Circe
by Madeline Miller

(recommended and reviewed by a reader)

In times of torment, it can be helpful to look deep into the past. There is virtually nothing we’re going through now that the ancients didn’t experience. Madeline Miller won the Orange Prize in 2012 for her first novel, A Song for Achilles, and, early in 2019, Circe, her long-awaited second novel, was one of the six shortlisted contenders for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (previously the Orange Prize).

Miller takes the lengendary story of Circe, who appeared in ancient Greek texts like Homer’s The Odyssey, and brings it alive for a 21st century audience. A captivating book that races along with verve and panache. It manages that rare feat of being compelling yet comforting with an overall message of hope.

This Is How It Always Is
by Laurie Frankel

Recommended by one of our readers but also loved by me, this is a beautiful story about family and secrets and acceptance, and also about transformation and love. I learned a lot from this book and I am grateful for that learning.

Frankel takes on a subject that has been controversial in our society but she does so beautifully. As a parent, I found myself moved by the way the story unravels and the unconditional love that the parents had for their four children, especially for one in particular.

The book has stayed with me; I think about it often and I imagine I will continue to do so.

Writers and Lovers: A Novel
by Lily King

I loved this so much that I went back and read King’s first book, Euphoria, and I loved that too. Writers and Lovers is the story of a young woman, grieving the untimely loss of her mother and the end of a love affair while trying to become an adult. It is funny and poignant and I often saw my younger self in the protagonist. Actually, I may have seen my older self too.

Finding Mrs. Ford
by Deborah Goodrich Royce

From the beautiful book cover to Royce’s words that will captivate you as she takes you on a thrilling journey through Watch Hill, Rhode Island, New York, and Detroit. I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the characters. And I was guessing right until the turn of the final page.

Me
by Elton John

Are you like me? I grew up with Elton John and know most of his lyrics by heart and can hum most of the tunes. I ran - not walked - to see Elton John on his final concert tour. I haven’t read this myself, but I have heard this book is open and vulnerable; an account of his imperfect life. My gift is this book and this one’s for you.

The Unwinding of the Miracle
by Julie Yip-Williams

Ok, this is sad, very sad actually, and yet, I found myself mesmerized, appreciating every moment of the author’s life, as she did, and her uncanny ability to be open in the face of such adversity. She chooses to live her life and to see the beauty while working out her feelings of anger and sadness on the pages of her journal. This book is real and raw and maybe that is what I loved the most about it.

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
by David Epstein

Recommended by my eldest son, Range raises questions about Malcolm Gladwell’s theory from his book, Outliers, about the importance of specialization and the number of practice hours needed in order to become exceptional. Epstein believes that generalists find their path late, enjoy many interests, and can pivot and adjust more easily. Tiger Moms - take heed!

Talking to Strangers
by Malcolm Gladwell

I really like all of Gladwell’s books and the interesting observations that he makes and shares. In this book, Gladwell questions the strategies we use to make sense of the people we don’t know. Again, I would listen to the audio which is produced similar to the way he produces his podcast, Revisionist History, which can be found on our listing of recommended podcasts.

Heart Talk
by Cleo Wade

Inspiring book of wisdom, poems, mantras, and affirmations. Wade has been called the “Millenial Oprah”, so dig in, carpe diem, and breathe.

Love Her Wild
by Atticus

And love this title! Atticus, followed by hundreds of thousands on Instagram (@atticuspoetry), is revered for his ability to make magic out of the ordinary. He writes about love, sadness, and sunsets. “We are made of all those who have built and broken us.”

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