Wowwwwee.

Are all of you ready for an epic book list? Because there are some phenomenal page-turners out there that will have you drooling by the pool (speaking strictly for a friend).’

I’ve had the great fortune of coming across some great books over the summer, and our Savannah mini-moon and Cancún honeymoon left wide open space for lots of reading. Here are some of my favorite, nail-biting, fascinating, delicious, frightening, captivating reads, most of which are published either this year or last year.

Enjoy!

xxx

PS - Each book listed below is linked to the online store for Kramers, my favorite local bookstore in D.C. A friendly reminder to shop local!, friends Find your own local bookstore and keep your dollars local by support their businesses.

A Certain Hunger, by Chelsea G. Summers

Easily the most bizarre and enthralling books I’ve ever read. Eat Pray Love meets American Psycho. Satirical read of food writing and cannibalism (the former of which informs the latter). An interesting looking review was published in the New York Times, here.

As NYT reviewer Amy Silverberg aptly writes, it’s an oddly soothing escapist read, especially at a time when life feels much like a horror movie itself.

Seven Days in June, by Tia Williams

A sexy read of great substance and some humor. The two protagonists show themselves to be every bit as honest and broken human beings as two hopelessly star-crossed lovers can be. Atypical disability also gets a spotlight.

The Other Black Girl, by Zakiya Dalila harris

Someone described this as Get Out-esque and that’s spot on. Like last year’s Such a Fun Age in the depiction of young adult struggles and dreams, but with its own thrilling spin. The audiobook was riveting; the narrators, seizing. Another audiobook that was **chef’s kiss**, as the swapping of narrators is particularly mesmerizing. You’ll be hooked on every word.

Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero, by Amanda Kloots and Anna Kloots

A sad but important read that will make your heart grow three sizes. Celebrity fitness trainer Amanda Kloots chronicles her late husband’s battle with COVID-19, and losing him at forty-one. You’ll experience restored faith in humanity, community, and family.

I will say that as a Christian, certain elements of the portrayal of her faith was markedly disappointing for me. (DM me if you want to hear more about my thoughts.)

Imposter Syndrome, by Kathy Wang

Light satire examining women in power and Silicon Valley. A bit of cat-and-mouse dynamic à la Killing Eve.

Good Company, by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

Also one of my favorites this year. Written by the same author of The Nest, Good Company follows two families and explores female friendship, mother-daughter relationships, marriage, heartbreak, betrayal, and (like Live Your Life) life as an actor.

Outlawed, by Anna North

One of the best books I’ve read this year. Follow a runaway young woman, run out of her town amidst accusations of witchcraft, as she finds a women/queer group of outlaws. Several of the last year’s worth of my favorite books have also come from Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, an excellent resource for thought-provoking, important works of the latest authors, all women.