Would recommend

The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho

I think this is one of the best books ever written. It has a great story, conveys emotion very well, but isn’t too long or overdone. I would recommend this book to anyone in their late teens or early 20s who are trying to find themselves because I found it very inspiring.

Daughter in Exile by Bisi Adjapon

This book, to me, was really compelling. As someone who has some understanding about the African immigrant experience in the US, I really enjoyed reading a realistic story from that perspective. This book flows very well and is well told.

Sous chef by Michael Gibney

I really loved reading this book and I wish there were more like it. I really felt like I was following a NYC chef around for the day. I have never had an interest in chef or restaurant life, but this book was fascinating. A good read to pass the time. 

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

I stumbled across this book at the library and wasn’t initially convinced I would be interested in the story. However, it turned out to be one of those books I couldn’t put down. Even if the events aren’t 100% accurate, as it is hard to do with any retelling of a story, it is a great read. It gave me a glimpse into something I would never have been close to being involved in.

The Address Book by Deirdre Mask

I didn’t really know what I was in for when I picked this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It mixed history and cultural perspectives to give an idea of the creation and impact of addresses all across the world.

Take it or leave it

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Husbands by Holly Gramazio

These books were entertaining and are what I would call fantasy romance. There is a story that keeps you engaged but they leave the realm of reality. They aren’t necessarily ground-breaking, but are perfectly engaging and kill time.

Weird but normal by Mia Mercado

This book was pretty 50/50 for me. As someone that grew up in the Midwest, I could relate to a lot of the things she talked about. I really enjoyed that aspect and haven’t read a book quite this specific to that experience. However, it did have a lot of woke stuff that was ehh. It was to be expected and wasn’t that off putting, so I worked around it. Overall, pretty entertaining for a one time read.

Husbands by Holly Gramazio

A perfectly fine fiction novel that passes the time in an entertaining way.

Not for me

A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This book was alright. It’s kind of a long, drawn-out story that all comes together at the end. If I knew what I was in for with this book, I probably would have chosen something else.