2023 Reading List

Reminder: You can find my entire 2023 list at my shop on Bookshop.org. As an affiliate I get a small percentage of your purchase, but the rest goes to supporting independent bookstores. Also some books I had to buy via other retailers such as Hay House Publishing or Amazon, which I’m not affiliated with. 

I’m sooooo behind on creating this list-seriously it’s October. But life has been life-ing; however, I’ve still been reading just not as much as I did the previous years. I am nowhere close to reading as much as I did last year, but I’m hoping to at least make it to 20 this year. I usually write goals for the year, but since it’s so late in the game and I think there’s no way that I will be able to meet the goals that I had originally set out in the beginning of the year. 

Not much has changed, you’ll continue to see a lot of books by Latinx authors. But not as many as the previous years; unfortunately, the Latinx Book Club I was a part of hasn’t been very active this year. The Climate Crisis book club luckily is still active; however, we’ve added a few movies to the lineup so it’s not solely books. 

You’ll also see a new trend. My BFF and I started reading remakes of “Pride and Prejudice” so you’ll see a few in there mixed in with some nutrition and self-help books. I’ve started to really do some self-care practice via books. I’m on a learning kick. I’ve been reading a little of everything lately. 

I’ve also started going to the library. So, a few of these books have not been purchased but borrowed from the library. I’ve tried to control my book budget a bit more this year, but I also did this because I wanted our library system to have these books available for readers to discover them. It all works to help our favorite authors get more fans. 

As usual my reading  will be diverse. I hope you enjoy and feel free to let me know what you think of each read.

So the following titles are being entered two days before January 2024, yea I’m so late in writing my reviews. Life happened, and then my books to be reviewed started growing and growing. Seriously, my desk looks so small because I have books waiting to be reviewed all over the place. I refuse to put books on my shelves until they have been reviewed.  So, this is me at the 11th hour trying to provide a review. I will probably not do my usual review style rant, but I will give you the tea as: whether it is worth a read or not, link to purchase, and hopefully something memorable. I mean it has been a while  since I’ve read them-I’m sorry trying my best.  

“Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America” by Maria Hinojosa This is a must read book, if you’re sitting there and wondering who Maria Hinojosa is, 1) you definitely need to read this book, and 2) she is one of the baddest Chingonas in media out there. She is a journalist, producer, activist, truth seeker, and someone I hope to one day meet. In this book she walks through her life, but weaves it with the biggest stories she has reported on. Which so happen to be the moments in time that shaped American history and most likely your story-if you’re Latin American. 

I couldn’t help myself. I borrowed this book for my mother from the library in Spanish. I got for her because I knew Maria would educate her on a few things  we argue about. If a renowned journalist is providing facts on what I’m telling her then she’ll understand it’s not just my progressive views. My mother enjoyed this book so much that I got FOMO- I hadn’t read it yet even though I bought it when it was just published. My favorite part about this book is how she beautifully weaves history – the country’s and hers. It highlights how for most of us, many of the things that happen around us one way or another influence our life decisions. 

She talks about how she almost didn’t make it to this country, because she had a small rash. How her mother with her limited English was able to ensure they didn’t get separated. The trauma she finally had to face in order to give in to love. How discrimination found a way to hurt her career but also inspire her to be louder and bolder in her work and life. 

“The TV news was no longer focusing on protests by hippies and feminists. Instead, night after night, we saw Vietnamese people. Although the story was about them, they were always in the background…The student protests against the war weren’t so much about fighting for the humanity of the Vietnamese people as they were about bringing American soldiers home.”

Maria Hinojosa

If you want to learn real history and get some straight up facts about how power and racism decides what story is worth being told and heard, and if you want to be inspired by a fierce human being this is the book for you. 

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy. Here’s another book that was recommended after hearing McCurdy on Mayim Bialik’s podcast. I was so intrigued by her story. I’m older so I never watched iCarly and didn’t know much about the show or even McCurdy. You hear tales of kid actors getting screwed by their parents. Being  robbed of their earnings, starved, pimped out to directors and producers, and , the “Free Britney” campaign was the most recent incident where we witnessed the drama of it all. I’m still unsure the court made the right decision; even though, I don’t think her father had her best interest at heart.  

Anyways going back to McCurdy, she really was put through hell and back by her family. Yes, the abuse (because that’s what it was) was being done by her mother, and the man she believed was her father was aloof to it all. He was letting this happen, which is extremely sad because you can’t think this is healthy or even fair. I can’t look at my child and let them suffer, but I definitely also cannot let another child suffer either. You have to be some type of gross human being to be okay with this.  I remember when I first saw the title I was a little thrown off by it. I mean, that’s not something you say out loud, right? No matter how horrible your mother is, you might think it but never say it for the world to hear. However, once you start reading you come to realize that her mother’s death was the only way McCurdy was going to have peace, be herself, and actually experience life. Her mother was able to wiggle her way into everything, even when boundaries were trying to be set up by her daughter. She was a tornado that took everything out and used guilt to get her way into everything. She manipulated her daughter, her kids, and even those in the industry. I think the most horrible story for me was when her mother started starving her to stall puberty so she could keep playing the kid parts on shows. Like who does that?  McCurdy is strong and I admire her for coming out on top and not being bitter, she has every right to be pissed at the world-everyone, let her down. Her mother, the industry, managers, friends, doctors, her biological father, and siblings. Some didn’t want to believe even though they knew something was wrong, but once you admit it or you see it, you can no longer look away and will be forced to act. You’ll really be a dick if you don’t, but if you look the other way you can claim you didn’t know.

I bought this book in DC, because I had finished my book on the flight over. My niece said it was a good read, I would enjoy it. So, I got it. I finished it on my flight back, like I didn’t shut off the airplane reading light even though the girl across the aisle kept being dramatic about the light bothering her. Like she was legit covering her face with the drink menu because I guess the light was hitting her face, but it is not my fault that the airline designed it this way. This book was too good to put down, it was not my intention-but I do apologize if it made me a shitty human that day. 

“How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent” by Carla Naumburg, PhD I discovered Naumburg on Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown podcast. I think it was one of my favorite episodes, because I read it when I was struggling with my offspring’s behavior. I was feeling like a lousy parent and then came Carla with her knowledge to help me realize that I’m not an asshole and how not to lose my shit with my kid, which was happening a lot because I was triggered. Yes, I learned that from her…as I also learned that when I lose it, it might really mean my body needs some rest or that I need some me time.   I also love how she highlights that what we see online is not always real. 

“…I no longer believe that losing my shit is a moral failing or that I should be able to simply choose to stay calm. I see my explosions as a symptom, a red flag letting me know that I need to take care of myself, or get some support, or accept defeat for the day and turn on the TV….” 

Carla Naumburg

She also provides tips on what we can do to prevent our blowouts, we know what our buttons and triggers are, so we have the availability to do something before we lose our shit. I really enjoyed hearing her on the podcast, so much so that I ordered three of her books. I really do like her style and I highly recommend her to every parent that does not want to feel ashamed for struggling with their parenting skills. 

“The Soul of a Woman: On Impatient Love, Long Life, and Good Witches” by Isabel Allende. I mean… I don’t think I need to tell you why I’m reading this. I love Allende and I will read everything and anything she puts out. Always! If you have any women in your life, this is the book to get them, after you read it of course! In this book Allende covers everything from how she defines Feminism: 

“And what is my definition of feminism? It is not what we have between our legs but what we have between our ears. It’s a philosophical posture and an uprising against male authority. It’s a way of understanding human relations and a way to see the world. It’s a commitment to justice and a struggle for the emancipation of women, the LGBTQIA+ community, anyone oppressed by the system, including some men, and all others who want to join.” 

Isabel Allende

To modern love, children, aging, and forgiveness. Allende invites us into her thoughts, on why we need to choose love over forgiveness if we want to make it to old age. Why Kindergarten was such a pivotal point in her feminism and why sex has nothing to do with age, but with your own self love. Why women’s liberation means liberation for others, not just women. 

The following books are part of the “Pride and Prejudice” love fest my BFF and I had this year. I’m hoping we continue because it was so much fun to read the different versions, these were all really good. I know my BFF had reservations on some, but I loved all. 

“Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld  great read. I gobbled it up in less than five days. Sittenfeld has so many other books under her belt and I have officially added the majority of them to my wish list. I really enjoyed her style of writing, I especially want to read “Rodham” . Have you ever imagined a Hillary without a Bill? Then this is the book you need to read. It’s fiction-obviously…but it does weave in some of her story, their relationship, and highlights her ambition but just on a different road.  “American Wife” because yes I love political drama, honestly her entire repertoire is amazing. 

“Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix” by Ibi Zoboi. This book covers everything from gentrification, class, and identity. I’ll be honest, my BFF sent this book over to me as an audiobook, and so yes this was my first audiobook. Which was cool, but I hate not having the physical book on my shelf or at the end of the read to hug it as I take in the journey I was just on. I will be adding the physical book to my collection, though so don’t worry about me. Zoboi writes for young adults and middle school aged kids, so this was my first introduction to her writing. But I didn’t realize this until afterwards, doI feel guilty for that? Nope, ain’t nothing wrong with reading Young Adult and if you look through my reviews you’ll notice that I’ve never shied away from it either.      

“Ayesha at Last” by Uzma Jala Luddin.   This was a modern day Muslim version of P & P based in Canada. It was such a good read, seriously a really really good read. I don’t know if it was the relatable family chaos, the pressure of family expectations, and the excessive family secrets, that just make this story as good as it is relatable.  I especially love how Luddin  beautifully made this story hers, but still follows Jane’s storyline.  

Since, I’m having issues with my Thyroid again I’ve taken an interest in nutrition. When you care about the climate you also want to learn what makes for clean eating so you can do some clean gardening. 

“Food Rules: an eater’s manual” (illustrated version) by Michael Pollan and illustrations by Maira Kalman. Some of you might recognize the name but you have seen Pollan on the famous documentary Food Inc. and recently on Netflix’s “How To Change Your Mind” on psychedelics. While reading some of my climate books I came across Pollan’s name and some of his other books. This book was as insightful as it was entertaining, it covers everything from how to eat, what’s best for you, and what to stay clear away from. Why butter is best, why natural sugar is better, and why mindfulness when eating is better for your health than counting calories. Look I wish I could tell you that I follow everything that he says to the T, but I don’t. I’ve taken a lot of what he says into consideration and followed what I can. There’s a lot of what he says that I have taken on and practiced or at least attempted to. I’m getting better, but it’s a slow process. I have some more of his books on my shelves, so you’ll see more of his titles on my lists. Especially as I’m documenting my struggle with my Thyroid. I’ll be looking into more books. 

“It Starts With Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways” by Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig. I have mixed feelings about this book, but I did find some really insightful information. I read this book because my older sister follows the Whole30 lifestyle, technically it’s a 30 day reset but she has made it her lifestyle of choice because of its benefits. Her allergies, her asthma, and arthritis have improved. So, she has told my other sister and my mother about its benefits and they have started following it. My other sister more than my mother; although when she was on it you could see some of the benefits too. 

Of course she had been telling me too, because of my thyroid issues and then when I hurt my knees and started having issues there she got louder. I listened to her but I wanted to know more, because there were some things she was telling me I couldn’t eat because of the program but you see I’m a vegetarian. So telling me I can’t eat soy or legumes is a bit of a problem because where am I going to get my protein from? I got the book and it was interesting to me because right off the back they come out and tell you: that it is not a diet, you won’t be counting calories, and you don’t need to weigh yourself. It’s more of a reset for your body, a 30 day reset of eliminating food that has been shown to cause inflammation and other health issues. After your 30 days you re-introduce one of these foods one at a time and take note of how each item affects you. It’s done one at a time so you can pinpoint which is the one that has a negative effect on your body. 

I really did enjoy the read, I don’t like anything that makes me feel ashamed and they didn’t. They put in the science but they also made it easy for those of us that sometimes get lost with the science. I wanted to follow and see if I could do the reset but I was going to do it my way by cutting out the sugar and gluten. Because this version is really not for vegetarians or vegans: 

“If your primary reason for becoming vegetarian or vegan was for health, we certainly hope we have made you reconsider! We don’t believe you can enjoy optimal health without eating animal protein (dairy doesn’t count), and we think we’ve provided a well-reasoned, well-sourced argument to back up your position.”

Whole 30

But thanks to the googles I found out that they have since rescinded this viewpoint and have come out with a Plant Based version on how to do this program. Guess what? It’s exactly how I was going to do it! I couldn’t help but call my sister and let her know, yes I was gloating because I knew I was right.  Follow my butterfly journey to find out more. 

The following reads are from my Climate Crisis Book Club. We’ve read more but I haven’t been able to finish them, we’ve also added films and articles which is pretty cool.  

These three books were so great, I highly-highly recommend all of them. Each of them was different in every single way, but all so-so good. 

“Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility” edited by Rebecca Solnit & Thelma Young Lutunatabua after reading. After reading “Generation Dread” this was a much needed read (find my review here). This is a collection from several contributors that are activists from around the globe, each collection is divided by titles such as “Join Us” and “The Future We Want”, no they do not sugar coat it for us but they give us hope. They let the reader know it’s okay to be scared, to be confused by what we need and/or should be doing. They make it okay, so we know that living life is okay, having kids is also okay, and actually a must if we are to keep Mother Earth going. There is an urgency, but it’s not engulfed in fear, it’s an urgency to live and find joy as we care for our planet. 

“But beyond strategy, there is also just the simple, humble, profound task of being authentically alive on this planet in a time of collapse. Here, too, there is action, because there is more life in the taking of agency than in watching it flutter past us. Taking agency makes us smile and laugh and cry, It gives us the chance to express love and rage. It pumps our blood and fires our synapses.  It creates new possibilities, compels action in others, and creates connection, which is what movements are made of. It gives us the opportunity to practice incredible traits like heroism, generosity, and care, letting us experience the joy, love, and gratitude that go hand in hand with those traits.” 

We can’t let fear be our North Star, we need Joy for that. Every single time I get to be out in Nature, every single day I see my son playing outside, I can’t help but think of how grateful I am for its existence. That gratitude pushes me to fight to conserve it. We need more joy, more gratitude, more love for our fellow human beings, for our trees, and our planet. Fear mongering gets us nowhere, we’ve seen that in the news too much lately. Even when it’s done covertly, as in making us feel guilty for not being scared enough or dreading the future. We shouldn’t dread it, we should look forward to it and make sure it’s full of joy and hope. This will push us into action and conservation.  

“Boys and Oil: growing up gay in a fractured land” by Taylor Brorby  This memoir was as riveting as it was good, this was such a great find because I don’t think I would have ever found this on my own. Taylor takes us on his personal journey of growing up and coming of age in North Dakota as a gay man. However, it’s not just Taylor’s story it’s also the prairie’s, the prairie plays a big part in his tale. It was such an emotional read, his navigation of growing up in a rural area where the landscape is part of your daily life. The heartbreaking realization that your “difference” makes you a target not only in faraway places but also in your own home. That family judges based on their expectations of you, while the prairie accepts you just as you are and awaits for us with open arms.  

There were moments in this story that just broke my heart and made me so worried for his safety. His journey is lockstep with what happens to the landscape around him. The fracking, the obvious climate changes taking place on the land around him, the effects of climate change on rural America and how many still decide to ignore it. This book makes good on its promise of showing us not only a fractured land, but a fractured country. It teaches us that the landscape we live in is entwined with our daily lives. Think back into your early memories, and see what form of nature comes through. A park, a tree, the smell of flowers, planting seeds with your Abuela, fishing with your grandfather, camping with your parents. We have our own prairie, our own landscape that has witnessed every single moment of our lives. Unfortunately, if we keep at it, if we continue to fracture our land, our future will not have a prairie of its own to look back on. 

“The Overstory” by Richard Powers This book is beyond description, I mean there’s so much happening in this novel. Powers take us on a journey that starts at the seeds and ends at the root, stories of activists, vets, and families that somehow tie in together.  You travel from the East Coast to the West Coast, tree squatting to protect it,  documenting the changes in the forest, and trying to teach others about these changes even though speaking in public makes you sick. Childhood memories that have your favorite tree in it, the shade that your favorite tree gives you during your lunch break. I enjoyed each story and understand wholeheartedly why Powers won the Pulitzer Prize for this book. 

I seriously wish there was more that I could say, but I really can’t. Again, not because I didn’t enjoy it but because it’s so good. I know this is a book that I will read over again and again, and because Powers is such a great storyteller I’m more than sure that each time I read it I will connect to something different in the story or character. Powers has a great way of combining science, climate change, and life both the dark and the light portions of it into his stories. It’s probably because he has seen so much of the world and the people that inhibit it. Powers has been likened to the greats such as Dickens, Melville, and Dickenson, and it’s not hard to understand why.  I’m going to be adding more of his books to my TBR, if you love the classics you will too.

The following reads are from earlier this year when my Latinx book club was still active. 

“How Not To Drown In A Glass of Water” by Angie Cruz. This book is such an amazing read, you follow the story of Cara Romero, an older woman who finds herself in search of a job after she has been laid off from her little lamp job. We listen in as she narrates her day to day to her caseworker: we hear everything from what’s happening with her neighbors, her kids, her health, and the drama that her comadres kids are getting into. Cruz is the author of the Dominicana, another book that received great reviews; although, in all transparency I haven’t read. This book was such an easy and heartwarming read, I couldn’t help but imagine my mother as Cara. I think this is why I enjoyed the book so much. I was extremely invested in Cara finding a job and hearing about what happened to the families that lived in her building. My favorite part is when her caseworker; who has to help her find a job so she can continue to receive her benefits, translates Cara’s “domestic” skills into job skills. I know it’s a book of fiction but we know this is something that happens often.  It’s so good, you can’t put it down, so it becomes a quick read. Hands down, I recommend it. 

“Too Soon For Adiós” by Annette Chavez Macias. Y’all know I have a little soft spot for Chavez Macias after reading “Big Chicas Don’t Cry” last year (review here) . I was able to get an ARC from the author, which was like Christmas in March. I read this book on my way to DC, it was done before I even landed. It follows Gabby who is dealing with the loss of her mother, while coping with the idea of her father reappearing after being completely absent from her life. Gabby is struggling to find her footing, not only is she trying to figure out life after the loss of her mother, but she’s struggling with her career too. She has no cash and no idea what to do next, so when her dad offers her a house in New Mexico she hesitantly agrees only out of necessity. 

“After the doctors told us that my mom didn’t have that much time left, I was so focused on the end that I never really thought about the after, you know? I thought the worst thing in the world was going to be having my mom die. But it’s not. The worst thing is learning how to live without her.” 

She originally planned to get in and out of New Mexico, she had no intention of setting up roots, finding out truths that set in motion a life without a father. It was a very touching story, it had me laughing and crying, enjoying the East LA love. I love reading stories that take place in cities I know, they never seem the same after you’ve read about them in a book. As always Macias, takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions because of how relatable the story is. I don’t have a father that will give me a house, but I wish my absent father offered me some type of truth to his absence and a glimpse to his side of my roots. When you grow up with your mother being your everything, you can’t imagine your life without her and that pain that Gabby felt made me ugly cry on more than one occasion. Macias writes from her heart, and she takes you along on a ride full of every emotion possible. 

“Murder in Red Hook: A Daisy Muñiz Mystery” by Theresa Varela. I really did enjoy this read, this was my first Noir with a Latina lead. Daisy, who is now thrust into solving the murder of her friend in Red Hook, is trying to find her spiritual footing as many things that at one point in time seemed solid, are now slowly tumbling down. As if this was not enough, she is also navigating her relationship with Police Detective Rodriguez. Will her sixth sense and her guides help her navigate some of the muddy waters she is being thrown into or will they eventually cause her to drown in her own sorrow and confusion? You’re never quite sure, when you think you have it down Varela mixes it up on you and you’re left dumbfounded by what you just read. 

This was a great read, and it was my introduction to Theresa Varela. Luckily for me, she published a new Daisy Muñiz Mystery book this year, which means I need to add it to my TBR wish list. Varela is a spiritualist and a medium, which makes sense as to why her characters including Daisy share these same gifts and provide us an insight into what it means to be connected to the spiritual realm. I don’t know much about Varela the Medium, but Varela the author has a hit with these Daisy books and I hope she continues writing them. 

“Noiryorican” by Richie Narvaez. This was a quick and invigorating read, thirteen Noir short stories with diverse Puerto Rican characters. The stories are incredible as they are fascinating, but my favorite one is “La Volcana” , a superhero hoping to lose her super powers…I know, that’s why it was my favorite. It’s something you don’t hear about every day. If you want a quick read that will keep you guessing as to who or what you will read next, this is it. No story is the same, but there is a common thread-Puerto Rico! 

“A Holly Jolly Ever After” by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (🌶️) . This book was a recommendation by my library since I had put Murphy’s book “If The Shoe Fits” on hold. Once I picked it up, it dawned on me that I’ve already read the first book of this amazing partnership “A Merry Little Meet Cute” which I read last holiday season. Once I saw that this one a continuation of that series, I was like “Oh, I need to add this one to my collection” I devoured this book  in 24 hours, it was sooooo good that it actually hurt when it ended. So far I think I was way more invested in this couple than I was with Bee and Nolan, although, please do not get me wrong I loved them too. I seriously loved how they also made appearances in this storyline. In fact so much from the first book does, which just works because isn’t that how making  Christmas movies work? Director, producers, and other staff remain the same, including the Christmas Town it is filmed in, but the main love interest/couple change. We’ve all seen the Hallmark movies, right? So, why would it be different for fiction steamy Christmas movies? Just saying…

In this story we have Kallum, who was (like Nolan) in INK. But he wasn’t the hearthrob that Nolan was, he was the lovable goofball who didn’t get the girls. Now as an adult he was working on his pizza empire and banging through every bridesmaid he encountered. Then you have Winnie who was the good girl, who had gone through some major stuff that most child stars go through, especially those that work for a conservative brand like she did. You thought Disney was bad, oh no this was…actually similar with purity rings and accountability partners (it’s not what we think). There were a few times when the stuff that Winnie was going through made me tear up, but I can’t lie, my favorite was Kallum. I don’t know why, but I wanted him to get the girl, I wanted people to see him, and give him  a try and stop thinking of him as the “other guy”. Also, for some reason I couldn’t help picture him like Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce (for those that don’t know football, he’s the big brother to the guy dating Taylor Swift). There was something about the way he was written that just gave me Jason vibes, the body hair, the dad-bod, his voice, his silliness…it was all Jason for me. Which is interesting since he came in Second for People’s sexiest man this year, which I get-I totally do. 

Anyways back to the book-Winnie was coming out of an ugly divorce which if you’re from a conservative family is not good. She was being depicted in the media as a fallen angel who had lost her way, Kallum on the other hand was living life to the fullest and being as naughty as possible. But thanks to a sex tape, he gets some action not just in the bedroom but by studios that think he might just be the next Sexy Santa looking for his sexy Mrs. Claus. Which is where Winnie comes in, there’s some history there with them but also a lot of mistrust mostly on Winnie’s side who has lived a very conservative and closed off life. Which means she doesn’t really know how she will bring the “sexy” to this Mrs. Claus, she’s hoping her co-star will help her. 

What happens next is just sooo good on all fronts. You get taken back to your first experiences, and for those of you just getting started-you might want to take notes. I really did like how they portrayed the characters; they made them complex, and multi-dimensional. I really loved how Simone and Murphy took the time to explain why each character believed or felt the way they did. They were making sure we were informed readers, this ensures our connection to one or both characters. Sexuality and Identity are very much present here, but not in a sinful and shameful way. Which is what I really enjoyed, along with Winnie coming into this realization especially as she realizes that religious beliefs can do more harm than good when combined with fear and censorship. There’s another title in this series, “Snow Place Like LA’ which I just discovered was published before this book was. However, it’s only available in ebook and audio, not sure how I feel about that. But I do hope they come up with another actual book, with the third member of INK-Isaac. 

“If The Shoe Fits” by Julie Murphy. So, this book was on my TBR list, but after realizing that it was part of the “Meant to be Collection” from Hyperion Avenue Publishers I knew I had to get it. So, I’ll probably be adding the last book from the collection as well. Stay tuned…but back to Cindy. Cindy is our Cinderella, who happens to be plus-size, a recent shoe design graduate, who has lost her “umpf”. She dreads leaving her stylish New York, but needs to make money even if it is as a nanny in California to her half-siblings. Her step-mother is this powerhouse producer for a Bachelor-like show, see where this is going? Yes, our dear Cindy joins the show, even though her step-mother is not sure because…humans can be ugly and she will not be able to protect her. But Cindy decides the exposure can just be the “umpf” she was looking for. I mean one or two episodes and she will be sent home, right? But what we hope happens-happens but with a twist. It’s a beautiful new and improved version of Cinderella, you have a thicc girl that gets what she wants without having to leave her entire life-dreams, goals, and identity behind. I loved it!

It’s hard to dive a little deeper into the storyline without giving away too much. But what I will tell you is that I seriously enjoyed this book. I think I finished it in like 3-4 days (if not less) and only because I was sick and NyQuil knocked me out. This is definitely a book that you can stay up late and read through the night. I loved the diversity and the representation. Look, I know I’m not a white shoe designer with a rich stepmother. However, I am a thicc girl that has at one point or another lost her “umpff” and has struggled to figure out if “having it all is possible” without losing yourself. As well as learning to be flexible when life throws you a curveball. Trust me you will love this read and Murphy gave us the Cinderella we needed as adults. However, Gus is still my favorite from the original version. 

“Kiss The Girl” by Zoraida Córdova. This book just came out in August, so it’s pretty new. It’s also the third book in the “Meant to be Collection” from Hyperion Avenue Publishers. The other two being “If The Shoe Fits” by Julie Murphy and “By The Book” by Jasmine Guillory (which I love btw), I will soon be adding these books to my list. This book is a remake of “The Little Mermaid” but I didn’t see this until I was a few chapters in. Like mensa! Our main characters are Ariel Del Mar and Eric Reyes, some of you might immediately read that and catch on-well, congratulations! You’re better than me, because I didn’t. Ariel is a rock star known throughout the globe as a member of Siren Seven, who has a controlling dad who happens to be her dad-anger as well. Eric is a gorgeous frontman of a band of loveable misfits, who shouldn’t fit but totally do. Ariel has decided to start building a life of her own, outside of the shadows of Siren Seven and out of the tight grip of her father. Now we introduce Eric, who is working hard at making a name for himself and his band. They meet after she rescues Pedro, as a reward he takes her out on an unforgivable date the night before his “cursed” tour begins. 

Córdova does such a great job of covering a lot of issues that are currently happening today, as well as the Latinx music that we hear today and songs that have been part of our childhood soundtrack. We can’t help rooting for Ariel, as she works hard to find her voice, her role in the world, while holding on to her love of music. Music is everything for Ariel, music is in her DNA, but how she wants to express and share her love for music is completely different than what her father wants for her. As we continue to read we join Ariel as she experiences several firsts, true friendship, first date, first love, and comes to the realization that sometimes her father never acted in the families best interest. 

Eric, is a goof and an immigrant to this country who has traveled in search of his American Dream. He’s been through a lot and left a lot behind when he decided music was his joy, and it just so happened to be an added bonus if he was able to prove his father wrong when he made it big.

 I really did enjoy this book, I think I finished it in 4 days-I probably would have finished it sooner but I had a sick kiddo. If you are a Disney fan, read this book. If you are a fan of Mermaids, read this fan. If you are a fan of music, read this book. If you are a hopeless romantic-read this book. If you like to read on how latina women come into their own, find their voice and their identity-this is the book for you. It has romance, sisterhood, and family dynamics all weaved into the perfect story. I mean, it doesn’t hurt that I was a huge fan of “The Little Mermaid” when I grew up-but this version of Ariel and Eric had some sazón mixed in.  And unlike Disney’s Ariel, this Princesa wanted to find her humanity so she could no longer feel as a caricature and feel more like an individual.

“We Could Be So Good” by Cat Sebastian. (🌶️) I will be honest this is my first gay (man) romance book, I’ve read books with female leads-lesbian and bisexual romance novels. I was on a romance kick and I liked the summary. This is my first book by Sebastian and I realized this is her niche, she writes queer historical romance novels. This novel is based in 1950’s New York, which as you might know was a very hard time and place to be a gay man, to be more exact it was stigmatized and criminalized in the straight world. 

This story follows Andy and Nick, who happen to meet at The Chronicle where Andy’s father is the owner and Nick is a reporter. Nick’s first impression of Andy is not a good one, but it eventually evolves into a friendship, later they realize there’s more. 

This was a time when being Out could cause you not only jail time, but it can completely ruin your life. It can get you shunned, especially when your family is old school Italian and in the police force. You can’t just go out and say “I like you, you like me?” This part broke my heart, I cried, to think how hard they had it, how they couldn’t hold hands, how they didn’t think they could have a future as a couple because they would never be accepted by society. I know it’s fiction, but we know this happened. Friendships were also not something that came upon so quickly because you didn’t know who to trust, you didn’t know what version of yourself you could be or how much you could share. I can’t think of this without getting pissed and sad. All I have to think about when making friends is “Who did they vote for in 2016 and are they pro-LGBTQ+?” Simple, but very important questions. 

I really do love how Sebastian added some complexities to Andy’s character, he wasn’t just a spoiled rich kid. There was so much to Andy, so much to unfold, he ended up being my favorite character. Nick was rough and tough, Andy was lonely and eager to share his life with someone. His relationship with his father was really a soft spot for me-it was something unexpected but so full of someone working really hard to be present and make up for past mistakes. It was such a great experience to be on the journey of watching these two individuals find love, when the world tells them they can’t. Love is not a privilege made available to “depraved deviants” as Andy and Nick, but I love being there in the first roll as they say “FUCK YOU WORLD” even when scared, their love helped them overcome that-together. I’m sure it will not be my first and only book by Sebastian, I really enjoyed her style and storytelling. Plus, we all knew there was some queerness going around back in the day, people simply want to believe what they want to believe.  

“Her Good Side” by Rebekah Weatherspoon. Okay with this one, I had a few doubts about it. Not about the book itself, but more like me reading it. It’s a YA book, which I’ve read before but something had me thinking that I shouldn’t be reading a book for kids in high school. Then I was like “Why the fuck not?” Eventually I got over it, I’m so glad I did too because the story was so good. This was a book I wish I would have had when I was in high school. What attracted me first to the book was the cover, Bethany Greene is a plus sized hottie with dreads and an awesome sense of self. She’s also a late bloomer just like I was in a way. As was Jake who left for summer as a nerdy skater dude always behind the camera, only to come back as a hunky skater dude who every girl wanted in front of their camera. 

With Bethany being a late bloomer and Jacob not really knowing how to keep or be a boyfriend, they thought they would test the waters together. As an experiment, Jacob would help Bethany not get so flushed around guys and Bethany would help Jacob learn to be a boyfriend. What could go wrong? They are doing it for scientific reasons, right? I mean even the kisses are for research. 

Yes, it’s young love but who doesn’t love it when the thicc girl gets the guy? I do. Because it was what I would have loved to see when I was growing up, it was what I needed to see when I was growing up. I needed to learn that size does not decide how lovable or approachable you are. Am I smiling now as I remember how they each started coming to the conclusion that what they started to feel was no longer making sense to the “research” portion of their plan? YES! Without a doubt-YES! Look, I also loved that Bethany’s mom was a coach for the LAKERS! As an LA native this is beautiful to have my favorite team on the pages and have it coached by a woman. Weatherspoon does so much in this book. She covers so many issues that many adults are dealing with when it comes to romance, and staying true to ourselves. I also loved that Bethany was not the damsel that needed saving, she might have not been sure about approaching her mom’s, but when it came to Jacob-she took the lead. You go girl! 

“The Do Over” by Suzanne Park OKay, can I just say that this book really inspired me. There was a lot that was relatable to a certain point. Lily Lee is a well known author and blogger, as she is waiting on a background check with a very promising company only to find out she doesn’t get the job because she didn’t technically finish school. So, she decides to enroll in school to graduate and hopefully get the dream job, while hoping her fan base, editor, parents and her frenemies don’t find out she didn’t actually graduate. 

It shouldn’t be too hard, right? All she needs is a semester but as we all know the Universe loves to yell “REMIX”  when you’re getting your shit together and think you have everything planned out accordingly. Park must know this, I know this because  I’ve been there. I went back to school in my late twenties, I went to JC, then transferred at 30 to a UC. There were so many things that Lily went through and emotions described that I couldn’t help but relate. My favorite memory is of going to events for the food, because even though I was in my 30’s and had a remote job I was in fact a starving student. Especially my last semester when I think the Universe likes to really test you to see how badly you want it. I’ve shared my stories before, so I won’t go through it here… but Park you wrote this well. 

This book covers class, whitewashing, mental health, as well as the pressures of being first generation, a woman of color in a white dominated field. I really did enjoy this book, as Lily was getting her grind on I felt motivated to get my life in order too. I was eager to start writing again, I felt motivated just to do the things I said I wanted to do but was too scared to do. Park through Lily asks this important question “What about your pass would you do over?” I had to really think about it, but I don’t think I would change a damn thing. I didn’t get to my career or motherhood the normal route, but I learned so much and enjoyed every portion of my journey that I don’t think I would dare change a damn thing. Even my last undergrad semester, when I was on the verge on homelessness-if I wouldn’t gotten let go from my remote job, I wouldn’t have witnessed how community takes care of its own, gotten a job at the famous Fillmore where I met some amazing people and saw some f’n amazing bands including Prince’s last show before he died. So, yea not a damn thing!

There’s also a love story in there, which is also pretty swoon worthy. But I love how that was the bonus of the story, not the main thing. Hmmm, or maybe to me it was because I was able to connect with Lily’s story more than her love story. I will definitely be reading more of Park’s books.

“Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review” by Tehlor Kay Mejia This book was soooo good, I think I felt every single emotion while reading this book. I cried, laughed, and couldn’t help but get swept away in the romance as well as the drama. Sammy is looking for a miracle to save her job and get her life in some type of order. The only way she can do that is by traveling to the town she once called home, the town her mother ran away from, the town where the people she ever considered family live, and where the ghosts of her father’s family reside, it’s also the town where she had the most memorable night with Max Ryan. 

 In this story we follow Sammy as she tries to reconcile what her mother told her about her father and his family and what she’s learned. She learns to set boundaries, only after coming to the realization that her mother has never made Sammy her number one priority. This part of Sammy’s story really got to me, as you know I’ve had a not-so-normal relationship with my mother, but I can say it was never like this. But I know the pain of wanting someone to be supportive and actually be present in your life. I also know that those that are supposed to love you the most have the power to hurt you the most. 

This story is so good, it just had me hooked. I read it in two days, I was legit counting down the hours during the day so that I could read. It had been so long since I’ve felt that way about a book, but I was so invested in Sammy’s story. To think this is Mejia’s first Adult book, I can’t wait to see what else they come up with because honestly this book had it all: romance, friendship drama, family dynamics, and coming into your own as you decide what journey you should take and who to trust with your heart. There was also the added bonus of learning to forgive while learning to trust, and learning when to simply let go. 

Again, Mejia really did do such an amazing job with this book-there was so much and yet it didn’t feel heavy.  I was so invested in Sammy’s personal story as I was in what was going to happen with Max. Would he remember her from that one night long ago? Would they end up together? Would Sammy lose her job, would her grandmother accept her? I had to keep turning the page to find out, who cares if I had to wake up early to go to work. That’s what coffee is for, right?