Quick Lit February 2019 Archives

The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self

by Claire Shipman, Katty Kay

From the publisher: "Girls can rule the world - all they need is confidence. It's a paradox familiar to parents everywhere: girls are achieving like never before, yet they're consumed with doubt on the inside. Girls worry constantly about how they look, what people think, whether to try out for a sports team or school play, why they aren't getting 'perfect' grades, and how many likes and followers they have online. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman use cutting-edge science and research, as well as proven methods of behavioral change, to reach girls just when they need it the most - the tween and teen years. Packed with true stories from tons of real girls, The Confidence Code for Girls teaches girls to embrace risk, deal with failure, and be their most authentic selves."

Garden Spells

by Sarah Addison Allen

Sweet, sparkly, and thoroughly Southern. Like all the women in her family, Claire Waverley possesses a unique magic: she uses edible flowers to prepare foods that affect the eater in “curious ways.” Years ago, Claire’s sister fled town—and her Waverley gift—but she discovers her own sort of magic when she returns. What to say about this book? The romance verges on twee, the magic is impossible, but put them together and it sings. If you’re not down with supernatural food or a magical apple tree, skip this one—but you should know how many readers call this “a wonderful surprise.” Allen’s long-anticipated next novel, Other Birds, is due out August 30. Open-ish door. For fans of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers and Maria de los Santos’s Love Walked In.

On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft

by Stephen King

This is an exceptional book for book lovers and a must-read for writers, and I'm saying that as someone who has read a grand total of two books by King. (The other is 11/22/63.) I thoroughly enjoyed his descriptions of his fiction writing process (although his descriptions convinced me that I never, ever want to read Carrie.) I especially enjoyed the anecdotes he shared about his marriage, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough when he explores his devastating car wreck and recovery.

On the Come Up

by Angie Thomas

I was engrossed in the story of 15-year-old Brianna, who is confident in her dreams—and has a chance of making them come true—but first has to navigate a whole slew of pitfalls, both the ones forced upon her and the ones of her own making. If you appreciated The Hate U Give, add this to your TBR immediately. Bri is an aspiring rapper, and rap battles feature prominently in the plot: for that reason I'm so glad I listened. This was one of my favorite listening experiences of the year. Bahni Turpin's narration is exceptional. Whispersync narration available.

More Than Words

by Jill Santopolo

You may know Santopolo from her big 2017 bestseller The Light We Lost. I enjoyed this one a lot more. It's about Nina Gregory, hotel heiress and campaign strategist, and how her life falls apart after her father dies—due to her grief, and secrets revealed in the wake of her loss. The romance plot took center stage, but I found the strong supporting female characters to be more interesting. The campaign elements reminded me of Parenthood (when Kristina and Amber work on a political campaign) and The West Wing, which was fun. Heads up for some racy scenes.

Quick Lit February 2019