How many books do you normally read at once? I used to be a one book at a time type of person, but this year, I’ve found that I actually enjoy juggling a couple at once, mixing up fiction and nonfiction. While I started out doing two at a time, I looked over at my nightstand and realized that I have quite a few active reads at the moment with lots of variety. Here is my current reading list with my expectations, impressions and reviews:
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
I just finished A Deadly Education yesterday! I really enjoyed getting into the mood of dark academia. The book is about more than just a school of magic, casting spells, alchemy and maleficent creatures. The main character is a powerful student with a prophecy of destruction attached to her name. Unwilling to fulfill this prophecy, El constantly works to do everything above board with only magic powered by “good” sources (mana). She and the other students inside the Scholomance are all training and conditioning for their “graduation” – the moment they are dropped down into the basement to put their skills to the test in order to make it out alive.
I enjoyed not only the world the book was set in, but the internal struggle El faces as both the school and her own tendencies toward anger and irritation tempt her to fulfill this mysterious prophecy. Out of fear of revealing too much more, I’ll stop there. I would recommend this, and I’m looking forward to the sequel that comes out in 2021!
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce
Dear Mrs. Bird is the next fiction book on my reading list. I’m excited to get into the setting of WWII in London, and from what’s on the cover, I’m expecting a charming and entertaining read that follows Emmeline Lake, a woman who wants to be a war correspondent but by a misunderstanding, ends up being a secret advice columnist. The book is part of a series, so I’ll be able to tackle this one before the second book in the Emmeline Lake Chronicles – Yours Cheerfully – comes out next year. I’m looking forward to it!
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Any other murderinos here? I have been joining in on the true crime podcast frenzy and heard about I’ll Be Gone in the Dark on the My Favorite Murder podcast. I’m pretty new to the world of true crime, and this is my first true crime read. I’m nearly done and have been enjoying it so far. To say that Michelle McNamara put in lots of time and research into her investigation of the Golden State Killer is an understatement. It’s evident that she was committed to doing all she could to seek out any information that would bring justice to those impacted by the case.
Sadly, McNamara passed away before the book was fully finished and before the Golden State Killer was apprehended. Her husband Patton Oswalt worked with her researcher Paul Haynes and crime journalist Billy Jensen to make sure the book was completed and released. I’m glad I picked up a copy and would recommend it to true crime lovers. I also plan to watch the HBO series based on the book, which premiered in June 2020.
The Working Woman’s Handbook by Phoebe Lovatt
This is actually my second time reading The Working Woman’s Handbook book, which passes along actionable tips on how to successfully build a creative career as an entrepreneur/freelancer. I first read this book when I was dreaming of becoming a freelance writer. The advice, interviews, thought-provoking questions and worksheets laid out the basics of what I would need to consider and work through to launch my own professional creative career. Now, I’m reading it a second time because I’ve actually begun my freelance journey, and I want a second wave of inspiration and practical reminders to help me stay motivated and on track. It’s not only a great read, but a great resource to keep on hand if you’re new to the world of creative entrepreneurship.
Hustle and Float by Rahaf Harfoush
I’ve been looking for a work of nonfiction that discusses the unique relationship between productivity and creativity and the challenges creative professionals face within the constraints of a rigid corporate environment. I think I’ve found it! I’m about 30 pages into Hustle and Float, and so far I’m enjoying it. I like how it balances discussion of what it means to be a “Productive Creative” with historical context for how we ended up where we are. I look forward to reading more and diving further into the topic!
Let me know what you think! I’ve always loved to read and have been making a conscious effort to expand my reading list and spend more time with a book than on my phone. What books do I need to check out next?
Disclaimer: All thoughts, opinions and photos are my own. None of the links shared are affiliate links.
