My Chronic Library

Musings of a chronic bibliophile with an overachieving immune system.

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Book Lover’s Paradise: Reviews, Recommendations, and Must-Have Items

Just to be clear, it doesn’t matter how many books you read or what format you consume your books. Whether it takes you one day or one month or one year to finish a book, reading does a body and mind good. For me, reading is a balm to my frazzled nerves. It quiets my mind, helps me understand my world, and provides insight into other ways of life. And during my recent hospital stay, having access to free audio books on the Libby app through the library improved my life. I’m continually baffled why people have Audible subscriptions, but hey, to each their own!

For my birthday I received the kindle pillow holder and am completely obsessed with the remote page turner. Hands free reading from any angle with a place for snacks – sign me up. Extra? Yes. Unnecessary necessity? Also, yes. In addition to my reading set up, even my beverage goblin status is book themed. Oh yeah, and another new tattoo. How many book tattoos is too many? Plus is there anything better than reading outdoors? I think not.

For better or worse, my personality is more than 50% comprised of the last book I read.

Need a book themed gift for yourself or a friend? I’ve got your covered:

So, eight months into this year, I’ve read 55 books. Here’s an update with some of the titles since my last round up.

My Era of Self Help, Introspection, & Healing

I’m in the thick of trauma therapy and with an incurable neurological condition, I am always fascinated by the workings of the brain. How is trauma stored? Why are certain people and images, places and things so triggering? I’ve also referenced in past posts that I’m working on unlearning so many behaviors. I am trying to pause and not just react. When I have an immediate response, I now wonder internally if that is how I actually feel or just what I’ve been told to believe. It’s exhausting work, but I feel it’s necessary.

Rena Martine’s book The Sex You Want was suggested through the Libby app. I devoured it and have recommended it to many people. Want to live a life you love without shame? Need step-by-step guides on how to articulate what you need to be happy, healthy, loved and to feel all your emotions? Want ideas on how to communicate with your partner, family, and friends? Want a life outside of the norm? Want resources to discover alternative ideas of relationships? Read this book. She writes like she knows you; like she’s already your friend. I read it for free on Kindle and promptly ordered my own paperback copy. From that book, I found Ariel Gore’s book. It’s a less-than-stellar binding, but the content is fascinating.

Unbroken rocked me to my core. It’s a short book that I truly could have highlighted something on every page. I’m anxiously awaiting our book club meeting to discuss this one.

Repeat Authors

Want to laugh out loud? Be surprised? Enjoy a vacation read? Here is a list for you. I first read Katherine Center’s How to Walk Away and was struck by her ability to articulate disability and tragedy. I read several others but laughed out loud and thoroughly enjoyed both The Bodyguard and most recently, The Rom-Commers.

I first came across Clare Pooley years ago with her book The Authenticity Project. Earlier this year I read and LOVED Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting. In the hospital last week, I found moments of levity reading How to Age Disgracefully. Her books are set in and around London, have more mature female leads at their core, and brilliantly articulate a wacky group of vibrant supporting characters.

With one very important exception – Just for the Summer has a trigger warning page and at times, was so intense, I had to put it down. Still an easy-to-read, easy-to-recommend book, but it’s not all light and fluffy.

If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, read the Riley Thorn novels. They are pure candy and remind me of the early days of Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum series.

Emily Henry… oh so divisive. I keep reading her because I like her JUST enough to wonder if her new book will be as good as the first one I read. All of her books have been optioned for TV and film adaptations so it might just be me. I loved Beach Read and enjoyed Funny Story. The others I could take or leave.

Librarian Recommendations

These were solidly fine. They have high ratings on Goodreads and are getting a lot of attention on Bookstagram and Booktok.

Homework for Author Events

As a former literary publicist, I love a good author event. I’m lucky to live in Cleveland where they host amazing literary events year-round. My neighbor Donna introduced me to the most incredible Writer Series during the pandemic and in the past few years I’ve attended several presentations, conversations, and lectures. The 2024-2025 series has an incredible lineup beginning with Julia Quinn. As I read the Bridgerton series 20 years ago, I’m all set there. Currently reading All Fours and will tackle the new Erik Larson and the most recent Abraham Verghese in advance of their visit.

Have a book recommendation?

Leave it in a comment below!

You can also catch up on past book recommendations and recaps:

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