two 9s. Both of which required a series of novels, an elaborate creation of a new world, and either an elf or a wizard. I still consider a 5/10 to be a great read worth sharing.
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book was written so believably that I had to Google — twice! — whether or not Taylor Jenkins Reid was telling a true story. If you like the movie Almost Famous this tale will give you all of the 70s sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll your little heart can handle. The interview-style writing from all of the characters’ perspectives makes it easy to “just one more page” yourself through this book in a breeze.
7/10
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is my most recent finish, and it was delightful. It’s been compared to To Kill a Mockingbird and its snapshot at race, classism, and compassion in individuals leaves the reader with a similar feel. The writing is just as observant and desolate as the main character. I loved it.
6/10
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
My mom handed this off to me with the advice, “Read the epilogue first.” And I’m doing the same to you. It shines a light on how often cartel books revolve around the drug lords and police as protagonists when really this small population pales in comparison to the masses in these countries. This beautifully written story about a woman fleeing Mexico with her nine-year-old son sheds a light on the devastating truths behind “the wall.”
8/10
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Whoa. This book was intense. Written from the perspective of Vanessa, a now thirty-something who still carries the heartbreak of her first love — her boarding school English teacher. It jumps from era to era showing how he groomed her, how he isolated her, and how it has profoundly impacted her life. A really interesting look into coercion that answers the question, “Why didn’t you just report it?”
7/10
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
This book is everything I love about a novel: adventure, dynamic characters, and a touch of historical fiction. You get to follow Washington Black from his childhood as a slave to how his artistic talents make him invaluable to a particular plantation heir. Without giving too much away, think Huck Finn meets a touch of Roald Dahl whimsy. Who doesn’t love a story with unlikely allies and multiple beginnings and ends?
7/10
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
I don’t usually like memoirs — I find them a bit self-indulgent. (No, the irony of that statement isn’t lost on this blogger.) But this masterpiece is sensitive, funny, and full of love. Jeannette Walls candidly navigates her off-the-grid upbringing with an alcoholic father, lost mother, and her siblings who had to find childhood amongst the chaos.
7/10
What are some of your favourite books? I’m always looking to add to the aforementioned collection!
