Fall 2022 Reading Recap
I read 21 books in September, October and November. Some were incredible... others not so much. Here is a quick recap of all 21 books and my thoughts on each and my monthly favorites...
Books I Read in September
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell: The latest from the author of Hamnet (which was included on my list of Top Ten Books I Read in 2021). I wanted to love this historical fiction novel set during the Italian Renaissance as it follows a young bride and her duke husband who she suspects of planning her murder. However, I found it far too boring. Hamnet is far superior (in my opinion).
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: This beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction novel is set in Germany during World War II and is narrated by Death. This book came out in 2006, so I was way late to the party on this one, but SO glad I finally read it. Easy 5 stars.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy: Best known for her role in the Nickelodeon show, iCarly, Jennette McCurdy recounts her adolescence as a child actor in this darkly funny and revelatory memoir. As she pulls back the curtain and share her life behind the scenes, McCurdy discusses everything from addition and sexual misconduct to eating disorders and a strained relationship with her mother. I highly recommend this one on audio!
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica: Translated from Spanish, this book has received many accolades - hence my decision to pick it up. Despite being well-written, it was FAR to grotesque and brutal for me as it focuses on cannibalism and the sale of human flesh in a dystopian society.
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton: This quiet, cozy and funny fiction read is all about singledom. Based in England, the novel follows a 30-somethings woman and her failed attempts at romance. Highly recommend to anyone struggling with dating!
The It Girl by Ruth Ware: Hard pass. I'd heard good things about this dark academia thriller, however, it was far too slow, annoying and contrived for my taste. That said, if you enjoyed The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley: Interesting speculative fiction concept - where one woman continues to mysteriously run into all of her ex-boyfriends in New York City - however, the execution of the book and the unfolding of the plot felt a bit too all over the place for me.
My favorite book from September was easily The Book Thief. If you haven't yet read it, I highly recommend you add it to your TBR list! Especially if you enjoy historical fiction.
Books I Read in October
Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth: This horror book features a young wife who's home is haunted by her recently-dead mother-in-law's ghost. Yes, it's as weird as it sounds and there are some rather graphic scenes. While it's tough for me to outright recommend this one, I did find it strangely engrossing - and if nothing else - it's terribly unique.
The World Gives Way by Marissa Levien: A re-read of one of my favorite books of 2021. This debut novel is about those who survived the apocalypse by boarding a spaceship en route to another planet… however, their world is thrown into chaos when an unrepairable crack is discovered in the ship. Truly a must-read for sci-fi lovers!
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: Another book that I highly recommend on audio! This memoir by stand-up comedian Trevor Noah is humorous, educational and immersive. While narrating the defining moments of his life in hilarious fashion, Noah provides illuminating details about the culture and history of his home country, South Africa, and his upbringing during apartheid. The audiobook is read by Trevor Noah and he truly knocks it out of the park with his various accents, impressions and impeccable comedic timing. Another easy five stars!
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty: This debut novel - which won the 2022 National Book Award for Fiction - is strange, unique and beguiling. The book follows a group of strangers living in a run-down apartment building in a dying Midwestern town. I'm still wrapping my head around this one, but I certainly enjoyed it, as it's one of the most unique books I've read in recent years.
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder: I highly recommend this nonfiction book to history buffs and/or those interested in business as it follows the author's complicated journey to become the largest foreign investor in post-Soviet Russia. While the book is a bit heavy on the financial/business details, it's packed with interesting tidbits and the overall story reads more like a thriller than a memoir.
Aurora by David Koepp: An apocalyptic sci-fi book I wanted to love, but found a bit lacking. I listened to this one on audio and had a hard time staying focused, so perhaps I would have enjoyed the book more if I'd read a hardcopy. Ultimately I just found it a bit too male-centric and "guns-blazing."
My favorites in October were easily Born a Crime and The Rabbit Hutch. The World Gives Way was also incredible, but since it was a re-read for me, I think that disqualifies it as a monthly favorite. :)
Books I Read in November
Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer: The sequel to Less, which won a Pulitzer back in 2018. If you enjoyed Less, which follows a middle-aged, moderately successful gay writer (named Less) as he journeys around the world in attempt to find himself, you’ll enjoy this sequel, as it employs the same brand of satirical humor as we see Less begin a new journey.
Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong: This incredibly eye-opening memoir is all about disability and advocacy as activist Alice Wong discusses the challenges of her own disability, her lifelong battle with ableism and her endless pursuit of justice and equal rights/access for the disabled community.
The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras: This memoir took me a couple tries to get into, but I ended up loving it. I highly recommend this one to those who are fascinated by spirituality and/or culture as the book details the author's Colombian upbringing in a family of powerful curanderos - healers who have otherworldly powers to see the future, heal the sick and commune with the dead.
Bliss Montage by Ling Ma: Despite all the positive reviews I've seen of this one, this collection of short stories failed to win me over. In the eight wildly different fictional stories included in the book, the author crosses into magical realism, fantasy and dystopia as she muses on connection, loneliness, motherhood, friendship and more.
Making a Scene by Constance Wu: You likely know actress Constance Wu from her breakout role in Crazy Rich Asians or Hustlers. I listened to this memoir on audio and while I appreciated the author’s vulnerability regarding some tough subjects (like sexual misconduct), I found the majority of the book far too mundane and annoying.
Stay True by Hua Hsu: A memoir included on the New York Times List of Top 10 Books of 2022. This short memoir, written by a New Yorker staff writer, is very well written as it details the joys and tragedies of the author's adolescence growing up in Northern California. However, the book felt much too heavy on the pop culture nostalgia for my taste.
The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander: This short nonfiction book is a must-read as it informs and reports on the ongoing race issues / inequality in the USA. It also explores art and culture as we look toward the future. If you're looking for a short, but highly substantive book to help you reach your annual reading goal - I can't recommend this one enough.
Yonder by Jabari Asim: This beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction book includes a hint of magical realism as it tells the story of enslaved Americans, or “the stolen,” and their “thieves.” A story of strength in the face of injustice, perseverance and redemption, I highly recommend this one to historical fiction fans.
My favorites of November were The Man Who Could Move Clouds and Yonder... though The Trayvon Generation was a highlight as well.
