I’ve always strived to read lot’s of different types of books, and particularly memoirs to get a look into peoples lives. So I feel that my taste in book is diverse and what I reach for is never discriminated. The BLM movement that has been going strong lately reignited my need and want to make sure I read a variety of diverse books. And I don’t just mean in color, but also in genre, culture, language, geography, history and every which way a book can be. At the same time I hit the popular lists for inspiration.
I picked these 9 books and I’ll start here, but please drop me a comment if you have any suggestions that I can add to my ever growing pile! And feel free to read along with me and share your experience and views!
Lab girl by Hope Jahren
Lab girl is a memoir from 2016 that I bought the second it came out and that has been stuck in my endless TBR since then. When I saw it was on Obama’s recommendation list of 2019 I decided I couldn’t put it off any longer! This is a book that mixes a persons love for something I know nothing about – botany – and a life. Two things I always love reading about and find interesting, how people live and the stuff they like. Memoirs truly is one of my favorite genres!
Ask again, yes by Mary Beth Keane
I grew up in the suburbs of Oslo, and the cover of the book almost looks like where I grew up. (So much for not judging books by their cover!) My dad and his best friend worked together in the music industry (my mom worked in the police) and our families were super close until one day we weren’t. I don’t know what happens in the book yet, but I know life is full of surprises. And I can’t wait to read a story that begins similar to my own.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I sat glued to Oprah’s book club 2 hour special on this book. I’ve read so many comment sections on book club sites and people are ranting! It’s love or it’s hate. It’s complete disgust or a life changing experience. Or so it seems. American dirt is about Lydia that is forced to flee with her son Luca from Acapulco to America. The discussion is on whether the author “should” be writing a story like this that she hasn’t lived. I can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about!
America is in the heart by Carlos Bulosan
I’ve collected a stack of Filipino books. Partly to get to know my heritage, and partly because the part I know, I miss. After living in the Philippines for years, I can’t believe I haven’t read more local literature. America is in the heart is a classic, first published in 1947 about a young farm boy from the Philippines catching a boat to America in search for the American dream. It’s a biographical book about Bulosan’s own life and portrays an immigrants life in the 30’s – something I know little of.
Red, white & royal blue by Casey McQuiston
I wasn’t actually aware that this was an LGBTQ book when I bought it and when it comes to genre’s I still say it falls under YA and romance. All kinds of love is still love in my book, and this one has gotten rave reviews. Perfect for a summer train ride, a day by the lake or hanging out in the park! It’s been a minute since I read a romance book, so I’m excited to add one to my summer list!
Olive, again by Elizabeth Strout
Again, watching Oprah’s book club on apple tv + I saw an interview with Elizabeth Strout about Olive, again and I completely fell in love with the author and how she talked about Olive. Olive Kitteridge that is, the main character of her pulitzer prize winning book with the name title. I hadn’t read Olive Kitteridge so I picked up a copy of that one first, and fell in love with Olive. I’m so glad to read more of her stories in Olive, again. Elizabeth Strout sure is a beautiful writer.
City of girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
I love Elizabeth Gilberts writing and while I haven’t read all her books this one jumped out at me after reading a review that said “shows women not to be ashamed of who they are” or something like that. Either way, it’s set in the 40’s New York and is promised to be a fun and bubbly read, like champagne. I don’t particularly like the taste of champagne, but I always get the giggles from the bubbles, so cheers to that.
On the come up by Angie Thomas
One of the most notable books of last year for me was The hate you give. It was extremely timely and important, and it was so real we’ve been finding ourselves reliving it every month. (Possibly week? day?) It was made into a great movie too, and was fitting for young adults and grownups alike. Since I liked the last book so much, I decided to also give On the come up a try. It’s about 16 year old Bri who wants to become a rapper and the authors ode to hip hop.
Normal people by Sally Rooney
Everybody has been talking about Sally Rooney’s books and I cannot believe I haven’t read any of them yet. Because Normal people now also has been made into a series I desperately want to watch, I figured I’d start there. From what I’ve heard, it’s a love story that most people can relate to.
So that’s my nine for the summer!
Marie III 