Author: Katisha Smith

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Sometimes we need an easy book to read whether it’s to recover from an emotionally demanding tome or to get out of a reading rut. Today’s reading recommendation is just that. 

Honestly speaking, I shouldn’t have enjoyed The Enlightenment of Bees because I was totally bookfished by it! As you can see, the cover is absolutely gorgeous, so there is no way I could not be intrigued by a book with such an Instagram-worthy cover, right?! Unfortunately, I am promised a story where bees play a central role, but that is not this story, and that doesn’t meet my expectations. However, this did not keep me from enjoying this book. I actually really enjoyed The Enlightenment of Bees. 

Despite being disappointed by the lack of bees, I liked that The Enlightenment of Bees reminded me of other books I’ve read in the past. The traumatic end to Mia’s relationship followed by a humanitarian trip across the globe gave me serious Eat Pray Love vibes. Surprisingly, Mia’s constant reference to Saint Mia reminded me of Anastasia Steele and her Inner Goddess. Most importantly, the overall story is on par with all the feel-good literary rom-coms I’ve experienced recently. 

The Enlightenment of Bees was not a book I would have sought out on my own, but I’m glad it entered my orbit. This may not be the must-read book for bee enthusiasts, but it’s a great book to read if you are looking for a light read with a little romance and a dash of “finding your path in life” introspection. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

There is a definitely a reason why when you hear the name Amy Tan, you immediately think about The Joy Luck Club. If you don’t, then that is a problem. The novel has become a literary classic! While I can usually take or leave many of the classics written by dead white guys, The Joy Luck Club is a must-read book. 

What I really love about The Joy Luck Club is how grand it feels, like reading a classic novel, while still reading like contemporary fiction. The other part that makes it a favorite is the story’s focus on mother-daughter relationships. The novel doesn’t just focus on their current relationship. We get to read pivotal moments in the mothers’ pasts that heavily influenced how they interact with their daughters. These moments help us see the similarities between mother and daughter that take them nearly a lifetime to see in one another.

I enjoyed An-Mei and Lindo’s stories the most because I always love reading about women who have enough wit and smarts to get themselves out of a bad situation. After knowing the sacrifices made by the mothers, I have to admit the daughters’ problems seem so insignificant. However, I still did relate to An-Mei’s daughter Rose and her desire for perfection in everything as well as Lindo’s daughter Waverly who is intelligent, independent, and in constant fear of disappointing her mother. 

Unlike the first pancake, Amy Tan’s first novel was a runaway success. Instead of six weeks on the bookshelf and a lifetime in the shredder, The Joy Luck Club has been enchanting readers for over 30 years. I am one of those people. After reading this epic tale about the joys and pains of the mother and daughter bond, you will hopefully not only become another enchanted reader, but you will also add more Amy Tan books to that never ending TBR pile.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

There is only a week left in Women’s History Month 2021. If you are looking for another book written by a woman to read, then you have come to the right place, friend. If you are looking for some classic American literature, then today’s newsletter is dedicated to you.

Sometimes when I read classics, the story just feels old and dated. Reading The House of Mirth was the total opposite experience. It was interesting and enlightening to read a story that was published in the early 20th century that felt like it could have taken place nearly a century later. At the age of 29, Lily Bart is beautiful, but is also well beyond prime marrying age. Unfortunately for her and the times in which she lives, marrying for love, money, and status was nearly impossible. With all that, there is definitely no way for Lily to free herself from the rules and regulations of New York society.

What really makes The House of Mirth such an excellent read is Lily Bart herself. Despite being sympathetic to Lily’s desire for independence from society’s expectations, I couldn’t believe all the precarious predicaments she allowed herself to fall into. There were so many times where I had to stop reading because of the second-hand embarrassment I felt for Lily. I just wanted to shake her and tell her to get it together, but no matter what anyone said, Lily Bart was going to make her way through New York society on her own terms. However, that’s also what made me go right back to the book as soon as possible. The House of Mirth is full of juicy drama that gives serious Gossip Girl vibes. XOXO 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Spring is officially here! Well, according to the calendar, spring has arrived. When spring is in the air, I always want to read a book that is somehow related to flowers. Red on a Rose will always hold a special place in my heart because it helped me pass the time while waiting for juror duty. On top of that, I was reading a story that takes place in Baltimore while living in Baltimore. It was quite meta for ya girl!

Despite my springtime connotations, Red on a Rose isn’t really an easy breezy read. In addition to the conflict that is bound to arise in marriage, this story has the added element of racism and colorism. Although those elements are essential aspects of the story, they play second fiddle to Lila and her self-righteous antics. For most of her life, Lila has been sheltered, and it’s not until the day when her rose-colored glasses are knocked off her face that she really begins to see life as it really is and not what she thinks it should be. 

In some ways, Red on a Rose reminds me of An American Marriage. Both stories center on young Black newlyweds who experience a traumatic event that alters their relationship. Unlike Tayari Jones, Patricia Jones only really shares Lila’s perspective on the matter, which may be unsatisfying for some readers. However, if you’re a reader looking for growth and redemption from an unsympathetic character, then you look no further than Red on a Rose. Overall, I enjoyed Lila’s journey of discovering the grey lingering within her black and white moral code. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Did you know World Poetry Day is right around the corner? In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization declared March 21st as World Poetry Day. The main purpose of this day is to support linguistic diversity through poetry and to allow a way for endangered languages to endure through their communities. It is also meant to encourage the oral tradition of poetry  as a rich and vibrant art form within society.

Admittedly, I am not a poetry person and have often avoided reading poetry for pleasure, so you may take today’s recommendations with a large grain of salt. However, if you pass, then you will miss out on some of the most imaginative poetry that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a beloved classic. 

What I enjoyed most about The Jane and Bertha in Me is how accessible it makes poetry. I didn’t feel like I needed a degree in poetry to truly understand the words on the page. After reading Martinez’s vivid interpretation and reimagination of not only the major players of Jane Eyre, but Charlotte Brontë herself, I feel like poetry is not the untouchable medium I presumed it to be. 

I most appreciated the poems with a modern interpretation of Jane Eyre because it reminded me of the timeless nature of the story. I also loved how these poems center the experiences of women in a way that delves beyond the surface level of Bertha as the “wild madwoman,” and Jane as the “good girl.” Martinez shows there is more than one side to both women. There is righteous rage simmering within Jane through “Jane Addresses Edward” and “Letter to Edward” just like “Letter to Bertha” shows the delicate (and possibly forgotten) beauty within Bertha. 

The Jane and Bertha in Me is the perfect book to read if Jane Eyre is one of your favorite books because these poems will provide a unique experience of  the story. However, you don’t need to be a Brontëite to enjoy these poems.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

The weekend feels like it’s in the distance, but there is plenty to look forward to because a literary giant is celebrating a birthday soon. Lois Lowry, born Lois Ann Hammersberg, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 20, 1937. There isn’t a book nerd among us who hasn’t been touched by Lois Lowry. I read both Number the Stars and The Giver in school, but I didn’t really realize how powerful of a book The Giver was until I read it again as an adult. 

Without a doubt, Lois Lowry is the godmother of the YA dystopian novel. The Giver walked so The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent, and others could run. It’s passed the time for us to put respect on Lois Lowry’s name by revisiting the book that continues to be mandatory reading in school curricula despite being on the list of frequently challenged books. 

One of the startling standouts when I read The Giver as an adult is just how young 12 is within one’s life span. I could not imagine having the career I will have for the rest of my life decided at such a young age. In Jonas’ case, his life’s work is much too much for one person to handle. The Giver is smart, emotional, and thought-provoking. It is a book that expertly tells a story through the eyes of a young person (without talking down to its target audience) that is engaging to readers of all ages. It’s rare for a book I read in middle school to still capture my attention as an adult, but The Giver does just that. 

If you haven’t read The Giver since it was assigned to you in school, then you should revisit it the next time you are in the mood for a dystopian novel. You are bound to see elements in the story that flew over your young mind. Plus, this time around, you can give it the true dystopian series treatment by reading the entire Giver Quartet. Just stay far away from the adaptation. It may be the worst adaptation of all time. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Although I don’t read them often, I love a good mystery. For as long as I can remember, I could never resist a whodunit story. When I was a young gal, I couldn’t get enough Nancy Drew. As an adult, I don’t have a favorite mystery writer or detective, but it is still one of my favorite genres to read. Today, I’m recommending one of the more recent mysteries I’ve read. What makes this book so special is that I discovered it through Book Riot. That’s right! I took one of our many quizzes to find my next read, and said quiz put this fabulous book on my radar. 

One of the best aspects of Hollywood Homicide was the main character being a Black woman! As an out-of-work actress turned amateur detective, Dayna Anderson is totally relatable. I actually enjoyed how Dayna and all the other characters interacted with one another. Dayna was Lucy to her BFF Sienna’s Ethel. Even when they were in some serious danger, the book still managed to get a few chuckles out of me. Dayna and Aubrey worked well as strangers (and slight adversaries) who actually work well together to solve the crime. I also enjoyed the romance vibes between Dayna and Omari. 

Despite a couple of murders, Hollywood Homicide is kind of a romp of a read. Garrett isn’t shy about letting the reader know how people in the story died, but it wasn’t very gruesome in my opinion. If you enjoy a good mystery, but want to avoid the graphic blood and gore, then Hollywood Homicide is the must-read book for you. Also, if the end of the book leaves you wanting more, then I have even more good news for you! Hollywood Homicide is the first book of the Detective by Day series! Happy reading, bookish sleuths.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Happy International Women’s Day! Today is the celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the globe! In honor of the occasion, I’m recommending the first book I read by one Zadie Smith. Although we often say not to judge a book by its cover, I will be the first to admit I sometimes choose to read a book based solely on its cover. When I see a beautiful cover, I expect a beautiful story to be housed behind it. That is exactly what I experienced with Swing Time.

I have complicated feelings about Swing Time. Although Zadie Smith has quite the way with words, and Swing Time was well written, when I got to the end of the book, I was unsatisfied. I needed more. I wanted more of the story. I could have definitely used Swing Time 2: Electric Boogaloo. I wanted to know what the narrator did with the rest of her life. How does her friendship with Tracey fare? 

What makes Swing Time such a must-read book is the story is one of the most original I have read in recent years. I haven’t read anything like it, and I’m not sure I ever will again. Swing Time touches on race, gender, relationships, power dynamics, sex, and class, but it doesn’t feel heavy-handed or preachy. It was also interesting to read a book with a woman narrator who is kind of unlikeable. She is not a bad person, but as a reader, I generally felt unsympathetic toward almost every situation in which she found herself. I actually found that refreshing. It’s not often I read about a woman who isn’t written to be charming or lovable. Reading Swing Time made me more interested in reading stories with similar types of characters. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Hey fellow book nerd, it’s time to celebrate another literary birthday! Today, we are wishing a very happy 83rd birthday to Patricia MacLachlan! She is the American children’s writer best known for Sarah, Plain and Tall, which won the 1986 Newbery Medal along with the 1986 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the 1986 Golden Kite Award. 

What I enjoyed most about Sarah, Plain and Tall was not only the plain, straightforward story, but also how it touched upon the death of a parent at a young age and the introduction of a stepparent. It was understandable to a young reader while not being too simplified for an adult reader. I also liked reading a story where there wasn’t overt hostility between Sarah and the children. Yes, Anna still has memories of her mother who died while giving birth to her brother Caleb, but she still seems somewhat open to the possibility of a new mother in Sarah. I also enjoyed Sarah as a whole. Although she eagerly answered the call for a mail-order bride, which on its face seems anti-feminist, Sarah gave me feminist hero vibes through her many interactions with Jacob from insisting on wearing overalls to riding horses. I loved to see hear it.

If you are looking for a heartwarming, but short comfort read, then Sarah, Plain and Tall is a good choice. In just a few short chapters, not only will you fall in love with the Witting family, you will absolutely adore this current version of the family. By the end of the book, you’ll be wishing for more. Lucky for us, MacLachlan was kind enough to add four more books to the series. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

Today is Plan a Solo Vacation Day, which doesn’t seem very exciting while we are all dealing with the current global panorama. However, it’s the perfect time to plan the amazing vacation you will go on once we are all vaccinated and able to jetset again. If you need some inspiration on how to plan the most epic solo trip, then look no further than Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir that launched a thousand trips.

In full disclosure, Eat Pray Love is one of those books I was excited to read, but it didn’t live up to my high expectations. However, I will never regret reading it. Although I read this book long after the hype around it was gone, I understand why it inspired so many people to go on their own journey of self-exploration around the world. Who wouldn’t want to escape the everyday rat race of life to find peace through hours of meditation or eat the best pizza and pasta in the world? 

Despite being annoyed by Gilbert’s self-centered nature, I cannot deny her witty, funny, and engaging writing. Whenever I felt like I was at my wit’s end with her antics, she would win me over with another observation and anecdote that made me chuckle or smile. It’s been a few years since I’ve read Eat Pray Love, but sometimes I find myself thinking about it. Most of the time, I think about the pizza that was so good, it’s almost worth dying for. 

If you are like me and prefer to read books once everyone stops talking about them then I invite you to read Eat Pray Love. If it does nothing else, it may inspire you to finally take that solo trip to find yourself. 

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha

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Find more of me on Book Riot. 

Find more books by subscribing to Book Riot Newsletters.