It’s that time again. It was a slow reading month for me but I did read some gems. I’m joining Steph and Jana to their book link-up. So make sure to check them out to find more books. You can find all my previous book reviews HERE.
Fiction
The Reckless Oath We Made: Zee has a pretty hard life, and on top of that she’s trying to free her kidnapped sister. Her mother is severely overweight and a hoarder, she’s also trying to shield her young nephew Marcus from it all. Gentry claimed to be Zee’s champion and helps through all her troubles. He is also on the spectrum and “very special”. I don’t want to give much away but this author is simply brilliant. It took me a while to finish this book because of my trip but it was really interesting. Would I want to read a similar book right now, NO! So this is a great book but surely not for everyone. Verdict: 4 Stars
Red At The Bone: Iris is 15 and pregnant, her parents are upset but she insists on having the baby. She names her Melody but eventually Iris goes to college, leaving Melody’s dad and grandparents to raise her. This book was so much better than I expected. The story is not groundbreaking but I love the author’s writing style and how she shared everyone’s perspective of the story. I highly recommend it and I finished it in one day. Verdict: 5 Stars
Non Fiction
Talking to Strangers: After reading this book, the first thing I did was check out the reviews. Someone complained that Malcom didn’t give actual tips on how to talk to strangers. Sigh… This is a book we need in 2019, this is something I think about all the time but I don’t have Malcom’s expertise to express and research so well. More than ever I feel like we live in a time where everyone has very strong opinions and think we can have quick fixes. Welp that’s just not the case, some problems (like racism and more) don’t have easy clean cut solutions. So I didn’t get into this book expecting a formula on how to understand strangers. Human beings are complicated, we can figure them out just by looking at them. We all have an origin story, that almost always unknown to others. This book is excellent and I enjoyed it. I got the audio version and it was produced amazingly. Like a long, high quality podcast. Verdict: 5 Stars
Do You Mind If I Cancel: Gary runs this hilarious instagram account. I got to know him better because of his celebrity stylist boyfriend Brad Goreski, Gary is a TV writer for shows like Family Guy and Will & Grace. His humor is in line with mine so I knew I had to read his book. It was everything I hoped it would be, sassy and funny. I loved reading about his evolution as a gay man and coming into the confident and hilarious man he is today. I read this book on a four hour flight and people possibly thought I was insane because I was giggling through most of it. This book was given to me by Flatiron Books. It comes out on October 22nd and you can preorder it here Verdict: 5 Stars
Inside Out: I ordered this as soon as it came out. My earliest memory of Demi is in ghost, after reading this book, I have to watch GI Jane and rewatch Striptease and Indecent Proposal. I was kinda young when her career was taking off. I finished this book in one day, it was that good. I think she wrote her memoir beautifully without throwing anyone under the bus, she just told her truth. She went through so much and it’s inspiring to see someone turn their life around, and take responsibility for the part they played in their story and come to terms with things they cannot change. Verdict: 5 Stars
Currently, I’m reading The Water Dancer. What are you reading?
I’m pretty intrigued by that Malcolm Gladwell book! You’re the second person I’ve seen who has said that the audiobook is incredible so it sounds like that’s the way to go with it!! I have an ARC of Red to the Bone that I still need to finish, oops!! I love her writing.
I’ve never even heard of Red at the Bone but adding to my TBR now! I’m with you on both Malcolm & Demi’s book! And Reckless too! That was definitely not an easy read but very creative.
Talking to Strangers is on my wish list, so I’m glad to hear you really loved that one. I’m curious about Demi’s memoir as well.
-Lauren
Woodson’s book sounds great! I listen to Dax Shepherd’s podcast a lot, and they are always talking about Malcolm Gladwell. Must give him a read soon.
A lovely woman in my book club was really hyping up talking to strangers. I guess I really need to put that one on my list.
Oprah also did an interview with Malcom Gladwell about this book in O Magazine.
Demi’s memoir sounds amazing- my first memory of her was from Ghost, too!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
her book is so good, I think you’ll enjoy it.
I’ve heard great things about Demi’s memoir too. Generally, I’m not a memoir fan but I may have to make an exception for her. And yes, people seem to really want/expect easy answers to complex problems that have deep, deep roots. I enjoy a quick fix too but I’m learning those are truly rare.
You’re the first person I’ve seen that’s read Demi’s book. I’ve been hearing about it but not from anyone who has read it.
I’m waiting on the Jacqueline Woodson from the library. I love her writing.
Bryn Greenwood is also an amazing writer and storyteller. I hope people can get on board with the middle English.
Demi’s book is so good 🙂
The middle English made Reckless a difficult read at times but I’m so glad I worked through it. She tells an amazing story.
she really does, it was so good.
I kind of want to read Reckless, but I’m not sure. I do have the Woodson book on my TBR!
i am very intrigued by that talking to strangers book. the reckless oath is on my list, i loved her other book!
Just added Red to the Bone to my To Read list. Thanks for sharing!
it’s so good 🙂