Books I Read in June & July 2024

The last few months have been slow in terms of reading, or even Netflix. In fact, I embodied a sponge spending a big chunk of my free time absorbing inspiration on Pinterest or as embarrassed as I am to admit, doom scrolling on Instagram. I did however catch up on a lot of my favourite blogs in the spirit of finding inspiration and where I lacked in reading novels, I compensated with podcasts and magazines (lots & lots of Architectural Digest)- so I was still reading in one way or another. Although at a slower pace, I’m really glad I took the break and gave into my body’s cry for help to not operate at an optimum. Both months were otherwise filled to the brim with family obligations and job interviews which can be exhausting. I’m only now coming up for air and I’m so in need of alone time (being the actual introvert that I am) + in an absolute high to read. I’ve curated a special list of books in my to-be-read (TBR) pile since the start of the year from various genres – romance to historical fiction, mystery, thrillers & contemporary fiction, mostly recommendations from Reese’s Book Club & Oprah’s Book Club and I’ve vowed to myself (with my husband as witness), that I’ll finish reading every single one of them by the end of the year – we have about twenty to go. Here’s to many days ahead of reading on a park bench with a sandwich in hand and cozy nights in bed with the lamp turned on and a cup of red dates tea at bay.

The novels that I found myself reading though, I thoroughly enjoyed. Every single one of them. What I’ve always looked for in fiction novels are an outlet from reality, a place where I can escape and immerse into – like a fly on the wall. When I was younger, I used to love fantasy books – an immortal prince, a goblin, or daughter to poor farmers who low and behold, finds out she’s a warrior in parallel universe. Things have since taken a turn and at twenty-nine I’m now drawn to juicy stories that mimic real life, similar to mine and yours but set in a different city – often times peeking into the lifestyles of socialites in New York (I have a thing for NYC), or set in a different era. There’s something about finding out the juicy details of real life people behind close doors that gets me hooked as I can always find something to relate to.

These are the five novels i enjoyed reading recently – all bestsellers in their own right, and my thoughts surrounding the plot and characters. As always, I’m mindful of my reviews. So fret not, there are no spoilers ahead, other than what’s already revealed on the blurb. Enjoy!

Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

Overall Score: A++

Weeks and weeks have passed and I still think of this book. Aside from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which I read earlier this year, this is another book that changed me. In fact, both protagonists are of Cuban heritage and their strength, boldness and no-nonsense approach comes through so beautifully, which is bloody empowering. The book essentially talks about the life and tragic death of Anita De Monte, 80’s rising star in the art scene, and the series of events in the years leading up to her death. The book goes back and forth between the two protagonists, Anita and Raquel, a third-year art history student who over a decade later uncovers Anita’s art and digs deeper into her life while preparing for her thesis. The author does an incredible, almost spooky job bringing the two timelines together and connecting both women whose lives seem to mirror one another beyond art. I spent most of this book horrified at the mirrored stories of white men with their Latina partners who were treated unfairly. I was so glad that chapter one rolled out the red carpet on how the movie ends and knowing that Anita was going to laugh last from the title was reassuring because it sure did not feel like she had it going for her. So, I could sit back and enjoy the journey. As someone who loves diving into the realm of spirituality, I found the take on afterlife and reincarnation or being in the-in-between so refreshing and the author did a wonderful job at making it fathomable and seemingly realistic – some parts reminded me of The Lovely Bones. The parts where logic was thrown out the window, humour saved it. Did I mention that the book is incredible funny? The writing style and Anita’s dry humour adds such a lightness to what was a tragic story, making it so much easier to get through the book.

I enjoyed reading about the lives of artists, celebrities and socialites in NYC during the eighties, and Anita’s love story with Jack Martin (or shall I say horror story) bears an uncanny resemblance to Carrie Bradshaw’s story on Sex and The City with artist Aleksandr Petrovsky + Paris as a backdrop. It made me imagine what would have happened to Carrie (albeit fictional) had Big not come to her rescue. Raquel’s campus life in Brown University, the heavy black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) theme and the podcast reminded me of Netflix series, Dear White People. I highly recommend it!

Like anyone else, I popped onto Goodreads at about two-am one fine Tuesday, upon completing the book and my jaw dropped. Long story short, the plot, Anita’s personal life (+ death), even her artwork is allegedly based on a real performance artist named Ana Mendieta. Apparently author Xochitl Gonzalez did not reach out to Ana’s family for permission or to corroborate facts prior to publishing. But I’d like to look at what Gonzales did DO – a) the preface writes ‘In memory of Ana’ ,b) she did speak on several interviews about Ana Mendieta’s influence on her work, and c) She holds Ana in high praise adding that the story is indeed a beautiful homage to Ana Mendieta. I loved the book and still do, but majority of readers + Ana’s family are not happy – taking this to court kinda unhappy. There’s the tea. What do you think, is it being blown out of proportions into something it’s not?

2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Overall score: B+

This was a book recommended by a dear friend, also a fellow reader, on one of our strolls to the bookstore. You would have seen shots of me lounging around a pool in Penang sometime in April with this yellow little book in hand, but no significant reading occurred until June during E and I’d visit back home to the peaceful abode of Brunei where time was anything but scarce. Lessons in Chemistry is now adapted into a mini television series , and I’ve heard its pretty accurate. So, if reading isn’t your thing, by all means, opt for the tv show – this is a judgement free zone. Besides, I love tv as much as I love books, if not more!

Lessons in Chemistry talks about the life and career of lead protagonist, Elizabeth Zott as she navigates the treacherous and misogynistic 1950’s society and workplace. First as a woman of intellect trying to make it in a man’s profession (Spotify, play It’s a man’s man’s world by James Brown) and then as a single mother, fighting tooth and nail to keep herself and her daughter alive. Fast forward, in a surprising twist of fate, she ends up hosting a cooking show, Supper at Six. The book explores heavy themes surrounding women empowerment like misogyny, sexual assault, abortion, single motherhood, emotionally abusive marriages which unfortunately was a norm during the 50’s, but the author’s writing style made it so bingeworthy and easy to read. Elizabeth also adopted a dog whom she named six-thirty (I’m referring to the dog as a whom because he’s a major character and even gets his own pov in the book), which brought even more light-heartedness to the story.

I do have to warn you the first half of the book was draggy, or at least that’s what I thought. Especially when it came to rowing, the sport. The plot took such a sharp turn (a rowing pun, hehe) for a moment that I wondered if Elizabeth would transition into a rower from a scientist. Another con – the ending, too crammed in the final chapter & ‘too good to be true’. An ending I guessed miles away and kept my fingers crossed hoping, please, let it not be that. What I did enjoy though was Supper at Six, Elizabeth’s scientific approach to cooking and how it empowered the female viewers. I would have loved to see more behind the scenes of the tv show or the POV of misogynistic husbands reacting to Elizabeth’s show and their wives educating themselves. Since we’re already tackling such heavy themes – that would have taken the book from a B+ to an A for me.

A large portion of the story takes place in Hastings Research Institute surrounded by scientists which reminded me of blockbuster movie, Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P Henson. It felt as if Elizabeth’s story was somewhat running in parallel. Now the big question, do I recommend the book? Yes. The book hints at women empowerment in a subtle yet impactful way instead of being too in your face – advocating for womanhood instead of screaming for it. If you’re a single mother struggling to make ends meet, a female professional who feel as if your male colleagues constantly get away with stealing praises for your work (trust me, I’ve been there), or if you’re simply a stay-at-home wife or a new mother tending to her newborn at home, this is a must read. Elizabeth Zott will inspire and motivate you to reprioritize your self, while still having grace for those around you.

Something Elizabeth said on Supper At Six that will stay engrained in my mind is:

‘Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started.’

3. Welcome to The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

Overall Score: A

I’ve been wanting to explore asian literature ever since I started following Book Nook Abroad on Instagram. So, when I read that Kinokuniya Bookstore was hosting a book signing by Korean author, Hwang Bo-Reum, I took it as an opportunity to read the book prior to the event. I still had a month to go at this point. Having watched one or two Korean dramas (Goblin & The World of The Married), I quickly realized k-dramas aren’t my cup of tea for three reasons – episodes run a little too long, exaggeration seems to be a recurring theme, and plots unfold far slower than they should, or shall I reword it – than I prefer them to. However, I read the book with an open mind and I’m happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Some books just find you at the right time, right when you need them. That is how I feel about Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop. A comforting and heartwarming read about self-acceptance and well-being in the face of burn out.

The story follows thirty-something independent bookstore owner, Yeongju, a burned-out corporate worker and recent divorcee. In pursuit of healing, she lives her childhood dream of opening a bookshop, in the quaint neighborhood of Hyunam-dong in Seoul. She checked all the right boxes, as deemed by society: went to a good school, had an enviable career, marries a good man. Yet, her picture-perfect life still falls apart. The bookstore becomes a refuge for herself and her small network with he right in the middle – the barista, the writer, the lost teenager and his bewildered mother, and the heartbroken coffee roaster in an unhappy marriage. The author writes about heavy, taboo topics like divorce, unemployment, and depression in such a beautiful, empathetic and non-judgemental voice that made the book feel like a safe space I couldn’t wait to cuddle with before bed. Hwang and Tan do an outstanding job of conveying care and compassion without condoning or endorsing any of the characters’ actions, choices, and thoughts. The book just lets everyone be, where everyone is accepted. As a result, readers feel so welcomed – I know did, as if I walked into one of their evening book club meetings.

If you’re in the mood for a book that feeds your soul, I highly recommend Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop. Also, I may have heard a little birdie say at the book signing that the author is in the middle of a negotiation with Netflix, so…we could be expecting a tv show sooner than you think. Keep your eyes peeled!

4. The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine

Overall Score: A+

I recall reading the first chapter sometime during the pandemic on an app I downloaded called Scribd, which is very similar to a Kindle. For whatever reason, I couldn’t get past the first twenty-something pages, but I could recall, it seemed like a juicy and promising thriller.

Four years later, the book and I crossed paths again – still filed under the bestseller list, and I’m so glad I did. I guess everything happens for a reason and there is a time for everything, because reading this book now as a Mrs myself made all the difference. I could easily understand and resonate with the story, without biases and empathize with a few characters. It also helps that I’ve grown to meet people from all walks of life in the last four years that have helped me read the book judgement-free.

The book cover reads ‘all she wanted was the life she deserved…until she got it’ which in itself is a bite-sized summary. The book talks about Amber Patterson who I can only begin to describe as a social climber/ gold digger/ psychopath, who was never content with her life and has always dreamed of living the life of socialites and society elites. In comes Mrs. Daphne Parrish -mother, Long Island socialite and wife to one of New York’s biggest industry magnate, Jackson Parrish. Amber hatches a plan to get close to Daphne, only to get close to her husband. However, Daphne’s life may look shiny from the outside, but there’s more than what meets the eye and Amber is in for a treat. I love how the author kept us readers in on Amber’s plan from the start. It only grew my curiosity which made the story that much more exciting.

The book is categorized as a thriller although my personal take is romance meets psychological thriller. I’ve never read other books by Liv Constantine but l sure will after this. As someone who herself is so intrigued by the happenings of the elite society in New York – which I think began from my Gossip Girl days, followed by Sex and the City and movies like The Devil Wears Prada, this book is a nice peek into their mysterious and far-fetched lives. We’re talking charity gala dinners, walk-in designer wardrobes, holidays at St. Barths, Ivy League universities, pilates and brunch at members-only clubs. If you’re looking for a book that screams glitz and glam, this is the book for you. Liv’s writing makes it so binge-able, almost as if you’re right there living with the Parrish’s. The book was unputdownable and I finished the almost four-hundred pages in under two days. The second half of the book gave me chills and if anything sheds light on why the mega-rich are so guarded. It also teaches us to appreciate and be content with the life we have. Daphne has to be my favourite character. I’m in such awe of how she presents herself with such elegance, grace and kindness despite having all the reasons not to. This book is a timely reminder to never forget your roots and to always stay grounded, for the higher your fly, the harder you fall. A quote I love at the end of the book is:

‘When Daphne passes through the neighborhood for the last time, she looks at the other houses and wonders what is really going on inside them.‘

I loved this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to read a juicy crime thriller without the gory murders and blood bath. There is only one significant plot twist in this story, and it’s undeniably an entertaining one.

Just like Anita De Monte Laughs Last is ridden with controversy, the same seems to be brewing for The Last Mrs. Parrish. Albeit, different. Did Freida McFadden, author of bestselling The Housemaid series steals the plot of The Last Mrs. Parrish? Taylor Faye, a book tuber hashed the pop corn thriller conspiracy. I don’t mean to add hot, boiling water into the tea and although I have yet to read the Housemaid series, I don’t know…. It’s looking like Freida McFadden may just be the book thief as the similarities seem more than just a co-incidence. Have you read both books? Share your thoughts in the comments.

5. Harmony Heights by Ong Chin Huat

Overall Score: B

I stumbled upon this book in the asian literature section of my favourite bookstore, in pursuit of expanding my horizons towards asian authors and stories – in hopes of finding pieces that are more relatable to my daily life and environment as a southeast asian. What initially caught me was the vibrant orange illustration on the cover. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the fiction tells the tale of middle class Malaysians, exactly like myself. Goods secured, off to the cashier I went.

The book is an easy read at less than three-hundred-pages and a very entertaining one at that. E read it before I did and got through it in less than a week which is a very big win. Mind you, the book could seem confusing at first as there are plenty of characters + their children and spouses, and their names which you’ll need to mentally map out and remember in order to get through the book. Think of it as a collection of short stories, of complex characters – retired judges, homemakers, caretakers, doctors, CEOs , each with a secret, all living in a nineties-style condominium (as illustrated on the cover), tucked in an oasis, not too far from the city. Similar to The Last Mrs Parrish, if there’s two things that Harmony Heights taught me, its that – you never know what goes on behind closed doors and reaffirms my belief that we should never judge others. A trait I work on so hard and pride myself on.

I have a hard time reading asian literature as the English can come across unnatural at times and may seem forced, although I one hundred percent understand as English in this region is very different, almost clouded by local dialects and jargons. I have to give credit to the author for knowing his fashion, elite dictionary and all things high life. After all, he’s had an illustrious career in the fashion scene from Hong Kong Tatler, even running his own PR consultancy, and this streak certainly comes through in the book. Nevertheless, I could have done with less luxury when it came to Datuk Terrence and Datin Candy, which at one point I felt no longer necessary for character building. The author seems like such a sweetheart in real life. I posted an instagram story of Harmony Heights to which he replied ‘Enjoy it, it’s juicy!’ and indeed, it was.

I have mixed feelings about the ending. Let’s just say there are a few loose ends, so I’m hoping a sequel is in the works. This was such a fun and modern take on asian literature which reminded both E and I of Crazy Rich Asians. It was a joyful read that I think makes for a fun beach book.

I hope this review has been helpful in helping you pick your next book. Otherwise, I hope this brings you motivation to attack your to-be-read book piles. Rainy season is upon us which makes for the best reading experiences nestled away in our homes. If you’ve read any of these books, please share your thoughts in the comments so we can have our own little book club down below. If you have any book suggestions, pop them down in the comment section too!

Until next time.

Love, alyia