My Favorite Reads of 2022

Another year has come and gone, which means I am here again to share my favorite books. Does anyone read this? Probably not, but it’s really more for me, which is good because I never post it in a timely manner anyway. As I’m typing this, it’s nearly two in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve, but what day will it be once we reach the end of this post? Only time will tell!

I read 43 books this year. I missed my goal by two, but of that 43 only four were rereads (which is a dramatic improvement from last year when 19 of 46 books were rereads). I read a lot of great books, so without further ado and in no particular order, here are my favorites of the year.

Little by Edward Carey^

Little was the first book my book club read this year and it ended up being everyone’s favorite. The novel tells the incredible story of the tumultuous early life of the little girl who would become Madame Tussaud. It follows her from a small village in Switzerland to Paris and Versailles amidst the French Revolution, and, as you can imagine, shit gets crazy. The author is also a wonderful artist, so there were cool (and creepy) illustrations throughout that I really loved.

“When my breastbone starts to hurt, and my throat tightens, and tears well in my eyes, I want to look away from feeling. I want to deflect with irony, or anything else that will keep me from feeling directly. We all know how loving ends. But I want to fall in love with the world anyway, to let it crack me open. I want to feel what there is to feel while I am here.”

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

I fucking love John Green. The essays in this book range in topic from sunsets and “our capacity for wonder” to Diet Dr Pepper and Penguins of Madagascar, all rated on a five-star scale. They are beautiful and so personal, and I’m so grateful to John for sharing so much of himself. I was laughing and crying the whole time.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Never have I ever read a story with two more unhinged teenage girls. Casey McQuiston has a talent for characterization, and Chloe and Shara were absolutely feral in the best possible way. I also love how they wrote about the complicated relationship you can have with a (small, conservative) hometown that doesn’t always love you back. 

“Not knowing for certain, but refusing to give way to those who claim certainty, was a privilege I had never allowed myself. My life was narrated for me by others. Their voices were forceful, emphatic, absolute. It had never occurred to me that my voice might be as strong as theirs.”

Educated by Tara Westover*^

Word of advice: Do not go into this book uninformed. (I almost said “uneducated,” but I stopped myself.) I only had a vague idea of what this memoir was about, so I was not at all prepared for how dark and gruesome many parts are. It is beautiful, but very heavy so take care when reading.

Forget the Alamo by Jason Stanford, Bryan Burrough, and Chris Tomlinson*

If you grew up in Texas, you took at least one Texas history course in elementary or high school (I’m pretty sure I had two) and you probably think you know your stuff, but I’m here to tell you that you don’t. Forget the Alamo does an incredible job of laying out the before, during, and after of the Battle of the Alamo, and explains all that led to the Alamo myth we know (and are still taught!) today. If you grew up in Texas, this is a must-read. If you didn’t grow up here, this will probably shed some light on why Texans are the way we are about Texas.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez*^

A beautiful coming-of-age novel that follows a daughter of Mexican immigrants after the death of her “perfect” sister that left my heart feeling tender and raw. There are so many layers in this story—grief, depression, generational trauma—but my favorite was the relationship between Julia and her parents, especially her mom. It’s totally heartbreaking, but clings to hope all the same.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

An incredibly cute and very heartwarming graphic novel about a prince with a secret life and a dressmaker with big dreams. I loved the art, the sweet story, and aaall of the dresses.

“Sometimes it feels like we are only this: moments of knowing and unknowing one another. A sound that is foreign until it’s familiar. A drill that’s a scream until it’s a drill. Sometimes it’s nothing more than piecing together the ways in which our hearts have all broken over the same moments, but in different places. But that’s romantic. Sometimes it’s realer than that.”

Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T. Kira Madden*^

A coming-of-age memoir with a special focus on the author’s relationship with her parents—how parents can love so much, but sometimes still fall short as all humans do. The trauma and pain is balanced well with dark humor and lyrical writing. It was probably my favorite memoir of the year.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun^

If you love reality dating shows, you will love this book. If you hate reality dating shows, you will also love this book. It’s a goddamn delight. I loved the humor, the characters (especially Parisa), and the focus on mental health, sexuality, and acceptance.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I’m typically never drawn to fantasy books and anything with “faeries” specifically has always caused my eyes to roll, but listen—I was #influenced and I loved every goddamn second of it. The story was exciting, fun, and surprisingly dark, and it’s been a very long time since I was so sucked into a world like that. So just give in to it, folks! Read the sexy faerie books!

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy*

I’m pretty sure every Julie Murphy book I’ve read has ended up on my favorites list for that year. She can do no wrong in my eyes, and her first middle grade novel was no exception! Sweet Pea is navigating her parents’ divorce and ex-best friends and everything else that comes with being in middle school—but has also managed to (partially and secretly) take over her eccentric neighbor’s advice column in the local newspaper. This story is sweet, fun, and heartfelt—the perfect middle grade read.

Real Hero Shit by Kendra Wells

This is the gayest and horniest fantasy romp, and my only complaint is that it isn’t 1,000 pages long (thankfully there’s a sequel in the works!). Eugene is such a delightful and ridiculous character, and I can’t wait for more adventures with our favorite prince of chaos.

Honorable mentions: How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper; Lumberjanes by Grace Ellis, ND Stevenson, and Shannon Watters; Seven Days In June by Tia Williams^

As always, I’ve linked back to my favorite independent bookstore, BookPeople, but I encourage you to support any indie bookstore you love. If you’re not in a position to spend (or if you, like me, just should not be buying more books), support your local library instead!

- Maggie

* Borrowed from the library

^ ICYMI Book Club pick

My Favorite Reads of 2021

Let’s start with some stats to give you an idea of the headspace I was in last year.

Of the 46 books I read, 19 of them were rereads. Ten of those rereads were The Princess Diaries series on audiobook. The remaining books mostly consisted of romances, mysteries, and a handful of celebrity memoirs. 2021 was definitely a year of comfort reads.

But it’s definitely what I needed. There were only a few times last year when I felt like I could mentally/emotionally handle something more “literary” or with a weightier subject matter (God, could you imagine trying to read something like A Little Life right now? Or, like, ever?*), despite having many, many books that fit that description on my TBR list. I’m hopeful that 2022 will require far fewer rereads and see a better balance overall, but, you know, we’ll see how that goes given *gestures broadly*.

Without further ado, here are my favorite new reads of last year (in no particular order because I had a hard enough time narrowing them down this much).

Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon

I have always enjoyed reading memoirs because I enjoy reading about people, to put it simply, but I also really admire the courage it takes to share so much of yourself. Even comic memoirs require a certain amount of vulnerability—then there are the memoirs like Heavy, where it feels like the author has laid themselves bare in front of you. Laymon shares about his complicated relationship with his mother and his body and growing and living as Black boy/man, and does so so beautifully and generously.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series by Jenny Han

Lara Jean’s story is the perfect mixture of fun, love, and heartache, and I ate it all up. I listened to the entire series on audiobook courtesy of the Austin Public Library (often while I was baking), and it was such a delight. Audiobooks, especially YA, can be really hit or miss with the narrators, but I thought that Ali Ahn did a fantastic job.

“Back then, though, it never occurred to me to question any of these stories. It was always my religion to believe anything anyone told me.”

Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood

If I remember correctly, everyone in my book club heartily disliked this book except for me, and I loved it. It was hilarious and touching, and often hit close to home as a person who grew up in a conservative Christian family. (The quote above literally made me say “WHEW” out loud.) I really admired Lockwood’s writing and the way she easily moved from humor to sincerity.

Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame by Mara Wilson

I was expecting to enjoy this book because Mara Wilson just seems delightful as a person, but there were parts of her story that really resonated with me. I enjoyed learning more about her life in and out of acting, and was especially moved by what she shared about her struggles with OCD and coping with the death of her mother.

Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York by Elon Green

The best serial killer books aren’t really about the serial killer at all, and Last Call is a prime example. You learn so much about the victims and the investigators, as well as the city and gay community during the ‘80s and ‘90s, before you learn anything about the man who committed these terrible crimes. Green does an incredible job crafting the story and even manages an impressive twist that I did not see coming.

“‘Mere’ is an interesting word. A safe one. One can never be less than ‘mere.’ It is someplace to start. For instance, I am a mere storyteller. But who knows what I might accomplish from such a humble platform?”

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire

Egg & Spoon is a middle grade novel inspired by Russian folktales and myths that follows Elena and Cat, two young girls whose paths cross and tangle, leading them on the adventure across Russia. I’ve always enjoyed Gregory Maguire’s writing, but I was still surprised by just how much I loved this book. It was a joy to read, especially literally every scene with Baba Yaga (who may be one of my favorite characters of all time).

Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb

This memoir is written in the voice of the author’s grandmother, almost as if the two of them are having a conversation, and it’s so moving, funny, and full of love. Grandmas are so good, the absolute best of us. [insert 45 crying emojis here]

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston has blessed us with another queer love story, and this one has everything: time travel, questionable subway sex, a lot of breakfast food, and more. One Last Stop is just as hilarious and fun as her first novel, but you can feel that this story is a little more personal, a little closer to home, and I think that shows most in the characterization of August’s found family and the love that they share.

The Box In the Woods by Maureen Johnson

If you love ‘70s summer camp serial killer vibes, this is the book for you. The Box In the Woods is the latest Stevie Bell mystery, but is a stand-alone from the Truly Devious trilogy. There are references to the Ellingham case, but no spoilers, so you could read this even if you haven’t read the first three (but you should definitely still read those). I love these books and I hope MJ writes 1,000 more.

 

“You gotta know about the history of your people. How you got to be here, that’s all based on what people done to get you here. Us bears, you Indians, we been through a lot. They tried to kill us. But then when you hear them tell it, they make history seem like one big heroic adventure across an empty forest. There were bears and Indians all over the place. Sister, they slit all our throats.”

There There by Tommy Orange

I think this may have been my favorite book of the year. Orange’s characters and their stories really stuck with me, and his writing is absolutely beautiful. Reading this also made me realize how few books I’ve read that were written by Native authors and/or feature Native characters. I’ve been remiss, and look forward to reading many more. (While writing this post, I found out that not only is Orange working on another novel, but it’s apparently a sequel to There There and I am FEELING THINGS.)

Honorable mentions: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (a solid recommendation from my favorite reading cousin, Julia ☺), Yearbook by Seth Rogen

As always, I’ve linked to BookPeople if you’d like to support my favorite independent bookstore, but really any indie will do. If you don’t have the funds to support an independent bookstore right now, then I aggressively encourage you to support your local library instead. (I was able to read/listen to seven of the books mentioned here thanks to Austin Public Library!)

-Maggie

* If you’re thinking of reading A Little Life, I instead encourage you to go outside, feel the warmth of the sun on your face, and marvel at, like, the sound of birdsong or something. You may be saying “Oh, but I love sad books that leave me as a hollow shell of a person.” No, you don’t. Not like this. There is sad and upsetting and emotionally devastating and then there is literal torture. I’m not saying that Hanya Yanagihara is a sadist who keeps people locked in her basement, but all the same it might be a good idea to check.

My Favorite Reads of 2020

Listen, let's not even talk about how emotionally scarring the last year has been and just get right to the books instead. (Also, let's ignore the fact that it's the middle of February and I'm just now finishing this.)

I was just one book away from meeting my reading goal for the year, which is a bit of a bummer, but I still read six more books than I did in 2019 so I'm calling it a win. (Besides, everybody should just cut themselves some slack right now.)

You get eleven favorite books this year. I always try to narrow down my lists to a more manageable number, but as usual it proved to be impossible. (Clearly, as I couldn't even knock one off to make it an even ten.) There was nothing I could do—I loved all of these books. I've never been very good at discerning favorites among favorites either, so these are in no particular order. Enjoy!

"People don't just happen. We sacrifice former versions of ourselves. We sacrifice the people who dared to raise us. The 'I' it seems doesn't exist until we are able to say, 'I am no longer yours.'"

How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones

We are truly fortunate to live in a world at the same time as Saeed Jones. His memoir takes us through growing up Black and gay in the South, and his relationships with his grandmother and mother. His writing is beautiful and true, and I loved every minute of this book.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Despite being an English major and classics like Little Women being extremely my shit, I had somehow never read it before this year. I was determined to do so before seeing the new movie, and I'm so glad I did. It's just good. I enjoyed the characters, the story, and the language so much; everything about it felt warm and light. The movie is wonderful in its own right, but (as it usually goes) the book is better and well-worth the read.

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

To absolutely no one's surprise, the conclusion to the Truly Devious series was one of my favorite reads of the year. (If you'll recall, Truly Devious was a favorite of 2018 and The Vanishing Stair was an honorable mention in 2019.) I don't think this is my favorite of the series, but I loved the way it came together as a whole. I've enjoyed everything Maureen Johnson has written, but I think she's truly found her niche, and I'm so glad she's giving us another Stevie Bell mystery with The Box in the Woods (out in June!)

Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This is not only a great and very funny novel, but a great example of how "well-meaning" white people often end up making situations more difficult, and oftentimes dangerous, for Black people. A good reminder for white people to listen to Black people, and examine what the intent or purpose behind our actions really are.

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

When Maggie Holt was five, she and her parents moved into Baneberry Hall, only to flee in the dead of night three weeks later. Maggie has no memory of the ghostly encounters that caused them to leave so suddenly, and has always been skeptical of her father's account in his (wildly popular) book House of Horrors—until she returns to Baneberry Hall twenty-five years later. I will continue to read everything Riley Sager puts out because he can write a goddamn thriller, folks! I loved the spooky, supernatural twist to this story (even if it did make it hard to go to sleep some nights).

"What I'm saying is that girls hunger. And we're taught, from the moment our brains can take it, that there isn't enough food for us all."

Sawkill Girls by Claire LeGrand

I know I said I'm bad at picking favorites, but this might have been my favorite book I read last year.  The story follows Marion, Zoey, and Val, three girls on the island of Sawkill Rock—where girls have been disappearing without a trace for decades. It was delightfully creepy, and I loved how it displayed female friendships and relationships, and the strength and will power of girls. Teenage girls will kick your ass and save the world.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

I didn't realize how very little I really knew about this Golden State Killer until I read this book. Michelle McNamara did an incredible job of laying out the details and explaining every aspect of this case, but you never get lost in logistics or jargon. She reminds you every step of the way that everyone involved in this case is a human, a real person, and that the killer isn't a monster or a criminal mastermind, but a man who did terrible things and was just lucky to not get caught for decades. McNamara wrote with such fervor and care, and it keeps you hooked on the investigation even though we now (thankfully, finally) know the outcome.

Check, Please! Sticks & Scones by Ngozi Ukazu

Do you want to feel joy again? This comic is the perfect antidote to *gestures at everything* right now. The story of Bitty (a vlogger, former junior figure skating champion, and baker of many pies) and his hockey team is as funny as it is sweet, and the characters are so lovable. Sticks & Scones is the second and final in the series, and I definitely wept at the end because it's just so goddamn pure. (If you can't wait to get you hands on physical copies, most of the comic is still available online!)

This Will Be My Undoing by Morgan Jerkins

Simply put, this is an incredible book. Jerkins interweaves her experiences as a Black woman with commentary about pop culture, feminism, racism, misogyny, and Black history. I wrote out entire passages in my journal and filled up six pages before I just started writing page numbers to save time/my hand because it was all so good, so important. I highly recommend it, and am really looking forward to reading her latest Wandering in Strange Lands that came out last August.

“You will always struggle with not feeling productive until you accept that your own joy can be something you produce. It is not the only thing you will make, nor should it be, but it is something valuable and beautiful.”

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

I'd been looking forward to this book since reading An Absolutely Remarkable Thing (which you can read my review of here), but I had absolutely no idea what to expect storyline-wise, which made for a truly wild ride. It's hilarious, thoughtful, and weirdly timely considering it was written pre-pandemic (is Carl based on Hank?). I'm so glad we have this story.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

A 300-page novel told in verse that spans a sixty second elevator ride—the time it takes fifteen-year-old Will to decide whether or not he's going to shoot the guy who murdered his brother. I'm so glad I added this to my last To Read list and picked it up right away. This was my first Jason Reynolds, but definitely won't be my last. 

As always, I encourage you to support independent bookstores whenever you shop (especially after 2020), and if you're not in a position to buy, support your local library! (Just please don't buy a book off Am*zon ever again, if you're able to avoid it. Instead, support a Black-owned indie by purchasing your very own Fuck Jeff Bezos mug!)

-Maggie

To Read #002

Literally four years ago, I published my first "To Read" post. In an effort to knock down my exponentially growing to-read list and frankly shameful backlog, I had the idea that I would share a few books on my list and then, later, give brief reviews of each and share the next set I planned to read. I thought it was a great idea!

And then, true to form, I just... didn't do it.

I mean, I did read the books* eventually. I just read a bunch of other books in-between (not to mention it took me ages to get through Body Counts), so I never got around to writing my thoughts down or picking the next set. (I think my mistake may have been choosing six books. Six, I think, is too many.)

But now I'm back! Before getting into the next batch, here are my very brief thoughts for the books on #001.

1. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty - ★★★★
   Incredibly interesting, well-written, and will definitely make you rethink your ideas on death and the dead.
2. Us by David Nicholls - ★★★★★
   I originally questioned whether this book would be anywhere near as good as One Day (one of my favorites) and it definitely is—but in its own unique way. It was funny and sad and real, and I really enjoyed the characters and story.
3. Body Counts: A Memoir of Activism, Sex, and Survival by Sean Strub - ★★★★★
   Equal parts memoir and history book, Strub's story is told with such passion and love—but pulls no punches. Take your time with this one.
4. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides - ★★★
   I rounded up to three stars because Eugenides is an undeniably great writer (and it's obvious he knows this) and there were some passages I really loved, but I did not like this book. Save yourself some time and pass on this one.
5. Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling - ★★★★★
   Simply delightful, but I would expect nothing less from our dear Mindy.

On to the next set (of a hopefully more realistic four) books!

• Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

I've heard only wonderful things about Jason Reynolds, but have never gotten around to reading any of his work. A friend suggested I start here, and I'm really looking forward to finally digging in. A 300-page novel written in verse that spans the course of a 60-second elevator ride just sounds like it's gotta be good, right? 

• There There by Tommy Orange

When I worked at BookPeople, there were many times that a book would create an audible buzz around the store. Most had either read it or were waiting to get their hands on an ARC, and everyone was talking about it. There There was one of those books. It follows twelve characters from Native communities, all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow and all connected in ways they've yet to realize.

• Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

Solomon is agoraphobic and hasn't left his house in over three years. Lisa is determined to "fix" him (and get into the second-best psychology program in the country), so she and her boyfriend Clark befriend Solomon, but no one expects what comes next. John Corey Whaley is an author that I will just always buy books from, no matter what—yet somehow his third book has sat unread on my bookshelf for four years and I think it's well past time to change that.

• The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Joan Didion is an author who I've always known of, but never really known anything about. Within the last few years, I've probably seen a dozen Instagram friends mention this book in particular, which is what finally led me to pick this off the shelf when I spotted it at a used bookstore in San Antonio. I love memoirs in general, but something tells me this one will be special—and especially heartbreaking.

To be honest, I'm a big mood reader, so chances are high that I will do exactly the same thing with this list and be back here again sometime towards the end of 2024, but we'll just have to risk it (mostly because this post has been sitting, almost finished, in my drafts for a year... I am so bad at blogging).

-Maggie

* Okay, I still haven't read Love in the Time of Cholera yet, but I've got to move on at some point!

My Favorite Reads of 2019

Guess what—I actually met my Goodreads goal for the year! I've always had trouble hitting this in the past, but I realized that was mostly because I (stubbornly and for no reason) refused to count rereads towards my goal. This year I ditched that weird, made-up rule and exceeded my goal by eight!

I read a lot of great books this year, so I had a hard time narrowing this list down to a somewhat reasonable number. (I just love books, guys!) I managed to cut it down to ten, so here they are, in no particular order.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Leading up to a family trip to Antartica, Bernadette Fox seemingly vanishes into thin air, and her teenaged daughter pieces together a puzzle of emails, invoices, memos, and more in order to find her. That's all I'm going to say! Read the book! (In re the movie adaptation: It isn't bad and stays pretty true to the book overall, but there are a few cuts and changes that really take away from the excitement and mystery of the original story. I also think that the characters are missing a lot of their personality and depth, and they're really what makes the book so fun in the first place. Just read the book!)

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
In this short novel, a man returns to his childhood home and finds himself drawn to the farm at the end of the road where memories of events from forty years before start flooding back. Writing stories that are at once achingly lovely and incredibly creepy is a difficult feat, but Neil Gaiman does it perfectly every time.

American On Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot by Craig Ferguson
Aside from forever being my favorite late-night host, Craig Ferguson is a genuinely great writer. We read his novel Between the Bridge and the River for book club a couple of years ago and it was so clever and interesting, and his first memoir was no different. He talks about his family, his struggles with addiction and sobriety, his career, and more in a very honest, vulnerable, and (of course) hilarious way.

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Ramona is funny, strong, and sure of herself—but when her childhood friend Freddie moves back to town, she begins to question some things. She's always known she likes girls, but maybe she likes guys too? Or maybe it's just Freddie? It's a story about sexuality and love, but also largely about family, loyalty, and obligations. Julie Murphy has a knack for writing characters that are so real, so hopeful and big-hearted that you can't help but root for them.

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Clay Jannon lands the night shift at Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore after losing his San Francisco tech job to the recession. The customers are strange and only “check out” large books from the top shelves that contain nothing but grids of numbers. With the help of a few tech-y friends, Clay uncovers the secrets of the bookstore (and it’s not what you think). If I had to choose one word to describe this book, it would be "charming." It’s a fun story, and will make you thankful for books of all kinds.

I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell
Maggie O’Farrell writes of her seventeen near-death experiences and how they've shaped her life, which will, naturally, have you thinking of your own near misses. “There is nothing unique or special in a near-death experience,” she writes. “They’re not rare; everyone, I would venture, has had them, at one time or another, perhaps without even realising.” The book is beautifully written, and will make you feel especially grateful for the old brag of your heart.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
Shirin is a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s just trying to get through high school the year after 9/11. She's constantly subject to degrading comments and sometimes abuse because of her race, religion, and the hijab she wears every day—and she’s sick of it. She's constantly on guard, always expecting (and often receiving) the worst of people, but that slowly starts to change when she meets a boy named Ocean. This book tore me up and stuck with me for weeks after I read it.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
You have probably seen this on dozens of best-of-the-year lists and it's for a good reason. Actually, it's for about a thousand good reasons. The First Son (of the first female president of the United States who's also from Texas! #dreams) and the Prince of England hate each other and then fall in love (a.k.a. everybody's favorite romantic trope). It's pure joy. I literally laughed out loud more times than I can count and was crying happy, hopeful tears by the end.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee*
Coming in at around 500 pages, Pachinko was definitely the longest book that I read this year, but it never felt like it. It starts in early 1900's Korea, where a girl named Sunja has fallen for a wealthy stranger and soon becomes pregnant, and follows her and her family throughout the years. The more I read, the more I loved this book, and I was so sad to finish it. (The last few pages literally made me weep. I had spend fifteen minutes explaining enough of the plot to my boyfriend so he could understand why I was crying so much.)

Lot by Bryan Washington**
I usually have a hard time getting through short story collections (even when I really enjoy the writing), but I flew through Lot. The stories are all connected, not by characters, but by the city of Houston and its diverse neighborhoods, and every single one is beautifully written with lines like, "wore his skin like a sunburnt peach" and "she smiled like mandolins ringing" that just make you want to cry. (And in case you don't believe me, President Obama also listed this as one of his favorite books of 2019.)

Honorable mentions: The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson, Call Me Evie by J.P. Pomare, Buffering: Unshared Tales of a Life Fully Loaded by Hannah Hart, Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia

For the first time in a few years, I'm increasing my reading goal to 45 books in 2020. It will be tough, but I want to push myself to read more and (hopefully) clear out a good chunk of my backlist. I'm also going to make more of a conscious effort to read more diverse books this year. While my 2019 reading was full of LGBTQ and women authors, about three-fourths of the books I read were written by white authors. I want to do better in 2020.

-Maggie

* Not pictured because I checked it out from the library.
** Not pictured because I lent it to KaCee.

My Favorite Reads... of 2018

Listen, I know it's the end of November. I know that I should be preparing my favorite books of 2019 post, not posting my favorite books of 2018. I know.

This post was mostly finished at the beginning of January, but I never completely finished it and then it was February. February Maggie thought, Well, it's too late now. Nobody cares what I read in 2018 now!

But November Maggie doesn't give a shit. I'm still thinking about some of these books, and I'm definitely still recommending them to people. I read some great books last year—some that became new favorites—and I'm going to share them. Who cares that it's November? Time is a social construct anyway!

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Stevie Bell is a true crime-loving, aspiring detective determined to solve a decades-old murder and kidnapping at the famous Ellingham Academy—but when a fellow student dies under suspicious circumstances, she finds herself drawn into another mystery. I've been a fan of Maureen Johnson for years, and I think that the Truly Devious series might be her best yet. The final book in the trilogy, The Hand on the Wall, comes out in January, and I can't wait!

Body Counts by Sean Strub

Equal parts memoir and textbook, Strub shares his story leading up to and throughout the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. and includes a myriad of historical details beyond his personal experiences. It's all woven together beautifully and told with such passion and love—but pulls no punches. I learned so much and can't recommend this book enough.

The Year of No Mistakes by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

This collection of poetry follows Aptowicz's move from New York to Austin and the dissolving of a decade-long relationship—so, yeah, it will make you feel a lot of emotions. Her writing is beautiful, funny, and intensely relatable. I can't wait to dive headfirst into the next collection.

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
You've already heard all about this one (and have probably seen the movie too), so you know. I don't think I loved this book as much as many did, but I did love it. The writing is beautiful and so passionate, and you could really feel every bit of it. (Side note: BookPeople has signed copies of the sequel, Find Me—and they ship everywhere!)

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

I've wanted to read Julie Murphy for ages, and I'm so glad I started with Dumplin'. The story is so fun, often heartbreaking, and full of real and lovable characters. I loved Willowdean's spunk and confidence, as well as her flaws. (I'm sure you've heard by now, but there's also a Netflix movie including the love of my life, Jennifer Aniston, and new music from Dolly Parton. Truly, we are not worthy.)

You Don't Have to Like Me by Alida Nugent
This a great collection of essays for the person who still thinks "feminist" is a bad word, for someone still learning what it really means, and for those who proudly claim it. Hilarious, genuine, and intensely relatable.

Final Girls by Riley Sager

While in college, Quincy was the only one of her friends to walk away from a horror-movie level massacre—that she has no memory of—and unwillingly joined two other women in a group known to the press as the Final Girls. Ten years later and things are good, until one of the Final Girls is found dead and the other shows up on Quincy's doorstep. AND THEN SHIT GETS CRAZY. I have recommended this book more than any other in the last year. It's so much fun and you'll never see the ending coming.

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
I didn't know much about James McBride until I worked his event at BookPeople a couple of years ago, but after hearing him speak and talking with him afterwards, I knew I had to add him to my list. I started with his first book, a memoir and tribute to his mother that spent over two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and it was so, so lovely.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

I posted my review of this back in December, so go read that and then go buy the book. (Also, you can preorder the sequel now!)

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas*

I was on the library's waiting list for this book for three months, which should tell you how great it is, if you didn't already know. If you haven't read it yet, you really, really need to. It's even better than they say.

-Maggie

* Not pictured because I checked it out from the library.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

A big perk of working at BookPeople is having access to a room full of ARCs—but it's not something I'm very good about taking advantage of usually. I either forget to check or I'll grab one and never get around to reading it before the book is actually published (which really defeats the purpose). It also doesn't help that I typically only work at BookPeople once a week, so the ARCs I'm interested in have usually already been taken.

But when it came to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, I was determined to get my hands on a copy and read it before its release date. I enlisted my dear friend Christina to watch out for ARCs since she works full-time at BookPeople, and she found one for me by the end of July! (Get you a Christina in your life.) I read it in a week and it was so fun. Below is the tiny synopsis and review I wrote for BookPeople's monthly newsletter and holiday catalog.*

It's 2:45 A.M. in Manhattan, and April May has found (what she believes to be) a giant robot sculpture standing in front of a Chipotle. She and her friend Andy make a silly video with the sculpture (dubbed "Carl") and upload it to YouTube, unaware that other Carls have appeared overnight in dozens of cities around the world and their lives were about to change forever.

In An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, author Hank Green takes a look at the idea of fame in the age of viral videos, YouTube stars, and social media influencers—but more than that, it is a declaration of his belief in humanity. In such a turbulent time, when it can be so easy to only see the bad in the world and in each other, Green reminds us that humanity is overwhelmingly good. April May's story will make you proud to be a human.

-Maggie

* Speaking of the holidays, BookPeople is teaming up with thirteen local nonprofits and hosting give-back days throughout December. It's a great way to support your local independent bookstore and these amazing organizations this season!

My Favorite Reads of 2017

I love being home for the holidays for the obvious reasons, but also because my family and I never have any plans. We stay home and in our pajamas, watching movies, eating food, and taking naps. It's a few days of much needed rest, and it gives me a little time to read as well.

I'm sadly not going to finish my Goodreads reading challenge, but I did better this year than last and I read a lot of great books. I'm still trying to finish a couple more before the new year, but I wanted to go ahead and share a few of my favorites from 2017 (in no particular order).

Shrill by Lindy West
This memoir made me laugh and cry, which is the best kind of memoir, in my opinion. Lindy West writes about growing to accept herself and her body and fighting to be heard and respected both as a woman and a fat person, and she does it so well.

Us by David Nicholls
I read One Day a few years ago and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite books, so I was a little nervous to read another of David Nicholls's novels, but Us did not disappoint. It has the same heart and wit as One Day, but it's a totally different book with strong and endearing characters that stand on their own.

We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. by Samantha Irby
You know the phrase "bust a gut"? Pretty sure it was coined in reference to this book. I had to stop, like, every other page to read sections (or entire chapters) to Melany because it was just too good to keep to myself.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
I'm so proud of John Green, guys. This is his first novel in six years, and it's far and away his best. It's a bestseller and has made all of the end-of-year lists and, dammit, it really does deserve it. Please read it so we can talk about it.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Technically, I didn't read this book as I borrowed the audiobook from Melany, but I maintain that that's the only way to take in Yes Please. Amy Poehler (as well her friends and family who "guest star" on the audiobook) is hilarious and a really wonderful writer. This one is really fun, guys.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This gorgeous novel starts with two half-sisters in 18th century Ghana and follows, not two storylines, but two bloodlines throughout the years. Even though you really only get to know each character for one chapter, Gyasi manages to flesh them out and bring each of them to life.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson*
Aside from the few authors I already know I love (like John Green), I don't really read a lot of YA anymore, but I'd heard a ton (a literal ton) of great things about this book—and everyone was right. It follows a set of twins at different times in their lives, each with half of the story, and it's passionate and beautiful and so filling.

Have you read any of these? If you have, hit me up so we can talk about them, please. Otherwise, let me know what your favorite reads of the year are!

-Maggie

* Not pictured because I borrowed it from the library. (Support your local library and your local independent bookstore!)

Good ol' J.K.

Like any other self-respecting eight-year-old, I went through a pretty intense Nancy Drew phase in elementary school. Nancy was smart and nosy–and she never got in trouble for it. She always solved the mystery, oftentimes helping her father in the process who was somehow still an attorney despite the fact that he was 1) an idiot and 2) breached attorney-client privilege, like, every other day. Sure, her boyfriend Ned was super boring and they never even made out or anything, but otherwise Nancy was pretty cool. I rarely ever left my school library without one of those bright yellow books tucked under my arm.

So when I happened upon a couple of books with a dark-haired, bespectacled boy on the cover while browsing T.J.Maxx with my grandmother one summer afternoon in 2000, I assumed they were like Nancy Drew–a series, but not one with an overarching storyline. Certain that I could sweet-talk my grandmother into buying me one, I chose the one I thought looked the most interesting (with the boy holding onto the tail-feathers of a large, red bird) and ran to find her.

I was, of course, successful (how can you say no to a kid asking for a book?) and excitedly showed my grandfather my new book as soon as we got home. He recognized the author's name from an article he'd read in the local newspaper that morning and retrieved it from the kitchen table.

"J.K. Rowling, creator of the magical world of Harry Potter, received an honorary doctorate Thursday for helping millions of children discover 'the pure joy of reading,'" he read. "Well, Mags, this lady seems like a pretty big deal."

He cut out the article and taped it to the inside cover of my new book, which, you might have guessed, was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I realized that same night that it was the second of a series that, unlike Nancy Drew, needed to be read in order. I don't remember when I managed to get my hands on a copy of the first book, but I know I didn't start reading Chamber of Secrets until I did. Life has quite literally never been the same.

I would be a fundamentally different person had I not read Harry Potter. It has been a huge part of my life, a defining trait of my personality, and a constant source of comfort since I found it seventeen years ago. I cannot even imagine the person I would be had I not fallen into J.K. Rowling's world and, honestly, I don't want to know. The story she created and the community it inspired literally changed the world. It certainly changed mine.

Here's to twenty years of magic, Jo. Thank you for everything.

-Maggie

Universal Harvester

"It's not that nobody ever gets away: that's not true. It's that you carry it with you. It doesn't matter that the days roll on like hills too low to give names to; they might be of use later, so you keep them. You replay them to keep their memory alive. It feels worthwhile because it is."

●●●

I finished reading Universal Harvester by John Darnielle literally minutes before his event started at BookPeople on Saturday night, and (like most everyone else I've talked to) I wasn't really sure what to make of it. It is very well-written and intriguing, mysterious and creepy. It's one of those books that you have to ruminate on for a few days before you can really decide what you think of it–or, at least, that was my experience.

The story takes place in the late 1990s–a time before the Internet made video rental stores obsolete and everyone still had a VCR–in the small town of Nevada (neh-VAY-duh), Iowa. Jeremy Heldt works at the Video Hut in town where he sees the same people every week. He goes home every night to eat dinner and watch a movie with his widowed father. Sometimes they talk about Jeremy finding another job, trying something new, but it never goes beyond that. It's all a part of the routine, which is fine with Jeremy.

Then something breaks his routine. When a customer returns her rental of Targets, she makes a point to tell Jeremy: "There's something on this one." A couple of days later, another customer complains that a tape of She's All That cuts out in the middle and another movie starts playing. The scenes patched into these films appear to be home videos, but are somehow ominous, sometimes violent, and always unsettling. Despite himself, Jeremy is drawn in.

As the story unfolds, it poses more questions than answers. If you're expecting all loose ends tied by the last page, you may initially be disappointed, but I say give it a day or two. You'll realize, like me, that this story wasn't really about the video tapes. I would argue that it's not even a horror novel, as some have dubbed it. There were definitely parts that sent chills down my spine (including a passage on page 74 that was so good I read it aloud to anyone who would listen), but it's much more than that. It's a novel about grief and loss and coping–maybe not getting over, but moving on the best we can.

-Maggie

2016

I'm just going to say again what most everyone else has about this year–it [expletive] sucked. Between the election and the horrendous shootings and Aleppo and the beloved celebrity deaths and Brexit and literally everything else, it was just awful. The entire year felt like the flashback portion of some dystopian story–like what George Orwell imagined 1983 to be.

It was a rough year for me personally, too. I went through a really hard break-up, my grandfather passed away and my grandmother's health has been poor, half of my parents' house was destroyed due to negligent contractors, and more that I can't really mention here. I swear I'm not trying to complain (or depress everyone); I'm just trying to be real with you. If I was to average out 2016, it was mostly tough times.

But here I am, on the last day of the year.

This year may have been the hardest of my life, but there were so many good times despite that. I sat down with my journal last night and wrote out every good thing about 2016, and I was so happy (and, frankly, surprised) to find that it took up five whole pages. There is so much good in my life, and that's what this blog is really about. Below is a hodgepodge of the good stuff, so prepare yourself for some serious rambling.

I ventured out of Texas twice this year–once on a road trip to California and then for a weekend in Boise. In state, I vacationed in San Antonio with my family, took a day trip to Houston to see an exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts (and drink the best mimosas ever), and visited Lubbock as often as I could. On a couple of those Lubbock trips, I was able to spend time with my best friend Kiera and her new baby, Andrew, who is very cute and squishy.

Natalie and Dillon stayed with me for a week in March, and we ate a ton of tacos, got tattoos, went kayaking, and danced all night at Barbarella. Natalie visited Austin again with her boyfriend Mikey on their epic #nikeygoeswest road trip in the summer, and Kaylie and Ted stopped for a night on their way back to Portland in the fall.

For my birthday in April, Melany decorated the apartment (complete with Tim Lincecum napkins), and my roommates gave me the only thing I really wanted for my birthday: Drunk Kyle. As a late birthday treat to myself, I got my pictures taken by Chelsea who is as talented as she is sweet. I also started going to therapy in April, and it was the best decision I've ever made. (Shoutout to Alicia, the real MVP of 2016.)

I registered to vote for the first time and was so proud to cast my ballots in the primary and general elections. I celebrated all of my LGBTQIA friends at my first pride parade. I volunteered at the Texas Book Festival, and it was such a cool experience. I can't wait to do it again next year.

I dressed up as super-'90s-civil-rights-activist Hermione for the midnight release of The Cursed Child at BookPeople and handed books out to hundreds of excited kids and adults. (Even though I only get to work at BookPeople one night a week, it's still the coolest thing I get to do.) My book club continued, and we've grown so close over the year. I'm so happy to call them my friends.

I went to a ton of concerts–Vance Joy, The Front Bottoms, The Temper Trap (so good), Mat Kearney, Quiet Company (twice), and The Lumineers (transcendent) to name a few. I caught a few old movies at the Paramount during their Summer Classic Film Series, and saw A Little Night Music and Baskerville at the Austin Playhouse. I also read a lot, of course, and my favorites of the year include Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson, A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, Big Girl by Kelsey Miller, and Lust & Wonder by Augusten Burroughs.

My roommates and I dressed up as the Spice Girls for Halloween and hosted the 2nd Annual Friendsgiving at our apartment. Melany, KaCee, and Kyle (and Gretel) make everyday life so ridiculous and fun, and living with them is my most favorite thing. When I was home for Christmas, I spent some quality time with my little brother, marathoned Christmas episodes of The Simpsons with my dad, and talked with my mom over coffee and pie.

I'm hopeful for 2017. I already have so many plans. Melany, Britny, and I are going to see Mamma Mia! at the end of January, and I already know what my first concert of the year is going to be (hint: it's Quiet Company). I signed up to (finally) take the GRE in February and will be applying to graduate schools in the next few months. I already have three trips planned and will hopefully be traveling out of the U.S. for the first time (hey, Canada!) come March.

Most importantly, I still have my people, my city, and too many books to read. Happy New Year, everyone.

-Maggie

To Read #001

My to-read list, like most readers, grows exponentially. I've had to learn to accept that I will never catch up; there is simply not enough time for all the books I want to read. It is the greatest tragedy of my life.

A more disciplined person would finish reading a book before buying more, but I've never been very good at telling myself "no." I like to think that I'm a fairly logical person in life, but all of that goes out the window when it comes to books.

To put it simply: I just counted and I currently own nearly 80 books that I have not read yet.

Clearly, it's getting out of hand. I've issued a moratorium on books (both purchased myself and given as gifts) several times over the course of my life to varying to degrees of success, and I think it's time for another. I'm going to knock down my to-read list starting with the books sitting on my shelf right now (and I'm sharing them here so maybe someone will hold me accountable). Here's what's up first:

● Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
At the age of twenty-three, armed only with a degree in medieval history and (what some would call) a morbid fascination, Caitlin Doughty took a job at a crematory. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes tells the story of her first six years working in the American funeral industry, and (according to the San Francisco Chronicle) "will make you reconsider how our culture treats the dead."

● Us by David Nicholls

Douglas and Connie Petersen have been married for nearly three decades when Connie decides she wants a divorce. Naturally, this happens right before they are supposed to leave on a month-long European tour with their teenaged son, Albie. Connie can't bring herself to cancel the trip, and Douglas is convinced this is his chance to fix things. Will it work? Will this be a happy ending? Will this book be even half as good as One Day? I'll let you know.

● Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

Having been an English major, there are many books that I haven't read that I feel I should have read already (like The Catcher in the Rye or anything by Ernest Hemingway). Love in the Time of Cholera is included on that list, and even though I can't read the title without hearing Robin Scherbatsky say, "More like Love in the Time of Don't-Bother-a," I'm looking forward to it.

● Body Counts: A Memoir of Activism, Sex, and Survival by Sean Strub

In his memoir, Strub takes us through his own diagnosis and experiences as an activist living in New York during the AIDS epidemic of the early 1980s. It will be a tough read, but also, I think, a very important one.

● The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

Full disclosure: I started this book over a year ago and for some reason put it down about a third of the way through. I don't know why I stopped reading because I was enjoying it (in an I-studied-English-and-can-relate-to-this-level-of-unabashed-pretension kind of way) and would like to finish it. From what I remember, two of the three main characters were intensely unlikeable, which always makes for an interesting read.

● Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

I think Mindy Kaling is ridiculous in the best possible way and am so excited to finally read one of her books. They're calling it a "second coming-of-age" story–best for anyone who's ever reached a turning point in their life. (I hear there are also details about her "weird as hell" relationship with B.J. Novak and I don't know about you, but that's something I've always been super invested in.)

I'm already halfway through Why Not Me? (delightful) and we're reading Smoke Gets in Your Eyes for book club this month (very macabre–in a good way!), so I'm starting off strong. Maybe I could even knock these out before the new year?! We'll see.

What about you? What's next up on your to-read list?

-Maggie

The Art of Fielding

For those who don't know: 1) Round Rock is a suburb just north of Austin, 2) Round Rock is home to the Round Rock Express, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Texas Rangers, and 3) I love baseball. I've always wanted to go to a game, but never made it out there until Saturday. The Express were playing the Sacramento River Cats, who are affiliated with my beloved San Francisco Giants, so I bought a ticket and drove the forty minutes to Might As Well Be Canada to watch some baseball.

I spent nearly thirty dollars on food and sat in direct, blazing sunlight for most of the game, but it was so worth it. Sacramento won, I got to see Hunter Pence (!!!) play, and the fans were let onto the outfield for a Bob Schneider concert after the game. It was all very #summer. If you're in the area and like baseball even a little bit, you should definitely catch a game this summer.

A day of baseball had me thinking back to The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, the second book we read for the book club I host at West Elm Austin and my favorite choice so far. I had heard the buzz surrounding the novel when it was released a few years ago, but brushed it off as a "sports book" and that wasn't really my jam. But it totally is my jam, guys.

The story takes place at fictional Westish College and centers around Henry Skrimshander, a prodigy for all intents and purposes, who seems to be headed straight for the big leagues until a routine play goes horribly wrong. Westish's president Guert Affenlight falls in love despite himself, while his daughter returns home after leaving her husband. Mike Schwartz, Henry's mentor, struggles with the idea of life after college, and his and Henry's teammate Owen Dunne enters into a risky affair. So, as you can tell, it's a book about baseball that's not really about baseball.

One of the most pleasing aspects of this book was the seemingly effortless transitions. Harbach moves from viewpoint to viewpoint, often several times within one chapter, but he does so so skillfully that you never stumble while reading. Each character has a distinct voice, and you find yourself rooting for all of them, which makes it that much harder to put down once you pick it up.

-Maggie

P.S. The Voyage Out Book Club at BookPeople will be meeting to discuss The Art of Fielding on July 31st at 5 PM! I'll be there!

A Few Things

Let me tell you something–being sad is exhausting. Distracting yourself from being sad is exhausting. If there was ever a time to "fake it 'til you make it," it's during a break-up. It's been getting better, but my brain is still a little foggy. For example: I thought I had dropped my ring as I was walking out of my apartment the other morning. I found it later on my finger.

So it really goes without saying that I need a few good things to focus on. Today is Friday and it's my day off, so we're already off to a good start, but here are a few more.

→ I just discovered there is a Juiceland a block away from my work (even though I've been at this branch for over eight months), which means I am now spending, like, $20 a week on smoothies. Totally worth it though. Nothing more refreshing on these warmer days than a smoothie and Juiceland is the best. There are tons of locations all over Austin (and one in Houston and Brooklyn), so stop by and treat yourself!

→ If you haven't watched the newest Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them trailer (though surely you have), it's very important that you do so. Try not to openly weep and/or yell during the revamped "Hedwig's Theme."

→ Save this one for when you need a good laugh.

→ I was finally able to download and listen to The Lumineers' new album Cleopatra today and it was so worth the four year wait. I bought tickets to see them in September and I'm even more excited now, which I didn't think was possible.

→ Augusten Burrough's Lust & Wonder was released about a month ago and I devoured it last week. He is one of my favorite writers and his newest memoir did not disappoint. Go snag a signed copy at BookPeople before they're all gone!

If you're going through a hard time and (mostly) faking it like I am, just keep in mind 1) you are never alone in this, and 2) we'll get there! Every day we're getting better at getting better. Have a great weekend, all!

-Maggie