February Wrap Up

# of Books Read: 9

# of Pages Read: 2,897

Favourite Book(s) of the Month: Quiet, Catch and Kill, Just Mercy

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

My Name is Lucy Barton is actually my first Elizabeth Strout novel. I think that it was a good place to start as it is short and it let me get a feel for her writing style. I listened to the audiobook thanks to Libro fm and Laura Linney was the narrator. That was such a treat because she actually performs a version of this book as a one woman show! I am always fascinated by the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters and I thought that this book did a great job highlighting the main character’s complex feelings towards her mother. It honestly feels like you are having a conversation with a friend.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

When you consider the subheading of this book, it is ironic that I can not stop talking about this book. I want everyone in my life to read it whether they are an introvert or not. I have never felt so seen and I found myself nodding along as I was reading it. I have spoken to many other introverts who have also felt heard by the research that Susan Cain has shared in her book. Being an introvert is not something to be ashamed of and there are ways to use it to your advantage! That is freeing.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

I have such a hard time knowing how to talk about this novel. I went in expecting one thing and ending up getting so much more. I think that is the best way to go into it so I have to stop myself from saying anything else even though all I want to do is talk about this book. It comes out March 10th (Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me a copy) and when you read it please message me on Instagram so we can discuss it. Just know that I loved it!

Frankly in Love by David Yoon

I keep saying that the marketing of this book did not do it justice and I think that is true. There was so much hype about how it was a faking dating romance, but that ends up being such a small part of the story that I think it is barely worth mentioning. The romance is not what makes this book so wonderful! What is amazing is Frank’s inner musing, his friendships, and his family. As a child of immigrants he feels like he is split between two worlds and struggles to navigate the pressures he feels from both American society and from his parents. I have been told that the representation in this book is accurate and that many people in a similar situation to Frank have shared his thoughts and feelings. Highly recommend reading this one!

The Bear by Andrew Krivak

I am torn on this book. The writing is beautiful and I love that it reads like a fable. It is a quiet dystopian novel, which is a genre I adore. I think the issue I ended up having is that the first half is so much stronger than the second. I felt as though the second half dragged a little bit and there were some pacing issues. That said, the ending was absolutely beautiful. I would definitely read more from Andrew Krivak. His writing is so lush and descriptive. It is obvious that he personally feels a connection to nature.

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow

I knew very little about Ronan Farrow before I picked up Catch and Kill, but I can not say that I am a huge fan. He is not only brilliant but he is also respectful, thorough, and emphatic. I appreciated that the victims were always in the back of his mind and that he persevered against an immense amount of pressure because he knew how important it was for this story to be told. It churns my stomach to know how many people knew about Harvey Weinstein and did nothing. This week, Weinstein was found guilt and I thought that what Ronan said on his Twitter summed it up perfectly:

Today’s outcome in Harvey Weinstein’s New York trial is the result of the decisions of multiple women to come forward to journalists and to prosecutors at great personal cost and risk. Please keep those women in your thoughts today.

— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) February 24, 2020

The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After By Clemantine Wamariya

I will be posting a full review with more of my thoughts tomorrow so I will try to keep this short. The Girl Who Smiled Beads is a raw and honest look at the life of a refugee. Clemantine does not sugarcoat her thoughts or feelings for the benefit of the reader. She speaks some harsh truths and is honest to herself and to the reader. I appreciated that so much. I walked away from this book with a lot to think about.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

I am so happy that I finally decided to read Just Mercy. I read The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton a couple years ago and it impacted me in a way I was not prepared for. Since then, I have kept up with the work of The Innocence Project as well as Bryan Stevenson’s career. Because I have been following all of this for years the main case that Stevenson shares about in Just Mercy should not have surprised me but it did. It continues to baffled me how innocent people end up on death row. It is infuriating. Please read this book and watch Bryan Stevenson’s TED Talk.

Heartstopper: Volume Three by Alice Oseman

Why is this graphic novel series so adorable?! I will never get tired of Nick and Charlie’s love story. I hope that this series never ends and that we get to follow them throughout their lifetime. Everything about this is so wholesome and sweet while also tackling some real issues that teens face and handling them in a realistic way.

I had an amazing month of reading! I found so many new favourite nonfiction and that is a trend I would love to continue in March. I am planning to start with Know My Name.

What was the best book you read in February? What is one nonfiction novel that I need to read?