Verity - Colleen Hoover

This book is a masterful blend of thrilling suspense and dark psychological twists. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is offered the job of a lifetime by Jeremy Crawford, husband of injured bestselling author Verity Crawford, to complete Verity’s series. Upon arriving at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers Verity’s hidden autobiography, filled with bone-chilling confessions, including the horrifying truth about her daughter’s death. As Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy intensify, she grapples with the moral dilemma of revealing the manuscript, knowing it could devastate him but also potentially benefit her.

Verity is a dark and thrilling narrative that expertly explores themes of deceit, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Hoover’s writing is gripping and intense, pulling readers into a twisted psychological game where every page reveals new layers of the characters' secrets and motivations. The tension is palpable as Lowen navigates the treacherous waters of her new life, making the book impossible to put down.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Hoover masterfully throws in another twist, keeping the suspense and thrill alive throughout the story. The characters are well-developed, each with their own dark complexities, making them both relatable and deeply unsettling.

In conclusion, Verity is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and dark psychological tale. Colleen Hoover has crafted a story that is both engaging and disturbing, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat with your jaw dropped. It’s a book that challenges your perceptions and keeps you questioning the truth until the final page. If you’re looking for a novel that will captivate you from start to finish, Verity is THE choice.

2. Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid

This is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into complex themes of race, privilege, and identity through the intertwined lives of Emira, a 25-year-old Black woman who feels stuck in her life despite her degree, and Alix, a wealthy white woman who recently moved to Philadelphia. Emira works as a babysitter for Alix’s children, and their relationship remains strictly professional until a security guard accuses Emira of kidnapping the child she babysits, prompting Alix to intrusively get to know Emira better. As their relationship evolves, Emira starts dating Alix’s high school ex-boyfriend, Kelly, bringing unresolved racial tensions to the forefront. The story reaches a climax when one of them leaks a video of Emira’s grocery store incident to the media, believing it's in Emira’s best interest, forcing her to confront her place in their lives and the aftermath of the incident.

Such a Fun Age is definitely a must-read, as it masterfully brings to light uncomfortable yet necessary conversations about race and privilege. Reid’s approach encourages readers to reflect on their own actions and the subtle ways in which racial biases manifest. The novel’s focus on a young Black woman navigating her life while facing systemic discrimination provides a fresh perspective often missing in literature. Emira’s journey of self-discovery amidst these challenges is both relatable and enlightening.

Such a Fun Age is a thrilling, engaging, and dark exploration of societal issues that resonate deeply. Reid’s storytelling is both captivating and insightful, making this book a significant addition to contemporary fiction. It’s a powerful narrative that not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of race and privilege in modern society.

Invisible Girl - Lisa Jewell

Invisible Girl is a compelling domestic thriller that delves into complex modern dilemmas through the intertwined lives of its characters. The story focuses on Saffyre Maddox, a 17-year-old girl who feels invisible until she disappears from a London street with a history of sexual assaults. Owen Pick, a socially awkward 33-year-old man, becomes the prime suspect as he was the last person to see Saffyre. However, the real story is far different.

Saffyre had been secretly observing her former psychologist, Roan Fours, and his family. As suspicion falls on Owen, questions arise about the true involvement of the Fours family in Saffyre’s disappearance. The narrative is shared between Saffyre, Owen, and Roan’s wife, Cate. Cate's life takes a tense turn after moving her family to a city apartment for a renovation, only to find herself on edge due to the local assaults and her resurfacing doubts about Roan’s past interactions with Saffyre.

Jewell skillfully develops her characters, making even the flawed Owen surprisingly sympathetic. The story alternates between Saffyre’s perspective leading up to her disappearance and Cate and Owen’s viewpoints before and after the event, maintaining a gripping pace. The late introduction of a crucial character is the only slight flaw in an otherwise expertly crafted narrative.

Invisible Girl explores deeper themes of invisibility, connection, and misunderstood intentions. Jewell’s ability to create relatable characters and weave a heartfelt mystery makes this novel a must-read. It challenges readers to rethink their assumptions and delivers an emotionally satisfying conclusion. 10/10 recommend!

The Red Lotus - Chris Bohjalian

The Red Lotus is a gripping thriller that captivates with its detailed plot, well-drawn characters, and vivid settings. The story begins with Alexis Remnick, an ER doctor, who meets her boyfriend Austin Harper in an unusual way—treating his bullet wound. Six months later, they travel to Vietnam on a biking trip, meant for Austin to share his love for cycling and honor his family's wartime past. However, the adventure takes a dark turn when Austin disappears during a solo ride, leaving only a yellow energy gel packet as a clue.

As Alexis navigates interactions with the FBI, Austin’s challenging family, and her colleagues, she uncovers strange lies that make her question Austin’s true motives for the trip and the danger he left behind. Her quest to find the truth sets off a series of events that transform her life.

Bohjalian’s research adds depth to the novel, creating an authentic and immersive experience. His portrayal of Vietnam’s countryside and its people makes the setting come alive, while references to the Vietnam War provide a rich historical context. The plot is layered and complex, with a slow-burning tension that builds as the mystery unfolds. The novel's exploration of biological research, particularly involving rats and disease transmission, is both timely and thought-provoking.

The characters are well-developed, with multiple points of view that offer insight into their motivations and experiences. Alexis is a compelling protagonist whose determination drives the story, while supporting characters like Ken, the private detective, and Ellie, her best friend, add depth to the narrative. Even the rats, central to the plot, are detailed, showing their significance in scientific research.

The Red Lotus is a must-read for those who enjoy well-researched, intricately plotted thrillers. Bohjalian’s skill in combining complex themes, detailed character development, and a suspenseful narrative makes this book hard to put down.

1984 - George Orwell

1984 is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that portrays a dystopian future dominated by extreme oppression and totalitarian rule. Written in the aftermath of World War II, the book reflects global anxieties about the rise of Soviet communism, the threat of nuclear war, and the decline of European empires. Orwell, a disillusioned socialist opposed to totalitarianism, channels these fears into a narrative that examines the relentless accumulation of power and its impact on society.

The story follows Winston Smith, a low-level party member working at the "Ministry of Truth," where his job is to alter historical records to fit the party's ever-changing narrative. In Winston’s world, there is no objective truth, only party-approved "facts." The chilling notion that citizens are required to believe "2 + 2 = 5" epitomizes the extent of the party’s control over reality. The novel also explores the perpetual war between three superstates, with shifting allegiances that Winston begins to suspect are fabricated to maintain social unity and justify the erosion of individual freedoms. The party's slogans, “War is Peace,” “Freedom is Slavery,” and “Ignorance is Strength,” encapsulate this manipulation.

1984 remains relevant because it highlights the disturbingly effective methods totalitarian regimes use to gain and maintain power by distorting reality and eradicating objective truth. Orwell’s vision of a society where every aspect of life is controlled by the state serves as a stark warning of the dangers of unchecked political power. The novel’s exploration of power, truth, and the human condition makes it an enduring classic that continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into the nature of totalitarianism and its impact on society.

I definitely recommend this read, but be prepared for a grim and hopeless story.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass - Frederick Douglass

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is a powerful and enlightening autobiographical account that provides a firsthand perspective on the horrors of slavery and the strength of the human spirit. Born into slavery, Douglass details his life from his birth in Maryland, his journey to literacy and self-education, and his daring escape to New York. This narrative is not just a recounting of events but a profound indictment of the brutality inflicted by slave owners and overseers, exemplified by figures like Edward Covey.

This book is a stark exposure of the crimes committed against enslaved individuals, including torture, rape, and murder, yet it is not an indictment against all white people or systemic racism as a whole. Douglass distinguishes between those who perpetuated slavery and the allies who supported his fight for freedom. His relationships with supportive whites in the North, who provided him a platform to tell his story, highlight his nuanced understanding of the complex social dynamics of his time.

One of the most compelling parts of the book is the Appendix, where Douglass sharply criticizes the Southern church for its hypocritical support of slavery while claiming to follow the teachings of Jesus. This section, almost sermonic in its passion, draws a clear line between what Douglass sees as true Christianity and the corrupted version practiced by slaveholders. His words resonate deeply, offering a moral clarity that challenges readers (along with me in particular) to reflect on the true nature of justice and faith. Douglass's narrative is essential reading, offering not only a raw portrayal of historical realities but also glimmers of hope and the enduring power of resilience and advocacy.

This book is more than just a historical document; it's a powerful story of resilience, advocacy, and the enduring fight for justice. Douglass's journey from slavery to freedom, his critical reflections on the society of his time, and his unwavering commitment to truth make this book a must-read. It enlightens readers on the brutal realities of slavery and offers timeless lessons on humanity, making it a 10/10 on my list, so hopefully a must read on yours!

Want - Lynn Steger Strong

Want immerses us in the life of its unnamed narrator, a woman in her early 30s grappling with the harsh realities of economic fragility. Married with two young daughters, she lives in a cramped seventh-floor walk-up apartment in Brooklyn and balances her time between teaching at a charter high school in Manhattan and an adjunct position at a prestigious university. Despite her efforts to keep a foothold in the academic world she once aspired to, financial stability remains elusive.

The novel proceeds as the narrator and her husband, a former finance professional turned artisanal woodworker, file for bankruptcy. The narrator recounts the series of unfortunate events that led to their financial ruin: an unplanned pregnancy, costly emergency medical procedures, and insurmountable student loan debt. These hardships display the precariousness of their middle-class existence, where even with good educations and stable jobs, they find themselves on the brink of collapse.

What sets Want apart is the narrator’s voice—tough, smart, and simmering with low-level anger. Her internal monologue offers a rich and compelling glimpse into her daily life, from the early morning runs to quell her anxiety to the stolen moments of solitude spent reading lesser-known female authors like Anita Brookner and Clarice Lispector. Strong’s portrayal of the mundane yet relentless pressures faced by the middle class is both sharp and deeply resonant.

Throughout the novel, the narrator’s interactions with her husband and her reflections on their shared struggles emphasize the theme of perpetual wanting—always yearning for something more or something different. As the story draws to a close, a poignant conversation between the narrator and her husband encapsulates their simple, yet profound desires: “To pay our rent. ... To take care of our kids.” These modest wishes, once taken for granted, now underscore the stark reality faced by many in today’s society.

Want is a powerful exploration of economic vulnerability and the quiet, persistent desperation that accompanies it. Strong’s keen insights and the narrator’s candid, introspective voice make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced challenges of modern middle-class life. I highly recommend this book as it has become one of my favorites!

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind captures the essence of our species' journey through an engaging and provocative narrative. At its core, the book is not a triumphant account of human success. Instead, it critically examines the consequences of our dominance over the planet. As Harari states, "the Sapiens regime on earth has so far produced little that we can be proud of… time and time again massive increases in human power did not necessarily improve the well-being of individual Sapiens, and usually caused immense misery to other animals." This perspective sets the tone for a sobering exploration of human history.

The book is divided into four sections: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the unification of humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Each section delves into moments that shaped our species. The Cognitive Revolution highlights how Homo Sapiens, biologically identical to modern humans, emerged with the capability to imagine and communicate complex ideas. This cognitive leap allowed our ancestors to dream, fear, love, and hope just as we do, but in a world vastly different from our own.

The Agricultural Revolution, often celebrated as the beginning of civilization, is depicted by Harari as humanity's greatest mistake. While it allowed for the proliferation of our species, it brought about misery for individuals and a decline in overall well-being. Harari frequently returns to this dichotomy, emphasizing that more is not necessarily better.

In the third section, Harari examines how humanity transitioned from isolated communities to a global society. This unification was driven by "intersubjective myths" — shared beliefs that exist only in the minds of those who believe in them, such as economic systems, states, and religions. These myths enabled mass cooperation and the creation of complex social structures, reinforcing the power of narrative in human history.

The final section explores the Scientific Revolution, which began in Europe and reshaped humanity's understanding of itself and the world. Harari attributes this shift to the recognition of our ignorance, sparking an insatiable quest for knowledge that continues to drive scientific and technological advancements. This revolution is unfinished and holds the potential to transform human experience in unimaginable ways.

While Harari's "Sapiens" is thought-provoking and educational, it is not without its drawbacks. The book's brevity sometimes leads to a sense of skimming over the surface of complex topics. Harari raises interesting questions, such as the role of language in human success and the dramatic changes of the past 200 years, but often leaves readers wanting more detailed answers. Additionally, the environmental cost of human ascendency is touched upon but not fully explored, leaving a gap in the narrative.

I personally believe that Sapiens is a must read. It offers fresh perspectives on familiar concepts and encourages readers to think critically about the trajectory of human history. For those seeking an engaging overview of our species' journey, this book is well worth the read!

Corregidora - Gayl Jones

Corregidora, originally published in 1975 and reissued in 2019, is an exploration of generational trauma and the power of oral history. The novel follows Ursa Corregidora, a Kentucky blues singer, whose life is shattered when her husband, Mutt, violently attacks her, causing her to lose both her unborn child and her womb. This loss is particularly significant because Ursa has been raised with the responsibility of bearing children to preserve the harrowing stories of her ancestors' suffering under the Portuguese slave owner, Corregidora.

Ursa's great-grandmother and grandmother were both victims of Corregidora's brutality, and their stories of rape and oppression have been passed down through the family. These oral histories are crucial because, with the abolition of slavery, all official records were destroyed. Denied the chance to fulfill this familial duty, Ursa turns to her music. Her blues singing becomes a powerful medium through which she channels her inherited trauma and personal experiences, ensuring that the stories of her ancestors are never forgotten.

The novel delves deeply into the impact of generational trauma on Ursa's relationships and her sense of self. Despite never having met Corregidora, Ursa and her mother are deeply affected by his legacy, facing objectification and violence from the men in their lives. Ursa's relationships are marked by power struggles and abuse, reflecting the ongoing effects of the historical trauma she carries. Her detachment from the men she is involved with and her struggle with her sexuality highlight the complexity between personal and inherited pain.

Corregidora is structurally innovative, using a non-linear narrative that blends Ursa’s memories with those of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The language is visceral and raw, providing an unflinching depiction of sex and violence. While the novel is challenging due to its intense subject matter, it is an amazing read. Gayl Jones's storytelling is compelling, offering an examination of the long-lasting effects of slavery and the resilience required to bear witness to such profound trauma. Corregidora stands as a cornerstone of Black literature, providing profound insights into the enduring impact of generational trauma and the strength of those who remember and recount their history.

Books of January 2021! (Spoilers)