Hello, hello. January was a pretty solid book month for me. I’ve really tried to slow down my reading and enjoy each and every page. Some books are easier than others. I’m even listening to Prince Harry’s book on 1.5x speed, which is practically in slow motion for me. But it’s also why I haven’t finished it yet, so here is my quick lil midway update: it’s surprisingly good! Is it about 3 hours too long? Absolutely (some stories feel very self indulgent). Is it fun to hear the juicy royal tea? Definitely. I do think the best bits have already been discussed to hell online, but there are quiet moments/stories that are worth listening for, especially in Harry’s own voice. Here’s what else I’ve been reading this month:
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Sur
I have a love/hate relationship with sapphic fantasy. It’s always poetic and beautiful and soulful, but sometimes I want trash. I want the sapphic version of ACOTAR. This book is definitely the former. It’s set in an Indian-inspired world where magic is now forbidden and the holders of magic have — they thought — been destroyed. But maidservant Priya has a secret about her past and when her life collides with the captive Princess Malini, shit basically goes down. It’s a fantastical premise with lush scenery and gorgeous writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and plan to read the second one, but I just wish the romance had kept me more on the edge of my seat.
Good for people who like: Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, non-Western fantasies, multiple POVs
Exalted by Anna Dorn
More and more I’m finding Shitty People Doing Shitty Things to be one of my favorite genres. Exalted simultaneously follows Emily, a jaded wannabe actor who runs a popular astrology meme account from her studio in LA, and Dawn, a washed out lesbian in Riverside who parties too hard and pushes people away. Both of these women find themselves incapable of being happy — until they meet the right person. Told in alternating perspectives, their lives veer alarmingly close to each other. This dark comedy rips into things like astrology and LA culture, but mostly it explores how hating everything doesn’t get you anywhere. I genuinely could not stop reading it: the pacing is perfection and the ending, while a little obvious, is so, so satisfying.
Good for people who like: Blaming their life on astrology (me), twists of fate, unlikeable characters
Central Places by Delia Cai
Being from LA, I’ve never really had that return-to-your-hometown-for-Christmas experience, but Central Places let me pretend I did. Audrey Zhou left Hickory Grove behind for New York years ago and didn’t look back. But she’s coming home — rich, white fiancé in tow — only to find her relationship with her mother is still fraught, her best friends have moved on, and being a person of color in small town Illinois is still unbearable. When she runs into her high school crush, Audrey starts to spiral out of control, wondering if her “perfect” life is really so perfect after all. I adored Delia’s (she follows me on Instagram so I want to say I’m allowed to call her that) writing; it’s simple and yet paints a vivid picture. There’s a familiarity to the characters so that, even though Audrey’s experiences are vastly different than mine, I see myself in her. As far as contemporary fiction goes, this is some of the best.
Good for people who like: Hallmark movie plots (sans cheesiness), books about rediscovering yourself, Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
I was so so so excited to read this book as soon as I heard about it because it’s 1. Armenian and 2. gay as hell. My girlfriend is Armenian (and I am an honorary Armenian, call me “Kami”) so it was fun catching all of the cultural references, like certain dishes and places. But it’s also a really emotional reflection on finding yourself and your roots while going against the grain. Nareh is a reporter in San Francisco who sort of turned down her non-Armenian boyfriend’s proposal. They take a break while he flies off for work and she throws herself into her Armenian culture, where she meets Erebuni, a charming, beautiful, and queer Armenian woman. Nareh explores both her culture and her bisexuality, eventually having to choose between going back to the safety of her old life or embracing something new and scary. The romance between the two women was sweet as honey — my only complaint is that it’s a closed door romance and I love a bit more steaminess. But overall the book was fun, meaningful, and I’m very excited for the next one because I think, like Meryl Wilsner, Voskuni’s writing will only improve with time.
Good for people who like: Meryl Wilsner’s books, queer romances, learning about new cultures
Maame by Jessica George: A slice of life story about grief, guilt, and moving forward. The audiobook was an enjoyable listen.
Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart by Jen Sookfong Lee: A brilliant musing on how pop culture weaves its way into even the most personal aspects of our lives. Also a great listen, read by the author.
You Should Smile More by Anastasia Ryan: A zany and cute, if a bit childish, ode to RBFs, getting back at your boss, and taking charge of your life.
And that’s everything I read in January! A little housekeeping update: I have some new ways to get in touch with me! Like a new Twitter account, a new name on Instagram, and my very own email: bookedit4you@gmail.com. Hit me up on any of those for personalized recs or to just say hi. Until next time!
xoxo,
Kirby