November contained an uncharacteristically large amount of non-Fiction and possibly a few books that will make it into my top ten books of the year (Taste by Stanley Tucci might take the cake as the book I have recommended the most in a short amount of time). Happy reading!
I absolutely loved this book. Yancey is one of my favorite Christian authors (I read two of his books this month). His writing is so easy to read and yet so profound. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is (or has) struggled with disappointment with God (honestly, isn’t that all of us?)
The Nickel Boys 5/5
I had wanted to read something by Colton Whitehead for a long time. I went into this book not knowing much about the plot. If for nothing else, read this book for its beautiful writing. But the story is also one that will stay with me for a long time.
Heartburn 2.5/5
I love Nora Ephron probably more than the next guy, but this book fell flat for me. It was written after her divorce, and though it is fiction, it is really based on her divorce. I listened to it on audio, and I will say the redeeming fact was it was read by Meryl Streep.
Middle England 3.5/5
This is a great fall book! It is slow and quiet and features an ensemble cast. Though it is part of a series, I didn’t feel lost picking up in the middle of it. If you are interested in England (especially in light of the last five years) and want a book that is quieter, this one is fascinating.
The Husbands 4/5
I read and LOVED The Whisper Network earlier this year and was so excited to read Baker’s newest book. It was not as fast-paced as The Whisper Network, but I enjoyed the story once I got into it. It is more of a cultural commentary than anything else.
Read this book. This book is similar to The Body Keeps Score but more accessible. I learned so much about myself and the brain (you can ask almost anyone I have talked to in the last few weeks, I have 100% mentioned something I learned in this book). I loved it on audio but wish I had the print copy as well to have looked at the diagrams.
I enjoy a celebrity memoir (I just realized I read three this month, which was unintentional but wonderful!). This one is entertaining and contains a hodgepodge of stories and wisdom. If you are a fan of Rob Lowe, I think you would like this book. I especially liked it on audio.
I have heard this book comped with Educated, and though I see the similarities, the pacing of the two books is much different. Like some of Yancey’s other books, this book is beautifully written and easy to follow. This book is a memoir about his childhood and growing up in a very conservative family in the south. I found it extremely interesting, although it was a little slow at times.
This is one of my favorite books of the year. Stanley Tucci is a treasure, and this book is everything I wanted it to be. Filled with snarky humor, shameless name dropping, and so many recipes! I read it on a trip to Italy, which felt serendipitous. This book is terrific, and I highly recommend it! (I made one of the recipes from this book last night, 10/10).
This book had been on my to-read list for a long time, but I was especially motivated to read it after reading The Guest List earlier this year. It is a quick page-turner and highly creepy. I loved reading it and seeing how so many great thrillers have taken aspects from this legend of a story.
My final celebrity memoir of the month. I loved listening to this book on audio. Hearing both Clint and Ron Howard talk about their childhood was so heartwarming, and their deep love for each other is so evident. This book was long but well crafted. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t the best memoir I have read this year.
Lean In 3/5
I am obviously ten years late to the game with this book. It had some really interesting points, but I don’t think it is the best book on business I have ever read. I am glad I read it because there were some great takeaways, but I don’t think I would reread it.
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