When I first saw this toy, I was a little confused about what to do with it. But when I picked it up? Very satisfying to the touch and irresistible to try all possible stacking combinations.
-by Roosevelt Montes
Rescuing Socrates: Why read the classics? He argues that a true liberal arts education, that you get partly from reading the 'classics' is designed to teach one to examine themselves and how one lives and how one lives in society. The most important people to receive this education are least likely to receive it-those who are going to college as the first in their family, etc.
-by Ronald Farrington Sharp
Living Trusts for Everyone: Does a practical book count? His view is that you get more bang for your buck with a trust over a will. Explains a few basic concepts that I had not really understood before. Gives some clear examples, encourages you to find a local competent lawyer and not spend too much money.
-by Sarah Gailey
Magic for Liars: Murder mystery that takes place at a magic school. Told by the non-magical PI. Lightly twisty, a bit drama-y.
-by Claire Keegan
Small Things Like These: Novella of an Irishman in 1985 in a tricky situation. I picked it because it is the shortest story on the short list for the Man Booker prize :) Quiet, introspective storytelling.
-By Louise Penny and Hillary Rodham Clinton
State of Terror: I picked this up as an audio book to listen while walking. But I loved it so much I finished in just a couple days. Pure Louise Penny writing but the setting is an international thriller.
-by Jennifer Egan
The Candy House: Kept me reading, but I later found out that this is the second book in the universe. Don't get attached to the POV, because it changes. You will still hear about the people, but from someone else in the story line.
-by Terry Pratchett
Carpe Jugulum: Our group of witches encounters vampires. I got stuck on the written accents for Igor and the Wee Free Men (Scottish?). For the next one I'm going to try an audiobook.
The Wee Free Men via audiobook: fantastic
-by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry: Part Rom Com, but mostly a life novel. Not in the real world, weirdly adjacent where some things are much better and others worse. Would consider reading another from her.
-by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library: Classic, "What other lives could a person live if they made different decisions?" story. Well written and kept me interested, but if I was depressed, I think I would be angry at how easy it is for the protagonist to get out of that state.
-by Naomi Novik
The Golden Enclaves: Long awaited book 3! Completely different setting from book 1 and 2, but the same people. I liked the tie up of the loose ends. A little bit angst-y, but with enough action that it didn't bog down.
-by Gary Jarrity
Do You Mind If I Cancel: David Sedaris adjacent. Mostly light comedy, growing up in the 70s and 80s with lots of tv and little supervision. There are a couple stories of disappointments, when you've built something up in your head and it turns out to not be. He went on to be a tv writer for Will and Grace and Family Guy.
Dial A for Aunties: Weekend at Bernies + RomCom + a hint of Crazy Rich Asians wedding. The cast is our hapless protaganist and her mom and 3 sisters who are always arguing/one-upping each other. Not good, but super fun.
-by Sally Rooney
Normal People: I'm late to this popular novel. Two damaged teens fall in love and have an on/off relationship while trying to figure themselves out and learn how to communicate. A ton of it happens in their heads. Enjoyable, even though a lot of the descriptions are of mundane moments like drinking water. I listened to the audiobook, a good choice.
-by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments: 1/3 field science, 2/3 awkward growing up moments. Fast read, interesting snippets about animals.
-by Haley Pierson-Cox
Bob Ross Happy Little Cross Stitch: Cute, nothing I need to do right now, but who knows about the future.
-by Jessica Marquez
Make and Mend: Similar to others in the genre. The highlight is the collection of patterns is a nice mix.
Graphic Novels
-by Emma Grove
The Third Person: Autobiography of the author who goes to a therapist to start gender confirmation surgery, but ends up finding out they have Differential Identity Disorder (multiple personalities). 80% of the book takes place in the therapist office, and the therapist is not the best. So it is kind of like watching a train wreck. The art is great and I couldn't put it down.
by Ngozi Ukazu
Check, Please, Hockey, #2 in a series: Even though I didn't love the first one, it was easy to pick up the second-there are only 2 in the series, love that!
by Sam Maggs, Manga adaptation of the Rainbow Rowell book that I love
Fangirl, vol 2: yes, I skipped vol 1. I know the story, and just wanted to check it out. Fun for sure, but I don't feel compelled to read the whole thing.
Kids
-by Pseudonymous Bosch
If You're Reading This, It's Too Late: Second in a series, but I wanted to check out the author. Fun fourth wall breaking writing.
DNF
-by Natalie Haynes
A Thousand Ships: Retelling of the Trojan War from a bunch of different perspectives, mainly the women. I know a lot of folks loved it, but it just didn't grab me. Maybe because it was too broken up by the different perspectives?
