Help Thanks Wow & Stitches by Anne Lamott | It’ll be no surprised that I adored these books. Anne Lamott’s words– whether I’m reading one of her books, listening to her speak, or gulping down her Facebook posts– feel sacred, true, and deep. I absolutely adore her as a writer– and as a person. I would read her grocery lists. Help Thanks Wow is about the three essential prayers of the title. Stitches is about “meaning, hope, and repair.” I listened to both of these books on audio, at night, in the dark, and each one was like applying balm to my broken heart.

What We Buried by Caitlyn Siehl | I purchased this book of poetry after bumping into some of Caitlyn’s free verse online. There were some gems in this collection, though I think her youth showed in the book (she is in her twenties). Not one I’ll revisit often, but it was still worth the read!

Lips Touch: Three Times Laini Taylor | I would not have ever picked up such a book except that it was written by the indomitable Laini Taylor. It’s a collection of three short stories, and they were a treat.  Short stories are not my forte, and I’m bowled over when a short story can capture me in such a small space. These ones were fantastic, full of the powerful, literary prose you’d expect from Laini Taylor. When I finished the book, I was flummoxed and got into a little tweet-happy mini-convo with Laini and her husband Jim.

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill | I love time travel in books. I love when two stories are really one story. This book had both, plus a shocking twist ending. Picture this: in the future, your best friend becomes evil, so you need to go back in time to kill him. Only your childhood self is in the past, working hard to protect him from you. Yup: mind-bending. An engrossing read, though not a new favorite (I’m pretty darn picky).

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson | Oh yes. I pre-ordered this book at my first sniff that it existed. I’ve been so, so looking forward to this book, and it did not disappoint. This is the story of twins Noah and Jude, told in dual POV: from 13-year-old Noah before the tragedy and from 16-year-old Jude after it. So clever!  I loved it, loved the characters, loved all the art, loved Jandy Nelson’s mastery of language (she’s studied poetry, and it shows), loved the complicated emotions it evoked from me. It was a sad, heavy book. It occurs to me now that The Sky is Everywhere is sad too … but I felt that it had more light than this one (probably thanks to Joe Fontaine). Regardless, this book is incredible, a must-read.

What have you read recently? What’s up next for you?