Instead of baking bread in quarantine, I decided that I was going to make reading a priority. I started reading while drinking my morning coffee, while I ate breakfast or lunch, and before I went to bed. As a kid, I would read all the time. It is hard to believe that as an adult, I let other things replace my love for reading.
But now I am finding my way back to my love of books and reading. I logged back into my neglected Goodreads account, I started a hold list with the library, and I signed up for Book of the Month Club. I also downloaded the Libby app to listen to audiobooks that my local library has made available to borrow digitally. Unintentionally, I even started a series on my Instagram that I’m naming “What I am Wearing and What I am Reading.” If you are looking for some good books to read, this is what I read this month.
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What I Read
DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I picked this book up from the library because it was on many best of 2019 lists. The cover of the book intrigued me. I’ll admit, I’m a total sucker for cover art. In short, the book covers the life of Daisy Jones and The Six band members in the mid-1960s – the late 1970s. This book is about rock-n-roll, addiction, and relationships. Since the book is written in dialogue only, I have heard that it’s a fun book to listen to as an audiobook.
Should you read it? If you like music, history, and strong women, add this book to your reading list (or an audiobook list).
HAPPY & YOU KNOW IT by Laura Hankin
I had a promo code to try out the Book of the Month Club, and this was the available picks for May. Again, I loved the cover art that made the book seem fun and colorful. It reminded me of a Bravo reality show complete with seemingly perfect Instagram moms, wealth, and drama. The book starts with a wealthy mommy playgroup hiring a musician to play to their babies. While it was an easy read, I loved the commentary about motherhood and friendships. I don’t want to give anything away, but like any good reality show, the book’s characters have secrets that get exposed along the way.
Should you read it? If you like Mean Girls, Bravo TV, and lite commentary about the culture we live in, add this book to your list.
ONE TO WATCH by Kate Stayman-London
One to Watch is about a plus-size blogger who finds herself the star of a dating show called Main Squeeze. We follow the main character, Bea, as she navigates finding love on tv. Her story deals with body positivity, the impacts of social media and reality tv, and self-empowerment. I found this book hard to put down and enjoyed every minute reading it.
Should you read it? If you love the Bachelor franchise and an in-depth look into social media culture, put One to Watch on your to-read list.
Audio Books I Listened To
BECOMING by Michelle Obama
I didn’t set out to listen to Michelle Obama’s audiobook, but it fell into my lap when I downloaded the Libby app, and it was available to download and borrow. The audiobook read by the former First Lady was intriguing, and I felt like she was talking directly to me. She begins her story with her childhood in South Chicago, and it ends with her life after the White House. I didn’t know much about the Former First Lady before listening to her autobiography, but I am glad I gave it a listen. I enjoyed listening to her life story, but I also enjoyed the inside look at local and the US government.
Should you listen to it? Yes. I am a firm believer that you should keep learning and growing. Becoming will help you stay on that path.
What I am Reading Next
Physical Books
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
All Adults Here by Emma Staub
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Audio Books
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
This is What America Looks Like by Ilhan Omar
Open Book by Jessica Simpson
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo