Wow. I cannot believe this is the next-to-last SUYB of 2018. I feel like it’s been 46 years since the last one, though. I’m not really sure what’s going on. Usually it feels like a week in between. Time is weird.
This month’s update is pretty no-frills. I’ve read a normal amount of books but I did a shitty job of tracking my reviews on Litsy because I don’t have it in me for more social media. Sorry for that. I also did a shitty job of taking pictures of Barkley with my books because, well, I just did. No real excuses for that one.
So. Here’s what I read since the last SUYB.
Burden: A Preacher, A Klansman, and a True Story of Redemption in the Modern South by Courtney Hargrave. This was not a great book in the sense that it didn’t cover, at least not in the way I’d hoped and that the title described, what I expected. It was, however, a very in-depth history of the Klan and white supremacy in the South. I didn’t want that and I don’t feel better that I know it. The main story was glossed over in favor of the history and logistics and tensions and I wanted less of that and more of what I was promised.
Cherry by Nico Walker. If the Heroin Diaries met fiction met Dopesick met memoir because apparently part of this story is true (this longform Buzzfeed article is fascinating), it would result in this book. It’s a fucking mess that reads like a stream of consciousness inside the mind of an addict with PTSD but it’s also what made it interesting to read. I didn’t love it but I liked it a lot. If graphic descriptions of war violence, murder, and drug use bother you, this needs to be a pass. Also, several dogs are killed in the book which was unpleasant to read. Oh, fun fact: he’s in prison and wrote the book in prison.
Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. I. Loved. This. Book. So much. It’s everything I prefer in my nonfiction and, more than that, it makes such a strong case for the societal value of libraries that if anyone says libraries don’t deserve funding or are outdated institutions or do nothing for their communities, they should be locked in a room with nothing but a library copy of this book. THEN we can have a chat. He talks about places other than libraries and that’s cool, too.
Evidence of the Affair by Taylor Jenkins Reid. You all know how much I love her books, and this short story is no exception. My main complaint, though, is that it was too short. I would have gladly read this as a full-length novel. I devoured it in maybe an hour. It’s clever, creative, and ends so satisfactorily. My favorite part, though, was the mention of Daisy Jones. That was a great little Easter egg.
Dopesick by Beth Macy. This book does for the opiod epidemic what Missoula does for campus rape. It’s a no-holds- barred account, tracing the origins of the epidemic, and how it’s been able to persist, using specific cases to highlight her data and research. It’s heartbreaking, raw, frightening, and one of the saddest books I’ve read this year.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig. The single best book I’ve read about depression and anxiety. I related on so many levels and if you deal with mental health issues, I cannot recommend it enough. Especially if you feel hopeless or alone. It inspired me to think about own reasons to stay alive (you can read that here if you want) and I think I’m going to buy a copy so I can reread when things get bad. He does have a stream-of-consciousness style at times so if that gets on your nerves, be warned.
Ghosted by Rosie Walsh. I put this in the TJR/Jennifer Weiner category of books. Chick lit but heavier on the lit side. It’s not a lighthearted book, even though it has its moments. It’s a story of love, grief, tragedy, hope, and the pain in the ass that is modern communication (although that plays a minor part later on in the book). Her writing is quite good, and I’m looking forward to more of her books.
TL; DR: I loved almost everything I read this month. Lots of nonfiction, which is unusual since I generally only read one nonfiction per month. Dopesick was outstanding but if you struggle with reading about drug use and addiction then maybe it’s not for you. Burden isn’t a must-read. Neither is Cherry. But they’re both good enough.
Currently reading Daisy Jones and the Six by TJR and Heartland by Sarah Smarsh.
Now it’s your turn! Bloggers, link up and show us your books. Nonbloggers, tell me what you read in the comments. Don’t forget to visit my co-host, Steph, and some of the other bloggers sharing their reads. It’s a perfect time of year to do it, too, with the holidays coming up. Lots of good books to find, buy, and gift!
Next SUYB is December 11.
Okay, now talk to me, Goose!
Loading InLinkz ...
I loved the Daisy Jones reference in Evidence of the Affair! It threw me off for a second, thinking it maybe wasn’t a made-up band! LOL. I really want to read Ghosted, too.
You read more non-fiction in a month than I have this entire year!
I got Evidence of the Affair from prime reading. Im thinking ill read it this month. Such a cool reading month for you.
Kay recently posted…Reading Lately
I love Reid too, off to get her short story. Thanks for another great review.
xo
Pinksole
You really do have a lot of nonfiction here! Inspiring me to break out of my fiction mold and pick up one of these though – I’m really fascinated by the idea of Palaces for the People. Also I love the description of “chick lit, heavier on the lit” because that’s what I’m looking for in a book like that. I feel like some of my favorites, like Joshilyn Jackson and Liane Moriarty and TJR fit that pretty well, so knowing it’s in that category helps me know it’s probably one to keep on my to-read list!
I’ve heard of none of these books! One of the reasons that I love this link up! Ghosted sounds like my kind of read and just added it to the TBR list!
I tried to read Ghosted after I saw someone recommend it, and I couldn’t get past the second chapter. I think I’m just too cynical to believe the insta-love that they had in the first chapter. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try it again, because I was legit curious what the hell happened to Eddie.
I’m not surprised in the least, but I just finished up Dopesick this month, and had the exact same thoughts as you. I’m super interested in Cherry, because of your description, but my library has yet to own that one.- ditto for the Reasons to Stay Alive. Can’t wait to get my hands on both of those.
I STILL need to read something by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I plan to. So many of her books sound great, and how fun she had a little Easter egg for her next book in the short story! Love that.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Better Not Pout by Annabeth Albert
Dopesick keeps coming up as an Audible recommendation for me and I’ve been so torn about whether to get it or not. Sounds like it’s worth the time – thanks for the review!
Adding so many to my tbr list! Dopesick sounds interesting. It’s not my normal read, but I live in Ohio which is extremely affected by the opiod epidemic and I’d really love to be more informed. The Matt Haig book and TJR books sound great, too. Thanks for sharing (& hosting)!
Audrey recently posted…What I Read…
You’ve given me so many good books to read! I’m so excited
Reasons & Palaces sound intriguing!
I am always looking for nonfiction books that wont bore me to death!
I can’t believe the amount of nonfiction I’m taking on this year but I will never reach these levels LOL
Didnt even know TJR had a short story out – good to know!
I’m so jealous you’re reading Daisy. I didn’t get the NetGalley, but I am anxiously awaiting its debut 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think of it! I need to read Evidence of the Affair; I grabbed it on Kindle recently.
Yay, so glad you enjoyed Evidence of the Affair! I’m with you that I could’ve read an entire book of it, too. Can’t wait for Daisy Jones. Ghosted is on hold at the library – glad it’s a decent read.
I read ZERO books last month. Again. Right now I feel too much anxiety to read. Normally, reading is my happy place but if I read something “happy”, I’m like how can you people be happy because XYZ is happening in the real world. And if I read something murdery (which you know is my favorite), I’m all death and gloom afterwards. 😀 I had hoped after the election I’d be in a better place and I am but then Thousand Oaks and wildfires and oh my god when will life be sane again!
I have Daisy Jones from Netgalley but because I’m in a funk, I”m worried that it will affect my enjoyment of the book. The flip side, of course, is that it could also break my funk too! 😀 Mackenzie recommended Reasons to Stay Alive to me as well. I need to check it out. If I remember correctly, my library did not have a copy which made me grumpy. I need to recommend it to them. They are actually pretty good about buying recommendations. I also received Ghosted from Pam, one of the SUYB participants) who graciously mailed me a few books as part of your anniversary celebration last month. Glad to see you enjoyed it!
I am really glad that you enjoyed Reasons To Stay Alive. I too need to purchase my own copy to have with me .
Mackenzie recently posted…Currently: The What Day Is It Edition
i also totally would have accepted a full length novel instead of TJR’s novella. but it was a super fun surprise! i totally missed the mention of daisy jones, i don’t believe it! i’ll have to go back and reread it. hmm. i keep hearing about Ghosted, will have to put it on the list. i read one of matt haig’s fiction books and didn’t love it, but i am intrigued by that nonfiction one.
I love the library so I’m definitely intrigued by Palaces for the People. How can anyone not be pro library? I think a lot of people don’t realize just how much they offer.
I’m a huge fan of chicklit books, but I love how TJR books always seem deeper, and the way you described that as being more on the lit side is so good! I’m definitely going to add Ghosted to my list. I’m also adding the TJR short story, just because I love her books so much!
I looove me a good nonfiction book and I loooove a library so I think I’ll put Palaces for the People on the ol’ TBR! Scritches to Barkley.
Kimberly recently posted…Ollie and Murphy: a quiet moment
I thought Dopesick was really good and yes, definitely very sad! Cherry sounds interesting as well – adding to my list!
I always love that you read the same kind of weird non-fiction that I do. Adding some of those to my list!
Adding both Palaces and Reasons to Stay Alive to my list. Hadn’t heard of either! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Daisy Jones. Thanks for hosting!
I share your thoughts on Ghosted – I am looking forward to more from her in the future. I have yet to read any Matt Haig but that sounds like such an interesting book and a good place to start. I know he also recently published a teen/middle grade type book on anxiety and mental health which sounds so good too. (The Truth Pixie)
Heather recently posted…Book Talk – Show us Your Books November!
Putting Ghosted on my list.
I want to read Evidence of the Affair but, like you said, I’m “afraid” it’ll be too short and I’ll just want more to read.