Fiction
The Wife Upstairs is a new release from January 2021 that everyone has been raving about. It is a thriller based on the well-known classic, Jane Eyre. There are many parallels that the author used which will be fun Easter eggs for longtime fans of Jane Eyre. The plot is fast-paced, and the book keeps you guessing throughout on who is actually trustworthy. There are not many likable characters, so steer clear if that is one of your criteria. But overall, this was a fun and fast read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4.0☆
Pachinko is a book that I knew I would like before I even started reading. It tells the multigenerational story of a Korean family that relocates to Japan, a country of opportunity as well as oppression. They experience World War II in a foreign place and hear about the upheaval of their homeland while also facing typical family issues. The characters are kind, humble, hard-working, and extremely likable. I really felt invested in this family’s future, and I truly wished for the best outcome for them.
4.5☆
This book was a quick read, but it really packed a punch. It begins with Melody’s coming-of-age celebration and goes backward in time to explain how this day came to be and what her parents and grandparents have gone through to get to this point. It’s a compelling read about family relations, race, identity, and much more.
4.0☆
Ask Again, Yes is the story of two families, how they seem to be inextricably tied together through good times and bad. Francis and Brian are two police officers who end up becoming next-door neighbors in the town of Gillam. Their kids, Kate and Peter, become childhood friends, despite complicated parental relationships. They are torn apart after a catastrophic event occurs, changing everything in their lives. This book is extremely honest about the things that happen to normal people, and I found it be very realistic and beautifully portrayed.
4.5☆
Non-Fiction
Emma is a writer and artist from France who uses her comics to depict important feminist and real-life issues. Her comic, “The Mental Load” gained a lot of traction, and her translated book has made her work accessible to the English-speaking audience. I really enjoy her style of art; she’s very talented at portraying human emotion and getting her point across. This book is a compilation of illustrated essays that talk about very heavy topics. It’s well-researched, easy to read, and brings awareness to many controversial issues plaguing Europe and the US.
4.0☆
This collection of essays is not out yet (Feb 2021), but its timely release makes this a great read for moms and busy people in general. The editor of this anthology is the host of the podcast “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books,” a show where she talks to authors about the books they write, targeted for busy moms. The essays in this group are separated into categories, including books, sex, food, and exercise. Many of the contributors are well-known authors detailing their quarantine experiences as a parent. The essays are short, refreshing, and relatable, bringing all of us together in this unique and trying time.
4.0☆
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but after being gifted it by two different people, I knew it was time that I read it. This self-help book primarily focuses on loving and believing in yourself, taking action, and not reacting to fear. She delves into spirituality, not organized religion, employing the power of the universe as a source of strength and power. The author’s tone is casual, sprinkling in motivational sayings and anecdotes to illustrate her points. This is an excellent book for people who have trouble with self-doubt and finding inspiration to pursue their passions.
4.0☆
