Happy Virgo Season! Yes, we’ve made it to September. Honestly, the deeper we get into 2020 the more I realize that time is flying by. Luckily, I am keeping a good company with some great books this month. I can’t wait for it to start to get cold so we finally have an excuse to use our fireplace. I’m dreaming of autumn nights where I’ll be turning physical pages. It’s all about creating your own comfortable setting.

1. Fifty Words for Rain: A Novel by Asha Lemmie: This is author Asha Lemmie’s debut novel, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. The story takes place in post-World War II 1948, Kyoto, Japan. Part-Japanese, part-African American, 8-year-old Nori deals with incredible difficulties and suffers cruelty from her own relatives while in hiding. It’s not until she meets her older half-brother that she actually finds an ally. It’s definitely a heavy story, but Lemmie paints it so well.
2. Didn’t See That Coming: Putting Life Back Together When Your World Falls Apart by Rachel Hollis: I’ve always found it difficult to discuss my emotions, but Rachel Hollis has a great way of looking at things in a new light. Lately, I’ve felt like there is something new on the horizon, and Rachel’s words really give me hope.
3. One By One by Ruth Ware: Sam is our resident thriller-lover and she devoured this new release by Ruth Ware, the Agatha Christie of our generation. It’s a suspenseful “whodunit” style thriller that will have you guessing and gripping the pages until the very end.
4. The Full Plate: Flavor-Filled, Easy Recipes for Families with No Time and a Lot to Do by Ayesha Curry: I’ve been spending a lot of time indoors, and it’s made me rethink a lot of my meals. I use dinnertime to add some excitement into the day. I still don’t totally love cooking, but Ayesha’s recipes are delicious, savory and right up my taste buds’ alley.
5. Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey: In case you haven’t been keeping up with pop culture, Lana Del Rey has a book of poetry! I’ve always been fascinated by all of the romance and sadness in all of her music. You may also want to consider the accompanying spoken word record of the book; I’ve got to say, it’s impossible not to hear her voice in my mind while reading, and I definitely don’t mind it.
6. Alone Together: Love, Grief, and Comfort in the Time of COVID-19 by Jennifer Haupt: I know what you’re thinking: “Great, a book on COVID.” However, Jennifer Haupt’s take through various essays makes me feel a lot less alone. It’s interesting that globally, we are getting through a scary, vital moment in the present time together.
7. Transcendent Kingdom: A novel by Yaa Gyasi: Gifty is surrounded by so much suffering, yet, she refuses to let it take her down with it. As a Ph.D candidate in neuroscience, it’s easy to say that Gifty hides behind science, but can’t seem to get over the heaviness of the emotions she tries to block. In fact, it pushes her to think more about her childhood, and life through her past evangelical church. Gyasi created a very touching, vivid character in Gifty who has definitely touched my cold heart.
8. Three Single Wives by Gina LaManna: Murder in the book club?! This domestic thriller is a perfect beach or weekend read for those who like a little suspense with their storylines. All of the women in the book club are hiding something, but only one of them knows which one of them is a killer.
9. Shine by Jessica Jung: If you’re not obsessed with K-pop yet, then this book could change your mind. It’s like the ultimate behind-the-scenes look into the world of K-pop. In fact, I used to deeply follow Jessica Jung during her days as a popstar in one of the biggest female Korean music groups, Girls’ Generation. Sorry, not sorry, about my total fan-girl moment here.
10. Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo: Azere is a Nigerian woman who made a promise to her dying father, that she would marry a Nigerian man. When Azere meets a white man that sweeps her off her feet, she feels torn between her heart and her need to please her family.

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