On My Bookshelf – December Reads

In case you haven’t guessed already. I like to read a lot. A few weeks ago I read three books in one week. I like picking a cosy coffee shop or pub at the weekend and spend a few hours (or more) reading. Sometimes I read on my lunch break or before bed too. These are a few books I have on my bookshelf to last me for the rest of the year.

Zadie Smith – On Beauty

I’ve wanted to read some of Zadie Smith’s books for a while. On Beauty is about a pair of feuding families. It explores what life does to love. I’m guessing it also talks about family life.

Jean Hannah Edelstein – This Really Isn’t About You

This is a memoir about the author’s decision to return home after she receives news of her father’s terminal illness. I can imagine this one is going to be really quite heartbreaking. If it’s a tearjerker it’s probably not one I will read in public!

Kevin Kwan – Crazy Rich Asians

I know a film has come out about this book but I’ve not seen that yet. This is a romantic comedy novel loosely based on Kwan’s own experiences. I think this’ll be a nice read over the festive period to get all the feels.

Holly Bourne – The Places I’ve Cried In Public

After reading and loving How Do You Like Me Now? I thought I’d pick up another book by Holly Bourne. This one is more a teenage fiction book about toxic relationships. I’m hoping I’ll still enjoy it, even though I’m a little bit over the intended age range.

Click to read my review of Holly Bourne’s How Do You Like Me Now?

Emilie Pine – Notes to Self

I’ve had this sitting on my wish list for ages and finally decided to take the plunge. This brings together six essays reflecting aspects of being a woman today. It’s taken from the author’s own experiences and talks about family relationships and her own infertility. So excited to read this.

[Edit: read it – loved it. Read my review of Emilie Pine’s Notes to Self]

Tayari Jones – An American Marriage

This is another that has been sitting on my wish list. This explores the effects of a miscarriage of justice on a young African-American’s marriage. It’s narrated by Celestial and Roy and their close friend Andre, and I think this writing style coupled with the story line will make for a really interesting read.

Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them?