What’s Mama Reading? (Fall 2016)

The kids are back in school and Candy Corn has returned to its rightful place as a staple in my diet. It must be my favorite season! While fall does not have quite as many opportunities for vacation (a.k.a. reading time) as summer does, the cooler temperatures are nothing if not the perfect excuse to skip the nightly TV binge in favor of curling up under a blanket and reading before bed. Below are my recommendations and plans for fall reading (for Mama!), along with the books that inspired them.

Because I loved: You’ll Grow Out of It

I had the pleasure of reading Jessi Klein’s book last week and I have to admit that I was a bit of a sceptic. Her book came out right around the same times as Amy Schumer’s book (Klein is the head writer for Inside Amy Schumer) and obviously Amy’s book has a larger publisher and publicity machine behind it. But Klein’s book was so wonderful and you will do yourself a favor if you read it this weekend. It’s of course laugh out loud funny but it also has such a soul that by the end of the book you’ll not only feel like you really “know” Jessi Klein, but you’ll be researching every thing else that she’s written and performed in an attempt to get a bit more of her.

I’m going to read: The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo

Because duh.

 

Because I loved: Pretty Girls

If you’re looking for a page turner wrapped in a mind bender and you liked the way Gone Girl made your pulse race, “Pretty Girls” is what you’re looking for. It could possibly…maybe…most certainly…give you a few nightmares, but it’s worth it!

I’m going to read: The Trespasser

It’s not hard to love and devour all of Tana French’s novels. They’re intelligent, fast paced and just scary enough. Her new book, The Trespasser is what I’m most looking forward to reading this October. But if you’ve never read any of her work, go immediately to your library and check out “The Secret Place”, “Broken Harbor” and “In The Woods”.  Don’t worry about your boss or your kids…they’ll be fine. Go!

 

Because I loved: The Nest

A trust fund. A scandal. You’re welcome.

I’m going to read: The Assistants

Larceny. Blackmail. I’m in.

 

Because I loved: Sweetbitter

“Sweetbitter” wasn’t the book that I wanted it to be and I didn’t enjoy it the way I had anticipated. But my preconceived expectations aside, I’m still very glad that I read it.  It was completely therapeutic and brought up the memories I have about my experience working as a waitress. My few years as a waitress were nothing like the drug fueled, fast pace of a high-end NYC restaurant as described in the novel, but things did get a bit wild at the Okemos, MI Mongolian BBQ in the early 2000’s. Seriously. I mean…we all have different definitions of “wild”. If you spent any time being a restaurant server, this book will bring it all back and potentially help you deal with any PTSD you’re still dealing with because of it.

I’m going to read: Kitchens of the Great Midwest

This book was recommended to me by a great couple I know who have their own bookclub. Meaning…they are two adults in a loving relationship, with jobs, kids, responsibilities, but they still make time to read one book a month so that they can discuss it together. #relationshipgoals (Hashtags are still a thing?)