Featured image by Taylor Thomas Photography
Time to cozy up on the couch with a soft blanket, a warm mug of coffee, and a great new book. Avoid the chill outside by checking out some of these awesome reads.
Adultolescence
If you’re like me and the wonder of Rupi Kaur got you on a major poetry kick check out this new collection, Adultolescence. Written by popular vlogger, Gabbie Hanna, who feels like Shel Silverstein’s sassy older sister. She manages to catch the joy, sorrow, confusion, and humor in becoming an “adult”.
The Girls
If you’re searching to fill your day with a novel you can’t put down, look no further than The Girls. Recommended to me by fellow Lala gal, Rachel Rock, it follows a girl who joins a cult and documents her unique experience.
Into The Wild
This books is far from new but it is a must-read for anyone dreaming of taking a great trip, running away, living off the land, or just feeling a sense of adventure. In 1992 a young man was found dead in the wilderness of Alaska and journalist, Jon Krakauer, traced his last few years and tells his story.
The Night Circus
“The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.” This thrilling and mystical tale by Erin Morgenstern will have you daydreaming of running off and becoming a trapeze artist.
White Teeth
Zadie Smith’s debut novel, White Teeth, recommended by Lala pal, Mikayla, covers everything from religion, to politics, to race, to science, all in Smith’s eloquent and captivating style of writing. You won’t be able to put this one down.
The Sugar Queen
This novel is perfect for a cozy snow day. Sarah Addision Allen specializes in magical realism but not in a creepy way – in an adorable way. This is the sweet tale (pun intended) of a woman stuck in a rut until one winter season, and some crazy characters come and change her life forever.
The Hate U Give
I have yet to hear any negative criticism of this novel, and with good reason. Angie Thomas’ novel was recommended by Lala team member, http://brightwomen.life/grab-your-coziest-blanket-heres-our-winter-reading-list/Carly Cundiff. It somehow manages to tackle major societal problems, such as police brutality but still keep humor in the mix. Novels like this are so important in the current political and social climate, and Thomas has created a work of art.
Difficult Women
Of course Roxane Gay is on this list! I pretty much believe anything she writes is pure gold. This is a must-read for anyone who calls themselves a feminist.
Spoonbenders
This novel has everything: hilarity, emotional moments, and telekinesis. It was recommended by Lily Fielding, a member of the Lala team and it does not disappoint.
What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding
This memoir by Kristin Newman is hysterical. I made the mistake of reading this book in public and got some pretty strange looks because I was literally laughing out loud. Perfect for any gal with the travel bug or who is perpetually the single friend. But be warned: you will want to book a plane ticket to Argentina immediately.
Sweetbitter
This recommendation comes from fellow Lala girl, Marissa Guerard. This novel, by Stephanie Danler, tells the story of a twenty-two year old girl, who moves to NYC and starts working in a high class restaurant. After reading this, you’ll want to learn everything about wine and oysters – maybe have a bag of chips next to you while you read as you might get hungry. Bonus: a TV series based on this novel will be released this spring.
