Meg Loves Words

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon*

Why I liked it: The Weather Girl and the Sports Reporter at a local TV station meet and fall in love! A comfortable contemporary romance that subverts a lot of expectations.

I love that the hero is fat. We’re starting to see more body-diversity for female characters and I love that this book is paving the way for male characters as well. I also love that he was a teen dad!

I thought that Ari’s depression was handled with such care; which I appreciated. I loved these characters together and how they had to learn to be vulnerable together.

The weather puns and the life at the TV station were a few other aspects that made this an absolute joy to read. I read it in one day.

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James*

Why I liked it: Chef’s kiss! Devoured this one. So many inside jokes and delightful motifs. The kippers! Some pumpkins!

I loved that the archetype of the rich, successful businessman is a woman in this book (although Jake, the love interest is also a wealthy business owner). Their good-natured rivalry was so wholesome and charming and surprisingly low-angst. I loved the attention to detail with the clothing and costumes, which is part of the rivalry.

The characters were loveable and although the third-act misunderstanding was a bit trite, it fit with the more light-hearted nature of the prose and I didn’t mind at all.

To Marry and to Meddle by Martha Waters*

Why I liked it:

Waters starts this book in an unexpected way, even though the trope is a familiar one: a marriage of convenience.

Emily agrees to wed Julian to help absolve her father’s debts. In turn, Julian needs Emily’s gleaming reputation to convince the ton that his theater is a respectable place.

Emily might be one of my favorite heroines in a historical romance. She’s devoted, loyal, and she learns to advocate for herself without ever losing her caring nature.

Julian was swoon worthy as well. A perfect blend of moodiness without being too outright rude. (It’s a fine line to walk.)

And of course, Cecil the kitten steals the show every time. 

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

Why I liked it:

The ending. Seriously. This book was way too long but the ending made up for all of it. Didn’t deserve to be Goodreads best fantasy of the year, but I did enjoy it.

A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson*

Why I liked it: She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies

What a ride. I could not put this down. I’d consider this steam-punk, dark urban fantasy. The magic is compelling and unique; I’ve never really seen anything like it.

I loved seeing how everything came together. I guessed some twists and was surprised by other things.

There’s anxiety and chronic illness representation as well as an examination of class and privilege. I really identified with Myra’s desperation and drive.

This is a work of art!

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Why I liked it: Two Muslim teens in a California town deal with family struggles, life, and death.

This is easily one of the most impactful books I’ve read in a while. This will be one that sticks with me for a long time.

The images were so vivid, and I felt like I knew the characters inside and out. I just wanted them to be ok so bad!

The No-Show by Beth O’Leary*

Why I liked it: Three women all stood-up by the same guy on the same day?

This complex story is something I’d trust with few other authors. One man involved with the same woman? Tough sell.

But I loved it! I was unsettled and curious the whole time; there’s a big mystery component to this novel. (Which is why I’d suggest going in blind.) I did not know what to make of this story until the end, when everything came together.

This isn’t exactly a cozy, feel-good book in the same way that O’Leary’s other works have been, but it has a poignancy all its own. I think this book has a lot to say about how people enter, stay, and leave our lives.

Each woman was so distinct and interesting; I honestly loved them all and I never got them confused.

Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman*

Why I liked it: For some reason, I wasn’t expecting much before diving into this book. It didn’t take long before I was hooked and utterly engaged, even though it featured things that usually turn me off.

This novel was more women’s fiction than romance, although the romance was so charming and relatable. Laura was such an endearing heroine, and I was so invested in her journey to become independent and face her fears.

There were so many cute stories with the side characters and nuggets of wisdom and trivia.

This book has a huge cast of characters, most of whom are quirky and eccentric. Usually this is something I hate, but in this case it worked for me! I was never confused about who every one was and what their purpose. I think this is because early on the author really developed rapport and trust with the reader. I knew she was going to deliver and keep everyone straight.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Why I liked it: What’s not to love about this Graphic Novel about two boys falling in love? Their friend group is adorable, the art is poignant.

The Netflix show is amazing and I can’t wait for the next season.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Why I liked it:

A hookup scene in the bookstore, during a thunderstorm, should have be so cheesy but it wasn’t!

Bookish-themed books are so hit or miss for me, but Henry is a genius and it hits every mark. It’s an homage to loving books and a loving subversion of the genre. Everything felt so real – like all you need to do is reach your hand in the book and you can touch the settings and people inside. Henry’s writing excels at details and nuance.

My favorite Emily Henry book is still “People We Meet On Vacation” but barely! The only reason is that this one took me a bit longer to get into. But once I was into it, I was really into it.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Why I liked it:

This story about a quirky female scientist in the 1950s and 60s surprised me. She faces tragedies and setbacks, but never stops being herself.

The narrative voice was what sold me on this. (My book is so tabbed with quotes.) The nuggets of wisdom, the quips, the dialogue – so quirky and poignant even with the sad subject matter. I was left with so much hope and energy at the end of this. I love it when books are a nice blend of sad and happy.

Dearest Rogue by Elizabeth Hoyt

Why I liked it: There is angst and joy and longing. A new favorite in this series (Maiden Lane).

Phoebe is blind, and her over-protective brother has hired a grumpy body guard to protect her.

I loved the emotional tension and also the joy! I love seeing two characters fall in love and experience moments of happiness together. There’s a scene where they go to the beach that’s just perfection.

There’s some darkness too, but overall it’s a beautiful story and my favorite so far in the Maiden Lane series.

Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas

Why I liked it:

This was amazing; a new favorite from Sherry Thomas.

Mostly loved it for the pining, but also the story’s willingness to unflinchingly examine the complexities of marriage, commitment, friendship and loyalty.

Millie’s pining was heartbreaking and beautiful; the the little details like the gifts she gave him over the years were touching.

And Fitz… I kept wondering at which moment he fell in love with Millie. Still not sure, but I loved him even though his behavior would make me rage in any other book.

The Prison Healer Series by Lynette Noni

Why I liked it: A stunning conclusion to the Prison Healer series. I binged this series so fast! And I’ve been thinking about ever since I finished. It’s my new personality.

Kiva is a healer is a death prison, and has been since she was 8 years old. She’s been waiting for her family to get her out, but one day she has the chance to earn her freedom.

There’s a great love story, magic, and such intense plot twists. I’m already planning a reread of this.

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle*

Why I liked it: My favorite holiday book. Ever.

The description made me so skeptical but the execution was beyond my wildest dreams. And I’ll be dreaming about this book for a while. It shouldn’t work as well as it does. I did a lot of swooning and guffawing.

It’s weird, eccentric, whimsical, and absurd. It’s an explosion of Christmas confetti. Full of family antics, pop culture references, and limit-testing magic. I can tell Hogle had a blast writing this.

Hall is one of my favorite romance heroes ever. Kind of like Buddy the Elf, except more magical and less naïve. He’s so excited to experience everything human and bring the holiday spirit to everyone.

Bettie was a type of character archetype I usually avoid (washed up influencer). But her chaotic energy and desire for revenge worked, especially with Hall.

I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

I never watched iCarly; I picked this book up because of all the hype. McCurdy’s writing is matter-of-fact and full of poignant observations. It’s one the of the best memoirs I’ve ever read, but it feels weird to say that, since I feel so much sympathy for what McCurdy experienced in her life, and she didn’t deserve any what she went through. I’m sad she had that much trauma, and I’m so mad at how abusive her mom was. I’m glad she finally got to write, just like she always wanted, though.

It was interesting and gave me a lot to think about, especially regarding the exploitation of child actors. It made me wonder if there’s any ethical way to have children be celebrities. Learning more about the behind-the-scenes of the show was fascinating and enlightening. I’ll never think of these teen shows the same way again.

There are many content / trigger warnings for this. The eating disorder stuff was especially tough, to the point where I’d caution against reading this for anyone at risk for an ED.

Widowish: A Memoir by Melissa Gould

Why I liked it: It made me ugly cry in the best way. A portrait of grief and loss.

Gould is a wonderful writer, and I loved the moments she captured.

Through the grief, there was also hope and love and family. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Why I liked it: This isn’t my favorite book, but I recognize what a profound work of art it is. The writing, the characterization, the expanse of it.

I wanted to Google every character because I almost forgot they weren’t real.

There’s not much to say about this that hasn’t already been said. It’s a modern classic.

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

Why I liked it: It’s more about a breakup than a getting together. A premise only McFarlane could tackle.

It’s a complex contemporary romance with a great friend group. Like seriously, I would read about just the friends going out to dinner together and bantering.

The Complete Maus by Art Speigelman

Why I liked it: It changed the way I thought about the Holocaust.

Spiegelman interviews his father about his experience in Poland during the Holocaust. It’s about survival, but also how the trauma of the Holocaust is passed on to the families of the Survivors.

I don’t know why this book is so challenged, but also I do. In a NYT article, the author said, “This is disturbing imagery. But you know what? It’s disturbing history.”