Although some cities are “opening back up” this week, I’ll still be sheltering in place. I need the environment to air out from the first wave of humans before I’m truly ready to step out. I know some of you share those same sentiments. So since we’ll still be in quarantine and chill mode, I have a few books to recommend until we’re ready to hit the streets again. Below you’ll see a brief description of the story line (no spoilers), what to expect, why I liked them, and the song or soundtrack selection that came to mind after reading. Enjoy!
QUEENIE by Candice Carty-Williams
This was my book club’s selection last month and I must say this book really snuck up on me. The beginning was a little slow, but it quickly grew on me as the novel progressed and I got into it. We go through a year in the life (her whole year was how 2020 has been in the last few months…a hot mess!) of the main character, Queenie, a young woman of Jamaican descent living in London. You’ll get a little humor, her struggle with self-identity & self-esteem, mental health issues, dating disasters, social issues, family problems, and the love of witty girlfriends, of course. Now, if I’m being honest, I wanted to slap her pretty much the whole book, but in the end I was glad to see everything come together for her. Read it and you’ll see what I mean.
Soundtrack selection : I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross
MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Did the title get your attention?? I know it got mine! I was super excited to read this book and it was really good. If you love a good mystery with some sibling rivalry thrown in, this book is for you!! There were lots of twists and turns as the main character, Korede, navigates her life in Nigeria working as a nurse while pining for her doctor bae. She struggles with cleaning up her little sister’s messes, dealing their parents and cultural , and her own internal issues. Listen! You’ve got to read this book! It’s truly a page turner! And it makes you ask “Am I my sister’s keeper?”
Soundtrack selection : We Are Family by Sister Sledge
MY 13th HUSBAND by B.M. Hardin
Another catchy title and another good one to add to your quarantine read list! The story revolves around Ivy Raye who has plenty of issues, but finding a husband isn’t one of them. She’s had 12 and is on her 13th! Whew chile! There were so many twists and turns, it was like a roller coaster ride in the best way with a shocking end that will have you speechless. Trust me, you want to read this one! It was the author’s first book (and sometimes it showed), but it’s totally worth it!
Soundtrack selection : 5 Miles to Empty by Brownstone
THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena
Lisseennnnn! This was a page turner from beginning to end!!! If you like suspense, twists and turns, and a lot of “oh hell naw”, this book is for you. The main characters are a couple, Anne and Marco, who are seemingly happy with there sweet baby girl, until the unthinkable happens. And just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, BOOM! We follow the couple as they struggle through a traumatic event and deal with issues like postpartum depression, secrets, and lies. Pick it up and thank me later. The author also has another very interesting page turner, Stranger in the House, that I would suggest reading.
Soundtrack selection : Asylum by John Legend
Are you reading something that I need to add to my bookshelf?
Queenie was really good. I am loving the song suggestions.