I’m trying to come up with the best ways to share the books I read. I love to talk about books, give recommendations, and share my reviews! Today I keep track of everything I read and how I like it on Goodreads. Recently I started an Instagram highlight where I share my reviews and ratings. And historically I’ve shared a round up of the books I’ve been reading every so often on the blog.
However, since refreshing my blog I’ve been thinking about how I can create the most useful content (ex: I shared 20+ books to add to your summer reading list and 8 books to read this fall) and I am not sure that periodic roundups really do that much for you all. What are your thoughts? Do you like to see what I have picked up recently or do you prefer for me to theme my reading content?
For today, I am going to share the books I’ve been reading lately because 1. I like doing this 2. I want to stay up to date if/until I figure out a different system and 3. because this is the topic that is currently on my mind.
Outlawed by Anna North ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Imagine if your one job in life is to have children…and you’re barren. This is the life of Ada, a young woman in the late 1800s in a version of the US that is nothing like we know today. While you never get a full explanation of what made the US baby obsessed and convinced that barren women are witches, you know that not being able to have children is practically a death sentence. Ada is forced to flee her town and seek sanctuary in a convent. However, she is not satisfied and wants to understand what makes some women unable to conceive. She leaves the safety of the convent and ends up joining a group of female outlaws who disguise themselves as men. Her adventures follow from there as the group tries to create a safe place for all barren women. My only complaint about this book is that it ends quite abruptly and I was left with questions.
Her Infinite Variety by Louis Auchincloss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This short novel had strong Edith Wharton vibes. It follows Clara, the daughter of a Yale professor and unsatisfied mother, who makes decisions about her love life based on how it can improve her ability to be a great woman. Through divorce, affairs, striking out on her own career, the never ending chase to be recognized as an accomplished person, you get a look at women’s role in New York society back in the day. It was a very quick read and I love stories set in the city.
My Notorious Life by Kate Manning ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, what a wild ride! This novel takes a chapter or two to get the hang of the writing style, but once you’re in it it’s impossible to put down. Axie is an orphaned girl who is separated from her siblings. She ends up working in the house of a midwife and learns skills that lead her to wild financial success and terrifying legal challenges. The book explores the meaning of family, personal mortality, motherhood, and romantic love. I really enjoyed this story.
Old Masters, New World: America’s Raid on Europe’s Great Pictures, 1880-World War I by Cynthia Saltzman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! The subject is right up my alley and it was so fun to read about all of the art collectors of the Old Masters all in one place. From Frick, to Morgan, to the Havemeyers, this book had it all! It’s the story of the ultra rich Americans who acquired Old Master paintings from Europe. Think works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and van Dyck for hundreds of thousands of dollars. I loved learning about the art dealers who brought these millionaires masterpieces and all of the emotion and strategy that played into it. It was especially exciting for me to read about the works that made their way to the Met and gave me a greater appreciation for all of the effort that went into collecting my favorite pieces. If you love art, this is a book for you!
The Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones ⭐️
This was terrible. Like, so awful and I usually am not this harsh. It was the same exact short story line over and over again. A wife of the prophet Muhammad is jealous or sad or angry about something. She says something selfish or stupid and it makes him mad and not trust her. She admonishes herself to hold her tongue in the future. Surprise! She doesn’t hold her tongue and says something stupid again and the cycle starts over. Can’t recommend this book to anyone for any reason.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m still thinking about this book more than a month later (I forgot to write my review as soon as I finished). This story follows a mother, father, and daughter who move to Alaska as an escape from their wandering ways (driven by the father who is a Vietnam vet). There is abuse and heartache, but also strong examples of love and what it takes to physically and mentally survive the brutal climate of Alaska. Themes around disabilities and education are explored, which I throughly enjoyed.
China by Edward Rutherfurd ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great read by my favorite author! I learned a ton about the history of China, its relationship with Western countries, and could not put it down. Highly recommend!
The Overstory by Richard Powers ⭐️⭐️
This book was not my cup of tea at all. While the writing style was interesting and made you think, the subject matter did not hold my attention and there wasn’t a lesson or takeaway that was compelling. The story follows a number of characters who all have a connection to trees and the environment. Some study it, others appreciate it, and yet others create their own virtual environment.
This was a commentary on how humans are destroying the environment and we need to change, but no change was explored and it was a doom and gloom story with drama to last for days.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! This was recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. Per usual, I didn’t know anything about the book going in, and that made it even more enjoyable. Eleanor Oliphant is an office worker who has been dedicated to the same job for years, socially awkward with her coworkers, and lonely. Through a series of events she starts to develop real relationships and fictional connections. The story explores how our past traumas shape us, how essential human connection is to our wellbeing, and how much happens in real life versus in our heads. I did not see the big twist that came at the very end of the book. It was quite the ride!
What have you been reading lately? What is your preference for learning about new books from me?
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