The Nine Books I Read in September

I finished 9 books this month, including several buzzy new releases.  I'll keep my reviews super brief!

Eat a Peach by David Chang
Chang seems like kind of a turd, in general, but this memoir was still lots of fun, for some reason.  Probably because of the food and because he's kind of a turd.  It's maybe a little refreshing.

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What to Miss When: Poems by Leigh Stein
Oh yeah, I don't really understand poetry.
But I want to understand pandemic poetry from an author I really like!
How about you read it, and explain it to me?

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The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
I highly recommend this hilarious and relatable memoir.  I can't believe it has taken me this long to read it.  We're really close to the same age, so I could definitely relate to her adventures in the chat rooms when she was a young teen!

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One Two Three by Laurie Frankel
This book makes me think of Erin Brockovich, what with the poisoned town.
But instead of Julie Roberts, we hang out with three super weird and amazing triplet teen girls as they seek revenge.
Featuring a love interest with the villain's son!
Frankel writes books that really stay with you.
Highly recommend.

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The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
This novel is not for everyone.
You'll love it or you'll hate it.
It's maybe one of the most romantic books I've ever read, even though it's not a romance.
I can't think about it right now, or I'll cry.

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Empty Mansions:  The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman
As recommended to me by one of my booklovin' Board Members.  Her book club read it and you know I had to get my hands on a book about an old rich lady who lives in the hospital....
Oh my, I googled my butt off as I was reading this book.  Fascinating.  Really good!

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The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
I was apprehensive about reading this one because:
1. all-female whatever books are really just all over the place, next it'll be like the all-female squad of zookeepers like "They can tame man or beast!" and 
2. torture scenes no thanks!
But luckily my book club told me which chapter had the torture (30) so I could avoid it and I'm so glad I read this one.  It was phenomenal.  If Kate Quinn wants to write about zookeepers, I'll read it.

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The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
I would recommend this to fans of Fredrick Bachman actually.  It's almost this weird new (new to me?) genre of gritty feel good... where it's just this side of sappy/cheesy but it's not, instead it's thought-provoking and sweet.  But yet there are some really tough themes that run all the way through it.  
Most importantly, there are books!!!  I wish some of them were explored more thoroughly, but overall I would say this was a lovely read.

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Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
I love Liane Moriarty, but about halfway through the book I decided I hated all of the characters.  But then 3/4 of the way through the book, I liked them all and threw the book across the room because how did she DO that?  
The plot, for me, was beside the point, but if you must know it's "mom is missing!  Where did she go?  Did dad kill her?  Why are all the siblings acting shady as hell?"
Maybe not my favorite of Moriarty's books (because of What Alice Forgot, obviously) but still solid.

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