It’s so hard for me to believe that Fall is here! I’m ready for all things Autumn — the changing colors of the leaves, warm soups, the occasional PSL, beanies, warm sweaters and curling up with a fantastic book.
Because it’s also the beginning of school season, I’ll admit that I haven’t been reading as much as I have in the past year. But — what I have read, has been absolutely stellar! Here are my three book recommendations to cozy up to this Fall.
His & Hers
By Alice Feeney
There are two sides to every story: yours and mine, ours and theirs, his and hers. Which means someone is always lying. When a woman is murdered in a British village, journalist Anna Andrews is hesitant to cover the case in her hometown. Some things should just remain in the past, and Andrews isn’t ready to face what happened so many years ago. It doesn’t help that her ex-husband, Detective Jack Harper, is on the case as well. But is he innocent?
Wow-wow-wow. This novel is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s a wild rollercoaster ride of cat-and-mouse that will have you guessing until the very end. I literally could not put His & Hers down! I hate to compare any book to Gone Girl, but if you’re a fan of Gillian Flynn, then you’ll LOVE Alice Feeney. Seriously. I’m downloading her other books to my Kindle now!
Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds
By Kara Richardson Whitely
There are some memoirs that stick with you for long after setting the book down. Kara Richardson Whitely’s account of her journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro — at 300 pounds no less — is one of those reads.
This raw and unflinchingly honest account of one woman’s struggles with personal trauma, food addiction and weight gain is incredibly powerful. As Kara hikes to the top of Africa’s highest mountain, she reveals what led her to this epic adventure in such a way that you can’t help but feel like you’re walking in her hiking boots too. As someone who has suffered from body issues my entire life, I identified with some of the food addiction patterns that Kara divulges in her story, as well as the desire to simply be strong despite the appearance of my outer layers. I work everyday to come to grips and acceptance with my body, and it’s refreshing to see someone so brave talk about such a hush-hush topic. This book is a terrific read for those who have struggled with self-esteem issues due to our weight or other physical challenges — or simply love a great underdog story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Under the Influence
By Joyce Maynard
Can you put a price on friendship? Helen is a single mother who lost her marriage and custody of her seven-year-old son, Ollie, after a slip with alcohol. Recovering from her addiction, she spends lonely evenings checking out profiles on an online dating site. Weekend visits with her son are awkward as he holds her accountable for their separation.
When she meets Ava and Swift Havilland, Helen is immediately smitten in awe and appreciation for these wealthy philanthropists. As she’s taken under Ava’s wing, Helen begins to see the perks of being friends with this influential, connected couple — including the very real possibility of getting custody of her son back. But things aren’t ever what they seem, and a tragic incident changes everything in an instant.
Under the Influence is a complex and poignant story that reels you in from the beginning. There are many moments where your heart aches immensely given Helen’s situation with her son Ollie, and the dynamic between all of the characters are intricate and fascinating. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
What are you reading this month? Share your favorites with me in the comments below!
