This is such a beautiful, heart wrenching, heart warming, eye opening, honest book. If want to educate yourself and gain insight into some of the experiences of black americans, get this book immediately. I listened to the author narrated audiobook, which I can't recommend enough. Ta-Nehisi Coates is a brilliant author and human.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780812993547. 

I had shied away from this book for a while because I wasn't sure I wanted to read a cancer story, especially from a survivor, after having lost my dad to cancer several years ago. I'm really glad I read it though. It's heartbreaking, fascinating, inspiring, and gives and honest look at cancer, which I appreciate. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780399588587

I love Michelle Obama, and you should, too. The end. But, seriously, this book is such an interesting, honest insight into her life, the behind the scenes of being a high profile political family, and the real struggles she has with it. I so appreciated her vulnerability and truth about the reality of it. She seems like such a kind, funny, down to earth person, truly. This a fascinating, funny and inspiring book.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781524763138

I honestly can barely tell you what this book is about, but I know I loved it. I know it was about Michelle, a Korean American, and her mother's battle with cancer, and her carving out her own path and identity. Anything relating to finding/creating your identity really resonates with me. It was really enlightening to learn about her Korean American upbringing. She writes about her grief in a very raw way, which I really appreciate

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780525657743

After seeing 5 star review after 5 star review, I finally picked this book up, and am SO glad I did. I immediately became obsessed with Kristin Hannah. Her book are so illustrative and the characters draw you in so quickly. I have devoured all of her many books. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781250229533

This is beautifully written and sheds light on what it is really like to escape a dangerous country and risk your life to seek asylum in the united states. Initially, I was irritated to learn that the author is not Latinx, but once I learned more about the extensive research that went into, I felt better. This is a heartbreaking, thrilling, intriguing book, highly recommend. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781250209764

Thankful that a good friend recommended this book. The review on Bookshop.org really sums it up better than I can. This book is a clear illustration of how we live in different worlds as a white, or black person. This one is not to miss. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780525536291

Although I am not someone who was i denial about the deep seated racism in our country, I wasn't taking the time, or making it a priority to actively learn about more about the realities of the experience of being black in America. One thing I have been doing is to read fiction and non fiction by black authors. I think walking a mile in other people's shoes, so to speak, is paramount to making change in this country. This novel is enlightening, as well s being and easy, entertaining read. I look forward to more from Kiley Reid. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780525541905

I know, it's pretty groundbreaking that I'm recommending a Pulitzer Prize winning book. I read this years ago, and it has stuck with me, in a vague, yet poignant way. It was one of those books that I wasn't sure I liked as I was reading it, but also couldn't stop. When I finished it, all I could say was that I loved it. I recommended it to my dad, and always appreciated that we connect over it, but now that he is gone, I appreciate these sorts of connections even more. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780316055420

If you don't know Allie Brosh, it's time you did. She is hilarious. As someone who deals with anxiety and depression, her comics and tales about her own struggles are so spot-on and really funny. It is so nice to find someone that articulates what depression can be like, and make you laugh, even if you're in a depressive episode. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781451666175

If you're not a Trevor Noah fan, you might be lost. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Trevor. Really outstanding to hear him tell his own stories. He is hilarious, thoughtful and engaging. This is one of my favorite books. Get it today.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780399588198

I first became a fan of Chelsea Handler through her show "Chelsea Lately". I love how unapologetic she is. How true to herself she is. I am inspired by people who don't seem to overthink who they are, or what they do, and aren't afraid of people not liking them. I aspire to be more like this. I have read several of Chelsea's books, and through enjoyed and laughed through them all. This is my favorite, though, because of how she is. She delves into her life with humor and humility, and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Another author read audiobook I recommend listening to. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780525511793

I loved this book. Another author read memoir that I listened to. I love hearing writers tell their own stories. And this is such a great story. It gives a close up look into one black woman's story of what life is like as a BIPOC person in American. Her writing will hook you, and her story will educate, enlighten and entertain you. 

https://bookshop.org/books/somebody-s-daughter-a-memoir-9781432890568/9781250305978

I love a good "behind the scenes" type story, especially relating to something as iconic as Saturday Night Live. My friend who always recommend great books suggested this, and it is hilarious. I didn't know much about Colin Jost, and because I don't follow SNL too closely of late, so I was under the impression he was sort of an "also-ran". I was sorely mistaken, and thoroughly enjoyed, and laughed out loud hearing him talk about his life and career. If you need a good laugh, download this immediately.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781101906323

Between Samin's food knowledge and Wendy's art, this book has it all. If you are interested in cooking, or just science, Samin breaks down the elements of tasty dish into four parts, and explains them in a readable way. This book includes great recipes, but the nest part is that it teaches you how to cook, how to create in the kitchen, and how to tweak a dish so it tastes it's best. Samin also has a Netflix show by he same name. Her super contagious smile, laugh and joyful way of living will absolutely brighten your world.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781476753836

This is an oldie but goodie, great to have on standby when you want a tried and true recipe, or want a refresher on technique. Just a good resource to have on hand. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781501169717

This book could have been included in memoirs, as well. I read this book shortly after having to retire early from my firefighting career, and it really resonated, as she was going through a significant change in her life, as well. Her stories of food and connection are comforting to the soul. I honestly haven't made many of the recipes, but this book offers so much more, that it's worth of reading, even if you aren't much a chef. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781400069989

This is a really cool book.There are some recipes, but it is more of a reference manual. It helps you pair flavors and cooking methods. You can look up a certain herb or spice and see what to use it with, the preferred way to prepare it, etc. Perfect for cooking without a recipe, or if you need a substitute. There is also a vegetarian edition.

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780316118408

I first discovered Jennie from her blog, "in Jennie's Kitchen". She truly embodies the cooking from scratch ethos. Her ease with ingredients and making all elements from scratch is impressive. And I love that she cooks in a regular kitchen. She stores things on her countertops. Her kitchen is not the Instagram dream kitchen, but she reminds us that we can cook amazing recipes in any kitchen. You can't go wrong with her recipes. She is also forthright about her grief over her husband and children's father who died from cancer. It is refreshing to see someone express how grief actually works, how everlasting and ever changing, and intertwined with joy and contentmentit can be. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780762447237

This was the first detective novel I read, suggested by mom when I was around 12. It hooked me and there was no turning back. I immediately read "A is for Alibi" after this, and then continued quickly through the alphabet in order. When I was in 7th or 8th grade I decided I would write my own detective novel. I only got a few pages in, but it was basically a copy of Sue Grafton's work. I still have it. It's a bit painful to read, haha. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780312939007

I live in the Bay Area, and am always drawn to series that take place here, as this one does. It features a SFPD Lt. and her friends, including the coroner, who work cases together. Can't beat a tough lead female, and close female friendships. Even though I've highlighted book 4, I prefer to read series in order. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9780446613361

I think my dad recommended Patricia Cornwell, and the Kay Scarpetta series and I'm so glad he did. I love it, and thankfully, the series is long. These books are from the perspective of the medical examiner, rather than a detective, which is a nice, new perspective. You can tell that a lot of research goes into these books. And I'm always impressed that the main character can come home at midnight, after a heavy case load, and have the energy to cook dinner. 

https://bookshop.org/a/21025/9781982167981

Mary Higgins Clark is just a quintessential mystery writer. She's got her formula down and it works. I want a mystery where I attached to the characters, and can't predict what will happen. If there are't some real good plot twists, I'm out. 

https://bookshop.org/books/kiss-the-girls-and-make-them-cry-9781508266761/9781501171772

Some of details from this book stuck with me, when many times they don't. This book is a disturbing, intriguing page turner that will stick with you. 
Bonus, there is a sequel, The Roses of May.

https://bookshop.org/books/the-butterfly-garden-9781511372428/9781503934719