Friday BOok Debrief Vol 31

Every week we’re sharing what our some of our writers are currently reading.

For all of our US readers, we now have our own Bookshop! You can find the full list of the below books here and with every purchase you will be helping local independent bookstores! If you do not live in the US please support your local independent stores, lots are now doing local deliveries and they need your help more then ever in these uncertain times. - ❤️

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston - Maggie

The writing is so poetic and gorgeous, I am having to read it incredibly slow in comparison to how I normally read. I also have been delightfully annoying my boyfriend by reading all the dialogue out loud to make sure I don't miss a single beat. My first Zora and will definitely not be my last.

Buy it here.

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Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki - Melissa

Months ago, I got a few books centered around nannies (that aren't The Nanny Diaries) because nannying used to be my life. Thanks to COVID, I haven't seen my girls for 4 months, and the nanny in this book (that I'm pretty sure is deranged) is making the separation a little easier!

Buy it here.

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This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color Edited by Cherrie L. Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa - Karen

This book has become one of my top favorites of all time. I'm finding so much language for experiences I never knew could be narrated and expressed this way. I have had amazing conversations with people about what this book meant for them and many tell me that this book saved their life. I can see why! In a world with lack of representation, this book makes you feel so seen. This was gifted to me by one of our own (Marian Perales) and I hope she knows what a gift she has given me. I'm on a journey towards education to understand the experiences of others, while trying to weave a narrative for my own. This book builds bridges between our similarities and differences. Can't recommend it enough!!

Buy it here.

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Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Cecilia

I started a new job this week (woo!), so I wanted to pick something a little lighter. This is a YA near-future novel with a strong sisterly bond at its center.

Buy it here.

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Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner - Mel

This sweet Hollywood romance is a “will-they/won’t they” between a former actress turned owner of a production company and her assistant. I can’t help but fly through it waiting to see what will happen between them!

Buy it here.

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo - Jessica Maria

I’ve read Acevedo’s two previous, stellar YA novels The Poet X and The Fire on High on audiobook, narrated by her perfectly. This is my first foray into her words on paper, and the prose sings in a light, musical way that seems diametrically opposed to the grief her two young protagonists are feeling - but it’s not. It evokes their emotions in such a perceptive way. Thirty pages in and I know I’m also going to love this one.

Buy it here.