Everything I Read in February 2023

The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking

Perhaps you're familiar with hygge (a sense of comfort, togetherness, and well-being), but do you know about lykke? By practicing the Danish concept of lykke (pronounced LOO-ka), which is about pursuing and finding the good that exists in the world around us, we can all become a little happier. This book examines six factors which impact happiness and shows how making small adjustments to our everyday behaviors can increase our blissfulness and contentment.

I loved this book! It was a quick, easy, and an humorous read, but one that nevertheless got me thinking. It has lots of different examples of small, easy-to-make changes (backed up my scientific studies) that can have a big impact on your life. And who doesn't want to be happier?

Tips: If you enjoyed this book, make sure to check out The Little Book of Hygge (which is by the same author), too! Also, I'd recommend reading a hard copy. I read this book on my Kindle, and some of the graphics were difficult to see.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Welcome to Lagos by Chibundo Onuzo

After reading (and loving) Chibundo Onuzo's book Sankofa last September, I immediately added her previous novel Welcome to Lagos to my reading list! This book tells the story of Chike Ameobi, an army officer who deserts his post after being ordered to kill innocent civilians. He escapes to Lagos with his junior officer, and along the way, they pick up a disparate group of runaways who are all dreaming of a different life. Once they reach Lagos, their lives takes many unexpected turns.

I really enjoyed this book. It gives a snapshot of life in Nigeria, while also weaving together the different challenges facing each character as they work together to form a new sort of family. The book addresses a number of difficult issues, but the story is told with humor and feels optimistic. And I'd be remiss not to mention the gorgeous, colorful cover!

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

A Greek Love by Zoé Valdés (Out 5/2/23)

I received an advance copy of A Greek Love from NetGalley / Skyhorse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for a peek into Cuban politics and culture? Then check out A Greek Love, which tells the story of Zé, a teenager who becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a Greek ship captain's son. After he sails away, Zé is left alone to face the consequences, and her father violently throws her out of her home. She ends up leaving Havana to raise her son in Matanzas, surrounded by a supportive group of women. Later, Zé (who is now a Greek scholar) and her grownup son (who is a world famous musician) seek permission from the communist government to travel to Greece for a concert and to find her lost love.

This beautifully-written novella packs so much into so few pages! I loved the peek into Cuban life, as well as all the lovely descriptive details the author included, although it was hard to connect with the characters in such a short book. Let's just say I was definitely left wanting more (in a good way). This book also piqued my interest in seeking out more Cuban authors.

Preorder from Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Sister Stardust by Jane Green

Sister Stardust will transport you straight to the swinging 60s! In this book, which was inspired by a true story (the glamorous and tragic life of 1960's icon Talitha Getty), the main character Claire leaves her small town life behind and moves to London. She quickly transforms into a more fantastic version of herself and crosses paths with the magnetic Talitha, who invites Claire (and her new friends) to her Marrakesh palace. Once there, Claire is quickly swept up into Talitha's sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle, but not surprisingly, there's a dark side lurking underneath.

While I enjoyed learning about Talitha Getty, I felt like this novel had some serious issues. Claire basically starves herself, and then once she's skinny, all her dreams come true (ugh). It felt unbelievable that Claire would cross paths with, let alone befriend, Talitha and her famous friends. Which I suppose was kind of the point, but I wasn't left unconvinced. The book is also repetitive in spots, and the celebrity name dropping was a bit much. Overall, for such an interesting era and group of people, this book felt pretty ho hum.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars)

Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

If you're interested in the dark side of campus life, then Vladimir is for you! The book is told from the point of view of a popular English professor whose husband (also a professor) is suspended from teaching and is under investigation for inappropriate relationships with his former students. They've had an open relationship for years, but these allegations are negatively impacting both their lives. When the narrator becomes obsessed with a younger colleague, things become even more complicated.

This book was engaging and very well written read! It's a timely look at cancel culture, and how campus politics have changed over the years (what used to be overlooked is now taboo). The main character's husband puts her in a terrible position, but she's kind of a piece of work and overall not very likable herself. Many of her contradictory thoughts and actions (like the conflict between her vanity and feminism) are relatable, but she also makes many bad choices. The side stories are also compelling.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Craving an uplifting fantasy? Then you're sure to love The House in the Cerulean Sea! This novel tells the story of Linus, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He leads a lonely life, spending his days overseeing the well-being of children in government run orphanages and his evenings with his indifferent cat. One day, Linus is summoned by Extremely Upper Management and given a top-secret assignment, which leads him to the Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children and their caretaker live.

This is such a sweet, moving story ... you might even say magical! I'd heard so many wonderful things about this book, and it lived up to the hype. It's about love and belonging and finding family where you least expect it. I'd recommend it to anyone, but I think it would especially resonate with people who are struggling to fit in or going through a difficult time.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity by Iliza Shlesinger

Do you over-analyze every choice you make? Then you might be using girl logic! Written by stand-up comedian Iliza Shlesinger, Girl Logic is all about the characteristically female way of thinking that may seem contradictory and circuitous but is actually a complicated, highly evolved way of looking at the world. This book will help you turn girl logic into your secret weapon.

I started listening to this book on Audible way back in 2021, but for some reason I never finished it ... which is a shame, because I really enjoyed it! It's funny and relatable, and I loved listening to Iliza read it. If you're a woman, you'll definitely find yourself nodding along as she discusses the mental gymnastics women go through when attempting to make themselves (and everyone else around them) happy.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi

I read a glowing review of Butter Honey Pig Bread that quickly pushed this wonderful book to the top of my reading list! It tells the intertwining stories of three Nigerian women: (Kambirinachi and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye), who become estranged from one another after Kehinde is sexually abused. After more than a decade apart, Taiye and Kehinde return home to Lagos, where the three women struggle to reconcile and address past wounds.

There are so many layers to this beautiful book, and it touches on many issues, including mental illness, child abuse, inter-generational trauma, self-destructive behavior, and more. I found myself drawn to each woman's story, and although there were many sad moments, it also felt uplifting. I have to mention ... this book will also make you super hungry! Taiye is an amazing cook, and I found myself googling different recipes to try as I read.

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Treasure by Oyinkan Braithwaite

I LOVED My Sister, The Serial Killer, so when I stumbled across this stand-alone short story by Oyinkan Braithwaite, I had to read it ASAP! It tells the story of Treasure, an aspiring influencer who shows off her luxurious lifestyle to her followers. Her number on fan @Sho4Sure will do anything to meet her in real life.

Appearances are not quite what they seem in this gripping short story. I listened to this story on Audible, and it was the perfect thing to distract me during a long walk! Treasure is an Amazon Original (part of their Hush collection). You can read (or listen to) this story for free if you have Amazon Prime.

Order on Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite authors, so this short story was a must read! It follows the narrator, whose prim and proper mother may (or may not be) casting spells, from her teens in 1950s suburbia to adulthood.

This was such a fun coming of age story! I listened it on Audible, and I loved the narrator's snarky toner and the perfect ending. My Evil Mother is another Amazon Original. You can read (or listen to) this story for free if you have Amazon Prime!

Order on Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisy

This book reeled me in with its amazing cover and great reviews! It tells the story of Maggie, a 29 year old who going through a divorce. She might be a surprisingly young divorcée, but she's doing fine. Really good, actually. The book follows Maggie through her first year of single life as she neglects her graduate thesis, tries dating apps, takes up new hobbies, interacts with old and new friends, and so much more.

This book reads like a stream of consciousness of all of Maggie's many thoughts, ranging from light to dark, mundane to deep, but somehow it's all very relatable. Her story is painful, yet funny, and I found myself cheering for her, while also wanting shake her into getting her act together, lol. Definitely recommend!

Order on Bookshop.org or Amazon | My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

Appearances are deceiving in The Favorite Daughter! This books tells the story of Jane Harris, who was leading the perfect Orange County life until her older daughter Mary died in a tragic accident. After her death, Jane relies on a combination of alcohol and pills to numb her pain, but as the one year anniversary of the death approaches, she vows to reclaim her live. But when she tries to reconnect with her family, her younger daughter seems distant and secretive, and her loving husband is never home. She begins to wonder if someone knows more about Mary's last day than they've let on.

This was not the book for me. I don't want to give too much away, but I'm not fan of books which are written from the first person perspective when the main character is completely unlikable. It reminded me of Good Rich People in that way, which I also disliked. I love thrillers, but this book had no suspense, and I predicted it's ending from very the beginning.