Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven

• This novel is told from two points of view.
• It is a quick and enjoyable read that feels much like a John Green novel.
• This novel is about personal challenges, seen and unseen.

What Remains of Me by Alison Gaylin

• This novel jumps between nearly present day and 1980, and between crime scenes.
• This novel is about the price of fame and celebrity.  It also looks at what aspiring celebrities are willing to sacrifice for their goals.
• I enjoyed the first 80% of the novel, and was disappointed by extremely tidy ending.

You'll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein

• This down-to-earth memorior shares the experiences of comedy writer Jessi Klein.
• Klein's deadpan delivery while narrating the audiobook adds endearing charm.
• This book isn't about Klein's brushes with celebrities.  Instead, it is about a girl, and then a woman, who doesn't feel like she fits in.

June by Miranda Beverly-Whittlemore

• This novel explores social connections over time in a small town.
• The author looks at what happens when a celebrity visits a small town both 50 years ago and in the modern day.
• This book celebrates grand old houses, while recognizing the hefty tasks their care and upkeep requires.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

• Schumer shares stories from her personal life and her career journey.
• I especially enjoyed readings from her journal where she adds modern day commentary reflecting on her state at the time.
• Schumer narrates the audiobook, which years of stand-up comedy performances have prepared her well for.

Grunt by Mary Roach

• I wasn't sure what to expect from this book.  Having enjoyed Roach' Gulp, I picked up Grunt.  
• This book explores various types of military technology, largely related to the human body.
• This is what I'd consider a "casual" nonfiction book.  It explores nonfiction topics in an accessible and entertaining way.  It is not a thorough exploration of a specific topic or research question.
• Roach's personality shines through with her curiosity and sense of humor.

The Veins of the Ocean by Patricia Engel

• This novel is about leaving one's home nation and assimilation into a new culture.
• I enjoyed the focus on Cuban culture, especially what it means to leave Cuba and what it means to stay.
• Cultural beliefs and mythology are infused throughout the book.

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

• The novel begins with a mundane baptism party and has surprising results.
• It is about family relations and guilt exploring where a carefree attitude toward raising kids meets irresponsibility.
• The novel matures into a family saga about a blended family where the children are often left to fend for themselves.

The Cellar by Natasha Preston

• This is a fast-paced read inspired by recent headlines.
• After gaining popularity as an indie, The Cellar is quickly gaining mainstream popularity.
• This is a creepy book about a teenage girl adapting to captivity.
• I especially loved the ending.

Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum

• From the first page, it is clear that the mean character is struggling.
• Much of the novel is centered around the singular main character with other characters being relatively minor.
• If you like jarring endings, this book is for you.  If you don't, then this book isn't.

Siracusa by Delia Ephron

• This novel is relayed from four points of view.
• Each character is flawed in their own way.  
• I found the character of Taylor to be cliched (and annoying).
• In the audiobook edition of the novel, John Slattery (who played Roger Sterling in Mad Men) narrates a character who could be described as a modern day Roger Sterling.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Rowling, Thorne and Tiffany

• First, I'm a Harry Potter fan and this is a biased review.
• The novel nicely picks up 19 years after the last Harry Potter novel.  It fills in needed gaps and reveals key events that happened.
• Initially, it was odd to see Harry Potter as a father figure.  Throughout the novel we see both him and his troubled child grow as characters.
• Since this work is written as a play it is a quick read.

My Life in France by Julia Child

• This is half travel book and half a book about cooking.
• Child recounts her travel through France immediately after World War II and how she discovers her love cooking.
• As expected, her charm is captured in this book.  It feels as if she is telling you her life story.
• I especially enjoyed the audiobook of this title.

Mercury by Margot Livesey

• The novel is told from two points of view.  
• On face, it is easy to side with one character.  The beauty of the novel is that "fault" becomes fuzzy and muddled as the story progresses.
• Overall, this is an enjoyable read gets quite detailed in the last third of the novel.

The Girls by Emma Cline

• In this novel, a grown woman reflects on her time with a Manson-like cult.
• The novel has an eerie feel with the main character seeming so so normal, being a teenage girl struggling to fit in.
• Emma Cline has received notable press for this novel, and the attention is well-deserved.

The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close

• This novel explores the stress that political aspirations can have on relationships.
• Close's plot keeps a steady pace with vibrant characters.
• Having lived in D.C., I enjoyed the references to more domestic and less notable locations (e.g. the UnSafeway).
• Overall, this is an enjoyable read about thirty-somethings in D.C.

Barkskins by Annie Proulx

• I didn't expect to finish or like this novel.  There had been so much buzz in the press I decided to give it a try.  I was surprised.
• This 700+ page novel quickly draws the reader in.  It follows several families of fur and lumber traders over several centuries.
• The novel balances action with deep character development.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

• Reese Witherspoon is an excellent narrator for the audiobook.
• Atticus Finch is a less likable character in this novel compared to To Kill a Mockingbird.
• The novel's plot builds until the very end.  Then it quickly wraps up.

Faithful by Alice Hoffman

• Faithful has a similar feel as many of Hoffman's other novels.  
• The story centers around complex characters that evolve as the plot develops.
• This novel explores how guilt can haunt survivors of tragic events.

American Housewife by Helen Ellis

• Ellis explores experiences of American women.  She takes a fresh look at domestic situations.
• This collection of short stories varies from short descriptions of situations to longer stories with a developed plot.
• Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read with a fresh perspective.

The Assistants by Camille Perri

• Perri crafts a plot with likable, yet flawed characters.  No one is truly horrible, or truly innocent.
• This novel explores ethics and when the ends justify the means.
• The topics at the center of this novel are student loans and economic inequity, both of which are hotly debated issues in today's society.

Behave by Andromeda Romano-Lax

• This novel explores the real life impact of a highly focused scientific study of human behavior.  It looks at what is lost in a purely scientific approach involving people.
• The main character is not completely likable.
• While the book is a lengthy read, it the pacing kept me interesting.

Gulp by Mary Roach

• Reading this book is an adventure that can get gross, but is interesting throughout.  
• Roach explores the science and pseudo-science of digestion.  I especially enjoyed the exploration of if a human could live after being swallowed by a whale and the legends of stomach snakes.
• After hearing so much about Mary Roach, I'm glad I finally read one of her books.
• Warning: There were some gross-out sections of this book for me that I wasn't able to read right after eating.

Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

• This book is about an endearing weirdo who explores the love he has for his dog.
• There is something oddly charming about the main character and how he processes his dog's terminal condition.
• This book deals with heavy material, while maintaining a forward focus that celebrates the life of a beloved pet. 

A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

• This novel tells the story of a woman who struggles to meet family expectations and find her own personal happiness.
• I enjoyed the early 20th-century setting because of the focus on etiquette and protocol that clashes with the less structured culture developing toward the end of the novel.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

• This novel focuses on the history of a relationship between a husband and wife.
• I enjoyed the focus on how the relationship evolved.
• This book examines what it means to make another person a priority in your life.
• The novel is heavily character-driven.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

• This novel is about the relationship between humans and animals, specifically chimpanzees.
• I enjoyed how key elements of the main character's past were slowly revealed.  It shaped how processed events in the story.  I enjoyed the layered feel of the story.
• The main character is both relatable at times, while unrelatable at others.

The Widow by Fiona Barton

• I love stories with creepy characters.  This novel has a couple of creepers.
• The novel starts out slowly and builds.
• Barton takes a close look at how the media uses human interest stories about horrible tragedies to boost sales.

With Malice by Eileen Cook

• This novel tells the story of a high school student trying to recover her memory after a serious car accident.
• In addition to portraying the main character's experience, the novel also includes documents, interviews, and reports from others about the accident.  These supplemental documents help tell a well-rounded story.
• Switching between the main character's point of view and various documents makes the reader feel as if they are discovering the truth behind the accident.  This also makes it a quick-paced read.

Troublemaker by Leah Remini

• This book details Leah Remini's life, much of which centers around the Church of Scientology.
• The book is a surprisingly quick read and covers a lot of ground.
• Remini is fairly candid about her own short-coming.  From the tone of the book, it sounds like she is prepared for a strong reaction from Scientology.
• Her experiences in various arms of Scientology provide an interesting view of the organization.
• The book also covers her acting career ranging from Zach's girlfriend on Saved by the Bell to Carrie on King of Queens.

I Know How She Does it by Laura Vanderkam

• Vanderkam analyzes a hefty number of time entry journals from high-achieving women with children.  From these logs Vanderkam shares common trends she identifies and strategies for maximizing the limited time we have.
• The author breaks down how the women spend their time.  Surprisingly, they do not spend as many hours at work as one might expect.
• Vanderkam looks at what is the best way to spend time.  For example, tidying the house is not enjoyable and will only need to be done again in a day.  There is likely a better option for spending that time.
• The book focuses heavily on children and childcare.  One nearly missing blind spot is on time for the relationship between spouses.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts... by Susan Cain

• Susan Cain questions society's focus on extroversion and personality.  She looks to societal values historically and examines how the focus shifted from character to personality, and what that means for introverts.
• As an introvert, this book was validating.  Living in a world that values extroversion, and often being told that my preferences are abnormal or inferior, reading this was incredibly validating.
• Cain visits the topic of how modern American schools are designed for the extrovert. She discusses the stress this can put on introverts.

Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen

• Quindlen captures the feeling of small town life and the complex relationships that develop over a lifetime.
• As the book follows the main character's life over several decades, the reader sees how this character matures and learns.  It is especially interesting to see how main character's goal changes from leaving the small community to returning.
• This novel reads like most other Quindlen novels.  It is an enjoyable and fairly quick read.

Opening Belle by Maureen Sherry

• I was curious to read a novel written by an insider about what life is like on Wall Street for women.  The author's insider experience on Wall Street gives the book an authentic feel.
• Somehow the book manages to read like traditional "Chic Lit" while covering deep issues like sexism, unequal expectations for performance for men and women, and power balances in martial relationships.
• Overall, this was an enjoyable read that gave me a deep appreciation for the women of Wall Street.

The Hoarder in You by Dr. Robin Zasio

• As a long-time viewer of the TV series Hoarders, I was curious to see Dr. Zasio outline her approach.
• Dr. Zasio provides an outline for some reasons why hoarding can develop and how to address it.  She also discusses how to make decisions about what to keep, and, perhaps more importantly, what to bring into your home.
• Reading this book inspired me to clean out some tubs of unused items that were languishing in the basement.  While I don't consider myself a hoarder or clutterer, it did provide a solid framework for how to handle belongings.

After You by Jojo Moyes

• I decided to pick up this novel after seeing previews for its upcoming film adaptation.
• This novel stays true to Jojo Moyes roadmap for novels, both in relation to plot and types of characters.  It feels like Nicholas Sparks with just an ounce of grit.
• The characters feel annoyingly perfectly flawed.

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase

• After the first few chapters I was hooked.  Chase's Black Rabbit Hall is an engaging novel with healthy touch of creepiness.
• There are two main narrators in the novel: Amber living in the late 1960s and Lorna in the modern day.
• I enjoyed the setting of a large and dated estate in the UK.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

• Although this is a long read at 400+ pages, the novel's quick pace makes it a quick read.
• Sittenfeld re-imagines Pride and Prejudice in modern times.  He is true to core nature of the original's main characters.
• The characters are somehow complex in their superficial preferences and values.

Booked by Kwame Alexander

• This is Alexander's follow-up to The Crossover.  Booked is written in a similar fashion, but focuses on soccer instead of basketball.
• The main character deals with his parent's separation and the growing distance between his best friend and him.
• The focus on soccer includes the main character playing soccer and playing soccer video games.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

• This novel is written as a memoir of Addie, the main character.
• The reader reads the stories told by the main character.
• Addie is incredibly likable.
• This novel is about growth and appreciating the best in the people in our lives.

Crucial Accountability by Patterson, Grenny, Maxfield, McMillan, and Switzler

• This book breaks down how accountability issues tend to develop.
• Problems with accountability tend to be either based in a lack of motivation or incapability to perform the task.
• The authors pattern out conversations and break them down to provide practical guidance.
• The book also addresses when accountability issues should be addressed.  They also differentiate between accountability conversations and nagging.
• Overall, this is a guide to navigating touch interpersonal conversations about accountability.

The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson

• At first I found it difficult to listen to the audiobook narrated by the author.  The voice I was hearing was Dwight.  It took me a while to set Dwight aside and get to know Rainn Wilson.
• This memoir is engaging, funny, and surprisingly deep.  Wilson discusses his personal spiritual journey and past reliance on drugs.
• As a fan of The Office, the section devoted to his time as Dwight was a highlight of the book for me.

Dodgers by Bill Beverly

• Beverly crafts a gritty and compelling tale involving travel, violence, and crime.
• The novel focuses on a mission four young men are given.
• Beverly questions the meaning of opportunity these four young men.
• While the subject matter is dark, this novel isn't grim.

Avenue of Spies by Alex Kershaw

• This book explores the activities and lives of an American doctor and his family in Paris during Nazi occupation.
• At first the book focused on descriptions of individuals.  This portion of the book seemed to drag.
• However, as the book progressed the characters became compelling.
• This work is the product of Kershaw's detailed research.  The research sources are seamlessly woven into the narrative.

The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee

• The characters of this novel feel real.  They are imperfect.
• As the title indicates, the characters are living abroad in Hong Kong.  Each approaches the disconnect from their family and friends differently.
• The ending wasn't what I had expected.  It felt a little off compared to the rest of the novel.
• Overall, The Expatriates is an enjoyable read.

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

• I wish I would have picked this up to read when a free afternoon lingering in front of me.  It is a relatively quick read, and could easily be done in one sitting.
• Strout tells a disjointed, yet marvelously connected story about family relationships.
• Although I wasn't a huge fan of Strout's other works, the storytelling of this narrative was hugely appealing to me.

Heat & Light by Jennifer Haigh

• This novel tackles the impacts of fracking in an economically depressed rural community.
• The novel encompasses many characters.
• Overall, themes of the novel about rural life ring true.
• The novel stretches out about 50 pages too long.

The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos

• The story is told from two points of view.
• One of the main characters struggles with reconnecting with her estranged father.
• While the other main character struggles with accepting her father's family from his first marriage.
• The characters are interesting with the right mix of familiarity and uniqueness.

Works Well With Others

• The biggest takeaway from Works Well With Others is that everyone has feelings of insecurity.  Everyone has moments when they question themselves.
• McCammon offers realistic advice for navigating office politics and etiquette.
• This is a quick and enjoyable read.

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein

• First, a disclaimer, I'm not a big Sleater-Kinney fan.
• Brownstein narrates the audiobook, and does an impressive job.
• The audiobook includes clips of Brownstein's music and a short interview at the end, making the audiobook experience memorable.
• It is surprising that a musician with Brownstein's success, is incredibly vulnerable in her memorior.
• The memoir focuses on Brownstein's music career with only a minor mention of her acting career.  Nearing the end, there is a venture into Brownstein's connection to pets, then returns of music.
• After reading/listening to the book, I'm revisiting my dusty Sleater-Kinney CDs.