Here we are in the final stretch of the year… can you even believe I’m saying that?! Another summer is gone, fall is (supposed to be) in the air, and I’ve jumped onto the PSL train wondering what I’ve even been doing with my life?! Hope your fall is off to a great start.
Lessons in Chemistry – 4 Stars! (4 Hearts)
Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in a time when women weren’t welcome in science. After her life is turned upside down, she becomes the star of a new cooking show – Supper at Six, because isn’t cooking just chemistry? This new avenue becomes the stage for Elizabeth to change the status quo that society has determined for women.
This was our August book club pick and is filled with subtle but snarky humor, challenging of societal norms, and a kick ass, quirky heroine. I really enjoyed it! I found it exciting to pick up, loved all the characters’ perspectives, relationships created and found family. Although it takes place in the 1950’s and 60’s, I found the issues (unfortunately) to still be applicable to today’s social issues. I loved how honest and no-nonsense Zott was – a character I’d like to be friends with. It had me tense with frustration at some of the events and I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to be a woman in this time and want to pursue a dream in a “mans world”.
Tidbits: STEM, feminist, found family, characters to root for.
Everything is Figureoutable – 5 Stars! (5 Hearts)
I originally found this book from this podcast episode on Books that can change your life – that’s a tall order. I immediately checked out the audiobook, but I found myself overwhelmed by trying to write everything down, so I put it aside until I could grab a physical copy. But then Becca read it and raved about it, so into my cart it went… and I am SO HAPPY IT DID!
The key to this book helping you is to work through the exercises as you go. It becomes real and powerful! I’m planning to go back through in January and follow the exercises for my next goal, because it helps dig out all of the junk that’s holding you back. This was absolutely brilliant and I recommend it for all new graduates and those that are looking to change something in their life. Her podcast is great too.
My biggest takeaway – “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.” As someone who is always thinking and contemplating and wondering about everything, I need to find a way to take action when indecision arrives – then my heart can give me feedback.
Tidbits: motivational, inspiring, personal development, growth mindset.
The School of Essential Ingredients – 4 Stars! (4 Hearts)
When I picked up this book to read, I forgot that it was the same author as No Two Persons – and her writing style is the same in both. Each chapter was written from a different character’s perspective, but with this book, she gave us a final chapter to tie all of them back together again – exactly what I was missing with No Two Persons.
Eight students gather at Lillian’s Restaurant every Monday for a cooking class. What we learn is that each character is able to take something from a relationship in the group or skill that was presented in the class. This book romanticized food and slow living, two things I wish I could do more of. Bauermeister did a brilliant job at evoking the senses and bringing the food to life on the pages – it was a perfect fall read. I look forward to reading more by her and I want to sign up for a cooking class!
Tidbits: foodie fiction, heartwarming.
Ignite – 3.5 Stars (2 Hearts)
This was the Dose of Romance book club pick for August and I had fun reading and chatting with Becca and Nicole. Dex is a 34-year old retired Navy seal turned firefighter, broody, single dad. Winnie is his 22-year old neighbor that has sworn off men because she’s addicted to falling in love. I think you can guess where were headed here.
The steam started off promising with a couple of really hot moments, but it fizzled out around two-thirds of the way through. Overall, I just wasn’t as impressed by this one as I had hoped. There were many moments where Winnie felt older, wiser, and stronger at 22 than Dex did at 34. Winnie was so sweet with Dex’s daughters and they were definitely the best part of the book.
Tidbits: single dad, firefighter, age gap.
If you’re looking for another middle grade novel, be sure to check out The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. This was my most recent read-aloud to my 11-year old daughter and we loved it. It has a heavy presence of grief and loss (our main character’s mom and two sisters were killed in a car crash), but Coyote and her father Rodeo will steal your hearts. We have adventure (on a converted school bus) and an amazing band of strangers that become found family. In the end we have healing and your heart will zing. Highly recommend!
This was our September book club pick and what a doozie – we all agreed that it’s one to skip! It was painfully slow and too far-fetched on coincidences. The description made it feel like a gentle mystery, but there is one key scene that felt like a horror book and I was not prepared for it.
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out all of my book posts here!
What book is at the top of your Fall TBR?
Becca @ Life’s a Pearl
Yay! Looks like you’ve read some great ones over the past couple months! That’s a great idea to revisit Everything is Figureoutable at the start of a new year. I also love seeing what middle grade y’all have been reading together ❤️
I’m getting in the mood for potentially spooky reads with Home Before Dark and Such Sharp Teeth at the top of this month’s tbr 🤞🏻