When it comes to books, I either read a few in a row – and also read whenever I get the chance to – or go through dry spells when I don’t get to read at all or just simply don’t feel like it. Anyone else?
There are four highly coveted books on my TBR pile right now that I started or stopped for whatever reason and didn’t get back into so far. I want to though! And I did start today with a German one I’ve been meaning to read for a while…
The One for those turning 40
Marlene Sørensen is a writer and editor at Harpers Bazaar Germany and in her 40s, which I joined recently as well. As someone who was thrilled to enter her 30s, the weeks leading up to my 40th birthday were a bit uneasy, to say the least. Coming from a generation where you were basically seen as an old person at 40 (keep in mind the ladies in The Golden Girls were in their mid-forties when the show aired), I felt a bit lost. Not sure if I have achieved enough so far, if I am enough at this stage. It can be a lot.
Marlene’s book Und Jetzt? Fragen An Das Leben mit 40 talks about the very real changes that await you early midlife, the common misconceptions that come with it, and why you have to stop deciding to do things some time later. I am only a few chapters in, to let the words marinate a bit in between, but can already see a lot of truth in them and actually feel stoked about what’s to come – the book and my 40s.
The One for Those wondering ‘what If’
If you read and loved The Midnight Library, chances are you will like Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid as well. The book explores two different life paths of Hannah and a decision she makes at the end of a night out with friends. In one scenario she leaves with her sister and in the other one with her ex-boyfriend. The story unravels from there, pointing out exactly how one seemingly benign decision can change the course of a life.
At some point, we have all been there and asked ourselves what if and that is precisely what this one explores in that distinct manner only TJR seems to grasp.
The One for those who like time travel
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab was in so many Best Of book posts this past year that I just had to get it. I just can’t seem to really get into it so far. The story about the immortal Addie damned to be forgotten until one day someone remembers her is actually stunning. It just didn’t seem to fit in with my reading vibes lately. I do want to give it another go at some point soon and then finish it. Have you read it yet?
The One For those forever best friends
The one book people have talked about seemingly even more so was Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It’s a love story about a lifelong friendship between Sadie and Sam, their ups and downs, and everything in between. Readers and reviewers loved it but also warned it would be sad at times and I think that is the part I am not ready for yet.
I read my fair share of stunning but sad books, they just have a way of staying with me in a way and I have to be ready for that from an empathic point of view. Can anyone relate? So it’s on my TBR pile for a reason and I definitely will get to it again, but for now, it will have to wait for a bit longer.
Read more about my picks and follow along on Goodreads here!
