WHAT I'M READING V. 38

1. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

If you'll remember, I loved reading Towles' book, The Gentleman in Moscow, and so I was very excited to read another one of his books. I didn't like this one as much as Gentleman, but it was highly enjoyable nonetheless because it was set in New York City in the 1920's and I will read anything in this specific vein. This one didn't feel as developed as Gentleman, and the writing wasn't as refined, but it was great fun visiting the New York City during that time period that Towles conjured up.


2. Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley

I tried reading her earlier book (and her name was the first female Sloane I had heard of and was thus inspired to name my daughter) and it didn't work for me, but when I saw she came out with another book of essays, I gave it another shot. The writing still felt rough,  but she writes in a very accessible and familiar voice. The thing I like most is her observation abilities, similar to David Sedaris, but a younger and less specific (does that make sense?).  There is something about her voice that reminds of of Harriet the Spy! which is a huge compliment.

3. Circe by Madeline Miller

I had started this a while back, but couldn't get into it, and then tried again recently because a friend said that the audiobook version had a narrator that was an excellent reader.  It took me a few chapters to get invested, but it was well worth the effort because the story was wonderful (and the narrator really was excellent). I love mythology stories, and think it's hard to breathe a realistic and believable voice into a mythical creature like Circe without it being either flat or overly dramatic, but Miller accomplishes it beautifully.  I also love the photo essay  Miller has on her blog of some of her favorite artistic depictions of Circe throughout the ages. 

4.  We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union

I picked up this book because I saw an interview with her on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah where she talked about this book. This isn't one that I would press into the hands of friends, but it was interesting getting to hear where she came from, how she became an actress, what it's been like for her since, etc. and she really does write in a way that makes you feel like she's telling you her life story over wine. If you're a fan or want to know more about who she is, this is a fun and quick read.