The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley: A follow-up to last quarter’s The Guncle, we follow our favorite gay uncle to Lake Como for a wedding. While this adventure wasn’t quite as heartwarming and funny as the first book, it was still a worthy read for those who believe in love, adventure, and that family is what you make it.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum: As many times as I’ve watched the classic film, I’ve never read The Wizard of Oz until now. A familiar story, sure, but the different lands travelled through in the book are so much more incredible than those in the movie. Worth a read, for sure!
Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches by John Hodgman: I believe this is the second time I’ve read Vacationland, and I had the same reaction this time as I did the first; I feel that John Hodgman is rather insufferable, and I can’t remember a darn thing he wrote. The cover art on this one is what lured me in years ago (I went back and looked- I first read in 2018), and still it remains the best part.
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci: In a total 180 from the book above, Stanley Tucci’s memoir makes me want to do nothing more than join this man for dinner and become best friends. Spanning memories of his mother’s home-cooked dinners to his detailed wedding menu, Stanley Tucci solidifies himself as an avid eater and drinker, connecting life’s ups and downs to the meals shared at the time. Looking forward to reading his new release.
The Women by Kristin Hannah: My first Kristin Hannah novel definitely will not be my last! A society girl from 1960’s Southern California decides to follow her hero- her older brother- into the military during Vietnam. I won’t get into the weeds of her time there or of loves lost, etc., but what struck me most here were the details of her homecoming and the hostility around it, as well as her readjustment to civilian life as a woman. I LOVED this.
The Martian by Andy Weir: For those who have watched the movie, you’re familiar with the story here, and in a lucky (not-always-the-case) turn, the movie follows the book pretty darn closely. There’s a lot of science-y speak, making parts of this read like a textbook, but for those loving adventure, survival instinct, and space travel, this one- about an astronaut-botanist stranded on Mars- is for you!
Make your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven: This one sat on my “want to read” list for a while, mostly because I’m a big believer in making your bed every morning. I wasn’t familiar with Admiral McRaven or his viral commencement speech when I finally picked this up. A cute, quick read, with witty anecdotes for small victories each day. Worth the read, but one I dropped in a Little Free Library afterwards.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey: A re-read for me for the first time in almost 10 years. I’m a weirdo, I know, but I love watching documentaries of the zombie-ant fungus, so the idea of an apocalyptic world where that same fungus has jumped species fully caught my attention. This is a story of survival in so many ways, centering around a world of those infected but still moving of their own accord. A little graphic at times, but one of the spooky reads I’ll keep going back to. Continuance below.
Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett: Another re-read because I couldn’t remember a thing about it… The first time I read, I was drinking next to a pool in Palm Springs, so naturally, the second time I read, I was drinking next to a pool in Palm Springs. While this obviously isn’t a book that sticks with me, I made a more conscious effort to remember this time around. Ultimately, this is one about loneliness and depression. Our main character is rather in a hole after her father’s suicide and losing her lover to her brother and then to who-knows-where. It’s a hard one to read for a lot of reasons, but for those with an aversion to dirtiness, it will be especially difficult.
I’m a Believer: My Life of Monkeys, Music, and Madness by Micky Dolenz: Here’s the thing- I love the Monkees. Call me a dork, but they’ve always been my favorite band, and Micky was always my favorite of the group. This memoir of his was written in 2004, before the reunions, and before the deaths of the other three members, so the end was a little more hostile than I’d want, however- it was fun to read about these guys adventures in the 1960’s mahem and the reviving of the band with the reruns in the 80’s. Nothing in here will be new to a fan, but it was a fun read while sitting in the California sun (and pretending I was in Laurel Canyon with them).
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann: What can be said about this that hasn’t already been said? I love Valley of the Dolls and make it a point to read at least once every couple of years. Set in the 1940’s, we follow three women through finding love, fame, or success, whatever that means to them. Jealousy, betrayal, and drug addiction reign supreme, and Anne Welles, our protagonist, tries so hard to distance herself from all three. If you haven’t read it, read it. Then watch Sharon Tate in the movie.
Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll’s Legendary Neighborhood by Michael Walker: Always a fan of the Southern California life, I fell even more in love with the Canyon the first time Bryan and I drove through and saw some of the original homes still standing among the trees. Coupled with the “Echo in the Canyon” documentary that’s on repeat in our house, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of the Canyon breeding rock and roll music in the 60’s. This book covers everything from CSNY to the Manson murders, encompassing as much history of the area as you can want.
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff: Another that I read every couple of years. Full review here.
Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by J. B. West: I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this! J.B. West was the Chief Usher in the White House through Kennedy’s assassination. His memoir of his time serving under several presidents and their wives was insightful and funny, and made me think of the White House as a well-oiled machine when related to the way it served as an actual home. I really, really loved this.
Horse by Geraldine Brooks: This one was recommended to me by my Airbnb hosts while we were traveling, and I’m SO glad they put a copy in my duffel bag! Written across timelines and geographic areas, we’re along for the ride with present day researchers, a mid-century artist, and an enslaved groom, all of whom share ties with the greatest racehorse in history. As a Kentucky girl, I devoured this in a day. Beautifully written.
The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey: The prequel to The Girl With All the Gifts (above) follows a group of scientists during their discovery of the others that exist in the first novel. One of those along on the mission is a boy who seems to have a high functioning autism. His differences lead to a rift between our main characters, but his brilliance leads to so much advancement. What a great second story!
** this post is not sponsored in any way. all thoughts and opinions are my own **
