2019 Year of Books: Memoirs, Essays & Other Non-Fiction

2019 MEMOIRS, ESSAYS, and OTHER NON-FICTION
Karen Abbott
The Ghosts of Eden Park: The Bootleg King, the Women Who Pursued Him, and the Murder That Shocked Jazz-Age America (audiobook via Libby)

Nancy Stearns Bercaw
Dryland: One Woman's Swim to Sobriety (ebook via Kindle Store)


Elizabeth Berg
Still Happy: Includes "The Book of Homer" (library book)

Rohit Bhargava
Always Eat Left Handed: 15 Surprising Secrets for Killing It At Work And In Real Life (audiobook via Hoopla)

Gary John Bishop
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life (audiobook via Hoopla) 

Jamie Brickhouse
Dangerous When Wet: A Memoir of Booze, Sex, and My Mother (audiobook via Hoopla) 

Vera Brosgol
Be Prepared (paperback)

 

Bryan Burrough
The Demon Next Door (audiobook via Audible)

Candace Bushnell
Is There Still Sex in the City? (audiobook via Hoopla) 


Makenzie Campbell
2am Thoughts (library book)

John Carreyrou
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup (audiobook via Audible) 

Marla Cilley
The CHAOS Cure: Clean Your House and Calm Your Soul in 15 Minutes (library book)

Catherine Cookson
Before I Go (ebook via Kindle Store)

Ruth Cowen
Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch (audiobook via Audible) 


Molly Erdman
Catalog Living at Its Most Absurd: Decorating Takes (Wicker) Balls (library book)

Rachel Held Evans
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church (audiobook via Hoopla)

Huda Fahmy
Yes, I'm Hot in This: The Hilarious Truth about Life in a Hijab (library book)

Allison Fallon
Indestructible: Leveraging Your Broken Heart to Become a Force of Love & Change in the World (ebook via Kindle Store)

Ronan Farrow
Catch and Kill:  Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators (audiobook via Audible)

Jeannie Gaffigan
When Life Gives You Pears: The Healing Power of Family, Faith, and Funny People (audiobook via Audible)

Neil Gaiman
Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World (library book)

Malcolm Gladwell
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (audiobook via Libby)

John Glynn
Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer (hardcover)

Lori Gottlieb
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed (audiobook via Audible) 


Julie Heldman
Driven: A Daughter's Odyssey (audiobook via Audible)
 
Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman
Sounds Like Titanic (audiobook via Audible) 

Rachel Hollis
Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals (audiobook via Hoopla)

Jessica Hopper
Night Moves (library book)

Mira Jacob
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations (library book) 

Abbi Jacobson
I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff (audiobook via Libby) 
 
Patrick Radden Keefe
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland (audiobook via Audible) 

Greg King
Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders (audiobook via Hoopla)

Austin Kleon
Newspaper Blackout (ebook via Hoopla)

Lucy Knisley
Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride (library book)
Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos (library book)

Stephanie Land
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive (audiobook via Libby)

Leon Logothetis
Go Be Kind: 28 1/2 Adventures Guaranteed to Make You Happier (library book)
 

Belinda Luscombe
Marriageology: The Art and Science of Staying Together (audiobook via Audible)

Greg McKeown
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (ebook via Kindle store)

Michelle McNamara
 I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman' Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (audiobook via Libby)

Gabrielle Moss
Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of '80s and '90s Teen Fiction (library book)

Ben and Erin Napier
Make Something Good Today (library book)

Meaghan O'Connell
And Now We Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready (ebook via Libby)

Ryan O'Connell
I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves to Get through Our Twenties (audiobook via Hoopla) 

Nnedi Okorafor
Broken Places & Outer Spaces: Finding Creativity in the Unexpected (library book)

Jessica Pan
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: An Introvert's Year of Living Dangerously (ebook via Hoopla)

Brooks Palmer
Clutter Busting: Letting Go of What's Holding You Back (audiobook via Hoopla) 

Mary Laura Philpott
I Miss You When I Blink: Essays (library book)

Catherine Price
How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life (library book)

Carole Radziwill
What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love (audiobook via Hoopla)

Ruth Reichl
Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet Memoir (audiobook via Libby)

Marc Reklau
The Life-Changing Power of Gratitude: 7 Simple Exercises that will Change Your Life for the Better (audiobook via Hoopla) 

Jason Reynolds
For Every One (paperback)

Gretchen Rubin
Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter & Organize to Make More Room for Happiness (library book)

Angela Santomero
Radical Kindness: The Life-Changing Power of Giving and Receiving (audiobook via Hoopla)


Kathryn Scanlan
Aug 9 - Fog (library book)

David Sedaris
Me Talk Pretty One Day* (audiobook via Hoopla)
Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002 (audiobook via Libby)

Dani Shapiro
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love (ebook via Kindle Store)

Jan Smith
Killer by Nature (audiobook via Audible) 

Myquillyn Smith
Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff  (ebook via Kindle Store) 

Patti Smith
Just Kids (audiobook via Hoopla) 
 
Grant Snider
The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity (library book)

Nina Stibbe
An Almost Perfect Christmas 

Jia Tolentino
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion (audiobook via Libby)

Adrian Tomine
Scenes from an Impending Marriage (library book)

Debbie Tung
Book Love (hardcover)

Judith Viorst
Nearing Ninety: And Other Comedies of Late Life (library book)

Jen Waite
A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal (ebook via Kindle Store)

Florence Williams
The 3-Day Effect (audiobook via Audible) 
 
Rachel DeLoache Williams
My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress (hardcover)



 

An (*) indicates a reread.  All ebooks are purchased on sale via the Kindle Store or checked out from the e-offerings of the Elmhurst Public Library.  All audiobooks are from Audible.com or the Elmhurst Public Library's e-offerings (Hoopla and Libby Apps).

Fall Faves, August - October 2019

It's been a great few months of reading.  Trust me that the books above are just the cream of a very rich crop of recent reads.  What's great about this collection of titles is that except in a few cases, these are books written by authors I love so if you can't get your hands on the title in the collage, there are other great books to be found.  If you want to know more about what I'm reading, follow me on Instagram and Goodreads, where I am @booksandcarbs and booksandcarbs. 

In order of the photo collage (which was random), I present:

The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore:  This book was a perfect (end of) summer read for me.  I really liked the Block Island setting, the fact that some of the main characters were writers, and the book's familial/romantic relationships.  Book clubs could find plenty to discuss.  Speaking of book clubs, The Admissions by Meg Mitchell More is a PERFECT book club selection.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett:  My heart was full to bursting by the time this book ended.  It exceeded my (very high) expectations.  I loved the brother-sister relationship in this book and loved that it was another forgiveness story (I've read a lot of strong ones this year).  Ann Patchett is one of the finest living American writers and she outdid herself here.  Highly, highly recommend the audio version as the narration of Tom Hanks is exquisite.  I wanted to live in this book.  Other favorite Ann Patchett titles?  All of them, but especially State of Wonder, This is The Story of a Happy Marriage, and Bel Canto. 

Red at the Bone by Jaqueline Woodson:  Woodson's writing is beautiful.  The way she shifted between past and present and among family members really worked.  Aubrey's story (and his mother's) will stay with me most powerfully. 

Conviction by Denise Mina:  This mystery checked all the boxes for me ... quirky, interesting characters who were not caricatures and who had real issues and pasts, cool locales, just the right mix of humor and absurdity with this pair of unlikely buddies/amateur detectives.  I liked the timeliness of the true crime podcast angle of this story.  Bonus points for melodious Scottish narration.

A Better Man by Louise Penny:  I'm all caught up in the Chief Inspector Gamache series now and it feels both satisfying and sad as now I have to wait for what's next.  And wait I will.  This latest trip to Three Pines was all about how we read and perceive others and the courage required to admit when we're wrong.  To see Gamache's relationships with "his people" and the loyalty, respect, and love binding them is a beautiful thing.  It's interesting to see Gamache up against a new regime of doubters and insecure higher ups.  This series starts slow but it is SO WORTH THE INVESTMENT.

Marilou is Everywhere by Sarah Elaine Smith:  I can't promise you'll love this one, but I did.  I've not read a book quite like it and couldn't stop reading to try and understand Cindy.  This one was sad and strange and sometimes funny and ultimately hopeful.  Different in a refreshing way.  Unique (to me) rural setting.

The Likeness by Tana French:  Tana French, like Louise Penny, is able to infuse her mysteries with true insight into human nature and writes so beautifully.  I like how her detectives, especially in this book, are flawed but compelling.  I love the Irish settings.  Allegedly you don't need to read her books in order, but I would.  Start with In the Woods.

Reasons to be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe:  I "met" Nina Stibbe when I read her letter collection/memoir Love, Nina -- one of my favorite books of 2014.  I've since read all of her Lizzie Vogel novels as soon as I could get my American hands on them.  Reasons to be Cheerful is the latest of them and thoroughly delightful.  Who doesn't like reading about amateur dentistry?  These books are funny and smart, tons of wit and humor in the details.  Quirky but complex characters in an odd but loving family.  Stibbe's books are just my cup of tea.  The Lizzie Vogel series starts with Man at the Helm.

Just Kids by Patti Smith:  I went into this book with limited knowledge of the life and art of Patti Smith nor that of Robert Maplethorpe (aware of reputation and controversy but not familiar with the work itself).  Even lacking prior knowledge and passionate interest/curiosity, I was still blown away by Just Kids.  Smiths' writing is gorgeous (and I was completely charmed by her narration -- she adds an "l" to "drawing" and drops the "g" in all "ing" words, for example).  This is a story of friendship, love, and art that spans decades.  Struggles and shared joys.  Smith doesn't sensationalize or spin; she shares moments and memories thoughtfully.  The moment inspiring the book's title is mentioned early on and got to me.  Readers interested in music and art in the late 60s and 70s will appreciate Smith's interactions with other creatives.  Really glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this one.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee:  I waited so long to read this one.  I'm not sure why as I loved Lee's Free Food for Millionaires.  This family saga was wonderful.  I was very interested in all the relationships and in the way family was interpreted so expansively.  Plenty to discuss in terms of love, generosity, service, courage.  This is the second book I've read that has enlightened me about the the experiences of Koreans living in Japan.  Long book, but I would happily stick with this family for decades more.

What are your Fall Faves?  Please share in the comments!

Five Faves -- July 2019

Surfacing to share my five favorite reading experiences from the past month ...

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo was everything I wanted and needed it to be.  It included the most moments of heart-bursting joy I've experienced in a book in recent history.  You're invited into the lives of a family over decades.  They are flawed and funny and loving and sometimes selfish and sometitmes lost and it was just wonderful to be there with them for the highs and lows.  Bonus for me was the Chicago/Oak Park setting.  Favorite characters?  Jonah and Wendy.

Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Aker is perfect for book clubs.  Anyone who only reads the first quarter or so of the book will be saying how the guy seems okay if only he would stop with all that swiping.  Then, those who read on will be thinking that actually, he's a pretty good dad.  But that mom?!  You'll want to judge that mom.  Keep reading.  Then, you're ready for a really good discussion about marriage, gender, power, societal norms, and more.  Very interesting narrative frame for this novel with Fleishman's college friend connecting the stories.

Call It What You Want by Bridget Kemmerer is a solid and satisfying YA novel.  I've loved all Kemmerer's non-fantasy YA novels (I may indeed love her fantasy ones as well, but I haven't tried them as that's typically not my bag).  It's been almost twenty years since I was a high school teacher so I can't accurately judge how realistic it is for kids on the fringe or the outs (for various reasons) to find each other and connect.  I love the idea of readers seeing more expansive possibilities for friendship on the pages of the books they read -- that's my kind of fantasy, I suppose.

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center is a breezy read that still has heft.  I enjoyed Cassie's journey and liked learning about life as a firefighter, the station scene, etc.  This novel is a forgiveness story and we can always use more of those (well, most of us can).  I think I've read all of Center's novels and they are all reliable reads.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong is beautifully written.  I listened to the audio version, narrated by the author, and I'm glad I did as his lyrical, poetic style lends itself to being read aloud.  Content wise, this book is not easy to read:  the inheritance of war, abuse, opioid addiction, the loneliness and challenge of the immigrant experience.  There's also love and friendship and some beautiful moments of generosity ... a young man finding his way and his words (and with his words).  Not easy to read but worth reading.

Honorable mentions ....
Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey -- There was a time (long, long ago) when I had time to watch rom coms, some of them over and over again.  This book brought me back to that time and I just inhaled it.  Fans of Meg Ryan movies ... treat yourselves!

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle -- I found this thriller via Hoopla Digital and listened for free because my library subscribes.  Couldn't wait to find out how the two women's stories overlapped and didn't find it predictable nor overly twisty (getting weary of books with twist after twist after twist).

If you follow me on Instagram (I'm @booksandcarbs), some of these blurbs will sound familiar.  If you don't follow me on Instagram, please find me! 

If You Like It, Then You Should Put a Glue Gun On It

This 'Lil Project has been a long time coming, not because it was tricky or time intensive but because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do.

I've been saving our wine corks for at least five years, probably longer.  I'm not a obsessive wine drinker myself, but the latent hoarder in me didn't want to throw them out.  However, the corks were starting to take up valuable real estate in a kitchen cupboard, falling out each time the door was opened.  Since I've been on a kick with reading de-cluttering books (and actually doing some de-cluttering), I decided it was time to get the cork on with it.

There are some Pinteresting ideas for wine corks out there, but nothing was exactly what I wanted.  I was in Michael's earlier this week and saw this long narrow box for 70% off and felt inspired. 


I did some laying out and selecting (for variety in corkage) in advance.  Maybe you are supposed to soak, clean, or treat them somehow first?  I didn't do that.  I got out the glue gun tin and went to town.

There were still plenty of corks left when I finished the sides so I covered the bottom as well.

I just moved the flowers I already had out in my kitchen into the box.  If I had staged this better, I'd maybe look for more vases or possibly lower ones.  I'll change it up in the future.

My husband's attitude toward most of my 'Lil Projects is somewhere between indifferent and lukewarm, but he was quite interested in this one and seems pleased to have these corks displayed.  Proud of himself for drinking most of that wine himself perhaps.

I'm pleased with the final result and pleased that I've freed up some cupboard space.  Of course, now I'll throw away any future wine corks.  Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. 

Five Faves -- June 2019

Happy Summer!

Here are my favorite books from the first month of summer break...

You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac
What seals this one is its setting -- a gorgeous family resort in the French countryside.  I liked these characters and rooted for them as they reconciled past with present.

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand 
This one is Hilderbrand's first historical novel and it was great visiting Nantucket in the past (since I've "been there" so many other times more recently) and during such a historic moment (Vietnam, moon launch, Chappaquiddick, Woodstock on the horizon).  I just loved Kate's family and want to check in on them again in future summers.  Teared up at the beginning and the end.

For Everyone by Jason Reynolds 
Jason Reynolds is a YA author with whom I was unfamiliar, but this book was featured at Joseph Beth Bookstore when I was visiting Cincinnati and so I picked it up.  Short but powerful ... truly a title for everyone who needs inspiration and motivation to keep going, keep dreaming, keep creating, keep doing.  Just loved it.

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
I've read so many books that reference Bridget Jones's Diary on the cover blurbs that have been so very, very disappointing.  Finally, a book that is worthy of the comparison!  Humor and heart.  Strong friendships.  A heroine you can really care about and root for.  The Flatshare also tackles some serious topics in addition to its very endearing love story.  Thoroughly satisfying.

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Two families whose lives intersect over several decades -- love, challenges, changes, and, especially, forgiveness. 

Honorable Mentions...
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren -- super fun and funny summer read!
Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane -- slow but lovely story about nurturing friendships
Into the Woods by Tana French -- my first Dublin Murder Squad book, won't be my last
The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay -- fresh start story featuring books and friendships

Finds & Buys -- Searching for Sunshine Edition

I can't speak for every corner of the Midwest, but I'll take a stab at summarizing the past several months in my corner:  longest winter ever, followed by the wettest and coldest spring.  I don't know if official weather data confirms my summary, but I can say that with the exception of a handful of glorious days (or at least parts of days), it's been fairly miserable.  I admit to medicating with some retail therapy in the form of unnecessary but not super expensive perk-me-up purchases. 

I've written about my love of Nora Fleming products before.  I couldn't resist the rain boot mini Nora Fleming came out with this rainy spring.

Grocery store flowers are always a good perk-me-up purchase.  I perked up a tube vase from Dollar Tree with some colorful spring washi tape. 
 

My kids don't need sunshine to enjoy popsicles.  We love the Wyler's Italian Ice ones.  They have the perfect texture and come in lots of delicious flavors (the orange is the best).  They're always available at Walgreen's, but I also bought a huge box at either Sam's or Costco.  Apologies that I can't remember which spot.  One warning -- if you don't clarify expectations with your popsicle eaters, you'll find abandoned popsicle tops throughout your house and every pair of scissors you own glued together with fruity goodness.
 

Good smelling cleaning products are a real perk-me-up purchase for me,  I am loving the Vetiver & Tea Tree scent from Home & Planet.  Really fresh, clean unique scent.  No, I don't know what Vetiver is either.

 

I was at Wal-Mart in search of a baby gate for our new puppy when I spied this giant insulated jug.  So far, I have used it to keep Diet Coke chilled and it has worked like a charm (even over several hours).  Actual goal is to drink more water this summer and this bottle will serve me well.  It was $14.95.  

Knock on wood, but it seems we are finally entering a season of reliable sunshine.  Best news?  Sunshine is a free perk-me-up and you don't have to de-clutter it later.

LFL -- YMCA Nostalgia Edition

When visiting my parents a couple years ago, I noted that the YMCA near their house had a Little Free Library in front.  I imagined that one day I would walk down there and check it out, but in my recent visits I've never found the time to make that half-mile journey on foot.  This evening, after securing some local food favorites at Kroger to take back to Pleasantville, I parked in front of the Y and my oldest and I finally checked out this LFL.

First off, I love the idea of a LFL in front of my childhood YMCA.  As a girl, I spent what in hindsight seems an inordinate number of hours at the Y.  Back in the 80s, one didn't languish in Pike for session after session.  You could actually learn to swim and advance through the classes Pollywog, Pre-Minnow, Minnow, Guppy, Pike, Fish, Flying Fish, Shark, etc.  Don't quote me on the progression or the class names, but I took them all, not because I had a huge passion for swimming so much as because my next youngest sister had a real passion for swimming and so we all had our "own stuff" to do at the Y.  That being said, more than half of my YMCA visits were spent outside the pool while my sister was practicing or competing.  With no cell phone or tablet to turn to, I had a rotation of things I did to while away my time at the Y:  visit the "new' water fountain near the racquetball courts, watch adults play racquetball from the upper viewing area, hope for a turn with the pool table or foosball, test the dryers in the locker room, pester my mom for change for the gumball and vending machines, read every scrap of paper on every bulletin board, read every plaque on the walls, review the posted swim team records (my sister had one, NTB), and, of course, if I came prepared, read a book.

Had an LFL existed in those days, checking its offerings would have been my most savored ritual of each trip to the Y.  Without a doubt.  Fast forward thirty-plus years.

 

This LFL is a fairly basic model.  The wood is a bit faded, but I like the red-tinted glass.  I'm a big fan of the message:  Travel the world starting with books.  Don't we all want young readers to expand their worlds through books?  I've visited so many cool places in books and can't imagine my life without those "travels."  Side note:  I was interested to note that the phrase "Young Men's Christian Association" is emphasized on the front of the LFL since the word "Christian" has completely disappeared from the Y where I live now.

 Perhaps it's the time of year, but the pickings were slim when we opened it up.

As is my tradition, I look at the offerings and play a little "game" of If I were desperate for a new book to read and had to choose one from this LFL, what would I choose?  Since the selection wasn't vast, especially for an adult reader, I decided to think ask myself what 1983 or 1984 Megan would choose.  I think that 80s Megan would be excited to check out Allergic to My Family.  I didn't look inside to the year of publication but the cover illustration took me back and made me nostalgic for the time in my life when I had endless hours to fritter away at the Y (though it was a necessity, not a choice).  I wonder if my daughter will feel similarly some day when she thinks of all the ways she  entertained herself in the hockey area of our Y during her brothers' games.  I will tell you that on our way out the door, I usually remember to remind her to bring a book and some vending machine money, evidence that even in the pre-LFL days, I did learn a thing or two at the YMCA.