Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
| WOW. Give Angie Kim all of the awards. Miracle Creek is filling the gaping hole in my heart left by To Kill a Mockingbird (after realizing how problematic the “great American novel” was in so, so many ways). Miracle Creek is one of the best books I have ever read. It has all of the perks of a mystery – having me staying up way past my bedtime because I can’t put it down – with all of the power and import of literature. As far as I am concerned, this is required reading. I know it’s early, but Miracle Creek deserves to be on every “New Canon”/”New Classics” reading list. READ IT NOW (or later but SOON)! – Goodreads Review from June 14, 2019 |
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
| This is quite a remarkable book! Before starting it, I was skeptical about whether or not it was for me. I’m not a celebrity gossip junkie and, while I used to love reading historical fiction, lately I have found myself more interested in books addressing contemporary issues. But the celebrity aspect of the story gives it thematic depth. We all choose to repress and emphasize various parts of our identities, but those in the spotlight have to do so to an even greater extent if they want to be in control of their own narrative – and their own careers. And the historical element is made relevant as it is interwoven with a second story unfolding in modern day. – Goodreads review from July 23, 2019 |
The Witch Elm by Tana French
| When I bought this book, I thought it was the latest installment in the Dublin Murder Squad series, so I was a little disappointed when I realized my mistake. Somehow, though, it’s even better. Part of my love for the story may have come from the fact that I read it while recovering from surgery, so I could relate to Toby’s foggy headedness and frustration at how his own situation changed. But I think the main thing that made it better than her other books – which I really, really like but haven’t love-loved since In the Woods – was the voice. French is great at writing from the POV of detectives, but they generally aren’t, you know, funny people. The Witch Elm made me laugh out loud so many times – very unexpected for a mystery novel. I had no idea French was so funny. Plus, it takes on big issues: ableism, privilege, empathy, toxic masculinity. It’s kind of an important piece of capital-“L” Literature while still being a page-turning murder mystery. Brava, Tana French! – Goodreads review from June 29, 2019 |
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Other Great Reads
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
➡︎ Read my review here.
March (trilogy) by John Robert Lewis
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
➡︎ Read my review here.
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
➡︎ Read my review here.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America by Ibi Zoboi, editor
➡︎ Read my review here.
To Kill a Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel by Fred Fordham (adapted from the original by Harper Lee)
➡︎ Read my review here.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
➡︎ Read my review here.
Stefanie Brook Trout 