If You Only Read One: October 2019
We know that we read — and review — a lot of books. It definitely helps that there are three of us, in that regard. So with this feature, we want to tell you our favorite read of the month - if we only recommend one book to pick up, what would it be?
Note: You know that we think (literally) everyone needs to read “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller as we have managed to work it into almost every post that we wrote this month. Instead of being duplicative and belaboring that point, EE and Shannon chose other books to highlight here. That said, read “Know My Name” if only for us to be able to talk about it even more.
Elizabeth
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
I was at a friend’s housewarming party and obviously the blog came up; I was put on the spot to name my favorite book of 2019 (naturally, I named about 5), and “Ninth House” was on that list. I really enjoyed this dark and twisty fantasy book about magic and secret societies and higher education; my only regret is that I read it in a day and have to wait so long for a sequel. I loved the central mystery, I loved the amazingly strong female characters, and I loved the world that Leigh Bardugo created — it fits in so nicely along our own.
Moira
What a spooky month! But remember, with me, spooky season lasts the whole year through. There was quite a bit of stiff competition for the winner this month, but “The Snakes” by Sadie Jones was the read that has stuck with me the most. It’s a book that manages to balance being a terrifying thriller with tackling the psychological complexities of family. It pulls no punches, so be aware that the brutality extends through the last page.
Shannon
“Supper Club” by Lara Williams
I had a great month of reading—”She Said,” “Know My Name,” a few fun thrillers I didn’t review here, the latest Jasmine Guillory rom-com of a book—but I’m going to go with “Supper Club.” I thought the concept was wholly original; it was a fresh examination of modern feminism, and I simultaneously identified with and was frustrated by the protagonist. Read this one if you’re interested in female friendship, intense introspection, bodily autonomy, and some pretty good food writing to boot.
