Have you ever felt like there are too many books and too little time? That’s how I often feel when I look at my ever-growing to-read list. When I talk to people about what it’s like working in Collection Development, I often joke that that’s the worst part of my job. We are constantly looking at all of the incredible books coming out and it’s hard not to get excited about all of them.
My reading habits can be a bit sporadic, and I tend to be a bit more of a mood reader, instead of sticking to one set genre or style. However, the main thing I look for when picking out a new book is a strong female lead.
Two of my favorite books that were released during this year’s Women’s History Month were Kate & Frida: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Books by Kim Fay and I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams by Jordan Chiles.
Kate & Frida follows two strangers-turned-friends that meet through a chance letter written to a bookshop. What starts as someone in Paris looking for a book turns into an unlikely friendship that really changes the way both Kate and Frida see themselves. Through a series of letters (sent between Seattle and Paris), they bond over their love of books, writing, food, and the struggles of navigating early adulthood.
This was such a fun read! Epistolary novels (books told in the form of letters) always create a fun dynamic that really lets the characters come to life. On the surface, you would think these two women lived completely different lives, but I loved following along as they discovered their similarities. I also always enjoy a book about the love of books, and the mix of food in this made it a delicious read.
I’m That Girl is a beautifully raw memoir that follows the highs and lows of Jordan’s career so far as a real-life strong female lead. It is written in the same candid way that we have come to know and love Jordan Chiles for, making it extra enjoyable. She narrates the audiobook herself, which adds to the authenticity of the memoir.
I have loved following Olympic gymnastics since 2008, and Jordan has truly risen to be a treat to watch, and an even bigger gift to her team as a dedicated hype woman. She just radiates this joy and determination that can’t be beaten, but you can tell there’s a lot behind that shining exterior. It was endearing to learn more about the difficulties she’s encountered, and it made me see her in an entirely new light. I can’t wait to see what Jordan continues to do.
One of the coolest perks of my job is that we sometimes get access to books before they’re published. There are a few different ways we get Advanced Review Copies of upcoming titles. Sometimes we get physical copies sent to us at the library, other times we receive digital copies of eBooks and audiobooks. We get these from the publisher, and we can use them to review them on various online platforms or review them internally to determine if we should purchase them for our collection.
This month, I read two books coming out in April that I can’t wait for you to be able to read! Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez releases on Tuesday, April 1st and The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick releases on Tuesday, April 22nd. These are two five-star, strong female lead reads that I would strongly recommend to just about anyone.
It is no surprise that Abby Jimenez wrote another hit book, but Say You’ll Remember Me is another beautifully tragic love story. I’m not sure how she writes these endearing, but heartbreaking romances as well as she does, but she is truly a gift to the genre. This book is all about Samantha and Xavier, who experience all the tropes from a chance meet-cute to hilarious forced proximity and a long-distance relationship.
I continue to be swept away by Jimenez’s writing, finding myself laughing and crying all the way through. I loved that the beginning of this book was propelled by a cute kitten with a determined cat mom (#relatable). Their relationship was filled with laughter and deep, meaningful conversations, and I love how effortlessly the book flows between the two. This book is extra heartbreaking and difficult to read as it does deal with two heavy topics: a family member with dementia and past child abuse.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women follows four 1960s era housewives and their newly formed book club. The women come together to read The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and discover they are not as alone in their feelings as they thought. The book that moved a generation brought these women together to form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Come to this book for the love of literature and how it can bring us together, stay for the power of friendship and resilience of women.
This is a beautiful work of historical fiction that will resonate with many readers. These women are wonderfully created, and you will walk away with so much about family, friendship, feminism, and the power of a good book. Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy navigate so many difficult topics from fertility to adultery, even what it’s like to feel unfulfilled in your life. The theme of feeling unfulfilled radiates throughout the book, whether it’s being unfulfilled in their marriage, the world at large, the workforce, or motherhood. No matter what you’ve been through or are going through, you will find someone or something to connect with in this book.
Happy Reading!!
Jaclyn is the Acquisitions Services Manager at OCLS
