Book Club – The Wobbly Table Blog

BOOKS I LOVED IN 2022

2022 was my year of ruthless reading. I shamelessly left behind more half-read books in recent memory. A book that will be left unnamed was returned to the library after the second chapter. I haven’t looked back.

In place of a numeric reading goal was a simple mission: to seek stories that pull me out of a reading rut and let go of what sunk me further into one.

A benefit of completing less books this past year was the intentionality I took to what I consumed. Whether it be what I read, watched or listened to, I placed more focus on the way they made me feel – a metric I now place above anything else.

The beauty of reading is twofold. Stories provide a tool for escapism and a tool for connection. A character from the Alan Bennet play “History Boys” eloquently said, “the best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things which had once been thought special and particular to you. Now here it is set down by someone else, a person you never met, and it’s as if a hand has come out and taken yours.”

I hope more stories will take me by the hand as I continue my practice of knowing when to let go and when to see them through til the end.

I’m back from my long book-review vacation in time to share my favorite novels of the past year.

Nowhere for Very Long by Brianna Madia

Brianna Madia’s memoir was a full course meal. It satisfied many genres I love: the-coming-of age-tale of her adolescence was the appetizer, the adventure was the main course, and her poetic prose was the sweet dessert.

Like many readers, I was introduced to her on Instagram thanks to a viral feature of her family on the feel-good animal loving account, The Dodo.

Beyond vibrant photos in Moab with her growing dog-pack and recognizable orange set of wheels, Madia is a gifted wordsmith that can make even a trip to the post-office sound captivating.

Before van-life blew up into a hashtag, she and her ex-partner were soaking up the desert sun off-grid. Before the term “influencer” entered the internet vernacular, she had amassed nearly 300k Instagram followers. Her authenticity being the common thread to her wide audience.

Her writing is as vulnerable as diary entries but as polished as a seasoned writer wise beyond her years. She recollects quitting her 9-5, buying a van with nearly every penny in her bank account, some personal devastating losses and her unbreakable bond with her dogs that she never leaves behind. Her specificity paints a vivid picture within each chapter that readers can conjure up and appreciate without seeing her IG feed.

Fair warning: after you put down her memoir, you’ll likely wipe away tears, hug the nearest animal in your vicinity and hit the road someplace beautiful. Lucky for us, book number 2 is on the way.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santipolo

Two strangers meet in the middle of New York City on a day the country won’t forget, September 11th 2001. The unique circumstances ignited their wildfire romance until their careers split them up to opposite ends of the world. Despite the distance, they re-enter the revolving door into each other’s lives.

I enjoy a romance or drama now and again as a cushion from intense thrillers. Little did I know how heavy this story would weigh on my heart. In place of a Hallmark template with vanilla love interests, are two earnest and mature but equally complicated people. It’s refreshing to meet characters with as much depth as Lucy and Gabe. I was rooting for them as individuals and together.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins-Reid

A young woman’s high school sweetheart goes missing after a helicopter crash shortly before their wedding. Years later after she falls in love again she hears the news that changes her world – her fiánce is still alive. Torn between the two most important people in her life, she must decide who’s promise of forever she’s willing to keep.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the modern fiction author of our time with a distinctive voice that feels as familiar as an old friend. I’m a fan of TJR’s works in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising but for me, One True Love is at the top of her fictional hierarchy. Perhaps I’m partial to it because it was reminiscent of the love-story in Pearl Harbor, a film that left a lasting impression in my romantically naive teenage heart. Unlike so many movies involving love triangles, neither of her partners were the bad-guy or the obvious choice. In real life, there’s rarely a villain. Reid is able to create nuanced relationships that breathe life into her tender writing.

We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

I mentioned We Were Never Here in a previous blog-post but it bears repeating, I’ll scream it from the rooftops: READ THIS BOOK!

Two girlfriends annual backpacking trip goes awry after a dead body is found in their hotel room. After the pair covers up their tracks and vows each other to secrecy, they start to question why tragedy follows them when a similar situation happens to them the following year. As they handle their guilt and grief differently, the dark secrets wedge between their fragile relationship.

The horror they experience consists of several acts 1) how they found themselves in their precarious situation 2) the will-or-won’t they get caught paranoia and 3) maneuvering the lost trust between their unraveling toxic friendship.

It’s a murder-thriller as much as it is an exposé on female friendship. In your twenties, your friends are your chosen family. Your world. The author has an intimate understanding of the looming bitter anxiety of a friend break-up. There’s a slice of relatability for readers to connect with amidst their ugly history.

We Were Never Here reminded me of the electricity that can live inside of a good book. I’m indebted to Andrea Bartz for pulling me out of the depths of my reading rut and making it fun again. I’m in the middle of another of her nail-biting novels, The Last Night with fulls plans on enjoying it until the end. The new year is looking bright.

TO KINDLE, OR NOT TO KINDLE?

Since my niece Ellie was born, I’ve made a tradition of gifting her books.I often hear about how rapidly babies and toddlers outgrow clothing. Toys can take up a lot of space and over entire living rooms. I’ve seen it happen. Books, on the other hand, will grow with her. Whenever I pick out a book for her, I write a note on the inside cover before sending them off in the post. The packages travel thousands of miles to reach her doorstep. Soon, she’ll be able to read my messages all by herself. Over the last five years of birthdays, Christmases and “just because”, she’s inherited many of the classics I grew up with as a kid. Her expanding library already out-rivals the one I had when I was twice her age. Perhaps the sweetest thing about it all is that she calls me the book-fairy, associating me with every single one on her shelf. While it isn’t completely accurate, it’s a title I love more than anything. I see no need to correct her.

For a long time, I considered myself a purist when it came to reading. I favored used books over new ones, paperbacks with broken spines over stiff, heavy hardcovers, and libraries over pretty much everything else. Part of the charm of reading is the simplicity in it. There’s nothing to download, no home screen to navigate from, and no battery to charge and later store away with the scary drawer of tangled up chargers.

I’ll read all the way up to the touching acknowledgements. The author’s thank you’s and parting words often turns me into a bigger fan of theirs than I was prior. It’s empowering to close a book you’ve nursed for days/weeks/months for the last time and with a slightly better understanding of the voice behind the narrative.

A couple friends told me how much they enjoy their e-Readers. Their convenience and portability was often mentioned, but what it offered in practicality, it seemed to lack in romance. A kindle sitting on a coffee table isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as a cozy bookshelf against a wall. Beautiful covers with handwritten notes inside are so much more personal than cold metal.

I spent over a year waffling back and forth on whether someone like me had any business with one. I’ve reached an age now where I understand why generations before me tend to resist new technology (hence, my lack of interest with figuring out TikTok). My mind was intrigued by them however my heart wasn’t convinced.

Last summer, Jordan put an end to my indecision and surprised me with a Kindle Paperwhite for my birthday. The timing was perfect. I didn’t have a new book to bring along on our camping trip. With excited hesitation, I downloaded a sample of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy Reichert, a charming tale about a chef and a food critic who meet and fall for one another without realizing that his scathing review was responsible for her restaurant’s near-closure. Within a few pages, I forgot I wasn’t reading from a traditional book. It’s gentle on the eyes and looks so similar to reading print on paper. I don’t know if I would’ve crossed paths with one of my most beloved books had it not appeared on the Kindle homepage first.

Like many things, I’ve come to realize the debate of book vs. Kindle is not an all or nothing situation. Truth is, I enjoy both for different reasons and regularly alternate between them depending on my mood.

I have fond memories dating back to childhood at the library or local bookshop. Thumbing through covers, pulling them out and putting them back; breathing in the stale paper smell. Even when I walk away empty-handed, I always leave in a better mood. No matter how many books await in my digital queue, I can’t stay away from the visceral experience of being surrounded by shelves stretching out before me in all directions.

Scrolling through webpages of books online however, doesn’t offer the same sense of satisfaction. I prefer to search for electronic books with a more focussed game plan. If I can’t find what’s on my read-list for free or a good deal, the algorithm directs me to recommendations of similar authors and titles that I might enjoy. With my library card number, I can access the virtual library via Overdrive and Libby and place holds on e-books from the luxury of my couch. It’s like magic.

The Kindle doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Unlike a tablet or iPad, the device can’t surf the internet or access apps. Multiple windows aren’t competing for my attention. I can stay wrapped up in fiction for as long as I want without notifications snapping me back into reality. Behind their fancy facade, Kindles are an earnest product that sets out to do one thing: make reading more streamlined and convenient.

Sunlight floods our cabin in the daytime but turns into a moody cave at night. For anyone who shares the woes of minimal overhead lighting, you know that small lamps and candlelight aren’t well-equipped for night-time reading (as cozy as it feels). The subtle blue-light-free glow of the Kindle resolves my problem. I can now read comfortably from anywhere while laying pretzeled in different positions. Since it weighs less than my phone, the amount of fumbling awkwardly against gravity or losing my page is down to a minimum. My wrists and eyeballs are so much happier now. I love the feeling of being tucked into bed without needing to get up to turn off the light when I’m ready to drift off to sleep. The device powers off on its own after a few minutes. Some of the best sleep I’ve gotten is after being mid-sentence on my Kindle.

Recently I let go of the idea of needing to suffer through bad books for the sake of completing them. Seeing a physical book taunting me from my nightstand used to make me feel a moral obligation to it. Reading on a Kindle is far less committal. I can swiftly remove a title from my library as quickly as it took to download. Out of sight, out of mind. As my brother once said, “there’s too many books in the world not to prioritize the good ones.” I’ve dedicated most of my Kindle reading to the thousands of free Prime books or to renting electronically which has saved me so much time and money.

Stories are the best gift to give and receive. They grow with you. Whatever form it takes on, it’s a gesture of connection and a way to share an experience from a few miles away to a few thousand. The constant rotation of reading material has only enhanced my experience, not taken away from it. In the debate of book vs. kindle I say, why choose one when you can have both?

DECEMBER READS

A December book review is my version of an end of year recap. Each time I look back at a book, I remember the headspace I was in at the time of reading it.

Tan France’s memoir kept me occupied in line for my first covid vaccine.

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake was eaten up on the crisp new Kindle I received on my birthday camping trip.

The Silent Patient grieved with me on a solo plane ride to my late aunt’s service.

The boundaries I learned from How to Break Up With Your Phone still cross my mind many months later, especially into the New Year.

My memories cling to the pages lightly coloring each story with a unique shade leaving a shadowy bookmark inside. Before I knew what shape The Wobbly Table would take, I was certain I wanted to share book reviews. If not for my love of reading, my love of writing would feel underdeveloped; incomplete. Together they satiate my hunger for words.

Cheers to the first post of the year!

For the Black Mirror audience: Sometime in the future a DNA-based dating program matches couples based on genetics. The pairings are supposed to indicate people’s perfect partners by a swab of saliva and the click of a button. Fast forward ten years since its launch and the company rivals all other dating sites and is a household name like Apple or Windows.

The cautionary tale is told from the perspective of five couples who used Match Your DNA’s services. For one of my first forays into sci-fi, I was impressed with how quickly and deeply I fell into the storyline. For the longest time, I associated the genre with space, robots or some dystopian universe that was lightyears from what reality looked like. I would timidly convince myself that I didn’t have wide enough an imagination to resonate with them and that only when they’re projected onto a screen could I fully lose myself in that kind of world.

The One was a perfect example of not judging a book by its genre, or in this case, by its title. It resembled more of an episode of Black Mirror than the drama I was originally expecting and was not at all far-fetched from the direction that social media and dating apps are headed. It cleverly explores the ethics behind technology, science and social responsibility and the implications of having such life-altering information at your disposal.

The author did a superb job examining the ways dating is completely thrown out of whack and how a service that may initially sound well-intentioned can go awry. Love is a high-stakes game, even when the outcome appears to be clear.

I guess I like Sci-fi now?

4.5/5 mugs

For the introspective: The short story takes place within a 24 hour period where a young women visits her grandfather for the holidays in a current-pandemic world.

The reader is dropped into the anxiety and isolation that came in the beginning of quarantine. For me, the feelings were a little too fresh. And now that a lot of places reopened and vaccines have allowed social interactions to be more commonplace, it simultaneously felt pre-dated. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a feel-sad story from time to time but this one was a hard one to relive. After reading this, I realized that I need more time before I consume other pandemic-focused media, especially when it serves as the mechanism for moving the plot along.

Like many relationships, the dynamic with her Grandfather is noticeably stifled without the cushion of having other family around. Her atrophied dating/social skills bleeds into other relationships as she reconnects with a boy who lives in the neighborhood.

It was an important time capsule of the heightened uncertainty of Covid and the toll it takes on relationships. But it lacked something that I can’t put my finger on. I’m not sure if the short story format helped or hurt the story-telling. With that said, I likely wouldn’t have been compelled to finish had it been a full-length novel.

1.5/5 mugs

NOVEMBER READS

A recent reading slump almost prevented me from writing this post. Work picked up significantly, social festivities marked up my calendar and to be fully honest, the book I was in the middle of this month felt more like a chore than an escape from life’s busyness.

Not long ago my expectations were to suffer through novels I didn’t like for the sake of finishing them.

My perspective changed after a conversation I had with my brother. He’s always been an avid reader; a quintessential English major turned English college instructor. His ranging bookshelf included The Goosebump series to classic American literature to British Romanticism. I marveled at them like trophies. He told me once “there’s too many good books out there to not prioritize the good ones.” Hearing it from him of all people gave me the permission to stop and start over fresh when I needed to.

I admit to losing sight of my reading oath this month. The first couple chapters of Devoted by Dean Koontz were promising enough. Before I knew it the plot branched into multiple dizzying storylines.

The genre started out under heartwarming magical realism about a dog and a mute boy with a special connection. It’s what drew me in. Then it took a turn into a dark sci-fi about an evil man transforming into a beastly super villian until it morphed into some kind of bad action movie including hitmen and a secret evil corporation. Believe it or not, all of that unraveled within the first half of the novel.

The deeper in I got, the more I avoided picking it up.

I missed joy-reading. With the extra push from my brother’s wise words, I let go of expectations and walked away nearly 400 pages lighter.

Reading should be for enjoyment and enlightenment— not responsibility.

By closing one book, it freed up the time to dedicate to a new one worth keeping up with. My brother was right, there really are endless good stories to get lost in. Some you have to hunt for like treasure, some that find you just when you need it.

For the travelers: My favorite social media accounts, blogs, and newsletters all have something distinguishable in common: a love of story-telling. I’m drawn to vulnerable captions that shed a light on someone’s mind. Words hold power. They can transform mindless scrolling to a genuine connection; a stranger or acquaintance into a complex human that we may share more in common than we realize.

For years I’ve followed a joyful flight attendant with a vibrant feed. Taylor Tippett speaks from the depths of her heart for 100k+ of her following.

Words from the Window Seat was born out of her desire to spread kindness to strangers on her flights. She’d write an uplifting note and tape it on the window for a passenger to find. The messages were shared via Instagram accompanied by a personal story or lesson from the friendly skies.

The book is a compilation of her pay-it-forward project. It’s three-parts self-help book and one-part memoir. A tender pep-talk close out the chapters like a comforting episode of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

She reflects on becoming a flight attendant, mental health, healing from broken romantic and familial relationships and she shares a sprinkling of travel stories she’s collected over the years.

With someone with a unique and worldly perspective, I would’ve loved to dig deeper into her off-the-clock traveling. When a friend returns from a trip- especially somewhere I’ve never been, I tend to ask so many questions. I’m fascinated by delicacies, traditional customs, hidden gems and surprising misconceptions about popular cities. And surely I can’t be the only one who wants to know the juicy details behind the first class curtain. Maybe that can be saved for another book.

The cloud-covered paperback was a refreshing segway into reading for joy again. Although at times formulaic and advice-driven, Words from the Window Seat was a quick feel-good read that’s as accessible to her following as to a stranger roaming a bookshop.

4/5 mugs

OCTOBER READS

True to the month of October, I turned to moodier novels from the selection at the library. They’ve been a nice pairing with my Fall Watchlist helping me soak up every drop of spooky season. I’m sure I’ll read happy things again, just not today.

For the broken hearts: All Your Perfects explores the unraveling of a marriage after years of infertility. Chapters juggle back and forth between the hopeful beginnings of their relationship to the current state of their marriage making the reality of their circumstances even more painful to watch unfold. The nonlinear timeline of happiest and bleakest memories swirl around into a blur of emotions. Needless to say, I had an emotional hangover after the chapters that take place in present times.

In a lot of ways, I was reminded of the films, A Marriage Story and Blue Valentine (highly recommend both, just keep tissues on hand.) I appreciate how no one in the relationship is the “bad” guy. No one is free of faults but no one intentionally tries to hurt the other either. It’s a vulnerable tale of slipping away from each other little by little and the efforts taken in order to get back to one another. At the core of everything, it’s a love story in all of its imperfections.

4/5 mugs

For the fans of Real Housewives with a dark twist: A high stakes chess game of two women; one willing to seduce and manipulate her way to get what she wants; the other that seemingly has it all – a picture-perfect marriage, fancy house, and the social status of someone who lives life on a pedestal. They tow the line between friendly neighbors and dangerous enemies, a predictable plot at first glance but I was pleasantly surprised to see the story pick up and take unexpected turns in the last half.

It’s told from both women’s perspectives allowing the reader to toggle back and forth between who to empathize with and who to loath. The storytelling was rich but I found the husband in the middle of the love triangle to be infuriating. In a way, it’s clever how uninteresting he was written. The women were so much more complex than the man at the center of it.

I love a good cat and mouse chase, especially when the roles are reversible. The rating was knocked down a few points because the opening chapters dragged on. The author spent a lengthy amount of time offering the background of each character and their motives as opposed to dropping us right into the story and letting us figure things out on our own.

3.5/5 mugs

For the not easily disturbed: Well intentioned and loving couple, Chris and Hannah struggle with fertility issues until an opportunity to become a family falls into their lap. A neglected child, Janie is found alone roaming a parking lot and shows up at the hospital where they work. While it’s clear she’s been malnourished and mistreated, the details of her case are a mystery for her health and social care workers. When Chris gets assigned to be her surgeon, little Janie steals Chris’ heart. Only trouble is she doesn’t have that warm affect on Hannah.

Despite the red flags, Hannah sees the undeniable bond between her husband and Janie. With some convincing she gets onboard with her adoption knowing how happy that would make Chris. She assumed that with unconditional love, structure, therapy and patience, they can become the family she’s always wished for. However, the behavioral problems and disturbing interactions that occur between them whenever Chris is at work only worsen with time. The new parents argue over how to handle Janie which drives a bigger wedge between them.

I had a sense of dread throughout the entire novel thanks to the exceptional pacing. There were enough sweet and hopeful moments sprinkled in the beginning to make you think that the outcome might actually turn out alright. I was rooting for this family’s happy ending. Alas, if you’re familiar with Lucinda Riley then you know that’s not how she operates.

The Perfect Child was more unsettling than the “sinister child” plot of it’s film counterparts. I’m filing this under one of the most eerie reads to date. Read at your own risk.

Trigger warning: child abuse, violence, animal cruelty

5/5 mugs

SEPTEMBER READS

Reading in the fall/winter months is a special kind of satisfying. The sun sets sooner, and the chill in the air offers more reason to hibernate indoors. Sleepiness falls on me when I read in bright sunlight. Pool or beachside reading wasn’t something I caught onto. To me, it should feel like I’m watching a movie; curled up with a blanket draped over me and a candle flickering from my periphery. Add rain to the mix and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. You’d think it’d be easier to nap under these conditions, but lately all the books I’ve picked up have been too engaging to put down without a fight. An upswing in consumption lends itself to this time of year. October has some big shoes to fill.

For the reflective: Jedidiah Jenkins is a writer, entrepreneur and enigmatic personality that I stumbled upon on Instagram. His adventurous photos in exotic locations are what first drew me in, and his unique perspective and soul-touching words are what kept me around for years. Many of his vulnerable captions lingered in my brain long after closing the app. I read his debut memoir, To Shake the Sleeping Self about his travels from Oregon to Patagonia with a smile plastered on my face and adrenaline in my bones.

His follow up book, Like Streams to the Ocean, is a candid collection of essays on matters of the ego. It was akin to sharing a late-night dinner with a friend and closing out the restaurant with empty wine bottles on the table. He dedicates a chapter on family, home, friendship, love, work, death, and the soul. Jenkins seamlessly blends philosophy and poetry – it’s as if words roll off of him with no effort at all (I’m sure that wasn’t the case, but the best writers create the illusion). He can articulate familiar ideas into something brand new and shiny coloring everything around him with depth.

In one chapter, he talks about his childhood home. Most of his formative years were spent in a Nashville farmhouse that got later turned into a restaurant. He describes the surreal experience of visiting and seeing people eat in the same place where he would watch his Grandpa make donuts. He tenderly portrayed the visit in a way that felt as though I was there with him, like those memories belonged to me too.

My only regret was renting a copy from the library first. I had to resist highlighting, notating and dog earring passages. Instead I wrote page numbers and quotes in my notes app to remember them for later. I plan to purchase a copy of my own so I can mark it up and lend it out. His writing is meant to be shared and revisited whenever your soul needs a hug. Not to mention, the cover of Yosemite would make anyone smile when glancing over at their nightstand or coffee table.

4.5/5 mugs

For the hurting and healing: Coming off the heels of her latest novel, Verity I knew I had to go down the Colleen Hoover rabbit hole. Luckily for readers, she’s produced almost two dozen books in her prolific career.

It Ends With Us, is a story depicting different kinds of love: the purity and eagerness of a first love, the strained love of imperfect parents, the platonic love of a best friend, and the love of a beautiful whirlwind romance that turns dark slowly and then all at once. Lily Bloom is at the center as she navigates through the complicated relationships in her life that for better or worse, shaped her into the person she is today.

I had the same urgency in reading it as though it was a thriller or mystery. Unlike Verity, this book doesn’t fall under either category yet the tension built up from the first chapter stretched it’s way to the final pages. Colleen Hoover is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for that reason. Her writing style is gripping and vulnerable and addictive all at once. She melds romance with heavy subject matter adding layers of humanity that ground her stories to reality. Certain chapters were particularly difficult to get through. My heart broke in a million pieces then somehow got put back together again. The book portrays the courage to love and the courage to let go. Lily’s story will stay with me for a longtime.

Trigger warning: contains emotional and physical abuse

5/5 mugs

For the broken: A bone chilling novel about the aftermath of three mothers/childhood best friends who experience the worst night of their lives when their high school aged sons don’t all make it home after a sleepover. One son ends up dead, one in a debilitating coma, and the other is left too traumatized to speak needing psychiatric attention. Detectives, lawyers and doctors wedge themselves in their lives as they investigate the crime scene and continue to poke at the women’s broken hearts.

The mothers shared grief and their longing for closure is enough to pull some relationships closer and some further apart as each family tries to figure out what really happened the night of the accident.

The tragedy is heavy and unexpected amongst the backdrop of a gated suburban community. I am not a mother, but the sense of loss and heaviness that these three women face is palpable and expressed in such a raw way.

Before Lucinda Berry began writing fiction full-time, she was a former clinical psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Her writing is so real you can touch it making it even harder to put down. I desperately needed closure.

The Best of Friends doesn’t have a happy ending. It doesn’t make you feel good by any means but some escapes don’t need to. Some are meant to shake you emotionally and take you to a place that you’re grateful to only read about and not experience first hand.

Trigger warning: contains gun violence and trauma

5/5 mugs

AUGUST READS

The photo at the top of the page was taken in front of Armchair Books, a quaint little bookshop in Edinburgh. It’s been around forever, and I can’t imagine its changed much since it first opened. Their collection is vast and thoughtful arranged in what I’d describe as an organized chaos. First editions, collectibles, and classics are scattered everywhere. The space is tight, but not an inch is left unused. Ladders adorn most bookshelves conveiniently located for the brave and curious enough to browse the shelves that meet the ceiling. My memory may be a little fuzzy but I swear the shop owner had elbow patches sewn into his wool blazer. At least that’s what I imagined.

I unknowingly picked out a first edition copy of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone (”Philosopher’ was changed to “Sorcerer” when the book was published in the States.) Turns out the majority of the franchise was written in and inspired by Edinburgh.

The total of my new souvenir came out to about forty U.S dollars. While I was initially surprised, I caved and handed him my debit card with a smile. Window shopping in an antique Scottish bookshop on a moody Fall afternoon was entirely worth it. I want to spend more afternoons like that. Only next time with a stricter budget.

For the shock value: After best selling author Verity Crawford suffers a crippling accident, her husband hires unknown writer, Lowen Ashleigh to complete her renowned book series. Deep within Verity’s manuscripts and sprawling notes, Lowen discovers an insidious link between Verity’s dark writing style and tragedy-ridden personal life. The new information quickly turns a promising and high pressure job assignment into a threatening invitation.

I’m relieved this novel is a creation of Colleen Hoover’s wild imagination. Without a doubt, it is the most nail-biting, twisted and manipulative story I’ve read to date. I wanted to throw the book across the room on multiple occasions only to crawl back to the next page feverishly. Not only is the plot line juicy and original, it’s also clever and disturbingly addictive until the final act.

Warning: contains pulsing suspense that will send shock to your bloodstream. It’s certainly not for everyone but I will say, for the friends who claim they “can’t get immersed into reading”, Verity may be the thing to change your mind.

5/5 mugs

For the misunderstood: Bold and alluring Hollywood starlet, Evelyn Hugo is ready to reveal a tell-all book that the public have been hungry for for decades. She hires struggling magazine writer, Monique Grant as the only appropriate person to take on the job.

The interview covers the span of several decades from the start of her acting career in the fifties to the privacy of current day. She discusses the misogyny of the entertainment industry, the unexpected friendships she found amidst the chaos of fame, her failed marriages, and the one true romance that she was willing to give up her career, money and accolades for if only she had realized it sooner. At the the end of their time together, the young writer learns how her and Evelyn’s fate intertwine answering “why was she slated for the position?” and “why now?”

Taylor Jenkins Reid is masterful at fleshing out characters with substance. None of her characters are simply “good” or “bad.” They’re far too complex and human to fall under one category. I fell in and out of love with the enigmatic woman over the course of the novel, but deep down I was always rooting for her. To come across strong human connections amongst fiction is a huge feat. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a cinematic experience of emotions. I used to believe historical romance was not my cup of tea but my mind has since changed. For a heroine who takes big chances in life, I’m glad I took a chance on Evelyn. The joys of letting a book surprise you.

5/5 mugs

For the melancholy: A public service program called “Deathcast” alerts people on the day they’re going to die. After receiving the news, Rufus and Mateo connect on the app, Last Friend, to live out their final hours so they don’t have to go at it alone. As they brave through the city saying their goodbyes and crossing off bucket list items, together they learn the importance of trust, empathy, and getting big meaning from small moments. Amidst the grim reality, I appreciate how the coming of age tale doesn’t focus on how they go so much as how they live. It’s a story on perspective.

A unique thing happened to me while reading. The synopsis on the back cover pulled at my heartstrings more than when reading the book. I really wanted to like it. I tried. But it left more to be desired; a disappointing delivery to a plot dripping with potential.

Told mainly from the perspective of Rufus and Mateo, their cadence and vocabulary added a distracting element to the narrative. I wasn’t a fan of the choppy tone that differed from chapter to chapter. The ping pong match storytelling took too long to find it’s groove, and by then the book was nearly over.

The intentions are genuine, but I think the film Stranger Than Fiction did a better job executing the “imminent and untimely death” plotline and infused the heart that was lacking in this book. It may be an unpopular opinion, but Adam Silvera missed the mark for me.

2/5 mugs

JULY READS

A local bookshop guide and a pair of reviews on highly buzzed about suspenseful thrillers.

My soon to be twenty one year old sister-in-law spent the last ten days with us as we traipsed through the Bay Area. Her visit made summer feel like the one’s I had as a kid, filled with ice cream consumption and long days under the sun. Of course we had to show her the tourist traps and sweeping views that her southern college town doesn’t offer.

Lucky for me, she initiated visits to all the local bookshops I had been side-eyeing. Together, we browsed the aisles with glee, knowing full well we both had a queue of novels waiting at home. It never hurts to look. What better souvenir to take home than a growing pile of stories?

Here’s a short list of old and new bookshops I highly recommend if you’re in the area:

Bookshop Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz – make sure to read the framed newspaper clipping located by the register. It uncovers the charming history of how the owner’s love story and shop came to be. It’ll make any purchase you make with them feel warm and fuzzy.
Abbot’s Thrift Store, Downtown Felton – I dedicated part of an earlier blog post to my love of this thrift store. Their comprehensive and organized selection puts some bookstores to shame
Two Birds Bookstore, Capitola/Seabright – the owner’s two adorable dogs, Tio and Marshmallow greet you at the door adding to the coziness of this independent shop. The owner’s are just as friendly! Their unique offerings of Knick knacks make an excellent spot for curated local gifts
Green Apple Bookshop, San Francisco/Inner Sunset – located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, the small unassuming storefront has shelves stretching on forever like magic. A welcomed and memorable surprise for first timers. Founded in 1967, it’s been repeatedly voted the best bookstore in the Bay Area by SF Weekly and The San Francisco Bay Guardian

For suspense-seekers: A decade after her daughter went missing, a mother finds out the heartbreaking truth behind her child’s disappearance and how the power of closure can both heal old wounds and create new ones.

Lisa Jewell is undoubtedly a compelling writer. The tangled mystery stared off strong. It was a quick and enthralling read until I hit a couple snags towards the middle. I couldn’t ignore the plot holes that pulled me out of the story as quickly as it had sucked me in.

Without giving too much away, I found the character’s half-baked, and the big twist far too unlikely. I also wish the synopsis on the back cover didn’t give away as many poignant details. I found myself hypothesizing way too early on (why I avoid film trailers these days).

I wanted to like this more than I did. Then She was Gone didn’t live up to the expectations of it’s promising introduction. An unsatisfying ending sealed my 2/5 star rating.

2/5 mugs

For fans of Clue: The Guest List kept me up until the wee hours of the morning. The plot is simple: a beautiful young couple weds on a remote island. It has all the ingredients for disaster: An equally adored and envied couple, a mischievous bridal party, family drama and a barrage of secrets that tie them together.

Each chapter is told from a different guests perspective as I teetered between who can and cannot be trusted. The Guest List sunk it’s hooks into me from the very beginning with the atmospheric location and ominous weather playing as important a role as the characters themselves.

The eerily fun novel covers the span of a tense forty-eight hour period, successfully portraying the claustrophobia of the island. I had the role of both a passive reader and an active wedding guest adding to the immersive murder mystery experience- one I haven’t felt since my annual Halloween viewing of Clue.

The non-stop sleuthing made the big reveal worth all the sleepless nights and tired mornings.

5/5 mugs

MAY READS

My local library was only open for a month before the world shutdown.

Last February, Felton residents showed up the morning of the grand opening with gusto. Parking spilled onto the street and down a couple blocks in both directions. A folk band played outside, and coffee and breakfast pastries were passed around. The red barn fit nicely into the downtown landscape. There was even a patio and a small park built alongside it for extra green space. What better way to get to the library than by walking through a nature trail?

I have a local newspaper clipping of the announcement for the library opening. I laminated it, and now its a handy bookmark. It reminds me of the buzz from when our town came together for the love of books whenever I reach for it.

During the pandemic, the library pivoted to curbside pick up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for it. But there’s something joyous about aimlessly roaming the shelves. The possibilities of what could be taken home are endless. It’s what made Blockbuster so special.

As I was dropping off a book a few weeks ago an employee welcomed me inside with a pump of hand sanitizer in one hand and one of those click-y counters in another. I unknowingly happened upon their soft opening. They wanted to test out their new safety protocol before announcing it to the public. I was blissfully let it on a secret.

With a generous thirty minute time limit, I browsed sections almost entirely to myself.

My two latest books were from that glorious library visit. They were well worth the wait.

For the underdogs: Naturally Tan is an entertaining memoir from fashion expert Tan France, 1/5th of the Netflix’s reboot of Queer Eye. He divulges on what it was like to grow up as one of the few Pakistani Muslims living in South Yorkshire, his unexpected resume prior to landing his big break, cast member first impressions, his endearing relationship with his partner and the grounded life they built in Salt Lake City. And of course, fashion advice is sprinkled in too.

For me, a common autobiography drawback is when the author’s voice is overshadowed by a ghost writer. It’s jarring when writing is drastically different from how the author naturally communicates.

However, Tan wrote in the way he speaks. His cheekiness and sarcasm shone throughout the pages authentically capturing his cadence. I imagine listening to his audiobook would add to the experience. His casualness made me feel like I was catching up with a best friend over a cuppa tea. He refers to his chatter box tendencies which reflects in his non-linear writing. Admittingly, it would have benefitted from more structure. He tends to jump around from topic to topic which sometimes came off disjointed.

My bookshelves mostly consist of fiction so I lean towards crafted story telling. But when it comes to a memoir, my expectations for authenticity outweigh an overly polished story.

I smiled from ear to ear in my week with Tan. What a perfect precursor to the upcoming fourth season of Queer Eye.

4/5 mugs

For everyone: “We experience only what we pay attention to.”

How to Break Up With Your Phone is a thought-provoking every day guide to moderation. The 30-day plan encourages readers to spend less time on our phones and more time on the things we love. I wish this book was mandatory for all smartphone owners.

Some of the reset includes deleting social media apps and opting for the platform’s web version, turning off notifications, downloading a tracking app, setting boundaries (no phone zones during wake up/sleep times), charging your phone in a different room, taking occasional weekend sabbaticals and inviting others to join.

The goal isn’t to stop using our phone all together. But instead to create boundaries for a healthier relationship. The idea is to treat the phone like the tool it was originally intended for— acknowledge it’s usefulness but be willing to store it away as needed.

One of my biggest take-aways was to ask myself the 3W’s before reaching for my phone:

What for? What am I specifically looking to do on my phone?
Why now? Do I need to check my phone now or can it wait until later? This is where scheduling downtime at the end of the day or as a break between work comes in handy.
What else? What else could I be doing with my time instead of being on my phone? Am I avoiding something? Is there something I rather be doing instead?

The 3W’s allows us to be more thoughtful of our screen time as opposed to reaching for it out of habit. If the answer is still yes after those questions, at least a goal is guiding us. With a set intention, we’re more likely to stay on track and maintain moderation as opposed to spiraling into a dark hole of mindless scrolling.

While phones can help capture memories, they rarely create new ones.

I want to make an earnest effort to chose the latter.

4.5/5 mugs

APRIL READS

Regardless of where I’m going I never leave the house without lip balm, sunscreen and a book. If for whatever reason I get stuck somewhere I’ll at least be equipped with the essentials (and yes, a book even accompanies me on a grocery run). My moto especially rings true in the Spring and Summer months. Vitamin D and the company of a few paperbacks were particularly lovely ways to bask in the slow living of long April days.

For the overthinkers: As a highly sensitive person who tends to give too many, I found The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck incredibly refreshing. It surprised me how quickly I ate this up.

Readers will find brutal honesty and wit mixed into this helpful survival guide as it teaches less about winning or succeeding and more about losing and letting go.

It may sound dreary but it’s frankness is what I imagine turned it into a New York Times Bestseller. If an author or main character displays vulnerability and an awareness of their flaws, trust can be established. It’s difficult to resonate with perfection.

Often times self improvement shelves are shrouded in shallow affirmations and toxic positivity. For me it becomes white noise. Instead, this book reminds us to lean into hard feelings i.e our fears, limitations, and egos. The mild discomfort is what gets us to really reexamine our values so we can weed out what’s taking up unnecessary space in our lives. I imagined the persona of Larry David or Jerry Seinfeld in my head offering me one reality check after another.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck empowers you to accept what you can’t control and make decisions on the suffering you do have control over. I found it enlightening in a non-cultish way and entertaining till the last pages.

4.75/5 mugs

Trigger warning: there are themes of verbal and emotional abuse and entrapment throughout this novel.

Not for the faint of heart: As the name suggests, Behind Closed Doors is a suspenseful page-turner about the chilling truth behind a marriage far too good to be true.

The way the author weaves through the past and present sinks you into the cat and mouse chase. With sweaty palms, I had to read it’s final chapters at the beach in order to sooth my anxiety.

As a retired true crime junkie, I would trade a well-written fictional psychological thriller over binging Dateline or Forensic Files any day. My next few reads in the coming month will be lighter fare.

4/5 mugs

MARCH READS

My March reviews include a pretty lukewarm review and the warmest review to date! Contrast is good. In life and in bookshelves.

For the Hallmark channel lovers: Fixie Farr is too nice for her own good. She solves other peoples’ problems with little thanks in return. That is, until an earnest man at a coffee shop insists on paying her back with a series of IOU’s.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. The main character lacks self-respect and is a stark contrast to the selfish, unlikable supporting characters. I Owe You One is a modern-day Cinderella story. Evil siblings? Check. Missing parental figures? Check. Prince Charming in a suit of armor? Not quite…but a fitted three-piece suit? Check. Unfortunately, the stories been told and the characters fell flat. I would have appreciated more nuance and depth to the characters to get my brain turning. The shallow plot left little to the imagination leaving the 400+ pages hard to justify.

2/5 mugs

For the people-watchers, the stargazers and everyone in between: I absolutely adore this author’s Instagram account. I have been a fan for years, and I was so excited to attend the kick-off for her virtual book-tour. Needless to say, my hopes were high for her second book release. I pre-ordered it a month in advance, and I never pre-order anything.

I wove My Inner Sky into the sweetest part of my nighttime ritual. I’d light a candle, and curl up with the book during Golden Hour, a West facing window and the Santa Cruz Mountains were my backdrop. Each section of her book is dedicated to a different time of day, and so it felt especially appropriate. It was cozy in all the right places, thought provoking and funny in others. I imagined catching up with an old friend and not needing to glance up at the clock. As easy as it would’ve been to get lost in her stories till the wee hours of the morning I had to limit how far to read ahead. I savored every last drop.

Her readers are taken along a journey through her solo travels, her battle with a rare disease that temporarily paralyzed her while in a foreign country, heartbreaks, and her biggest love affair of all- New York City. All of which are part of her emotional and physical healing journey (not to mention her trippy experience with ayahuasca deep in the Redwood forest). Her vivid storytelling adds color and life into every page.

If I could equate this book into a pie chart it would be equal parts whimsy, heart, loss of connection and reconnection with more magic sprinkled in than any book I can remember reading as a child. If you follow her Instagram account, you’ll see her signature illustrations pop up throughout. I think younger Amanda would’ve appreciated them too.

It’s as though this woman has lived multiple lives in her thirty something years on this planet. I’m not just referring to where planes have taken her or the time she spent in hospital beds and then relearning how to walk. Or even the immense skill she developed as a New York Times Best Selling author. The thing I’m most drawn by is her ability to view the world with such empathy and presence and the way she can articulate them in such a poetic way. She puts herself in the “path of magic.” She’ll write about the most delicious sandwich at a bodega, her subway rides through the city and the migration of birds that stops her in her tracks. They’ll make you want to stop too. Instead of wanting to let the world harden me up I rather nurture my sensitive heart. Celebrate it. Her book is a celebration of big feelings- even the ones that are uncomfortable or seemingly mundane.

Please order one for yourself and another for someone who could use a hug and extra good company. It’s best when shared.

5/5 mugs

FEBRUARY READS

February: The time of year when you’re through with Winter but it’s not through with you. I decided to lean into my softness and enjoy books that feel like a warm sweater pulled out of the dryer. No cliffhangers. No major conflict. Just a lot of fuzzy feelings reminding me that warmth is near.

For the romantics: I picked up Ellie and the Harp Maker on a whim from my local thrift store. The cover was pretty and the two main characters were named after my niece and nephew. For less than a dollar I couldn’t say no. After reading it I am here to say it is well worth paying full-price. The story plops you down in the English Countryside in what feels like a Spring dream. What a serendipitous joy to meet Ellie, the thoughtful poet and Daniel, the quirky wood worker. Two humans who’s meeting turned their quiet lives into a colorful whirlwind. I say this book is for the romantics; the people who are bad at small talk and skip straight into the deeper topics; the curious; the unassuming folks who end up being the most interesting people in the room. I was completely charmed by their friendship. I think you will be too.

5/5 mugs

For the self-critics: A book reminding readers to be gentler on themselves. We are all our own worst critics, we engage in negative self-talk and hurt are own feelings. Instead of cutting ourselves down we should provide ourselves with the same comfort we would to a dear friend. Author Kristin Neff discusses the importance of leaning into self- compassion for a happier and healthier life. Her credibility comes from pioneering the study of self-compassion over a decade ago with a PhD in Human Development. There are practical exercises sprinkled throughout each chapter to help reshape the way we navigate through our mistakes and shortcomings. A part of me feels like I’m walking into a therapy session whenever I open it’s pages.

I wouldn’t describe myself as a self-improvement book junkie. In fact I’ve rolled my eyes at many before even getting past the first chapter. I can only digest so many empty platitudes and cheesy metaphors in the same paragraph before the sleepiness kicks in. While this book isn’t completely free of them, the ratio is pretty low and there are enough stories, humor, and scientific studies to keep me interested. I tend to break my own heart and ruminate over things I said or did longer than is healthy. However I’m finding it easier to move through my insecurities and self doubt into a much more effective and kind direction with the help of Dr. Neff. Keep this one close on grey stormy days.

4/5 mugs

JANUARY READS

It’s only fitting I write a Valentine’s post dedicated to books. When I hear friends say they “can’t get into reading,” I tell them they probably just haven’t found the right book yet. I truly believe there’s a story, a genre, a time period, and an author for everyone. All it takes is the right title at the right moment to transform anyone into a book lover. Sometimes it’s a slow burn, others an immediate spark. Sometimes revisiting a story makes me reinterpret it in a completely different way depending on where I am in life.

Books can sweep you away if you let them.

With a good book by my side and dogs at my feet, it’s hard to feel lonely.

For the rule followers: Dannie Kohon, a successful young professional reaching the peak of her career is met with a curious glimpse into her future. To her dismay it looks nothing like her five year plan. As she grapples with the loss of what could be, she takes methodical steps to try and get there anyway. Just when you think you know where the plot is going, you get rerouted until the very last pages. It’s the unexpected love story I didn’t know I needed. The story was easy to binge with it’s originality and sharp wit. It made for a refreshing pallet cleanser to start off the new year.

5/5 mugs

Trigger Warning: It is not explicitly implied but suicide is mentioned within the first few chapters.

For the escapists: Nora Seed is unsatisfied with her existence. While in the throes of a magical library she explores shelves of books that each offer new possibilities. While her surroundings and circumstance change from title to title she finds herself innately the same person at her core: longing for what else could be out there. It reminds me so much of the familiar saying: “Wherever you go, there you are.” A comforting and sobering reminder that you can’t escape yourself no matter how far you run away. With the help of the comforting Librarian, she learns to unpack some of what’s weighing her down so she can start a new narrative on her own terms. The story is woven with a self deprecating humor similar to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and a delicious balance of adventure and whimsy like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty- two stories I hold near and dear to my heart. If I can describe this book in one word it would be hopeful.

4/5 mugs

Honorable December Mentions:

For the sentimentalists: A guide to slow and intentional living based on the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-guh). Hygge refers to the feeling of being content with an emphasis on atmosphere and experience over things. One of my favorite definitions is “a hug of the soul”. Year after year the Danes are ranked in the top three happiest populations in the world. Despite harsh winters and a high cost of living, they attribute a hygge centric culture as the main cause. Bite-size chapters explain the importance of warm lighting, togetherness, weather appropriate clothing, seasonal activities and hearty non-calorie counting food and drink to round out a more satisfying lifestyle. This book found me in between the sleepy space between Christmas and New Years and sat so well with my soul. Tip: Best enjoyed in the middle of winter next to candlelight.

3.5/5 mugs

For the empaths: Rupi Kaur shares her third collection of poetry- a thought provoking and intimate look into the human experience. Sharing her perspective as a daughter of immigrants, a rape survivor and deep feeler, her writing marries grief and healing with a deep-rooted resilience that encourages me to turn on the light in my darkest room. Her poems and essays are broken into four chapters: mind, heart, rest and awake. I find myself revisiting “rest” whenever I hit a pandemic wall. Turns out accomplished authors feel stifled with fatigue and productivity guilt too. Every empath needs a copy on their bookshelf. Extra brownie points for being aesthetically pleasing.

4/5 mugs