This was a tough one as the book takes a hard look at white supremacy, and so much more, that I – as a white, heterosexual, able bodied, cis woman – have not experienced, nor always been aware of, let alone how some of my own past words and actions have contributed.

Ricketts discusses the difference between Soulcare and Self-Care, indulgent acts or treating ourselves through trendy #selfcare versus “caring for ourselves in a deep and meaningful manner that arms us to better withstand our discomfort, face our shit, and ultimately care for the collective.” I found this interesting and applicable to my blog as I do post about “self-care”.

Another discussion Ricketts explores that struck a chord with me early on in the book is cultural appropriation versus appreciation. As I read, I really thought back on, and questioned, my own past words and actions and how they may have been perceived, if they were hurtful.

She provides a lot of challenging discussions to reflect and dig deeper on. Ricketts also provides a glossary of terms that I found to be very helpful, words many of us may see or hear, but not truly understand within our own bubbles of identity.

If you’re looking for an escape, this isn’t it. If you want to learn, be accountable and DO BETTER, read this book.

I was excited, then skeptical, to read this one because I loved Firefly Lane so much.

However, Fly Away far exceeded my expectations for a sequel. It was a beautiful and seamless continuation of the story, with some appropriately subtle explanations and references to the first book.

Hannah uses flashbacks and alternates points of view to share some significant backstories, along with the present journey (and struggles), of the characters.

I waited to watch more of Firefly Lane on Netflix in case it would give something away from the second book, but it doesn’t. The plot of the show is wildly different from the books in many ways. The same spirit remains though and the show, just like Fly Away, gives readers more of the characters they cared for and enjoyed in the original.

I highly recommend this to any Firefly Lane fans. If you haven’t read that yet then I do think it’s best to read Firefly Lane first.

This one had been on my list for a long time and I was so happy to finally read it. The Girl With a Louding Voice is about a 14 year old Nigerian girl, Adunni, who wants an education. She endures many hardships and lots of suffering along her journey, but she never gives up.

She is married off, beaten and abused – physically and mentally. She loses everything, but begins again, only to be beaten down again, literally and figuratively.

Adunni never stops dreaming of a way to get her education. She wants to better her own life, but also to become a teacher and help educate other girls.

She fights when and how she can and finds a way to use her ‘louding’ voice.

This is a beautiful story of perseverance, while also highlighting a sad reality for many girls still across the world.

I highly recommend this for your next read!

In Big Summer, Weiner writes about a nannying, Etsy crafting, influencer who is asked to be maid of honor at her old, yet estranged, friend’s wedding.

When something horrible happens to the bride, and the maid of honor is jilted by a new crush, the scene is anything but Instagram perfect.

With an interesting (fictional) and behind the scenes look at influencer life, Big Summer has big themes of body image, friendship, family and love.

There is a lot of good content about body image, diet culture and the generational affect. There’s second changes and a reminder that we don’t always know what someone’s life is really like – appearances can be deceiving.

This is a story of self worth with a mystery readers will want to solve. While somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the twists. Set in New York and Cape Cod, it’s the high profile wedding you’d die to be invited to…

I’ve read a number of historical fiction books set during the WWII era, but this is the first I’ve read of Jewish families trying to escape Germany on the SS St. Louis oceanliner.

Told through two different protagonists, past and present, The German Girl details one family’s past journey for survival along with the present quest to learn their history.

This moving story is told from a unique perspective of wealth and privilege I haven’t seen in other accounts from this time period. As all good historical fiction does, it personalizes real events and transports the reader to another time.

The book also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, kindness and charity towards those in need, whether they be next door or, crossing an ocean in seek of safety and a new life.

This is a must read for fans of historical fiction.

I had been wanting to read this book since it came out in 2020 and I finally did – in one day! Now this wasn’t an ordinary day; my family was driving back from vacation.

Set around the time of September 11th, The Lies That Bind is a modern story of love, loss and loyalty.

Giffin once again depicts characters that are fully flawed humans, trying their best to figure out and muddle through the grey that lies between right and wrong, head and heart.

With her excellent storytelling, Giffin draws the reader in and keeps you turning the page, wanting to know: What happened? What will happen? How and why?!

I would recommend this book to anyone but if you’re already a Giffin fan it’s a must read. If you haven’t read her other books I recommend starting with Something Borrowed, then Something Blue, and work your way through her novels as they were published. They’re not all connected, but some are!

Hannah’s latest historical fiction novel garnered lots of attention this past year – and it’s easy to see why.

Set in the Dust Bowl era, the reader follows one family’s struggle to save their farm, and themselves.

Hannah writes of the dirt and dust storms, the devastation to the land and the people, in such painstaking detail you’ll want to brush your teeth – and count your blessings.

As the protagonist moves west, the story exemplifies the quest for a better life. From tent camps, worker exploitation, unfair treatment and discrimination, CA isn’t quite the shiny land of opportunity they were promised.

The Four Winds is a must read about a time in our country’s history that hasn’t as often been the subject of popular fiction. Add it to your 2022 reading list!