I’m writing this during a typhoon in Taipei— it sounds worse than it is, but work is officially off and I have all the time and leisure to be cozy with my books 🥰

I’ve been reading a lot of ARCs (advanced reading copies) this year, and needed to take a break to read what was trending this year but also to read without thinking how I’m going to review it.

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke: Definitely a page turner, it’s so mysterious and also dark to get into the mind of the protagonist. But I genuinely wish there was a more human and nuanced approach to discussing trad wives in our society. Not all of them are sociopaths, not all of them are inherently cruel; there must be something more human or spiritual that draws women to this type of life, right? And I was reading recently about a once-famous Instagram trad wife who recently revoked everything and called out the inherent misogyny of it. Maybe this just wasn’t the right book for my expectations.

• Fruit Fly by Josh Silver: I wasn’t expecting to love this so much! At first I was following the motions because it felt so similar to Yellowface and Boring Asian Female. But as the narrative and the perspectives started shifting it got sooo interesting and unexpected and I was hooked. The ending was dark yet gorgeous, and if there’s ever a sequel, I’m reading it.

And now for my advanced copies… I actually had some LOVELY ones that I genuinely felt so lucky to read.

• The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitríona Moran: THIS BOOK !! Just gorgeously written, an excellent fantasy with extraordinary women shining a light on the politics of women’s bodies. Not only that, but the heroine is a badass, and the yearning is just… *chef’s kiss* Out 11/10!

• Tiger’s Mouth by Lucy Tan: I loved every single page about this book. Tan writes with so much emotion and power; the characters feel so real as they navigate privilege, friendship, race, and the idea of success. Jack Chen and Jack Owens couldn’t be more different (the very idea of juxtaposition) but find themselves drawn into a deep friendship one summer but ultimately real life sets in and challenges their friendship. Out 11/17!

Okieeee these are just some of my recent thoughts, but I’ll be back for more!

I LOL'ed on the subway because of this book. It is that good.

If you are someone who likes How to lose a guy in 10 days AND Bridgerton, this is the book for you.

Lord Ashford and Lady Lydia are engaged, but Lydia doesn't want it. So now she has to get Ashford to deny and that too in 10 days! It is chaos in best possible way😂

Usually I read quietly, but this one I just couldn't. The book is hilarious. The torture that Lydia puts Ashford through is mind blowing. Ashford is no less.
It has a very good plot and intriguing subplot too. I love that Irwin has given significant characterization to the side characters too. The medley is awesome!

10/10

Not exaggerating, but I actually said "Ashford! you dum dum" loudly while reading. Thank heavens I was home this time and not in the subway 😂

Read it for the fun and giggles. You won't regret it. I did not

Thank you so much @harpercollins360 and Sophie Irwin for this gifted copy in exchange of an honest review!

I LOVED IT 💕 Lydia and Ashford are my babies!!

#bookreccommendations

Hi all,

I was so looking forward to chatting with Cleyvis Natera about The Grand Paloma Resort Hotel tonight, but I have to postpone due to a family emergency.I will reschedule with Cleyvis and give you a new date for our chat soon.

Thank you for understanding and, again, my sincere apologies on the short notice.

Sincerely,

Carmen

Happy Thursday, mis internet amigxs!

Tuesday's poll was a unanimous YES that you wanted my recommendations for the LibroFM BOGO sale that's going on now through October 29th. I have divided my recommendations into categories for you. While they're MOSTLY Latinx books, I also included some books by indigenous authors for you because National Indigenous Heritage Month and Nonfiction November are right around the corner. I've starred the ones I picked up (mind you, I already own/have read MANY of their selections). My selections are not ALL Latinx books, but my favorites or ones on my TBR.

Please let me know in the comments if you plan to pick any of these up! I'm a chismosa!

All of these audiobooks can be found in the two page list here on LibroFM's BOGO Sale page. You have to pick the 2 books and then checkout for BOGO savings.

And, of course, for those that want to pick up physical books, I also have them linked below as well.

REMINDER: CLEYVIS NATERA AUTHOR INTERVIEW IS TONIGHT!

Find the Zoom link to join here!

And without further ado, my recommendations for the LibroFM sale...

Latinx Fiction

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (and then you can follow-up with ESPIRITU)

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa

The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

Anita DeMonte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore

Blood and Brujas by Mikayla D. Hornedo

If We Were A Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal

Lemon and Lies by Alexis Castellanos

Latinx Nonfiction

We Will Be Jaguars: A Memoir of My People by Nemonte Nenquimo

Cry For Me, Argentina: Stories From My Messed-Up Life by Tamara Yajia

Other nonfiction

Braiding Sweetgrass + Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses both by Robin Wall Kimmerer (this would be the PERFECT BOGO duo for both nonfiction November AND Indigenous Heritage Month)

*The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber & David Wengrow

*Perfect Victims: And The Politics of Appeal by Mohammed El-Kurd (It's been on my TBR for a while, but my recent read of Don't Say Palestine skyrocketed it to the top of my November TBR)

Freedom Is A Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk (an evergreen recommendation of mine since I read it last year)

We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionists Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kaba

Happy shopping!

xo,

Carmen