We’ve reached a midpoint in this hellish year and books—entertainment in general—have saved my sanity, what little is left. Here is my list of favs so far so you may save yours. A more thorough review on some of these will be forthcoming:
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin: I’m reading the second book in the series now. The series is every bit as good as the accolades and the awards it garners. Nora is a queen.
- Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been? by Joyce Carol Oates: This short story was recommended by Gillian Flynn (a Goddess) and is well worth her praise.
- Men Explain Things To Me by Rebecca Solnit: I love Rebecca’s writing. She rallies women with her words.
- There There by Tommy Orange: The urban Native American story as told in multiple perspectives.
- Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda: Is the musical as inspiring as this audiobook? I never got a chance to see. 😞
- Hunger by Roxane Gay: Roxane is another goddess; read all her words.
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: Multi-generational historical Korean story arcs that feature women.
- Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor: I love desert dramas featuring women.
- An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon: Someone must turn this book into a series. Now.
- The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani: I loathe clichés like dark and nuanced, but that is exactly what this is; a nightmare for parents. I’m still deciding whether this deserves four or five stars.
- Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat: A perfect intro to Danticat’s writing, these short story gems are a sublime representation of the Haitian-American diaspora.
- La Frantumaglia by Elena Ferrante: Every word is a whole lotta knowledge. This is another Goddess I imbibe copious amounts of…ok, that sounds creepy—Read every word she writes. Seriously.
- The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin: Cannot wait to see on screen. Le Guin is every bit a storyteller that we keep telling you she is. Read her.
- An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: I was riveted till the end—perturbed, exasperated, my fury went to rage then in light of all presently—exhaustion.
- Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward: There’s a reason this woman has won two National Book Awards.
- Things We Lost in the Fire by Mariana Enríquez: This was an audiobook. Mariana’s short stories are along the lines of Carmen Maria Machado. I can’t wait till she writes more.
- nejma by Nayyirah Waheed & Salt by Nayyirah Waheed: My new favorite poet. If you love poetry, don’t miss both these books.
- The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner: This audiobook is a must listen for all white people and should be required reading in grade school.
- The Power by Naomi Alderman: I’m prolly supposed to say something like ‘with great power comes great responsibility’, but my response will be an Oh if only… A woman can dream.
- Red Clocks by Leni Zumas: Another in the long line of what women go through. I listened to the audiobook and plan on reading the book too.
- Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis: Another must read for white people.
- Binti (Binti, #1) by Nnedi Okorafor: If only for the main character alone you should read this.
- Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill: And yet another example of why I’m not married.
- The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel: I’m partial to these types of stories and this was a fascinating read.
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: Looking forward to the movie.
- Assassin’s Quest (Farseer Trilogy, #3) by Robin Hobb & Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy, #2) by Robin Hobb: There’s one creepy scene in the entire series that I still ponder over; regardless, this series is well worth the read. I cannot wait to continue Fitz’s journey in the subsequent series.
meanderings.me 