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cardigan c/o // jeans (similar) // slippers c/o
A silver lining of this period of self-quarantine is that there is extra time for us to read. Every day I am opening up my book and reading for hours. This also means that I am constantly looking for book recommendations. I do have a list of books to read, but I am always up for hearing suggestions. This past winter I didn’t read as much as I would have liked to. There were a few books I couldn’t put down and one I had trouble getting through. I am grateful that I now have the time to devour through page after page. If you are looking for a new book to read, here is what I read this past winter plus a review.
What is there not to love about the era of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll in the late ’60s and ’70s? Daisy Jones & The Six is about a fake rock band from the ’70s. Set in the present, the band members reminisce about their time together through a series of interviews. Flower child Daisy Jones was the “it” girl of the ’70s who is trying to make it as a serious singer-songwriter. The Six is a rock band created by Billy Dunne and his brother Graham, who are making waves in the music industry. When Daisy and The Six cross paths legendary music is created, but not without its ups and downs… it is rock ‘n roll after all.
Review
Daisy Jones & The Six has been on my list of books to read for a while now. I am so happy I finally decided to read it, it’s now in my top favorite books. This is one that I could not put down. At first I was a little skeptical of it being written as an interview, but I quickly got over it. My only complaint is that this isn’t a real band. I have to sheepishly admit I Googled the band, in the beginning, to double-check and make sure they weren’t real. I am a pretty big fan of ’70s rock music but you never know, I could have been missing out on a great band. Anyway, I wish they were real as the music they created and the songs that they sang sound incredible. What happens during their process of creating what is dubbed the best album of the ’70s, is a story of kismet as well a turmoil. I hope they turn this book into a movie.
The second I heard that Jessica Simpson was writing a tell-all type book, I knew I had to read it. I have always liked Jessica Simpson but was much more of a Britney girl myself during the late ’90s early ’00s. Still, I wanted to know what was written in this book. I ended up listening to it on audio which, I feel, made it a better experience as Jessica herself narrates. When there are moments of sadness you can hear it in her voice, adding a depth to the words. There is a lot I already knew about Jessica Simpson, but there was so much that has happened to her that I was blown away by. I texted my sister and told her she needed to read it, that there were so many “I can’t believe this happened” moments and I wasn’t even at the part where she became famous. She talks about trying to make it in the music business, her marriage to Nick, her alcohol abuse, her on-and-off-again relationship to John Mayer, and more. One thing that I really liked about the book, and have always liked about Jessica, is how strong her faith is. She does talk a lot about God and her faith, which I felt very comforting. If you are someone who danced around your room to “I Think I’m In Love With You”, then Open Book is for you!
Another book that has been on my “to read” list and never got around to. Since it is now on Hulu, I wanted to read Little Fires Everywhere before watching the mini-series. It’s about a suburban family, the Richardsons, in the ’90s living in Shaker Heights, Ohio. When Mia Warren, an artist, and her daughter Pearl arrive in town and rents a house from the Richardsons. Meanwhile, an old friend of Elena Richardsons tries to adopt a Chinese-American baby that was found at the local fire station. When the mother of the baby tries to get her back, a custody battle erupts and sides are taken. Elena, suspicious of Mia and her involvement in the case, is determined to uncover the secret past of Mia that she has been hiding from not only from Elena but Mia’s daughter Pearl.
Review
When I first shared that I was reading Little Fires Everywhere on my IG Story I received mixed reviews in my DMs. Personally I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention and I wanted to know what secret would be unveiled next. I am also a little bias as it is set in Ohio, so I enjoyed the historical parts of the book about the community. Anyway, there are many layers to the book. You have the custody battle that weighs in on race and the rights of biological mothers and who is fit to parent. The dynamic of societal class, forgotten dreams, and jealousy between Elena and Mia. Then there are the relationships between family and friends. I highly suggest this book and to read it before watching the mini-series because we all know the book is better than the show.
After her engagement ends, Geraldine is struggling with life in Toronto and dreams of moving to New York where her two closest friends, Sunny and Rachel, live. After finally taking the leap of faith and moving, Geraldine tries to find her footing in a world of publication that is fleeting due to the impact of social media. Rachel and Sunny, both having a hand in a popular magazine, try to navigate what is left of the publishing world and figuring out their future and careers. Each holds a friendship with each other that is wildly different and their lives are so different after all these years. How Could She is about friendship dynamics and the secrets you keep, career choices you make, and trusting that everything will work out in the end.
Review
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately, it wasn’t a favorite of mine. I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing really does. I will say at different points of the book I could relate to each character which kept me going. They felt real, a part of me and also someone I may know and be friends with. I mostly related to Geraldine trying to make it in the influencer world and friends not understanding what she is doing. The power dynamics of their friendships is the main focal point of the book and holds a lot of meaning and depth to it. I could really relate and think we all can. I have friendships that I will always respect and cherish but we have outgrown each other. I have been the person trying to hold onto a friendship that is no longer as strong as it used to be and I have been the one to cut off friendships for toxic reasons. What I did not like about the book is the lack of support between the 3 of them. Each is trying to hold on to their friendship but are not communicating and not supporting each other. There is an underline jealousy of their friendship that is unhealthy. I like reading about strong female friendships that lift each other up and cheer each other on. Unfortunately, I know first hand that this isn’t always real life. The most compelling part of the book was their massive fight. Although, as I mentioned, I prefer to read about healthier friendships, their fight was the most climactic part. I mean who doesn’t like to read about a little drama. I do believe this is one that will have mixed reviews. As I mentioned I wasn’t the biggest fan, but I can also see some people really liking it.