"May" I Recommend a Few Books? (May 2023 Reads)

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness (Libby - audiobook) Austin Channing Brown begins this book with the story of her name: a name given to her, intentionally, by her parents... a white man’s name. She shares the racism she faces each and every day as a black woman. As I read this book, I thought about the realities of racism that is still very present in 2023, and the microaggressions I observe. In the last chapter, Austin talks about resting in the shadow of hope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

November 9 (Libby): Wow! In typical Colleen Hoover fashion, this book was a page-turner! I fell in love with Ben and Fallon and the connection they have on November 9th. I also enjoyed a cameo from Miles and Tate from Ugly Love! (Ben’s brother Ian is a pilot and became friends with Miles in flight school.) There were many twists and turns in Ben and Fallon’s story, and this book left me with feelings of hopefulness and healing. 

Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading (paperback): I enjoyed learning more about the science of reading through this engaging text. The context of an artful approach to teaching evidence-based reading skills was just what I needed to continue to grow in my learning about the Science of Reading. As educators, a big part of our job is to create life-long learners who are truly engaged in reading. The ideas shared in this book inspire me to keep a love of learning at the forefront of instructional decisions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love the One You’re With (Kindle Unlimited): Ellen has a wonderful life. She’s married to her best friend, Margot’s brother, Andy, and works as a photographer in NYC. When she sees her ex-boyfriend, Leo, in the middle of the street in a crosswalk one day, old feelings come to the surface. Ellen faces a challenge: find contentment in her current relationship or find answers to the reason her former love was lost. This was a quick, easy read for me and felt predictable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Breakaway (Advanced Reader Copy - Releases August 28, 2023) Abby is content in her relationship with Mark, who she met at age thirteen at weight loss camp. However, just before they reconnected on their thirties, she had one steamy night with Sebastian. He often crosses her mind and has her wondering 'what-if'. When Abby’s friend Lizzie asks her to lead a bike trip from Philadelphia to the Canadian border, Abby is thrown for a loop when two unexpected guests show up for the ride. Jennifer tacklees controversial issues in both the main- and sub-plots. Be ready for your thinking to be pushed. This was a great book that I devoured in just a couple of days. Jennifer Weiner is now one of my “go-to” authors! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just a few days into June, I've started multiple books. Another ARC - Class by Stephanie Land, an audiobook - Hello, Molly! A Memoir by Molly Shannon, The Aspiring Principal by Baruti Kafele, and I just downloaded the ENTIRE A Court of Thorns and Roses series! 

Ask me what my summer plans are. Reading! (That is, after I return from a trip to the library to get my library card renewed!)

Yeah, whatever!