Pretty Busy picks: Spring reads

I love to read. Since the age of 10 when my mom got me the first Harry Potter book on tape to listen to, I have been an avid reader. I grew up with pretty tight limits on what I could watch on TV, sneaking in MTV when my parents left the house on the weekend. But books were always available to me, and my mom was relaxed with what I could read.

Especially as a teacher, I love to share what I am reading with others. Both my mom and I have a membership to Book of the Month, which is a great deal in my opinion. You pay an annual subscription fee (price depends on how many months to subscribe for), and get a credit for one hardcover book shipped to you each month. You’re offered 5 selections to choose from based on your genre interests, and the books are early or new releases. You can even add an extra book for only $10. Considering a hardcover book is now selling for over $20, that is a STEAL. My mom and I often order and then swap our picks.

I also enjoy a trip to the book store, and right now is a great time to support your local small book stores by ordering online (note: I need to explore this more, but heard about it through The Stripe). I have to admit, I do buy a book for its cover. I mostly read fiction, but will delve into the world of non-fiction for memoirs or books about education.

Here are the books I just finished, am currently reading, or are next up on my list:

Just Read

A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum: Focused on three generations of Palestinian-American women, this novel focuses on the cultural values that remain with families when they move to America. Rum does an incredible job at separating the values of Islam and ethnic culture, and analyzing the Western stereotypes of arranged marriage. I read this book as part of a book club I have with my students, and we struggled to put this book down. I would highly recommend this read!

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid: This novel is one of the more interesting takes on showing the way race, privilege, and education intersect, especially in relationships. Told through perspectives of a Black college graduate struggling to find her career niche, and her employer, a White woman and mother who has made her career as a feminist blogger, the book shows the denial of privilege among White women in the millennial generation, through the story-line of a shared lover. I enjoyed this book.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cumming: While there is a lot of controversy around the author’s decision and literary choices in writing this novel, I was interested enough in picking it up. The novel follows a woman and her son as they try to escape extreme violence in their hometown in Mexico after her husband reveals the identity of a corrupt local leader. The mother and son travel to the United States, meeting many others desperately seeking refuge in America along the way. It highlights the sexual violence and ultimate sacrifice that many endure in their journey to/at the U.S. border. I did enjoy reading this book, but it’s important to know it is a work of fiction and is written from the perspective of a someone who does not share a Mexican heritage with her characters.

Beach Read by Emily Henry: If you’re looking for something lighter, check out this new novel from Emily Henry. I love an easy romantic beach read, and selected this thinking it was just that. This novel had great depth for a rom-com, and really well-developed characters, both of which are authors writing their next great novel in the wake of life-changing events. This is a great pick for your next beach read.

Reading Now

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza: I bought this book after hearing from my students how much they enjoyed reading it in English class this year. Featuring a Muslim family who are reuniting at the eldest daughter’s wedding, it focuses on the stories of a sister and brother. The brother is returning home for the wedding after years of estrangement. The sister is celebrating her victories in love and education, in the shadow of her brother’s absence. This book is really engaging so far, and delves deep into the childhood experiences that speak to the gender roles often imposed on children at an early age.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson: After seeing about 100 people on Instagram recommend this book, I finally caved and bought the audio book, which is narrated by Simpson herself. As someone who watched Newlyweds as their first reality TV show, I was intrigued to hear her perspective. And I have to admit, it does not disappoint. She opens up about religion, marriage, alcohol, and the disheartening reality of the entertainment industry for young women. Despite some SUPER cringey-corny moments in her teenage years around her faith, I like what I’ve heard so far. I recommend listening to the audio book on your next long walk, as her voice is the real icing on the cake.

Up Next

Red at the Bone by Jacquline Woodson: I first read Jacqueline Woodson with my colleagues for a book club a few years ago with her novel, Another Brooklyn She came to speak at my school last year after our students read one of her novels. This novel tells the story of a young girl as she is coming-of-age among her family under the shadow of her mother. I am looking forward to reading this!

The Knockout Queen by Rupi Thorpe: Honestly, this book sounds like a modern version of The O.C. told from Marissa’s perspective. A tall (6’3″), athletic, California social princess whose new neighbor couldn’t be more opposite to her own (read: Ryan). I am dying to dig into this one and see if it holds up to my hopes that it brings me back to my high school days of taping weekly episodes of The O.C. for my friends and I to watch.

Looking forward to sharing what my next reads are. Summer is my busiest reading season! Let me know what you’re reading, or if you read and enjoyed any of my Spring picks below.