Bibliophilia: February

February is done, and I thought why not share what I have read this month, and also let you know: I have a new book of the month up! Full disclosure, I have been reading more than I have been writing; so I am reflecting on that and will hopefully have something to share soon. In the meantime, here is everything I finished reading in February:

1. Outlander (#1) by Diana Gabaldon This is my new escapist series now that I finished Harry Potter. Last year, I loved having something so removed from real life to dive into when I needed to relax, and the beauty of a series is you get to become deeply invested in the characters. I watched this show with my best friend after she essentially moved in post breakup. The show was our safe haven where we vegged while she healed. It honestly holds such a dear place in my heart for that reason, but objectively the show is also simply spectacular. So I thought, why not read the books to tether me to home in a sense. I have also found that reading a series feeds my inner child immensely.

2. The House on the Water by Margot Hunt So to save money, Chris and I have been listening to the audiobooks already purchased while we do our long drives. This was a super short novella that my mom had already bought and downloaded in our shared Audible account. This was completely missable, please do not waste your time.

3. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston This is another Mary Kay Audible purchase I listened to. Definitely not in my usual repertoire of books, it is a bit of a 'beach read' as they say. Not to be pretentious, but I usually steer away from these types of books because the writing isn't usually too engaging. That being said, I still sometimes think about this book long after finishing it. The story line was entriguing and kept you on your toes. For that, if you're looking for a bit of an indulgent and easy fiction read - this could be for you.

4. Communion: The Female Search for Love by Bell Hooks This is the third book in a series by Bell Hooks about love. At times, I find her writing a bit repetitive and reductive, and at worse, unrelatable. All that being said, I did find a lot of value in this book. Any type of nonfiction that triggers introspection or makes me reflect about the way I view the world is, in my mind, invaluable. One of my favorite discussions of hers was about romantic frienships, and how these can be more fulfilling and sustaining than heterosexual relationships with men. 'Romantic' under patriarchial terms insinuates sexual, but that is not the true definition. I feel this fully in my life, among my people. Ultimately, I highly recommend for women to read this to reflect on what they want the love in their life to look life, both sexually and romantically.

5. Sex and Rage by Eve Babitz This is my book of the month! My first book by Babitz and I am excited to dive more into her writing. I finished this book in two days. The writing is fast-paced and had me tripping over myself to read the next page. At first, it reminded me of any writing I have ever read about LA. It especially reminded me of Joan Didion's writing, but it quickly took on its own form. I also loved her poetic prose and the way she could paint a feeling. I feel this book was a bit of a fictionalized memoir of her own life perhaps? Regardless, it was an exciting read with a good character arc. Lastly, I loved reading about LA and SD, being familiar with the places myself.

As always, I will plead with you to download Goodreads, my favorite social media. My goal for March is not necessarily to read any less, but to write more! Talk soon xoxo