Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret | Judy Blume

Having never read the book, this was a delightful revisit to a novel that could have been on my shelf. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that cracks you open and makes you remember the heart and spirit of your younger self. I am looking forward to watching its film adaptation.

When He Was Wicked | Julia Quinn

Slipped in another Bridgerton read. I can see why some fans would have wanted Francesca’s story included in the television adaptation series. The read was still a good one. As my friend and I would say, It’s like eating cake.

The Briar Club | Kate Quinn

Centred on the 1950s post-war era, The Briar Club features characters of Brair Woodhouse, a female boarding place. Although highly rated, this one did not scratch the fictional itch I was looking for when I read this.

A Gentleman and a ThIEf | Dean Jobb

Not only a professor of mine but also a local writer who riveted the world this year with this true crime story. Dean writes in a visually captivating tone that leaves your imagination nothing to desire. After sitting through a handful of his lectures, it’s no surprise that he leaves no stone unturned in this book. Anyone interested in true crime will find this a tremendous rapid read.

Nocturnal | Wilder

For those who like art mixed with poetic words, this book of poetry is beautifully made—a work of art in and of itself.

The Inheritance Games | Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A high school student finds herself in the centre of a dead billionaire’s pre-planned game to launch his family into a mystery after his death. With no known connection to this man or his family, protagonist Avery Grambs must decide how willing she is to follow the terms of the will or risk losing it all.
A great young adult read that is worth a film adaptation.

In the Dream House | Carmen Maria Machado

I used this book to study the use of metaphor. It’s haunting in its delivery and captivating in it’s entirety—a memoir to remember.

The Echo Wife | Sarah Gailey

A psychological thriller wrapped up in an eerie sci-fi concept. This book could easily be a Black Mirror episode. Highly recommend if this genre is your thing.

Family Values | Dr. Charles Sophy

If you are looking for an easy and quick read with prompts to help you re-orient your compass for a ‘team’ mentality in your family, this was great. Specifically in the sphere of intergenerational trauma/cycles, the way this book is packaged helps any partner/parent process the work they need to do on themselves and their history to navigate a safer environment for family evolution. .

Liturgy of the Ordinary | Tish Harrison Warren

Growing up under the Christian tradition, I have a connection to that which is meditative as an act of prayer. Recently, I read that art and creativity in and of itself is prayer. The act of it. In this book, Tish allows us to follow along to see how our ordinary lives give room for the mindful and prayerful moments, so many of us crave a conceptual da. I may not attend a church or relate as strongly to the tradition that raised me anymore, but I still live with mindfulness of how I can connect deeper and broader to the Divine.

Good Prose | Tracey Kidder and Richard Todd

A great read for any nonfiction writer. I appreciated the topics and pacing of this compact book.

Pines: Wayward Pines 1 | Blake Crouch

Recommended by my partner, who has become a reader of Dystopian books - I found this a great window into his new niche and am looking forward to picking up the sequal.