Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson: A sweet story that reminded me of 84, Charing Cross Road. In this version, a married woman living on an English farm with her husband, children, and grandchildren, corresponds with a man around the same age, who recently lost his wife and who runs a museum in Copenhagen. The end disappointed me, but the story was a thoughtful meditation on marriage and the seemingly permanent choices we make. In one of Tina’s letters she says, “I can see that living alone, as you do, leaves empty space around you, and that can feel lonely. Living together with other people, as I do, can feel lonely, too.” This line highlights a theme woven throughout the book of loneliness and being understood.

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul: I should have really enjoyed reading this book, but I had bad dreams about one or two of my kids each night. I think the average person would like it though. The story just didn’t sit well with me. Also, knowing there were so many people involved in the story felt a little strange for the reading experience. And no, I haven’t seen the show yet.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro: I am a huge Dani Shapiro fan. I’ve read every novel and memoir, which made reading this latest memoir about finding out the truth of her paternity after taking a DNA test on a lark, that much more fascinating. Shapiro tells the story beautifully. If you’re intrigued by bioethics and the fallout from DNA testing, or just a well-told family story, this one is for you. Highly recommend.

Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks: If you write essays or ever perform them, this book is a MUST. Thank you to Pam Moore for the recommendation.

You Know You Want This by Kristen Roupenian: This story collection reminds me a bit of Curtis Sittenfeld’s, which I enjoyed last year (I liked Sittenfeld’s more though). I respected the writing in this collection. A surprisingly quick read for a short story collection, which I usually find a little hard to plunge through in a few sittings. Finished this one in three nights. I cannot say I felt optimistic about human nature at the end. The situations are on the bleak side.

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport: There’s a lot of truth in this book that is hard for me to deal with about the amount of time many of us (me included, for sure) spend on our phones, almost as a nervous tick. I listened to the audio and may need to listen one more time.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: The best novel I’ve read so far this year. By far. It is everything I love in a novel. Characters I care about, situations that make my heart race and worry, a setting that is partially new (to me), and writing that is excellent. Highly recommend. We are discussing Homegoing soon for the book club I lead at ModernWell. I cannot wait!