Oops—I’ve been so focused on running the Seattle half marathon that I forgot to post my November Lit List. I think I’m still on a runner’s high. The adrenaline rush I felt crossing that finish line was incredible and I’m already fantasizing about where to run my next race. But first, I’m ready to give my body a break and curl up on the couch with a good book. Here are the five new(ish) releases that I can’t wait to tuck into…
Becoming by Michelle Obama
There are so many things I admire about our former First Lady: that she’s a strong working mom, that she’s an outspoken proponent of healthy eating and exercise, that she’s setting a positive example for all our kids, girls and boys alike (“when they go low, we go high.”) Even though it just came out, I’m already burning through her memoir. Michelle Obama is one of those women who we feel like we already know because of her public persona, but it’s fascinating to hear the story in her own words, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago to living in the White House.
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
While plenty of nonfiction books have already come out about the current administration, Barbara Kingsolver’s new novel may be one of the first to explore the political and social climate right this very minute. “The Bullhorn” isn’t the main character in the book, which tells the story of two New Jersey families in the same town 140 years apart (the earlier being the Civil War era)—and two main characters whose lives, somewhat shockingly, start to echo each other.
Melmoth by Sarah Perry
I couldn’t put down Sarah Perry’s novel The Essex Serpent, so I had to get the equally spellbinding follow-up. The title refers to one of the women who saw Jesus rise from his tomb, but later denied what she saw and was cursed to wander the earth in loneliness. Although this story is set in modern-day Prague, Perry builds a “monster” who appears to people who have failed at a moral choice. It’s a smartly written horror story that explores love, ethics, and how we build our own prisons of guilt.
The Dark Between Stars by Atticus
If you haven’t heard of him, Atticus is an Instagram poet, or rather, a poet who became famous on Instagram. His second collection of poems—the first was a national bestseller!—is about the highs and lows of everyday life, or rather, how life comes with both darkness and stars. Atticus’s poetry is relatable without being dumbed-down, and thoroughly modern without feeling cold.
Cooking with Scraps by Lindsay-Jean Hard
I’m always looking for ways to reduce my impact on the planet. Starting a garden was a big part of that, and I love cooking with the fresh fruit and vegetables that come from it. But whenever I’m left with a rind or a stem, I wonder, “What the heck am I supposed to do with this?” Lindsay Jean-Hard’s cookbook is all about cooking with the produce parts that people usually toss out, turning them into insanely delicious meals that you’d never consider “scraps.” Olive-oil poached broccoli stems on ricotta toast? Yes, please.
9 Comments
Hanna
Hey Gen!
I am sooo looking forward to read “Becoming” by Michelle Obama, too. But I am going to get it as a christmas present so I’ll have to wait for some time until I can finally read it. However there are other books I plan on reading this year. For example “Goodnight stories for rebel girls” and a book written by a trans woman about cis sexism.
My most favourite books I’ve read so far are probably “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”, “Dear Martin” and “A very large Expanse of Sea”.
Kind regards,
Hanna
Kim
I said this on your IG page but it is a goal of mine to read Michelle Obama’s book. Hopefully I will be able to do this soon. The book of poems sounds nice. My life right now feels like darkness upon darkness every day and I could use some stars. Thanks for giving us a good book list.
April
Thank you for this post, Gen! I am absolutely interested in the dark between stars!
Mia
Funny enough, I just finished Becoming by Michelle Obama a week or so ago. I actually went to one of the book ‘discussions’ that she was having during her book tour. She was amazing and there was so much positive energy there and she kept making us laugh ❤️
Melissa
If you take suggestions, you should definitely check out Pinpoints of Light by April Giaque. She is a local author and I went to her book launch party tonight in Austin and she talked about her book which shares her story from victim to victor and escaping the abyss of domestic violence. There was also a presentation from a local advocacy group, safeaustin.org. It would be great to have an influencer speak up about these issues. I know you’ve done great things for the community in Austin before so I thought I would bring this to your attention. 🙂
Jen Finley
Becoming was an amazing read! Michelle Obama is a very classy lady who just rises above. I am adding Melmoth to my reading list. It sounds wonderful. Way to go on the 5K, Gen!
Shannon
Great choices! Reading is so rewarding. Thanks for using your platform to promote it.
JESSICA LOZANO
Hi Gen!
Congratulations on your marathon accomplishment!! Very exciting. I just finished a wonderful book by Sheryl Sandberg – Lean in – Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. Great motivational read, I loved it!! Thank you for all the great info. Can’t wait for some Christmas blogging 🙂
Have a great weekend.
Jess
Annalisa
I absolutely loved ”The Essex Serpent”, finding such a beautiful young voice in Sarah Perry. Thank you for recommending her newest novel. I will be reading it with pleasure!