It's official: I've fallen in love with this author. I finished reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo a few weeks ago, and this carries the same style. We follow the rise of rock n' roll band, The Six, until they end up collaborating with hit singer Daisy Jones. She develops a tense, borderline passionate relationship with lead singer Billy Dunne. Gives major will-they-won't-they vibes. The novel is meant to vaguely reference Fleetwood Mac, including the notorious drug use of the 70s. We watch as these incredibly talented people fall into destructive habits, fall in love, and write music about it. My heart broke seeing these characters battle their addictions. Sex, drugs, music. This embodiment of rock n' roll had me mesmerized from beginning to end.
Oh no! Dani and Dorian just missed the bus to magic school! Their parents will be furious... Why not play hooky for awhile? Here's a story about these two magical twins, the friendships they develop, and an end-of-the-world type prophecy. The art is stunning, and the story is truly heart-warming. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter!
Where to start with this one? We bear witness to the life story of aging Hollywood bombshell, Evelyn Hugo, through the eyes of the journalist she charges with documenting it. A true beacon of female sexuality and sensuality, I found it hard not to like Evelyn, even in her worst moments. From the beginning of Evelyn's story, her heartbreak, ambition, and sexuality were palpable. As she goes through strategic marriages with various powerful men on the backdrop of the 50s and 60s, Evelyn tries to hide her catatonic, decades-long love for fellow actress, Celia St. James. I was enthralled, bewitched, and beautifully devastated. Highly, highly recommend this.
How do different people celebrate and show their love? This book is beautiful exploration of love around the world! A perfect match for curious minds. From China to Kenya to Mexico and back, this book covers the numerous ways people show they love each other in different cultures. Even as a 19 year old, I learned more about the world by the end of it.
What would you do if you woke up one morning to a tree shaped like a dragon? A mysterious phenomenon is occuring at Grimloch Lane. People start coming out of their houses to find trees shaped like various animals! Young, oprhaned William realizes this must be the work of a gardener. A night gardener, to be exact. A sweet children's story about improving your neighborhood and people's lives.
A lovely story about a little girl who's grandma was a prima ballerina. They go to see the nutcracker at the theatre, and she finds out her grandma once played the sugar plum fairy! It's a good amount of festive and is illustrated by the author of Fancy Nancy, so you already know the art is going to be perfect.
This collection of essays on food, love, and Zauner's relationship with her mother hits impossibly deep. Like, "call your parents at 3am to tell them you love them" deep. Documenting the high school decline of their relationship to the phone call where she learns her mother has cancer, each essay explores the cultural and culinary ties Zauner had through her mother. Highly recommend for when you need something to help process grief.
I've always been a lover of post-apocalyptic fiction, especially when we get glimpses of the horrific event that brought about a new world order. Deftly, beautifully, and hauntingly, Mandel's portrait of a diseased world discovers the intricacies and necessity of human relationship. I felt the characters' joy, desperation, and loneliness with an intensity that only comes from an accomplished writer. One of my favorite books I've ever read, for sure.
Lyrical, magical, profound. You'll fall head over heels for this heartbreakingly beautiful ode to literature, the fortitude and fragility of history, and the remarkable prevalence of a story that never ceases to amaze with its relevance.
Doors that lead to other worlds sound like fantastical rumors. But, what if they really exist? This book is a door, taking us to the world of the "oddly-colored" January Scaller, under the protection of her father's wealthy employer, Mr. Locke. Following the story of January and her family's past, Harrow unravels the secrets of mystical doors, those that dedicate their lives to them, and the infinite value of stories.
