This month was filled with some of my favorite reads of the year.
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna // Juliet Grames
The novel begins at the end of the 19th century in a small villa in Tuscany. The plot centers around–you guessed it–the seven or eight deaths of Stella Fortuna. Stella is a forced to be reckoned with. She is surrounded by incredibly strong women, foolish men, and a quickly changing world. Her family immigrates to America at the cusp of WWII, which drastically alters her life.
It is a beautiful tale of family ties with quirky nuances. The immigration piece felt timely with the events happening in our world today. The storytelling was incredible. I couldn’t put it down and was sad when it was over. 5/5
Oh Crap! Potty Training // Jamie Glowacki
I only mention this book so that you can see the reality of my summer book list–ha! We’re about to start potty training, and I’m scared out of my mind. This book simplified the process, and I feel a little bit more empowered to begin. It’s the only book my friends recommend, so it must be good.
Wild // Cheryl Strayed
I’m late to the party because I know this was a trendy read a few years back when the movie premiered. I saw the film and enjoyed it. I didn’t expect to be blown away by the book, but I was.
The memoir explores Cheryl’s journey as she attempts to hike the PCT after her mother’s death. She quickly finds that she is over her head, but she keeps on with blistered feet and a too-heavy pack. She meets incredibly interesting characters along the way, and her experiences flash back to her traumatic relationships + childhood. Cheryl’s writing is some of the best I’ve enjoyed in a long time. She sucks you in with her dream-like phrases and shocking honesty. 100% recommend. 5/5.
