Good Reads & Views

The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Sarah M. Broom grew up in the New Orleans that tourists never see—New Orleans East, where her family lived in the Yellow House, a shotgun house that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. In this coming of age story, she writes from the perspective of “the babiest” of 12 children, raised by a widowed mother who supported her family. 

Why you should read it: If you appreciate beautiful writing, this book is for you. Broom’s phrasing is often poetic, sometimes blunt, always original; her unique voice speaks from these pages. In this memoir about race and class, her matter-of-fact tone and lyrical writing make her story all the more powerful.

Book buzz: Winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction, this book was also named a Best Book of 2019 by the Chicago Tribune, New York Times Book Review, and Washington Post.

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Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

What it’s about: At an elite and secretive college, Ines—a student with a haunting past—tries to find her place among her brilliant and troubled peers. The strangeness of the academic program and the unusual rituals of the place gradually increase in intensity, which will keep you turning the pages.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy atmospheric stories infused with a mild and growing sense of eeriness, this book is a great choice for you. Also, if you’re looking for great debut novels by authors of color, pick up this book—it offers a compelling story, lush writing, and a beautifully evoked setting.

You might also like: If you like this book, also try The Secret History by Donna Tartt—another complex, quietly suspenseful story about students at a prestigious school.

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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
Nonfiction

What it’s about: In this intimate and compelling memoir, therapist Lori Gottlieb shares stories from behind the scenes in therapy—from both sides of the couch. Over the course of the book, you’ll feel like you’ve gotten to know her and her patients… and her therapist.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy great storytelling and narratives about work life, this book offers both. For fiction readers who rarely delve into nonfiction, this book is a great choice because of the way it delves into the inner lives of the characters. Who would’ve ever thought a therapist’s introspective memoir could also be a page-turner?

What sets it apart: Gottlieb’s warm humanity and unflinching self-scrutiny make her a delightful guide on this journey into the messy parts of life.

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Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell
Nonfiction

What it’s about: When the idea of cooking every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking entered Julie Powell’s head, it became an all-consuming project (pun intended). So many recipes, so many things that could go wrong—especially when cooking in a tiny apartment kitchen. With a sharp, frank tone, Powell conveys the delights and terrors of cooking like Julia.

Why you should read it: If you like reading about cooking or following people as they pursue ambitious year-long projects, give this book a try. Also, if you like memoirs that don’t mince words. (I swear that pun was not intended.)

You might also like: For more Julia Child, pick up her memoir, My Life in France. If instead, you’re in the mood for a book about a life-changing project, try Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project.

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Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Fiction

What it’s about: Who wouldn’t want to be a nanny to children who spontaneously combust? In this irreverent, engaging story, Lillian’s old friend hires her to take care of her stepchildren—whose special talent needs to be kept under wraps while their father is being considered for a Cabinet post. The stakes are high, and the situation is really weird. Completely original and full of surprises.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading wry, first-person stories about unconventional characters, give this book a try.

You might also like: Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson is another quirky novel narrated by a nanny.

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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Fiction

What it’s about: When Emira is unjustly accused of having kidnapped the child in her care, a video of the incident goes viral. The child’s mother is an online influencer with an urge to fix others’ problems (while disregarding her own). Then add an unexpected twist or two… In this captivating #ownvoices novel about race and power dynamics, it’s fascinating to consider the characters’ points of view and motives. 

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading books that are both page turners and thoughtful explorations of characters’ motivations, this book is for you. 

You might also like: Literary page-turner Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng also thoughtfully explores issues of race and class.

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Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Listen in on Mira Jacob’s conversations with her young son, husband, parents, friends, and colleagues. In this creative, thought-provoking memoir in graphic novel form, Jacob—the daughter of immigrants from India—addresses race, ethnicity, and identity through conversations that are sometimes somber and painful, sometimes hilarious, and often filled with moments of perfect connection… and disconnection.

Why you might like it: While Jacob addresses serious issues, she introduces moments of humor and infuses her writing with love for her family. (Some charming elements: her son likes to moonwalk like his idol Michael Jackson, and her parents comment on each other’s foibles in a humorous, affectionate way.)

Book buzz: Named one of the ten best books of the year by the Chicago Tribune, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Public Library.

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Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
Fiction

What it’s about: An endearing extraterrestrial being lands on earth, encounters all sorts of creatures, and is completely befuddled by earthlings. This charming and wise graphic novel about a stranger in a strange land explores the mysteries of humanity.

Why you might like it: If you’d enjoy reading a mash-up of Are You My Mother? and The Little Prince, then this book is for you. Also, if you think you’d like a self-improvement book disguised as a graphic novel about a confused but wise extraterrestrial, then pick up this book.

You might also like: Jonny Sun (aka Jomny Sun) illustrates the charming book Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for You and Me by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Fiction

What it’s about: Lyrical vignettes reveal the inner life of each family member in this #ownvoices novel about three generations of an African American family. Through subtle, impressionistic character portraits, the reader gets to participate in the knitting together of this story about family traditions, love of parents for their children, and dreams for the next generation.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading books written from multiple perspectives and reading between the lines, this book’s structure and nuances will prove satisfying. Also, if you appreciate books that are short but powerful, this book is for you.

Reviewers say: “Woodson channels deeply true-feeling characters, all of whom readers will empathize with in turn” (Booklist).

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Fiction

What it’s about: A loving couple, their four grown daughters, and a large dose of family dysfunction fill this big-hearted novel set in the Chicago suburbs. Alternating between past and present, the family’s story unfolds gradually as each character faces a defining crisis—an unexpected pregnancy, law school rejection, or the death of a loved one. And because their family seems almost perfect from the outside, covering up imperfections is all too tempting.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy falling deep into realistic stories about sisterhood, parenting, marriage, and other family dynamics, this book will carry you away.

You might also like: The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is another character-driven family story that shows siblings under pressure making difficult decisions.

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