Janisie's Top 5 of 2022
A brutally honest book, as its title suggests! We talk with Jeanette McCurdy about her eating disorders, the abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and the toxic realities of child acting. It's a tough read, but I believe it's the most compelling memoir I've ever read. A fast-paced and harrowing story that will stay with me forever.
A spellbinding reimagining of the story of Elektra, one of Greek mythology’s most infamous heroines, from Jennifer Saint, the author of the beloved international bestseller, Ariadne.
Three women, tangled in an ancient curse.
I recommend Babel to anyone who is looking for an atmospheric world-building experience, characters who feel like family, a dash of the fantastical, and a story that will tear you apart from the inside out. An exploration of colonialism, misogyny, racism, and characters fighting for a better future. Kuang writes with a poetic and EMOTIONAL level of detail. This reminded me of the first time I read Harry Potter, and it pains me to know I won't get to relive this experience!
This book exceeded my expectations! The theme surrounds academia and obsession with several interesting pieces about women's roles in society, power dynamics, and cancel culture. Both thought-provoking and intoxicating, Julia May Jonas captivated me with her vivid and fresh writing style.
In an emotional and challenging examination of a man's mistakes, this novel captured and destroyed my heart in equal measure! Jacob, a black father dying from cancer writes letters to his estranged gay son to try and make amends for his past. He details the expectations he was taught about how black men "should" behave, look, and live. I have never read from this perspective, but I'm glad that I did. This is a poignant exploration of toxic masculinity and a heartbreaking story, but it is one that I will never forget. cw: homophobia, cancer, generational trauma, suicide, bullying, racism, slavery, sexual assault