The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a raw and emotional and honest look at mental health struggles. Lily is still processing the night she found her sister Alice trying to harm herself in the bathroom. Alice was sent to get help, and in her absence, Lily is trying to keep things together at school and at home. A new kid shows up who knows Alice and has a connection with Lily. Lily could use a friend, but she's also still working through her stuff. This book really shows the complexities of mental health struggle, the impacts others feel, and the ways people navigate and cope. It's so well done and elicited so many feels in me as I read. I'm so glad there are books like this out there that show the realities of mental illness. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this release from April 2022!

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Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's hard to use words to summarize words that are so well written. This is a beautiful exploration and reflection on relationships, how we give to others, and what we gain through those connections. There was so much good stuff that I literally wanted to take a picture of every page (since it was a library book) and definitely need to go back to take this all in. This is definitely a collection I want to revisit as he masterfully put words to so many feels and affirmations.

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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a read that is unique and eerie and wonderful and just a book like no other. The use of old photographs to tell the story adds so, so much. My intrigue started with the cover that immediately sucked me in, and this story didn't let me go until its last pages. The storytelling is masterful, and the characters are so brilliantly crafted. It was a book I couldn't read fast enough because I wanted to know what was next, but also was so sad to leave this magical world when it was all over.

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Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've been going back and reading books I first read (and really liked/loved) in my twenties. This is a book I read almost 15 years ago, and it's also one I recommended and read with my old book club. All these years later in my late thirties, it literally hits different. I can see the appeal to a mid-twenties me as I had so much love for a cheesy romance. All these year later, my salient memory of this one was the story line about the Cinnamilk, but as I read, I was able to recall the other components. The love story is predictable (as they always are), but cute. Overall, it was a light and fun throwback read

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Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, wow, wow. What a journey this one was. I did not anticipate all the feels from this one, but it was such a wonderful story. Meredith hasn't left her house in 1,214 days. She's figured out how to make it work, and she has connection in a way that works for her. However, this wasn't always life for her, and it isn't immediately clear why. The story bounces between Meredith's current realities and the days before now. As it goes, you see the evolution of Meredith and start to see what got her to this point. Meredith is a wonderful main character, and I was rooting for her as she found her voice throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this November 2022 release. (Note: I did not realize I'd have to wait so long to discuss this with others, but trust me, Meredith is worth the wait!)

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Faithful Place by Tana French
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my third (and certainly not my last) Tana French. She is masterful at writing thrillers, and so much of what keeps me reading is the way she tells a story. This one had the thrills, but also the added layer of family secrets and drama. The story focused on a lost love. Years ago, Rosie and Frank were going to run away together, but Rosie never showed up. There has always been mystery as to what really happened. When Rosie's suitcase shows up years later, the mystery is re-ignited. Frank is determined to figure out what happened to get the closure he has always craved.

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Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, this one was just a delight. The story focuses on Beatrice. Beatrice has been home schooled her whole life, and she dreams of breaking out of her shell and seeing the world. Unbeknownst to her parents, she's applied and been accepted into Oxford. Before her parents will let her go, they want to make sure she's ready. To this end, they send her off to a Shakespeare summer camp. With this camp, they provide her a list of "challenges" she needs to complete to prove she can handle life at Oxford. While an unusual premise, it was a fun layer of this story as Beatrice navigated love, friendship and acting. I love a relatable lead character, and Beatrice was so, so much that. This was just a cute, happy story that made me smile. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this upcoming July 2022 release!

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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The easiest way to explain this one is if The Breakfast Club as a thriller. Five students are put together in detention, and one ends up dead. Given the small group that was present when this went down, it's inferred one of them must have been responsible. As you can imagine, no one will step up. The story is told from each of these students perspectives to piece together what really happened in detention that day. It's one that kept me guessing as to who might be involved. I had a hunch as to what the twist was going to be, but didn't fully get it figured out before the big reveal!

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A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a stretch of "meh" reads, I needed a good, solid read, and y'all, this was absolutely that. This was just a delight of a memoir. It had the perfect blend of humor with thoughtful reflection. There were so many moments I found myself actually laughing out loud because the jokes and wit were just so, so perfect. Going in, I knew very little about Colin beyond what I see on TV, and I appreciated that this one helped me understand and learn so much more about who he is as a comedian and human, especially as he shared what got him to this point in life. If you're a fan of celebrity memoirs, this is a true gem!

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The Charmed List by Julie Abe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a YA read with the classic once enemies now friends and eventually love storyline with a side of magic. Admittedly, I wasn't sure about the magic element as that's not typically my jam, however it was written in a way that really normalized it and worked. The story centers on Ellie who is tired of being a wallflower and decides to write a list of 13 things that she believes are guaranteed to break her out of her shell throughout her summer. But then, things take a turn, and she ends up having to road trip with her once friend now enemy Jack. As you might infer, this time in car means Jack and Ellie have to talk to one another and work through some things. This was a good little read - light and fun while also having some feels throughout. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this recent July 2022 release!

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All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Borrowing/adapting heavily from the JonBenet Ramsey case, this is the story of Margot, a journalist returning to her small town to care for her ailing uncle. With her return comes the reminders of the pain of the murder of her childhood best friend January. The murder has remained unsolved, but speculation has always been that January's immediate family played a role. While home, another young girl is murdered, and it seems the case might be related. Margot is re-committed to finding answers to what happened to her friend all these years ago and how this might connect to the present. I'll be honest that while I'm a true crime fan, I've never listened to the author's podcast, so cannot make any connects there. Even without that context, I can see how the author connects to true crime and pulled out some common elements to build a story that will keep you turning pages, doubting motives, and trying to figure out what really happened. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this August 2022 release.

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In Her Boots by K.J. Dell'Antonia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The simplest way to explain this book is that it's like reading a Hallmark movie. You can definitely guess how things are going to progress, and it's also full of many of the tropes that often show up -mother/daughter relationship, returning to a small town to rescue something, reconnecting with a lost love, case of mistaken identity, etc. And like a Hallmark movie, it's not so much about not what you can guess is going to happen, but rather the journey along the way. This one had some interesting detours along the way, particularly when it came to the mother/daughter dynamics, and I liked how the main character's journey to find herself and what she wanted to do/be was really centered throughout. If you need something light to read, this is absolutely going to fit the bill. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this July 2022 release.

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Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I love books with a dual timeline, and I also love multiple narrators. This book had both of these things, however in this instance, it just didn't work. For some reason, I just struggled to keep up and remember who was who and when was when. Getting lost in the details meant I couldn't get into the mystery and clues placed along the way. I also need to stop reading procedural thrillers, and that is more about me than this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this recent release.

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, y'all, this one was a ride. It was definitely a slow build, and it was one where the build pays off in the end. The last quarter or so of the book was absolutely incredible. That said, the rest of the book is great, too! The story focuses on Addie LaRue who has made a pact to escape the life that is ahead and must live forever. The story then tracks where it all began, what happens along the way, and where she is now in her immortality. It was unlike anything I've read (especially because fantasy isn't always my jam), and I loved the journey of seeing where life took Addie. It was just so beautifully told, and it's one I'm still thinking about even a week after finishing it. I'm glad it's a book club selection because I have much to discuss!

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Yes Please by Amy Poehler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another book in my re-read of memoirs I loved in my late twenties/early thirties. The first time around I listened to this as an audiobook, and I will say that adds so much to this one and is definitely my preferred medium. It was still a joy to read through the physical pages of this one. Given this is an older read, I was also reading this around the same time Amy wrote it which made it connect with me in a different way as I re-read, especially the pieces about being a mom. While this is a memoir, it's more so her thoughts on life, love and career through her experiences. It's a collection with a little bit of everything, including some good nuggets of advice and reflection. I enjoyed the chance to revisit, and I'd love to see her build on this based on what she's learned since with a second book!

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The Shore by Katie Runde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is one word to describe The Shore: FEELS. Literally, all the feels. The first layer of these feels is Brian, a father and a husband is dying of a brain tumor. His wife and two daughters are each trying to navigate the grief and loss that comes with this process. Meanwhile, both daughters are also exploring young love and relationships. The other really interesting layer of this is that Margot, the wife, looks to an online support group to process her emotions and what she wants to do next. One of her daughters finds her mom's thoughts in this group and not only that, she creates a persona in the group to be able to engage with her. This one is real and hard emotion, but also it's told in such a beautiful and authentic way. It's a wonderful story exploring where we find comfort and connection through whatever comes our way. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early look at this recent release.

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Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Y'all, no one writes character-driven books like Taylor Jenkins Reid. This one is quite different from the first four of her novels that I've read, and that speaks to just what a brilliant author she is. This book focuses on retired tennis star Carrie Soto in the nineties. There is a new star in tennis, and Carrie just isn't ready to let her records go just yet, so she decides to mount a comeback. It's a little weird to read about a woman who is around your age being "old" and coming out of retirement, AND I also could relate with the feeling of trying to figure out where you fit into the world as you grow and age. Again, this author is masterful at writing compelling characters to create stories that just sweep you away, and Carrie (or the "Battle Ax" as she's been known) is so, so much that. I was thrilled to get this one early because I literally could not wait to get my eyes on this story. This is another must-read by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this August 2022 release.

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Rough Draft: A Memoir by Katy Tur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is an interesting experience to read the memoir of someone you know nothing about. However, when an invitation to read this one landed in my inbox, I was intrigued. Y'all, I'm so glad I checked this one out, and I now want to know even more about the author! The story focuses on the author's reflections on a life in journalism. This starts with her parents who captured some of the most memorable news stories of the twentieth century through helicopter reporting. The story then goes into her own beginnings and journey through the news industry from local news to international work to her days following the T***p campaign to being an anchor. Throughout, she is candid and honest about the struggles she encounters as well as the lessons she learns. The story isn't just about her as a professional, but also a person. In particular, she talks about the abuse in her childhood from her father, as well as her father's transition to a woman. In these reflections, she reflects on the emotions and lasting feelings of the experiences. I appreciated that this was truly the author's memoir in that she talked about herself as a professional, but also the human she is. Again, as someone who knew nothing going in, I felt I truly got a window into this woman. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this upcoming June 2022 release!

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The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, Kate Quinn is a master in the historical fiction game. What I especially appreciate about her books is that she tells stories about women in history I never knew and brings attention to their incredible tales of strength and perseverance. This story focuses on Mila Pavlichenko. As the story starts, she's a young mother, and then with the German invasion of Russia, she joins the fight literally. Mila becomes one of the most skilled snipers for the Russians. Mila then finds herself in America where the Russians are trying to build support for their cause. She even connects with Eleanor Roosevelt! Ultimately, Mila has a key role in stopping a happening that literally would've changed the course of history. As I read this one, I had to remind myself it was in fact a true story. It was unbelievable this was the first time I'd even heard of Mila, especially knowing the uniqueness of her journey. Thanks to the publisher for the look at this recent release!

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Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't know much of Molly Shannon's story beyond that she was on SNL until she was recently on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. After watching her talk about losing her mom and sister at a young age, I knew I wanted to read this memoir. This is a beautiful and honest exploration of Molly's childhood through today. The most powerful parts of her story are her reflections on the long-lasting impacts of grief and how this grief influences her work. This is such an important topic, and I appreciated how she was willing to share her journey, as well as talk about her relationship with her father. Molly was on SNL during an era I loved, so I dug the behind the scenes look at her time on the show. The only thing I wanted more of was her life post-SNL. I know there was some intentionality of not sharing all the details about that, and I was just so loving her story that I just wanted a bit more of that, too!

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Year on Fire by Julie Buxbaum
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Reading books about high school student as a thirtysomething is always an interesting experience. For this go-round, it was a love triangle or some shape of sorts. Immie and Arch are twins, and their friend Paige completes their triad. Except lately things within the three of them have gotten complicated. One of the twins kissed Paige's ex. She thinks it was Immie, but it was actually Arch. Meanwhile, Immie is trying to connect Paige with the new kid, Ro, except she likes him, too. The story is then a journey in trying to see who is going to end up with who, if friendships survive, and then also figuring out who is responsible for the fires in the bathroom. Ultimately, I just wanted more feels in this one. It was a interesting premise, and that premise just left me craving more connection to the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this recent release!

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Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I love most about Kristan Higgins is the way she writes books that provide depth to all of the women in the story. With this one, she could have easily just focused on one character, but instead, she created a cast that allowed this story to be explored from a variety of perspectives. The story focuses on Lillie. Just as she's preparing for a new chapter as an empty nester, her husband informs her that she'll be taking on another new chapter with divorce. Lillie is devastated, especially because she didn't see this coming. Her reaction of choice to her ex-husband's choice is then pettiness and revenge. In addition to working through this, she's working to re-establish her relationship with her sister which has been strained since a decision they each made as a child. A childhood friend who was part of a tragic night from her past also re-enters her world. Oh, and there's a connection she finds in her ex-hsuband's step-daughter. That's a lot of layers, right? That's what makes this one so great. Each of these add dimension to Lillie's story via their relationship to her. This was just such a wonderful read about complicated dynamics when it comes to love, family and friendship! Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this June 2022 release!

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Bad Vibes Only: by Nora McInerny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore the perspective Nora McInerny brings into the world, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of this new essay collection. Literally as soon as I was approved, I started reading! With this book, it's important to know that this is more essay collection than straight memoir like her previous two books - Not a critique, but just worth noting for knowing what you'll be checking out. I mention a lot in my reviews as of late that being a new parent influences what I resonate with as I read. This was very much the case with this one, and I absolutely adored and loved the essays on parenthood. I will devour pretty much anything this woman creates, AND this was such a wonderful collection of her thoughts and reflections on a variety of topics. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy to allow me to have some more Nora McInerny in my life!

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Big Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay by Liz Fosslien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The thing to know about this book is that it's heavy in its emotional content. I mean, my goodness, it's covering seven of the roughest and toughest emotions there are! What I always appreciate about Liz and Mollie is the way in which they approach the emotions of the workplace and world. Their comics always perfectly explain how different scenarios and situations can feel. For this book, these illustrations are perfectly coupled with stories about what it's like to feel and navigate hard emotions and situations. I especially appreciated how honest and raw these explorations were. Rather than going for a surface "feel good" vibe, this book talks about true and real struggle and ways to get through. In a world where things are far from okay, these can be hard topics to take on, but the authors did this in a way that was helpful and digestible!

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Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my third time reading of Emily Henry's books, and once again, I loved the romance she created! On title alone, I could have inferred that I was going to dig this. Yes, I could guess how it might end, and I still loved the journey of Nora and Charlie in getting there.

I recognize this is a shorter review than I usually offer, AND I'm not sure what else to offer other than Romance + Emily Henry + Book Lovers = A BOOK I WAS DESTINED TO LOVE AND YOU WILL, TOO!

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Rush: Memoir of a Gay Sorority Girl by Kristin Griffith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an incredibly honest exploration of what the author's coming out process looked like in college. She reflects back on this experience in the early nineties and layers this with her experience in her sorority. This was especially intriguing for me as we share a sorority affiliation. What I appreciated most about her story was the reflections on how different reactions impacted her, and she notes how hurtful the silence she often encountered was. It's so, so important to share these stories about both college and sorority, and I'm grateful Kristin was willing to revisit and share her experiences to open up conversation in this space!

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Hazard by Frances O'Roark Dowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Y'all, Hazard was such a powerful and emotional read. The book is about a kid named Hazard. Hazard has been kicked off his football team for aggression and mandated to attend therapy. He's resistant to this, but then he starts to explore his emotions through assignments from his therapists. Told through emails, text messages and reflective exercises, Hazard starts to share more and more about his family and himself. Hazard's father was injured by an IED while deployed overseas and has lost a leg, and it turns out this has had quite an impact on Hazard. The storytelling devices in this one were so masterful to show how this life-changing experience influenced Hazard's behavior and emotions. This was such an honest look into one kid trying to navigating his family's circumstances and better understand himself. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this recent release!

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Rivals by Katharine McGee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One of my biggest regrets is that I read this as an advanced copy. I was so excited to read this that I devoured it as soon as I received my copy. The problem is I now have so much I want to discuss, but since I got the sneak peek before my friends and book club, I have to keep my thoughts to myself. So, here's the thing, I loved the first book in this series. It was such a unique premise, and it was so interesting to think about America as a monarchy and to learn about this alternate reality through the stories of the women in the book. The third book wasn't so much a love for me, and much of that has to do with why I fell in love with this series. The very title Rivals accentuates the stuff I don't like as much. I don't like the fighting and the gossip and the deceit that is a component part of some character's stories, and I didn't like that it took center stage here. The story picks up where the last left off as Beatrice is learning what it means to be queen, Sam is in her new relationship with Marshall, and the Nina/Daphne/Jefferson love triangle continues, but also has some new dimensions. What I ultimately wanted and didn't get was way more Beatrice. To me, her story is the most powerful and one I love the most. I wanted to see her centered so much more. Again, given the title that just wasn't what this was, but a girl could dream. I should also note this ends on a cliffhanger, so there's likely going to be a fourth read. Even though this one wasn't my jam, I'll be back for that one as I'm too invested to quit now. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this upcoming release!

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Would You Rather by Allison Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need a good romantic story in your life, and that was so much this. The premise was interesting in that it was two lifelong best friends (and I'm always in for a good friends turned lovers tale) with the added dimension of quasi insurance fraud? Wait, wait, let me explain. Mia gets an opportunity to return to school and pursue her dream career. The only problem is she needs health insurance. Her best friend and co-worker Noah offers to marry her so she can have insurance and work towards her dream. She agrees, and the sham begins. As you can imagine, just being married on paper isn't what happens, and feelings that have been there for some time start to bubble to the surface. Obviously, in a romance you have a hunch how thing might go, and even with that, this was a delight of a read. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this August 2022 release!

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Family of Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'll be honest that I only kind of remember what happens We Were Liars (mostly I remember the big twist), so while this is a prequel, I didn't really make the connects with WWL. That said, this was also a book that stood on its own. Even without that context, this one was a ride! The premise of this focuses on Caroline, Johnny's mom, telling the ghost of her son stories from her childhood that no one knows. The book's focus is flashbacks to the childhood/teenhood of Caroline and her sisters. As you can imagine, they navigate some tough stuff, and as the story goes, the thrills build and there are some big twists. This is one that kept me reading. I knew something was going to go down with the sisters, and I had to know what it was! Similar to the first book, this one makes you think you know the twist and then it's got an even bigger twist that gets you! Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this May 2022 and solid page-turning read!

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I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working by Shauna Niequist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, this was a book of reflections that came into my life at the exact right time. Present Over Perfect is one of my all-time favorites, so I was very excited to be back with this author's work. For me, this is definitely a season where things are new and different. There's the experience of the last two years that we've all gone through, and then, for me, it's about becoming a mom. I just love the author reflects on faith and family and finding the opportunities to reflect and ways to grow. I also appreciate that she isn't afraid to write honestly about pain and when she doesn't get it quite right. I find these are the moments I resonate with her books the most. I have lots of passages from this one marked, and I'm glad I decided to buy this one as I anticipate this is one I'm going to want to reread every so often.

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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an absolutely beautiful, emotional read. I've had this one on my list for awhile, but I finally picked it up after seeing the author and her boyfriend Jon Batiste on CBS Sunday Morning. The way she spoke was so powerful, and I wanted to know more. This memoir focuses on the author being diagnosed with cancer in her early twenties. Just as her life is beginning, things take a drastic turns. She's had to make decisions she never thought she would about her body, her relationships and just life itself. Through it all, she writes and processes and provides a window into what this experience is really like for better or worse. While heavy, this is such a captivating and beautiful look into one's woman trek through a really hard chapter of her life.

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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this was just a delight of a read! The fact that it involved a rescue dog (as the mom of a rescue pup) meant that it was always going to have my heart. This was just a story that oozed so much heart and good feels. The story focuses on Lucy, a math genius, headed to public school for the first time after being homeschooled. Lucy's grandma wants her to survive one year of school and to even make some friends along the way. With a premise like that, you have to root for Lucy! The humans she does connect with are also just such a treat. This one had SUCH heart, and it just got me all up in my feels. There's some sad stuff, too, so know that going in, but the way it's told is just so beautiful and wonderful and clearly this is one I can't stop gushing about!

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Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talk about a timely read! This is an exploration of a book banning from a number of perspectives. First, there is the story of Donovan who is experiencing the banning as a student. Then, there is the story being told in the book. Finally, there is the author's story. This story is especially strong in the parts about Donovan as he tries to understand why this book is being judged and grapples with his own feelings about why this is problematic. I think this is such an important topic for kids to see and explore through books talking to them, and this is so very much that. The multiple storylines were sometimes a bit hard for me to follow and connect with, however reading the author's note at the end, I appreciated why he chose to tell this story in this way! Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this May 2022 read!

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Never Coming Home by Kate Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Y'all, what a ride. The best way to explain this one is And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, but about influencers. With that, this closed circle mystery also holds its own. This story focuses on ten teenage influencers who are invited to Unknown Island. Always looking for a way to grow their reach, they all accept even though few details are provided about the experience that awaits them. Very quickly, they find that this island is not paradise at all. That is abundantly clear when a secret they each have is also revealed, and these are some heavy secrets! And then, the murders start. This one moves quick, and the way it ends was so good as the thrills and questions keep coming until the very last sentence. I needed a really good pageturning thriller in my life, and this so hit that spot! Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this summer must read!

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The Rumor Game by Dhonielle Clayton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Any book about rumors in high school serves as a reminder of how glad I am to no longer be in high school. They also serve as a reminder of how glad I am that my high school experience did not include the social media dimension. This is the story of a rumor that grows and grows and grows. Georgie returns to school having undergone a significant physical transformation, and with that, a rumor about who she is involved with and how spirals. With these growing rumors, others are pulled in and feel a certain kind of way about the allegations. This is very much about the web of rumors and how they are weaponized for hurt, as well as how quickly they can get out of control. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this recent release.

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The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick read, but so interesting and insightful. Told in verse and with simple illustrations, this is a collection of answers to a question told in verse. The question is simply - What is the one thing you'd save in a fire? The answers go in a variety of directions, and the rationale as to why different items are chosen are so fascinating. It's one of those books that goes by and just makes you think and reflect in a deeper way than you were expecting. It's an incredibly unique read that is the kind of book that sticks with me long after I've finished.

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Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone by Tae Keller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone is a book about one thing, but really it's a much deeper and powerful message. Jennifer Chan is the new girl, and her story is told by her neighbor Mallory. Mallory is excited to have someone her age in the neighborhood. She also has to figure out how Jennifer, who has lots of interests including exploring the existence of aliens, fits with her current friends. Because the reality is, her other friends just don't want to build that relationship with Jennifer. More than anything, this is a book about what healthy friendship looks like, and those moments when we realize friendships just might not be the best for us anymore. This is told through Mallory who has to encounter some tough truths, and seeing it through her eyes is especially powerful. This is such a powerful read on the true dynamics of friendships for kids, and this is such an important topic. Also, this book has an author's note at the end, and it is an essential read to understand the importance of this story. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look at this April 2022 release.

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Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer by William Knoedelseder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is mostly a book about beer, it's really a book about the family behind the brand. Going in, I knew little about the Busch family other than their connection to the brand and St. Louis, so I learned quite a lot about them. This was a deep dive and behind the scenes look at where the family started through the takeover by InBev. It shared where they made smart choices, and it shared a lot about when that definitely wasn't the case. It also explored the relationship dynamics of the family and to say it was complicated was an understatement. This was a well-researched and captivating story of the family behind one of the most well-known brands. The author did a masterful job at blending the story of a business with the story of a family which is so much of what the Busch saga is all about!

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The Art Forger by Barbara A. Shapiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a thriller that explored art forgery and theft in multiple ways. The story primarily focuses on Claire, a young artist who has been shunned by the art community. She is contacted to do a replica of a famous painting. This is something she does as a side gig, but this time, she's being asked to do it as part of a theft. The story then explores in several storylines which paintings are real, which aren't, and where the lines are blurred. It was interesting to see how these determinations were made and why. Through it all, Claire is focused on connecting to her passion (art) and finding the truth (and lies) that exist all around her!

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Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Y'all, I have to say that horror is definitely not a genre I read ever. That said, this was a wild ride that kept me reading! The story focuses on Maeve and Andrea. Maeve and Andrea were both children in a cult. Maeve escaped, and she's always wondered what happened to Andrea. Then, they find one another again in New York. Andrea has taken on some new ventures in the fertility industry, and Maeve is invited to be part of these. Maeve has some hesitations, and then as she is drawn more into Andrea's world, more things start happening. As a reader, there were lots of moments where I could totally see what was happening, but the characters couldn't which was part of the solid horror experience. This was quite intense, and I'm glad I jumped out of my normal genres for some emotional thrills!

I would offer the content warning that this might not be a good read for anyone who is trying to conceive, struggling to conceive and/or pregnant. I'm a new mom and did okay with the content, but thinking about other stages of my motherhood journey, this would've landed differently with me.

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Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adore the way J. Courtney Sullivan writes characters, and this was another masterclass in her telling the stories of people and relationships. This focused on two Irish sisters who immigrate to America. In America, their lives are anything but what they expect including one life-changing turn for both of them. This story goes between tragedy in the present and explaining what happened in the past. It's a beautiful and tragic story about family that was just so, so wonderful.

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Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is basically the dictionary of Brene Brown, and that's a good thing. It is literally all the feels. With each feel, there is a definition and exploration of what this feel actually means. It's more a reference piece than anything else as it summarizes some of her previous work and establishes common language for emotions. What I found is there are words I use when I actually mean something else, and that something else can help me better explain what I'm actually feeling and needing. If you've read all the Brene as I definitely have, this is a beautiful companion piece. It's also one I can see myself referencing as I build out content as it's wonderfully explained common language. If you're a fan of Brene and/or just want to do more exploration of emotions, this is definitely a comprehensive piece to add to your collection!

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Going There by Katie Couric
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This memoir could have no other title than GOING THERE as that's very much what Katie Couric does in this reflective piece. No topic is off limits, and she's also not afraid to name names as she walks thorough her life and career. She is willing to share those times she messed up and/or things didn't go according to plan, AND she's also willing to share about when other humans made mistakes and/or didn't support her. I've always known Katie's public persona and remember many of the public experiences/events she mentions, so it was interesting to read her reflections on what was really happening in that moment, as well as how she feels about these happenings all these years later. This is definitely raw and honest and again epitomizes the concept of "going there" in a memoir.

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Turning by Joy L. Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise of this book is about a dancer who suffers a traumatic injury, so she can no longer dance. However, this story is so much more than that. Said simply, Genie is navigating some really heavy stuff. This includes grief, unhealthy relationships and determining what she must do now that her dreams have been shattered. While this is explained as a book about Genie the dancer, it's really about Genie the human. For me, I wish there would have been some more about who Genie was before and just more about the characters in general to really get that strong emotional connection to the story. Thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this recent release.

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Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After re-reading Mindy's first book, it was obviously time to come back to her second. What I love about reading these books as a duo is that you get to hear from her as her work and life has shifted. For example, in the first book, she focuses on The Office, and this is more about her experience with The Mindy Project. This is more of a collection of essays and reflections, and it's such a random menagerie, AND that's what makes it so great!

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Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another book in my tour of memoirs by women I've read before and want to revisit. Y'all, I love Mindy Kaling, so I have always and will always love this one. The fun thing about re-reading her books is seeing the evolution of her work and her reflecting on her experiences as a human. There are some lines in this one that will forever make me laugh. This was absolutely a delight to revisit!

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My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories and a novella that above all else are just wonderfully written. While each story is independent, there are common threads of emotion, tragedy and exploration of fictitious experiences that are grounded in the real, lived experiences of today. Short story collections aren't always my jam, however this one was one that I found intriguing and thought-provoking.

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One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I devoured because I needed to know what happened, and it was legit stressing me out not knowing the outcome. The story focuses on Emma who marries her high school sweetheart Jesse. They are both in jobs and live a life full of travel and adventure. Then, Jesse goes missing and is presumed dead from a helicopter crash on their first wedding anniversary. Emma is devastated, and she moves back home. Devastated, Emma moves back home. There she begins running her family's bookstore, and finds love again with Sam who she has known since childhood. She's engaged to be married, and then Jesse is found alive! The story then takes on major Ben/Noel vibes (which is what induced the stress reading) as Emma has to choose between the two men she loves. I will say throughout I had one dude I was definitely rooting hard for, so it was almost a romance suspense novel as I had to read on to see if that's who Emma ultimately chose!

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Bossypants by Tina Fey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After re-reading another memoir, I decided that I wanted to revisit this one, too. All these years later, there are still parts of this one that make me laugh out loud (literally) and parts that make me smile. Revisiting books I first read in my twenties and return to in my thirties, it's also a fun reflection to see what passages I resonated and flagged back then, as well as to find new stuff that connects with me now.

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