Less Recent, Still Brilliant
Not everything I’ve been reading lately is brand new, although I do get caught up in New Release hype. Sometimes the joy is in going back to books I missed the first time around. Over the past few weeks, I’ve picked up a handful of “less recent” titles, and they’ve been every bit as satisfying (if not more) than the shiny releases. Proof that good stories don’t go out of date. Here’s what’s been on my nightstand, and that I am recommending to you!
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau (2021)
Set in 1970s Baltimore, this is the story of a sensible teenage girl who takes a summer nanny job and suddenly finds herself surrounded by rock stars, free love, and big messy adult feelings. It’s about discovering who you are when your world cracks open, told with warmth, humour, and a perfect dose of nostalgia. This was addictive and fun!
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (2014)
A grumpy widowed bookseller has his life upended when a baby is left in his shop, forcing him into a new chapter he never imagined. What follows is a tender story about love, loss, and community - and a reminder of how books connect us. To me, it’s Zevin at her best: a love letter to stories and second chances (and much better than Tomorrow x3 in my opinion).
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013)
Ifemelu and Obinze leave Nigeria in search of new lives, one ending up in America, the other in the UK. The novel spans continents and decades, weaving in themes of race, migration, belonging, and love. Adichie’s wit and insight make this sweeping story as intimate as it is expansive.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (1966)
Charlie Gordon, a man with a low IQ, undergoes an experimental surgery that makes him a genius - but the results don’t last. Through his journal entries we witness his rise and devastating fall, a haunting exploration of intelligence, humanity, and love. It’s heartbreaking, unforgettable, and one of those books that everyone should read. I wonder if this one will make a resurgence like I Who Have Never Known Men recently did? I feel like it is in that category!
Sometimes the best reads aren’t the newest ones, but the ones that remind us why we fell in love with stories in the first place. I’ll keep sharing the gems - because life is too short to read bad books.