Let’s talk about something new. Or rather, I talk, you read. Or you decide- there’s no food in this post? Goodbye.

You can skip this one, I’ll never know.

But people ask me all the time what I’ve been reading lately or what my favorite books are. Partly because I’ve always been that nerdy bookworm kind of kid, and partly because all of my coworkers know that I don’t have a TV.

The GS got me a Kindle for my birthday last year, and it’s probably my most prized possession. I was originally opposed to the e-reader trend, thinking that I would never like to pay for books when I can get them free from a library. But with Overdrive- I can have the best of both worlds. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get a free book each month. I’ve never paid for a book on my Kindle. I bring it everywhere, and even if I only have 5 minutes to read I’ll whip it out.

So basically what I’m telling you is that I constantly present myself as a really cool, social person.

So here’s what I’ve been reading lately! Plus some random photos to add a little color.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Same author as The Husband’s Secret which I LOVED and What Alice Forgot which I liked. Big Little Lies– couldn’t put it down.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Make sure you finish this one in the privacy of your own home, because if you have a heart you’ll cry. I really loved it. Kind of slow at first but such a good story. I’ve also read One Plus One and The Girl You Left Behind by the same author. Both were good, but Me Before You was the best. I recommended it to my mom and she texted me after reading to thank me for the “ugly cry.”

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. You know this one because they just turned it into a movie with Tina Fey and Jason Bateman. I started out LOVING it- made me laugh out loud a few times, but it slowed down toward the end. I don’t think it helped that I IMDB’d the actors that played each character in the movie because I kept trying to visualize them instead of paying attention to the author’s description. But still a quick fun read.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. This book has a sort of weird premise but I ended up really liking it. I know a lot of people love her books- I’ve also read Eleanor and Park, and I think I liked this one better.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. You know, the author of Gone Girl. If you thought Gone Girl was sick and twisted, wait until you get your hands on this one. Really bizarre and creepy but somehow I couldn’t put it down. A few summers ago I read her other book Dark Places and haaaaated it so I was discouraged, but this one was worth reading.

Anything and everything by Elin Hilderbrand. Jessica always raves about her books, so they’ve been my go-to for quick Kindle reads, or audiobooks when I’m driving to Baltimore. I’ve read/listened to Beautiful Day, A Summer Affair, Barefoot, Summerland, and The Matchmaker. They’re all set in Nantucket and are easy beach reads. So appropriate for November, right? I think Beautiful Day was probably my favorite, and The Matchmaker my least favorite. She has several others that I’m sure I’ll get to.

An Available Man by Hilma Wolitzer. I don’t even remember how I found this book but I really liked it. A nice story of a widower looking for love. I have weird taste.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. This is the same author as The Secret Life of Bees. This book felt reeeeeeally long to me but I stuck it out because it’s so buzzed about. It’s a nice story and worth reading, but you’ll be able to put it down.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed. OMG I loved this. Not at all what I expected, but I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend. I’ve heard people say “This made me want to go hiking!” And I think.. really? She hated her life. But still read it.

The Vacationers by Emma Straub. I felt like this book was being advertised everywhere and I had it on hold forever and when I finally got it there was all this excitement and then… meh. Unimpressed.

The One & Only by Emily Giffin. I love love love her books- kind of similar to Elin Hilderbrand in terms of the beach read vibe, but they all take place in NYC. Until this one. And the plot was just.. weird. I really wish she had picked ANY name other than ‘Coach Carr’ for her male protagonist. Hasn’t she seen Mean Girls?! (“Don’t have sex. You will get chlamydia, and die.”)

The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Same author as The Goldfinch which I know has gotten all this praise but honestly? The most depressing thing I’ve ever read. And sooooo long. I couldn’t wait for it to be over even though her writing is amazing. I liked The Secret History much better.

That’s a decent list for now! Leave me any other book suggestions, I love recommendations!