How to Baby

How to baby : a no-advice-given guide to motherhood
by Liana Finck
New York: The Dial Press, 2024. 254 pages. Biography

How do you know if you're ready to have a baby? How do you know if you might be pregnant? And how do you deal with peeing all the time and being hungry all the time and fielding well-meaning but kind of insulting advice and finding a doula and being dropped by your old friends and learning why it's called mom brain and not dad brain and spending half your life on hold with your insurance company and the tyranny of the milestones you're not meeting and negotiating boundaries with in-laws and realizing that your heart now exists outside of your chest and in the body of this tiny little being whose entire existence depends on the quality of your care? To tackle these questions and many others, award-winning cartoonist and memoirist Liana Finck began illustrating her early years of motherhood, sharing her joys, fears, and insecurities with her many fans.

If you're weary of picture-perfect parenting guides that offer step-by-step instructions on what to do, How to Baby by Laura Finck is the book for you! It presents pregnancy and parenthood in their raw, unfiltered reality—highlighting the struggles and challenges that are often glossed over. Finck shares her personal journey, and while it may not mirror your own, it offers a sense of solidarity for anyone facing the ups and downs of parenthood. While some might interpret this book as a collection of complaints, I view it as a candid reflection of the shared human experience. It's a reminder that you're not alone in this journey.

If you liked How to Baby, you might also like: 

Proxy Mom: my experience with postpartum depression
by Sophie Adriansen
New York : NBM Graphic Novels, 2024. 144 pages. Graphic Novel

Marietta and Chuck, madly in love, are expecting a baby. But childbirth marks the end of the fairy tale. Zoe's birth didn't go as Marietta imagined, and the maternal instinct is slow to manifest itself. While she no longer recognizes her body, Marietta feels herself losing her footing in the face of this vulnerable baby for whom she is now responsible. Will she manage to feel like a mother? To love her baby? To stop thinking that a proxy mom would do better than her? A humorful but realist viewpoint on a problem experienced by a significant number of new mothers, with an insight on how to overcome it.

Kid gloves: nine months of careful chaos
by Lucy Knisley
New York: First Second, 2019. 247 pages. Graphic Novel

If you work hard enough, if you want it enough, if you're smart and talented and "good enough," you can do anything. Except get pregnant. Her whole life, Lucy Knisley wanted to be a mother. But when it was finally the perfect time, conceiving turned out to be harder than anything she'd ever attempted. Fertility problems were followed by miscarriages, and her eventual successful pregnancy plagued by health issues, up to a dramatic, near-death experience during labor and delivery. This moving, hilarious, and surprisingly informative memoir not only follows Lucy's personal transition into motherhood but also illustrates the history and science of reproductive health from all angles, including curious facts and inspiring (and notorious) figures in medicine and midwifery. Whether you've got kids, want them, or want nothing to do with them, there's something in this graphic memoir to open your mind and heart.

Go to sleep (I miss you): cartoons from the fog of new parenthood
by Lucy Knisley
New York: First Second, 2020. 177 pages. Graphic Novel

Lucy Knisley is one of the great memoirists of the graphic novel format. Following the completion of her pregnancy memoir Kid Gloves (and the birth of her baby), Lucy embarked on a new project: documenting new motherhood in short, spontaneous little cartoons, which she posted on her Instagram, and which quickly gained her a huge cult following among other moms.

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Isola

Isola
by Allegra Goodman
New York: The Dial Press, 2025. 346 pages. Fiction

Based on a piece of history, orphaned Marguerite de la Rocque, in 1531 France, is betrayed by her guardian, Jean Francois de la Rocque de Roberval, who sells her inheritance and takes her on an expedition to New France. Aboard the ship, Marguerite falls in love with the secretary, and their secret romance is discovered by Roberval, who punishes them including Marguerite's maid by marooning them on a remote island. As the harsh winter sets in, they struggle to survive. Soon, Marguerite is the only survivor, forced to confront her despair and uncover a strength she never knew she had.

I love stories that take a piece of history and imagine what it could have been like, and Isola by Allegra Goodman does just that in an incredible way. This novel reimagines a real historical event, and I was in awe of how Goodman brought it to life. It's a story of survival, and the details she weaves into the narrative are both thoughtful and moving. The adventure is gripping, and her lyrical writing pulls you in from the first page. The emotional depth of the characters made me connect with their journey on a deeper level, and it was easy to see why it’s a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Isola is a heart-filled, unforgettable read that I couldn't put down.

If you liked Isola, you might also like: 

The Vaster Wilds
by Lauren Groff
New York: Riverhead Books, 2023. 256 pages. Fiction

A servant girl escapes from a colonial settlement in the wilderness. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and the spark of god that burns hot within her. What she finds in this terra incognita is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief in everything that her own civilization has taught her.

Whale Fall
by Elizabeth O’Connor
New York: Pantheon Books, 2024. 209 pages. Fiction

In 1938, a dead whale washes ashore on a remote Welsh island, sparking both dread and curiosity in Manod, a young woman trapped in a life of duty to her family. Yearning to escape the island's harsh existence, Manod sees hope in the arrival of two English ethnographers studying the island culture. As she becomes drawn to them, she experiences a sensual awakening, yet grapples with her community being misrepresented. Whale Fall explores how personal ambitions clash with community bonds and the consequences of confronting an outside world encroaching on their way of life.

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The Heart of Winter

 The Heart of Winter
by Jonathan Evison
New York: Dutton, 2025. 356 pages. Fiction

Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke were never meant to be together, at least if you ask Ruth. Yet their catastrophic blind date in college evolved into a seventy-year marriage and a life on a farm on Bainbridge Island with their hens and beloved Labrador Megs. Through the years, the Winters have fallen in and out of lockstep, and out of their haunting losses and guarded secrets, a dependable partnership has been forged. But when Ruth's loose tooth turns out to be something much more malicious, the beautiful, reliable life they've created together comes to a crisis. As Ruth struggles with her crumbling independence, Abe must learn how to take care of her while their three living children question his ability to look after his wife. And once again, the couple has to reconfigure how to be there for each other. In this big-hearted and profound portrait of a marriage, Jonathan Evison explores 70 years of big moments in subtle ways, elegantly braiding the Winters' turbulent history with their present-day battles, showing us how the oddly paired college kids became parents, fell apart, and back together, and grew into the Abe and Ruth of today.

The Heart of Winter is an endearing and honest portrayal of a long marriage, capturing the joys and struggles. I like how, rather than romanticizing commitment, the story embraces its complexities—the sacrifices, misunderstandings, and enduring devotion that shape a shared life. Bittersweet and deeply moving, it highlights the resilience that keeps two people bound together through the seasons of life. This book is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates stories of deep emotional resonance.

 

If you liked The Heart of Winter, you might also like: 

This is a Love Story
by Jessica Soffer
New York: Dutton, 2025. 295 pages. Fiction

For fifty years Abe and Jane have been coming to Central Park, as starry-eyed young lovers, as frustrated and exhausted parents, as artists watching their careers take flight. They came alone when they needed to get away from each other, and together when they had something important to discuss. The Park has been their witness for half a century of love. Until now. Jane is dying, and Abe is recounting their life together as a way of keeping them going: the parts they knew--their courtship and early marriage, their blossoming creative lives--and the parts they didn't always want to know--the determined young student of Abe's looking for a love story of her own, and their son, Max, who believes his mother chose art over parenthood and who has avoided love and intimacy at all costs. Told in various points of view, even in conversation with Central Park itself, these voices weave in and out to paint a portrait as complicated and essential as love itself.

The Collected Regrets of Clover
By Mikki Brammer
St. Martin’s Press, 2023. 314 pages. Fiction

What's the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can't give yourself a beautiful life? From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process. Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a trip across the country to uncover a forgotten love story--and perhaps, her happy ending. As she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she wants, and whether she'll have the courage to go after it. Probing, clever, and hopeful, The Collected Regrets of Clover turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life.

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By Any Other Name

By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult
New York: Ballantine Books, 2024. 525 pages. Fiction

Across centuries two women, Melina Green and Emilia Bassano, one a modern playwright and the other her Elizabethan ancestor, each fight societal expectations to have their voices heard on the stage in a world that silences female playwrights.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult is a moving, character-driven, and deeply researched work of historical fiction that weaves parallel narratives with emotional depth. The story made me hope and wish it were true! In the author's note at the end, Picoult clarifies the facts behind her research, sharing how she incorporated them and what liberties she took. She highlights the gaps in history and speculates on the possibilities of what could have been. The book left me feeling both excited and inspired. It also prompted me to reflect on the complexity of women’s rights in the past, how far they’ve progressed, and how women might unintentionally limit themselves even today. Those drawn to thought-provoking characters and rich historical detail will find this book captivating and thought-provoking long after finishing it.

If you liked By Any Other Name, you might also like: 

Hamnet: a novel  of the plague
by Maggie O’Farrell
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2020. 305 pages. Fiction

A thrilling departure: a short, piercing, deeply moving novel about the death of Shakespeare's 11 year old son Hamnet--a name interchangeable with Hamlet in 15th century Britain--and the years leading up to the production of his great play. England, 1580. A young Latin tutor--penniless, bullied by a violent father--falls in love with an extraordinary, eccentric young woman--a wild creature who walks her family's estate with a falcon on her shoulder and is known throughout the countryside for her unusual gifts as a healer. Agnes understands plants and potions better than she does people, but once she settles with her husband on Henley Street in Stratford she becomes a fiercely protective mother and a steadfast, centrifugal force in the life of her young husband, whose gifts as a writer are just beginning to awaken when his beloved young son succumbs to bubonic plague. A luminous portrait of a marriage, a shattering evocation of a family ravaged by grief and loss, and a hypnotic recreation of the story that inspired one of the greatest masterpieces of all time, Hamnet is mesmerizing, seductive, and impossible to put down.

 

The Glassmaker
by Tracy Chevalier
New York: Viking, 2024. 402 pages. Fiction

In 1486, Orsola Rosso is the eldest daughter in a family of glassblowers in Murano, Italy. As a woman, she is not meant to blow glass--but when her father dies, she teaches herself to make beads in secret, and her work becomes the cornerstone of the Rosso family fortunes. Skipping like a stone through the centuries, we follow Orsola and her family as they live through creative triumph and heartbreaking loss, from a plague rearing its head over Venice to Continental soldiers stripping its palazzos bare, from the domination of Murano and its maestros to the transformation of the city of trade into a city of tourists. In every era, the Rosso women ensure that their work, and their bonds, endure.

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I Must Betray You

 
I Must Betray You
By Ruta Sepetys
New York: Philomel Books, 2023. 319 pages. Young Adult

Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren't free to dream; they are bound by rules and force. Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He's left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves--or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?

"I Must Betray You" pulls you right into a cold, dark moment in history. I could feel the tension and fear coming off the pages. Even though the story is heavy at times, there’s this sense of hope that keeps you going. Cristian’s journey is so real and emotional—it really makes you think about trust and betrayal. The book is well-researched and tells such a powerful story. If you’re looking for something thought-provoking and unforgettable, I think you’ll love this one.

If you liked I Must Betray You, you might also like: 

Artifice
By Sharon Cameron
Scholastic Press, 2023. 387 pages. Young Adult

Isa de Smit grew up in her parents' art gallery in Amsterdam, but in the middle of the war she survives by selling fake paintings to the Nazis while trying to help her friend, Truus, smuggle Jewish babies to safety--but in 1943 it is hard to know who to trust.

The Blood Years
By Elana Arnold
Balzer + Bray, 2023. 390 pages. Young Adult

From Michael L. Printz honoree & National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold comes the harrowing story of a young girl's struggle to survive the Holocaust in Romania. Based on the true experiences of her grandmother's childhood in Holocaust-era Romania, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold weaves an unforgettable tale of love and loss in the darkest days of the twentieth century-and one young woman's will to survive them.

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The Small and the Mighty

 The Small and the Mighty: twelve unsung Americans who changed the course of history, from the founding to the civil rights movement

By Sharon McMahon

Penguin Random House, 2024. 307 pages. Nonfiction

 From America's favorite government teacher, a heartfelt, inspiring portrait of twelve ordinary Americans whose courage formed the character of our country. In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon proves that the most remarkable Americans are often ordinary people who didn't make it into the textbooks. Not the presidents, but the telephone operators. Not the aristocrats, but the schoolteachers. Through meticulous research, she discovers history's unsung characters and brings their rich, riveting stories to light for the first time. You'll meet a woman astride a white horse riding down Pennsylvania Ave, a young boy detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, a formerly enslaved woman on a mission to reunite with her daughter, a poet on a train, and a teacher who learns to work with her enemies. More than one thing is bombed, and multiple people surprisingly become rich. Some rich with money, and some wealthy with things that matter more.

Sharon McMahon’s The Small and the Mighty is a powerful and inspiring collection of stories that reminded me that even the most ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things.

What stood out to me most in this book was McMahon’s ability to tackle serious topics with a light touch. She keeps the mood engaging with her humor without diminishing the weight of the subjects she addresses. Her writing style is both relatable and uplifting, making it easy for readers to connect with the stories and the individuals she highlights.

This book is an uplifting read for anyone looking for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that greatness can come from the most unexpected places.

If you liked, The Small and the Mighty, you might also like:

On the Line: a story of class, solidarity, and two women's epic fight to build a union
By Daisy Pitkin
Algonquin Books, 2022. 272 pages. Nonfiction

The story of two dedicated women, a labor organizer and an immigrant laundry worker, coming together to spearhead an audacious campaign to unionize one of the most dangerous industries in one of the most anti-union states--Arizona--and offering a nuanced look at the modern-day labor movement and the future of workers' rights.

 

The Road is Good: how a mother's strength became a daughter's purpose

By Uzo Aduba

Viking, 2024. 320 pages. Nonfiction

A memoir of Black immigrant identity, the coming-of-age story of Nigerian American actress Uzo Aduba, one of the stars of the television series Orange is the New Black.

Borrow My Heart

Borrow My Heart
by Kasie West
New York: Delacorte Press, 2023. 267 pages. YA Fiction

When Wren overhears Asher getting roasted by his friends for being catfished, she impulsively steps in to help by pretending to be his online crush. A self-proclaimed control freak who relies on strict rules to navigate life, Wren's world is upended when Asher, a charming guy, walks into her neighborhood coffee shop, and her rules go out the window. To save him from embarrassment, she agrees to fake-date Asher, even though they barely know each other, and finds herself unexpectedly thrilled by the situation. As Wren breaks more of her own rules, she starts wondering if she can keep up the lie—and when Asher eventually discovers the truth, she worries whether he’ll forgive her. After all, rules are meant to be followed… aren’t they?

Borrow My Heart is a delightful contemporary romance that grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters are rich, relatable, and authentically written, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level. With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and tension, this story will appeal not only to young romance fans but also to animal lovers, who will especially appreciate the charming and heartwarming role animals play in the plot. It's a feel-good read that’s sure to leave you with a smile!

If you liked Borrow My Heart you might also like…

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You
By Ann Liang
New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. 309 pages. YA Fiction

Channeling her frustrations into email drafts--ones that she'd never send--seemingly perfect Sadie Wen finds her carefully crafted, conflict-free life turned upside down when the email is sent out accidentally, and the only person growing to appreciate the 'real' Sadie is the only boy she's sworn to hate.

The Upside of Falling
by Alex Light
New York: Harper Teen, 2020. 281 pages. YA Fiction

It's been years since seventeen-year-old Becca Hart believed in true love. But when her former best friend teases her for not having had a boyfriend, Becca impulsively pretends she's been secretly seeing someone. Brett Wells has it all. As captain of the football team and one of the most popular guys in his school, he should have no problem finding someone to date, but he's always been more focused on his future than who to bring to prom. When he overhears Becca's lie, Brett decides to step in and be the mystery guy. It's the perfect solution: he gets people off his back for not having a meaningful relationship and she can keep up the ruse that she's got a boyfriend. Acting like the perfect couple isn't easy, though, especially when you barely know the other person. But with Becca still picking up the pieces from when her world was blown apart years ago and Brett just barely holding his together now, they begin to realize they have more in common than they ever could have imagined.

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Artifice

 Artifice
by Sharon Cameron
Scholastic Press, 2023. 387 pages. Young Adult Fiction

In 1943 Amsterdam, Isa de Smit navigates the dangers of Nazi occupation while protecting her family's art gallery, which houses a hidden Vermeer. With her friends targeted by the regime—some executed and others in hiding—Isa's resistance grows when she sells a fake Rembrandt to fund the cause. She forms an uneasy alliance with Michel Lange, a young Nazi soldier seeking escape, as they work together to smuggle Jewish babies to safety and navigate the art world filled with forgers and collaborators. This historical thriller blends Isa's fictional journey with real events and figures, featuring rich artistic descriptions and complex plotting, making it a compelling read for young audiences interested in history and art.

Artifice is a thrilling historical novel that captivated me from the first page. Cameron’s vivid imagery created a moving narrative. While this was an intricately plotted narrative that’s fast-paced and suspenseful, my favorite piece was the idea that paintings can contain significant flaws yet still be transformed into something beautiful. This metaphor is linked to the experience during the Nazi occupation, illustrating how amidst the overwhelming ugliness of that time, the main character, Isa de Smit, finds ways to create beauty and hope. This novel is not just a tale of survival; it’s a testament to the power of art and the human spirit in the face of adversity. I highly recommend Artifice to anyone looking for a historical thriller that offers poignant and thought-provoking messages.

If you liked Artifice, you may also like:

28 Days: a novel of resistance in Warsaw Ghetto

by David Safier

Feiwel and Friends, 2020. 404 pages. Young Adult Fiction

Warsaw, 1942. Sixteen-year old Mira smuggles food into the Ghetto to keep herself and her family alive. When she discovers that the entire Ghetto is to be "liquidated"―killed or "resettled" to concentration camps―she desperately tries to find a way to save her family.

She meets a group of young people who are planning the unthinkable: an uprising against the occupying forces. Mira joins the resistance fighters who, with minimal supplies and weapons, end up holding out for twenty-eight days, longer than anyone had thought possible.

Stolen by Night
by Steve Watkins

Scholastic Press, 2023. 292 pages. Young Adult Fiction

On May 10, 1940, the Nazis begin their march across Europe, and within weeks, France has fallen. At first, Nicolette’s world seems more or less the same despite the occupation. But as the months pass, the Third Reich tightens its hold on France and it becomes clear just what is at stake.

Nicolette is drawn into a growing resistance movement, determined to do her part to fight back. It’s a deadly secret she’ll have to keep from everyone, including her family. Nicolette’s own father works for local law enforcement, which is now under Nazi control, and who knows what might happen if anyone found out she joined the Resistance. But as Hitler’s empire grows, no one can escape the horrors of war. Including Nicolette.

One night, she vanishes without a trace, taken from the street by Nazi soldiers and declared an enemy of the state. Soon, Nicolette finds herself confronting the very heart of Hitler’s plans, bearing witness not just to the atrocities, but also to the courage, bravery, and hope that can emerge in even the darkest times. And it is in these small but powerful moments that Nicolette realizes her greatest weapon against the Nazis: to live, so she can tell the world the truth of what happened. But can one girl survive what was designed to destroy so many?

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Bittersweet in the Hollow

Bittersweet in the Hollow
by Kate Pearsall
New York: Putnam’s Sons, 2023. 373 pages. YA Fiction

When a girl goes missing in her secluded Appalachian town, seventeen-year-old Linden, who can taste other people's emotions, recovers haunting memories of her own disappearance and explores the legend of the Moth-Winged Man, leading her to wonder if there are some secrets best left buried.

I loved listening to Bittersweet in the Hollow; the audiobook narrator’s clear and emotional voice truly enhanced my connection to the story. The relationships between the main character, Linden, and her sisters were engaging and fun, while the sweet romance added to the book’s charm. The mystery and suspense kept me engaged, balancing the lighter moments with intrigue. The writing is beautifully descriptive, immersing me in the vivid imagery of the setting. Additionally, Linden’s unique gift to feel others’ emotions through the sense of taste adds a compelling layer to the narrative, making the exploration of its bittersweet themes all the more intriguing.

If you liked Bittersweet in the Hollow you might also like:

The Depths
by Nicole Lesperance
Penguin Random House, 2022. 356 pages. YA Fiction

After suffering a near-fatal freediving accident, seventeen-year-old Addie Spencer tags along on her mother's honeymoon to a private island where she unearths dark secrets--a child ghost, moody flowers, and a deep pool where no one feels pain--before realizing the island might not be willing to let her go.

Delicious Monsters
by Liselle Sambury
New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023. 504 pages. YA Fiction

Told in alternating timelines, seventeen-year-old Daisy and her mother move into her deceased uncle's mansion, only to find horrors waiting inside, and ten years later, Brittney investigates the mystery behind the Miracle Mansion that turned her mother's life around.

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Better Living Through Birding: notes from a Black man in the natural world

 Better living through birding : notes from a Black man in the natural world
by Christian Cooper

Random House, 2021. 282 pages. Non-fiction

When birdwatching in the park one morning in May 2020, Cooper was engaged in the ritual that had been a part of his life since he was ten years old. But when a routine encounter with a dog-walker escalates age old racial tensions, Cooper's viral video of the incident would send shockwaves through the nation. In Better Living Through Birding, Cooper tells the story of his extraordinary life leading up to the now-infamous encounter in Central Park and shows how a life spent looking up at the birds prepared him, in the most uncanny of ways, to be a gay, Black man in American today.

“Better Living Through Birding” isn't just for bird lovers; it's primarily a reflection on Christian Cooper's life. You might know him from the incident in Central Park in 2020 but book explores much more of his life, including his upbringing in New York, his relationships with his parents, his identity as a black gay man, his career at Marvel, his travels, and his involvement in civil rights movements. It offers an honest and vulnerable look at his experiences, with the 2020 Central Park incident being a minor part of the narrative. The audiobook, narrated by Cooper himself, conveys deep passion and is enhanced by bird sounds during poignant moments. I think this heartfelt story offers a unique perspective that Americans can connect with in one way or another.

If you liked Better living through birding, you may also like…

The Backyard Bird Chronicles
by Amy Tan
Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. 288 pages. Non-fiction

In 2016, author Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time--from before the pandemic to the days of quarantine--through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

by Margaret Renki
Spiegel & Grau, 2024. Audiobook. Non-fiction

In The Comfort of Crows, Margaret Renkl presents a literary devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year. As we move through the seasons—from a crow spied on New Year's Day, its resourcefulness and sense of community setting a theme for the year, to the lingering bluebirds of December, revisiting the nest box they used in spring—what develops is a portrait of joy and grief: joy in the ongoing pleasures of the natural world, and grief over winters that end too soon and songbirds that grow fewer and fewer. Renkl writes, "radiant things are bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world."

Steeped in Stories

 

Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls
by Mitali Perkins
Broadleaf Books, 2021. 240 pages. Nonfiction

Blending personal narrative, accessible literary criticism, and spiritual and moral formation, Perkins delves into novels by Louisa May Alcott, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and other literary "uncles" and "aunts" that illuminate the virtuous, abundant life we still desire. These novels are not perfect, and Perkins honestly assesses their critical frailties and flaws related to race, culture, and power. Yet reading or rereading these books as adults can help us build virtue, unmask our vices, and restore our hope. Reconnecting with these stories from childhood isn't merely nostalgia. In an era of uncertainty and despair, they lighten our load and bring us much-needed hope.

As a lover of children’s literature, I found Perkins' narrative and literary analysis of some of the best classics both refreshing and beautiful. Perkins delves into her personal life and her relationship with these classic treasures. The girls Perkins read about in her youth were different from her, yet she found ways in which they were alike. They provided her with a mirror of herself while also offering a window into a world different from her own. Perkins' writing felt like sitting down with a friend. She shares her love for the classics while acknowledging their imperfections. It reminded me that these stories can be read and re-read and are meant for all the young at heart.

If you liked Steeped in Stories you might also like…

Wild things: the joy of reading children's literature as an adult
by Bruce Handy
Simon and Schuester, 2017. 307 pages. Nonfiction

Now that we're living in a golden age of children's literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon, or Charlotte's Web and Little House on the Prairie? In Wild Things, Vanity Fair contributing editor Bruce Handy revisits the classics of every American childhood, using context and biography to understand how some of the most insightful, creative, and witty authors and illustrators of their times created their often deeply personal masterpieces. Wild Things will bring back fond memories for readers of all ages, along with a few surprises.

A reader's book of days: true tales from the lives and works of writers for every day of the year
by Tom Nissley
Norton & Company, 2014. 448 pages. Nonfiction

Book connoisseur Tom Nissley has combed literary history to capture the stories that make writers' lives perennially fascinating: their epiphanies, embarrassments and achievements. Each handsome page in A Reader's Book of Days is devoted to a day of the year, featuring original accounts of events in the lives of great writers, and fictional events that took place within beloved books.

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A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

By Holly Jackson
Random House, 2021. 389 pages. Young Adult

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town. But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer? Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger. This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you'll never expect.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a twisting and turning murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Pip is a lovable character who I admired and rooted for throughout the story. She bravely fought for a worthy cause in a town that was content with an incomplete resolution to a murder case. I particularly appreciate stories that champion the underdog and strive for justice, and this one certainly delivers on that front. Once you're done reading you can go check out the TV series based on the book on Netflix!

If you liked A Good Girls Guide to Murder, you might also like: 

The Black Queen
By Jumata Emill
Delacorte Press, 2023

When Nova, Lovett High School's first black homecoming queen, is murdered the night of her coronation, her best friend, Duchess, finds an unlikely ally in her search for the killer--her prime suspect, Tinsley, the white rival nominee for queen.

One of us is lying
By Karen McManus
Delacorte Press, 2017

When the creator of a high school gossip app mysteriously dies in front of four high-profile students, all four become suspects. It's up to them to solve the case.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

 The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

by Beth Brower

Rhysdon Press, 2019. 107 pages. Fiction

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian's. But Emma's plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian's. Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

If you're a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you’ll definitely want to immerse yourself in The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Bower. This book is a delightful blend of clever wit and charming prose.

The novel is structured around the intriguing journals of Emma M. Lion, whose observations and experiences provide a window into her world. This is a wonderful read for those who appreciate a blend of classic charm and modern storytelling. Whether you’re in it for the character development, the witty narrative, or the unfolding mystery, this book promises a delightful literary journey. 

Luckily, the story doesn’t end on page 107. With more volumes in this series, there’s plenty of adventure and intrigue to look forward to. Just so you know, this book was also just added to our book club set collection, so grab a set and enjoy it with your friends!

If you like The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion you might also enjoy:

A Useful Women

by Darcie Wilde

Berkley Prime Crime, 2016. 357 pages. Mystery 

The daughter of a baronet and a minor heiress, Rosalind Thorne was nearly ruined after her father abandoned the family. To survive in the only world she knew, she began to manage the affairs of some of London society's most influential women, who have come to rely on her wit and discretion. So when aristocratic wastrel Jasper Aimesworth is found dead in Almack's, London's most exclusive ballroom, Rosalind must use her skills and connections to uncover the killer from a list of suspects that includes Almack's powerful patronesses--and her own former suitor Devon Winterbourne, now Lord Casselmaine. Torn between her old love and a growing attraction to a compelling Bow Street runner, Rosalind must not only unravel the mysteries surrounding Jasper's death, but the mysteries of her own heart as well.

Cotillion

by Georgette Heyer

Sourcebooks, 2007. 355 pages. Romance

The three great-nephews of cantankerous Mr. Penicuik know better than to ignore his summons, especially when it concerns the bestowal of his fortune. The wily old gentleman has hatched a typically freakish plan for his stepdaughter's future and his own amusement--his fortune will be Kitty's dowry. But while the beaux are scrambling for her hand, Kitty counters with her own inventive, if daring, scheme--a sham engagement should keep wedlock at bay.

Edenbrooke; and, Heir to Edenbrooke

by Julianne Donalson

Shadow Mountain, 2017. 264 pages. Romance 

Edenbrooke: When Marianne Deventry receives an invitation to spend the summer with her twin sister in Edenbrooke, she has no idea of the romance and adventure that await her once she meets the dashing Philip Wyndham.

Heir to Edenbrooke: When Philip Wyndham's older brother dies, leaving Philip heir to Edenbrooke, he is thrust into an unexpected role as London's most sought-after bachelor; but everything changes when he meets Marianne Deventry. This novella tells much of the same story as Edenbrooke, from the point of view of Philip.

BWW

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Simon & Schuster. 2022. 359 pages. YA Fiction

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all with an unusual way of viewing the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. It is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

This beautifully written coming-of-age story is both thought-provoking and emotionally rich. The authentic portrayal of family and friendships makes it relatable. The humor woven into Aristotle’s struggles adds balance to his journey of self-discovery. For an added treat, the audiobook, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, brings the story to life with his unique flair.

If you like Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe you might like…

Pedro and Daniel
By Federico Levine Querido
2023. 425 pages. YA Fiction

PEDRO & DANIEL is a sweeping and deeply personal novel about two brothers who are there for each other when no one else is. Pedro and Daniel are Mexican American brothers growing up in 1970s Ohio. Their mother resents that Pedro is a spitting image of their darker-skinned father, that Daniel likes dolls, that neither boy plays sports. Life at home is rough, but the boys have an unbreakable bond that will last their entire lives. Together, the brothers manage an abusive home life, coming out, first loves, first jobs, and the AIDS pandemic, in a coming-of-age story unlike any other.

The Edge of Anything
By Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Running Press Teens, 2020. 362 pages. YA Fiction

Len is a loner teen photographer haunted by a past that's stagnated her work and left her terrified she's losing her mind. Sage is a high school volleyball star desperate to find a way around her sudden medical disqualification. Both girls need college scholarships. After a chance encounter, the two develop an unlikely friendship that enables them to begin facing their inner demons. But both Len and Sage are keeping secrets that, left hidden, could cost them everything, maybe even their lives. Set in the North Carolina mountains, The Edge of Anything explores the transformative power of friendship and how it can help you find yourself and the goodness in life, even when everything feels broken.

BWW