As of Lately: Books
With Spring Break around the corner, it’s time to dust off those books for your upcoming vacation! Is it just me or do you always pack 10 books and maybe finish one? LOL. Well you’re in luck because here’s my third post on books I’ve read (and what I’ve loved!) as of lately.
I’ve listed the books in the order I read them, which if you look closely, you’ll see I like to alternate between a more serious read (i.e. true crime, a memoir, religion) and fiction.
Let me know which books you decide to read and if you agree with my ranking.
Happy reading!
Paige
I’ll be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara - 4 stars
I first heard about Michelle on my favorite podcast, My Favorite Murder. Michelle had just passed away and one of the podcast hosts, Karen, was extremely upset because this crime-fighting writer turned investigator had passed suddenly. The book dives into the crimes of the Golden State Killer, arguably the most violent and famous serial killer in California (besides maybe Zodiac), and her findings along the way. Michelle’s husband, actor Patton Oswalt, helped finish the book as she passed before it was completed. The book is extremely interesting, especially if you live in California, and is a testament to Michelle’s passion for true crime. I’m so sad she wasn’t alive to witness his recent arrest, but know that her incredible work helped lead to that moment.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee - 5 stars
While Pachinko is fiction, it’s based on true events and taught me a lot about Japanese and Korean culture. The book follows one Korean family through five generations of storytelling - there are brave moves to different countries, arranged marriages, unplanned pregnancies, desires for a different lifestyle, women overcoming the norm, and a family who puts itself before all else.
While sometimes you get attached to a character who suddenly disappears (it’s five generations so the main characters shift), I loved this book. I didn’t know much about Asian culture and this opened my eyes through real-life examples and incredible storytelling.
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik - 5 stars
Wow, RBG. No matter your political party, all women should read this. As a young woman in the working world, this made me appreciate all women that came before us and helped pave the way for equality. While we still have a long way to go (i.e. equal pay), this book showed me what life was in the mid-1900’s and how my life would look totally different if it weren’t for people like RBG. It’s also a great story of a supportive spouse, a healthy marriage and essentially America’s first power couple.
You by Caroline Kepnes - 3 stars
This book was recommended to me from a close friend who knows my obsession with true crime and mysteries. You have probably seen or scrolled past the new hit show on Netflix (hi, Dan Humphries!). While the book is a page-turner, it’s also really creepy. If you want to be in the mind of a killer or psychopath, this book is for you. If you don’t like gruesome details, you may want to pass.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - 2.5 stars
I have tried reading this book three times and finally made it through. Everyone recommends it as it’s one of the best apologetics, plus it’s C.S. Lewis. While yes, great comparisons are made and it made me think a lot about Christianity, it’s also very painful to get through. It’s very serious and similar to a textbook. I’d recommend this to anyone who is questioning their faith or really loves C.S. Lewis.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman - 3.5 stars
This book is heartbreaking. It’s about a small community in a forest that lives/breathes for their hockey team. The future of the town (jobs, funding) all rest on this team’s shoulders. And when things don’t go as planned, community members have to choose to side with the team or those who got hurt.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann - 4 stars
Another one that makes me question this world?! This was named best book of the year by countless organizations and is definitely deserving of that title. Killers of the Flower Moon is based on a true story that took place in the 1920’s in Oklahoma. We look into the lives of an Osage Nation family who struck it rich when oil was discovered on their land. This is a story involving mystery, conspiracy, greed, racism, murder and a good ol’ fashion Texas Ranger. Highly recommend.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - 5 stars
This read made me laugh out loud. It was completely different from any book I’ve read before. Eleanor is extremely unique - she had a terrible upbringing and is now taking on the world alone, except for the slight help of a coworker and unexpected friend.
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World of Setbacks by Bob Goff - 3 stars
Despite popular opinion, I don’t know how I feel about Bob Goff. He’s definitely an amazing writer and storyteller, but his stories are very privileged and almost frustrating. I live a comfortable life and am blessed to do so, but some parts of this book rubbed me the wrong way. I recommend reading and forming your own opinion.