Jan 17, 2022
The best writers read. A lot.
The last two years have been long. I have baked. Built pillow forts with my kids. Even worked. But books have been my most common companion in the last 24 months. And I read a lot. I love a book recommendation list so today I am sharing mine.
Memoirs
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Michelle writes of loss, cultural identity and food. And the intersection of all three. It was one of the best books I read in 2021.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Phil’s story is famous but the reading was easy and enjoyable. Just do it.
Educated by Tara Westover
One of those that you have to read to believe and yet every scene is perfectly, visually depicted.
Great Fiction
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
LA, the 1960s, rock n roll. Perfect escapism.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Set in India, this story explores feminism, independence, poverty and loyalty.
Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo
I usually stay away from Booker Prize winners as a rule but this was the exception. 12 characters, 12 stories. Very modern and thoroughly enjoyable.
A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum
An unusual, surprising and troubling story of Palestinian Americans.
Nemesis by Philip Roth
A short chapter on the polio epidemic in New Jersey in 1944. Timely.
Non-Fiction
How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
One of many books I read on this topic in 2020 and 2021 but would be my recommendation for people looking to get a better understanding of the topic.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
I aim to be a minimalist, in practice and in theory. This book was less about capsule wardrobes and more about how to only get the right things done instead of more things.
Best Listens
With all of that baking (and cleaning and laundry), I found that listening can also a good way to consume books. Narration and topic are critical.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
I was surprised by this book. First, it is narrated by the author which is already a plus, but the content was honest and funny and reflective. It was a perfect listen during lockdown.
A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke
Now you’ll think I have a thing for actor narrated books but this is fiction and Hawke ACTS this book in an incredible way. Great story, great performance.
Now get reading!
