It’s been a few months since my last What I’ve Been Reading Lately post and since then I have gotten a NYC library card! Not only that, there’s a branch two blocks away from my apartment. Couldn’t have asked for a better location. Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been reading lately.
Issac’s Storm by Erik Larson
Erik Larson also wrote The Devil in the White City, which I talked about in my Chicago city guide. He’s a phenomenal story teller for historical events and this book was wild. At the turn of the 20th century a hurricane of unbelievable strength hit the Gulf and the ensuing disaster is devastating. There are so many events that we never hear about and I love learning about how people of an earlier time responded.
Read this if you like history, talking about the weather, and sibling feuds.
Educated by Tara Westover
This book has been quite popular recently. It’s the memoire of a woman who grows up in the US without standard access to education…and in a family that is separated from society. I had to know more after finishing and went on to watch interviews with Tara. It’s another book that will make you appreciate your privilege and open your eyes to how others live.
Read this if you like tough family dynamics, persistent heroines, and underdog stories.
A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss
This book was suggested as similar to Edward Rutherfurd’s work…I don’t buy it. This historical adventure story follows an ex-wrestler who gets caught up in the stock trading scene of London. It’s an interesting way to learn about the early days of speculation, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing.
Read this if you like…actually just go read Edward Rutherfurd instead 😉
Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
I picked this book up on my trip to LA at The Last Bookstore. I found myself desperately searching for the symbolism as if I were back in a high school english class and looked up analyses after finishing. It was a good story and there were poignant scenes, but it wasn’t my favorite. I’m a bigger fan of his short stories.
Read this if you like actresses on the beach, mental health commentary, and rich language.
I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon
Other than the animated film, I really didn’t know anything about Anastasia and the Romanov family. This historical fiction work covers both the perspective of Anastasia and one of her most successful impersonators. After reading this I went looking for more information on the family and was blown away with what I learned. I will say that I found Anastasia’s perspective and story more compelling than her impersonator, so I did breeze through certain parts.
Read this if you like royalty, intrigue, and Russian culture.
Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao
Ummm ok, this book was tough. It’s about two girls in India in the early 2000s and it’s disturbing. The vivid scenes of sexual abuse were tough to handle and I should have put this book down when it went so far out of my comfort zone. I understand that the author was providing commentary and that all of these unspeakable acts do happen, however it was too much for me. Less violence would still have gotten the point across. Can’t recommend this one.
What have you been reading recently? Have you read any of these and what did you think?
Check out more reading posts here!
Check out more reading posts here!
-Alyssa J
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