Read Lately Part IV

A Dirty Job
by Christopher Moore
If you’re a fan of Kurt Vonnegut’s crazy writing style and aren’t easily offended, you will love Christopher Moore. This book is ridiculous in the best way possible. Everything is over the top and absolutely insane (the main character is Death..), but you’ll be laughing out loud and won’t want to put it down. I read this one in Hawaii and it was just lighthearted enough to enjoy even after the sun and fifth pina colada made the words a little fuzzy.

Yes, Please!
by Amy Poehler
I’m a big Amy Poehler fan, and I loved Tina Fey’s “Bossypants,” so I knew this was a sure thing. Even though I generally can’t stand audio books or podcasts/talk shows (turns out I only like listening to people speak under very specific circumstances.. #sorrynotsorry), I had a free trial so I got this one knowing Amy reads it herself. I was nervous, but it was amazing. I couldn’t stop listening and it made my 40-minute commute go by in two seconds. She had guest speakers, bonus material and I laughed until I cried many times. I definitely recommend listening to this one even if that’s not your thing. It’s worth it.

Attachments
by Rainbow Rowell
I talked about how much I loved Rainbow Rowell back when I read Eleanor & Park, especially since there was music weaved into the story and a very real and awesome playlist on Spotify created by Rowell herself. This book is so much better. Seriously, guys. I keep thinking about it months later. It gave me so many warm fuzzies and there are playlists for each of the main characters on Spotify again; just omg. I can’t even write real sentences, that’s how much I loved it. It’s exactly the kind of book I hope to write one day. Think two BFFs writing emails to each other throughout the entire book  (I love unconventional story telling) plus too-real relationship issues plus an adorable D&D nerd who’s actually sexy. It’s not super serious or dramatic, but it’ll make you laugh and smile and feel things. It’s the ultimate summer book. Just read it, please.

All The Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
This book is heavy. I read so many incredible reviews of it, so I knew I had to do it. It was hard, guys. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is absolutely incredible. There’s poetry on every single page. Once I really got into it, I couldn’t stop, but it hurt me the whole journey. I do love a story that makes me stop and rethink things that are so engraved in my mind, and this one will make you think, reconsider and ache. If you’re okay with being a little confused (the timeline is all over the place) and trying to pronounce German words and consuming a grand, exciting, pulse-quickening story that takes a while to wrap itself up, go for it. Just know it’s not a feel-good summer read.

The 5 Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
It seems like everyone is always talking about their “love language,” so I thought I’d see what this thing was all about. I think Chapman made a lot of great points and knows a thing or two about the psychology of relationships, so I enjoyed this quick read. But if you’re quick to roll your eyes, don’t bother. Reading a quick overview (like this) should do the trick. Mine is quality time, FYI, just in case you want to love me mo’ betta.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zevin
This bad boy was recommended by my girl Alyssa, who’s a fellow blogger and professional writer, so I knew I had to read it. I loved it, but I kind of think you have to be a literary nerd to appreciate all the things going on in this story. At first I felt like I didn’t know the characters that well and the plot was moving along too quickly, but the more I thought about it after the fact, the more I realized many of the themes were foreshadowed and repeated in unexpected ways throughout. This made me love it more and more. A.J. Fikry is a bitter bookstore owner and he’s good at it. I recommend this one, but let’s just say must love books.

What have you read lately? Any recommendations?