As a librarian and avid reader, I hear the phrase “this is an important book” a lot. And while it’s true that there are many “important” books out there, sometimes these books are tough to read. Whether it’s the subject matter or the length or the writing style, “important” books sometimes sit on my shelf, unread. Gender Queer is an “important” book that is smart and accessible and a title that I would recommend to everyone, regardless of how they identify.
Oh my heart. I was gifted this book at my book club Christmas party, knowing nothing about it, I hadn’t even heard of it. The friend who gifted it said I would love it…and she was 100% right. Not only did I adore it, I am now encouraging everyone I know to read it. I highly recommend this book.
When “The Nest” was released in 2016, I remember it being on every “must read” or “best of” list I saw. It seemed to be the hottest book that year and it immediately went on my list of to be read. And that’s where it stayed….until I needed a book about a family for one of my reading challenges. I am so glad I finally read this book because it was like nothing I expected it to be and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
The Baby-Sitter’s Club was one of my all-time favorite book series when I was growing up so I was very happy when I saw that a graphic novel version of “Kristy’s Great Idea” was being made. I can vividly remember checking each new book out from the library and reading well past my bedtime with the help of a flashlight, hoping my mom wouldn’t know (she always did). She also took me and my sister to meet Ann M. Martin and it was my first experience with meeting an author. This book brought me right back to my childhood and I am happy knowing that a new generation of kids will be able to enjoy these stories.
A book about bearded, ginger men and the hijinks they find themselves in? Sounds like this book was written specifically for me! Penny Reid has written a very enjoyable, funny, romance novel that kept me entertained the entire time. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, fun read with likable characters and a happily ever after.
I am very torn in regards to this review. I read Hillbilly Elegy because I wanted to practice what I preach…that is, to read and try and understand different political views from my own. I can’t say that J.D. Vance changed my mind on anything but I can appreciate that he tried to show his side of things in a well written and eloquent manner. My main issues with this book are not that I don’t agree with much of what he thinks or believes but that he discusses the issues “hillbillys” have in the United States today but doesn’t offer any solutions for how to overcome the obstacles that exist within this group. I wanted more of a guide than he offered.
Continue reading “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis”
