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The thing I miss most about life before business ownership is crushing books like I did in 2020 and most of 2021. Still, I’ve read some great ones this year. I’m not much of a book reviewer, and you can see a full synopsis on Bookshop.org when you click the link. So, I’ll just tell you what I personally loved about these books.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This was a re-read for me. After all, I did attend public school in the United States of America. This is actually my favorite book of all time. Some people don’t really get it, but reading it again just reaffirmed this. The symbolism, the old money vs. new money dynamic. At the end of it all, Gatsby was a deeply insecure man who simply wanted to be liked, which is something I think we can all relate to. There are passages in this book that make me stop, go back, and read them again. This one in particular makes me pause and take it in: “I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” Of course, that is Daisy. I mean COME ON. Even in 2022, there is something so tragically relatable about that.

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

You might remember The Vanishing Half that came out in 2020 by this author. The Mothers is her debut novel, hitting shelves a few years prior to The Vanishing Half. TW: This book does discuss abortion. Have you ever made been faced with a choice that would completely change the trajectory of your life? Then later, you look back and wonder what it would be like if you went the other way. The main character in this book has big plans, so she makes a decision. When life later brings her back to her hometown, she is reminded of that choice again and discovers there was a secret. Hypocrisy, gossip, friendship, what-ifs – it’s all here. Definitely recommend.

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

First, a GIANT trigger warning on this one. Sexual assault and gun violence are both primary themes and plot points in this book, and some passages are extremely graphic. While there were certainly parts of this book that were incredibly difficult to read, I did enjoy it. I remember a teacher saying, “We are the sum of our experiences,” and that’s kind of what this book is about to me. No matter how hard you try to be a particular thing or put past experiences out of your mind, they ultimately shape who you are. If you saw the movie, know that there are quite a few differences, so the book is still worth reading.

The Nineties: A Book by Chuck Klosterman

Full disclosure, I’m reading this book right now and only about half finished. I was 3 when the nineties began and 13 when they ended. Obviously, not ages that I could fully process and appreciate the events that were taking place around me. The technological shift that occurred in one decade really set the trajectory of the world. My family got our first computer in 1995. By 2000, I was in AOL chat rooms talking to other teenage girls (and probably some creepos) about my favorite member of NSYNC every chance I got. And what a time for music. Anyway, I’m loving revisiting this decade.

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

I read this the week I was in COVID jail. Fortunately, my symptoms were very, very mild (vaccines are cool), and I was actually kind of excited to be forced to relax for a few days. Then I picked a book about murder to read. True Crime usually isn’t my genre, but this is a good one. It’s about the Last Call Killer who preyed upon gay men in New York City in the 80s and 90s. Because of the AIDS epidemic and the fact that the victims were gay men, these killings did not get the kind of attention that other serial killers historically receive. Having been entrenched in the gay community in Denver for much of my 20s, I can picture the victims and the bar at the center of this story. I picture Charlie Brown’s, a piano bar in Denver that has been here for years and years. Warning: it is a bit gruesome in parts.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

This was my first dive into Colleen Hoover, which I know might be surprising considering she’s written a gajillion very popular books. I have to say, she’s an incredibly captivating storyteller. I couldn’t put this one down toward the end. There are themes of generational trauma and abuse that were tough to read and might be triggering for some. Even months after reading this book, I don’t know how to feel about the end. As many readers have expressed, there was certainly a lack of consequences. Still, it was a great read.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A movie star of old Hollywood seeks a writer to tell the story of her life, specifically her seven marriages. Who was the love of her life? What did she hide from the public? I’ve read a few books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and this one is by far my favorite. Such a great story, and the end just hits you in the gut.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Second dive into Colleen Hoover, and this book seems to be everywhere right now. I know she released a new edition with an additional chapter. I have not read that yet. Honestly, I don’t know that I even want to say much about this book except that its creepy as hell and supremely fucked up. If that’s your jam, read it.

These are just a few books I’ve read and loved. I hope you find one you enjoy!