I get distracted by newness too often, so I’ve been on a mission to read books that have been ignored and left languishing on my shelves for too long. Which is why this assortment is a mixed bag, but I hope that’s what you’re here for: Book recommendations that fill a void in your shelves.
Earlier
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This is sold as a love story, and while it’s certainly a poignant look at marriage and what it takes to sustain it (or in this case dismantle it), there’s a lot to dissect in the book; race, injustice, family—it’s all there and woven together deftly by Jones. I intend to read more from her canon very soon, specially Silver Sparrow, about which I’ve heard only good things.
Now
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
If you’ve been here a while you know I’ll pick up anything witchy, and I truly loved this. It was exactly what you think, and exactly what I needed. Dawson’s world-building is thoughtful and incredible—a skill I’m sure doesn’t just come to everyone. There’s so much to unpack but if you’re a Millennial like me, or just a Harry Potter fan, this series is a well-written antidote to JK. Dawson has blended magic and mythology so well, layering in moral panic and modern-day discourse so effortlessly.
Later
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This has been on me tbr pile for years, literally decades at this point. And after reading Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror, in particular her essay, Pure Heroines, I finally decided to pick up The Bell Jar. I’d been avoiding it like the plague, worried it would make me depressed. But I feel like I’m in the right headspace to crack it open, and I’m sure all my anxiety is misplaced.
Enjoy!
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An American Marriage is a favorite of mine!