Three Poems
This is a small but hard-hitting poetry collection about three stages of life: youth, cyclical aging, and both death and birth. Hannah Sullivan is a master with words.
All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth, #1)
This is a fast-paced, easy to read, exciting YA fantasy novel. I liked it!
Girl, Woman, Other
Girl, Woman, Other is a beautifully written, raw, and real look at women from all walks of life, today and in days past. I devoured every word.
Written on the Body
Written on the Body is a scorching, poetic, desperate novel about desire. It’s told through the eyes of a gender-ambiguous narrator having an affair with a married woman.
Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative
Meander, Spiral, Explode is a quick, fun, interesting look at all the different patterns that appear in narrative.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
The Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic standalone fantasy novel that brings together excellent world-building, diversity, action, and beautiful storytelling. Read it.
Know My Name
This is probably one of the top five memoirs I’ve ever read (and I read a lot of memoirs). Incredibly well-written and insightful, this book rings with a truth and strength that I have rarely seen.
The Greatest Guy in the World
The Greatest Guy in the World is a quick-hitting novella about what it means to be good, why we are good (or not), and who our people are. If you’re looking for a quick read with an impact, look no further.
Heart of Junk
Heart of Junk is a laugh-inducing, refreshing little story that will tug at your heart strings harder than you expect. Every character is weird a lovable and well-written. I loved it.
Lirael (Abhorsen Trilogy/Old Kingdom, #2)
Lirael is a great sequel to Sabriel. It had two lovable characters, an intriguing mystery, and (bonus!) another amazing pet.
Redwood and Ponytail
This is a book about two 12-year-old girls who “fall in like” with one another, told entirely in poetry. If that’s not all you need to know to know that this book is EVERYTHING, what are you looking for?
Normal People
Much has been written about the literary genius that is Sally Rooney. This was actually my first of her books, but it won’t be the last. Normal People was just as wonderful as everyone says it is.
Long Bright River
This book is very good. Despite its length at over 450 pages, I read it in only a few sittings. The chapters are short and the narration moves quickly, and it pulls you all the way through to the end.
Ducks, Newburyport
Ducks, Newburport is, without a doubt, the most creative and interesting book I have read in a very long time, perhaps ever. I’m not surprised it was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. I am, however, shocked that it did not win.
In the Dream House
In the Dream House has received a lot of attention. Its own dust jacket calls it an “instant classic.” And I am here to tell you that all of this is entirely warranted.
Such a Fun Age
Such a Fun Age is compulsively readable, with social issues that are very deserving of our attention and a plot that just won’t let you look away. I read it in just one evening + the following morning.
The Unwilling
The Unwilling is not what many readers will be used to in the fantasy genre. It’s character-driven, and either there’s going to be a sequel or the ending is meant to make you think more than give you a sense of closure.
What Is Missing
What Is Missing is a lyrical, introspective look deep into the relationships and desires of a set of deeply flawed, deeply human people. The characters drew me in, and I enjoyed it.