Show Us Your Books, September 2020

Happy September, whatever that means to you. It could mean you’re happy with the beginnings of cooler weather. It could mean you’re happy with all the pumpkin stuff everywhere (pro tip: the Starbucks pumpkin cold brew is not terrible, and I usually detest pumpkin anything). It could even mean you’re happy with all the fall scents, shorter days, and back to school (fun fact: I am not happy with this last fact because this school year is shaping up to look like an epic shit show). But whatever it means, it still means books.

Because every season means books.

Which is really why you’re here. So let’s get to it.

Last month, I finished 8 and DNF 1. A little less than August but I didn’t have a vacation in there (oh, and to define”month”, it’s the space in between SUYB linkups, not the actual calendar month). So, about average. There weren’t as many outstanding reads, either, but they were all really good. Probably would recommend all of them. Except the DNF. Don’t bother with that one.

Other People’s Pets by R.L. Maizes. What I liked most about this book was how original the concept is: a veterinary student drops out of her final year of school to rob houses to help her father, who in turn bolts. There’s more to it, but that’s the gist. It’s a little weird and quirky, but the plot is strong and the writing is good.

Stray by Stephanie Danler. This was a memoir written by the author of Sweetbitter, which I did not enjoy, but this book was so different from that, I did enjoy it. It’s written in a weird timeline, bouncing here and there and everywhere, and it’s a little sad but also cautiously optimistic. So, kind of a metaphor for this bizarre year. Her writing is beautiful, and if you like memoirs, add it to your list.

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds. This is a middle grade/early-YA book but man, can he write. This book was fascinating and unique and I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to read anything he’s written. Even if you’re not a huge fan of YA books, read it.

Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore. I feel like I’ve seen a ton of mixed reviews for this one but I thought it was excellent, as long as you’re fine with reading more character-driven than plot-driven books. The chapters seem to be disconnected, each one reading more like a short story that sort of connects to the others, but it all makes sense together. Also, women put up with so much shit from men, it’s gross. This book highlights just how much, as well as how much shit other women give each other at times. So the messaging of the book is pretty damn important.

The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel. I LOVED The Roanoake Girls (disturbing as it was) so when I saw last month that she had a new book, I was excited to get my hands on it. It did not disappoint. A little predictable, yes, and a little too short, but worth the time spent reading it.

A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight. This was probably my second favorite book of the month. It packed so much into the plot – there’s a lot to keep track of – but sometimes, you really really like a book for no particular reason other than you just do. That’s how I felt with this one. Was it a perfect book? Nope. Is it for everyone? Also nope. But it worked for me.

Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier. Quirky, spectacular writing, incredibly frustrating, and mildly depressing read, mostly due to the nature of the main character which I don’t want to describe too much but just know that she’s a depressed 18-year-old pregnant pizza delivery girl with a drinking problem. And it sort of starts there. It’s a short read, and really good, but it’s hard at times.

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall. Okay. This book. Holy hell. It’s intense, smart, and incredibly important. She makes so many good points, you want to highlight the whole book (which, as a side note, if you want to read this, buy it). And her writing. OMG. She is an insanely talented and phenomenal writer. But this book is so heavy and so dense, don’t try to read it all at once. Similar to White Fragility, read it a little bit at a time so you can truly absorb everything she’s saying.

Mother Daughter Widow Wife by Robin Wasserman. Person camera TV man woman. It’s all bullshit and just don’t read this book.

TL; DR: You can’t go wrong with any of the books on this list except the last one which was a big fat pretentious disappointment.

Currently reading: When These Mountains Burn by David Joy

Now it’s your turn to link up and show us your books! As always, don’t forget to visit my co-host Steph and some of the other bloggers on the list. And mark your calendar for October 13 for the SIX YEAR anniversary of Show Us Your Books (and also the day my daughter gets her braces off so it’s a big day all around).