When I start a new book I always intend to finish it. I don’t like loose ends and I especially don’t like giving up. But sometimes a good book finds you at the wrong time. Turning the page feels more like a chore than pleasure and the characters don’t resonate. It’s a rare occurrence for me but it does happen and sadly, this was my experience while reading Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin. I found the book to be too heady and emotionally taxing, and I wasn’t in the headspace to receive what the book had to offer. The story’s themes of death, addiction and self-sabotage were not what my spirit needed at the moment and I couldn’t placate my disinterest in the name of arbitrary obligation. So instead of forcing it, I gave myself a quick reading break and pivoted.
I know I’m a few days (okay 2 weeks!) late but here’s the September book pick and let me tell you, I SOARED through this one! The beautiful storytelling may or may not have been heightened by the fact that I was on one of the best vacations I’ve taken in years but Aisha Muharrar has a hit on her hands. Loved One is a book about grief, friendship, unexplored possibilities and finding solace in forgiveness. As Julia attempts to piece together the final days of her best friend Gabe’s life, she bites off a bit more than she can chew. But in the process of navigating the unknown spaces, unshared feelings and unfinished business of her relationship with Gabe she learns more about herself and what it means to love someone fully. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did!
Bonus September read!
Since I’ve already blown through the month’s main attraction, I’ve decided to use the extra reading time to dive into a format I rarely get the chance to explore. Poetry is a complex medium that requires time, patience and a willingness to self-reflect. I have two out of three of those things right now and am hoping Resting Bitch Face by Taylor Byas will help me complete the trifecta. The name of this collection immediately drew me in. I was born with an RBF and I’ve learned to embrace every spectrum of my scowl and furrow of my brow. She is me and I am her, and I no longer apologize for it.
Dig in with me and let me know what you think!
Happy reading xx.