I read some really amazing books this month! Read to find out what I read in the month of August.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I have seen recommendations for this book all. over. the. place. I've heard that this book is phenomenal. Marquez was mentioned many times on our trip to Colombia, having been born there and owning property around different parts of the country, making me really intrigued by his work. I decided to give it a read when we got back from our trip and I am so glad I did. 

Marquez is known for introducing the world to Magical Realism, explaining real events using magical elements. In this novel, Marquez lays out the story of the Buendia family, their trials, tribulations, excitements, and more through the Magical Realism lens. 

I've honestly never read anything like this before. It is a beautifully haunting piece of writing and I feel that is should be required reading for someone's lifetime. 

Please read this.

I gave this a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads (and would give it a 6 if I could.)

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

I've seen this book recommended by a few people I follow on Instagram, so I thought I'd give it a listen. I really enjoyed Hollis' writing style and how, even though her book was being published by a Christian publisher, I didn't feel like she shyed away from talking about what some would deem as unsavory topics. Hello, she talks about orgasms and sex toys for like 5 straight minutes. 

Anyways, I loved how she broke down the lies she's been told and how she overcame them, providing actual tools for readers to use to overcome them ourselves.

If you're looking for a faith-based (but also a bit raunchy at times-YAS PLEASE), make you laugh out loud funny, make you cry big ole sobby tears, this book is for you. 

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Recommended to me by someone I really admire (Melissa Hartwig--follow her hashtag #melissahartwigreads), I've been wanting to read this book for awhile. 

Alderman follows the stories of four people living in a world, seemingly similar but completely different than our own. In this reality, young women have an electric power, allowing them to cripple or destroy any and everyone. The world slowly descends into chaos as humans begin to shift to women being in control.

With serious feminism woven throughout, this book does not disappoint! I would highly recommend it. 

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

As you've read throughout my Reading Wrap Up series, I love Colleen Hoover. Her books are always full of drama, relateable characters and are generally really great reads.

Hoover's newest book is the story of Quinn and Graham's struggle with infertility and how it almost breaks their marriage. That's about it y'all. 

I didn't love this book and honestly don't have much to say about it and I'm not sure how it's so highly rated on Goodreads.

I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

This book has been on my Want to Read list for awhile. A National Book Award winner, Sing, Unburied, Sing highlights the story of one family's journey. Set in the Deep South of Mississippi where racism still runs rampant, we learn the story of Jojo, a 13 year old boy with a white father who is just getting out of prison for cooking meth and a black mother who tends to get high and see her dead brother. 

I really had a hard time putting this book down. It was captivating, rather short, and so interesting. I loved Ward's writing style and would definitely recommend this book! It is beautifully written and Ward paints a vivid picture of life in Mississippi. 

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

The alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Another book that's been on my To Be Read list for awhile, The Alchemist is a story of a shepherd boy who sells his sheep to pursue his Personal Legend, something we all have inside of us. 

Coelho writes of this boys struggles, desires, and triumphs on his quest to find his meaning. 

Everyone should read this book.

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Newly married Celestial and Roy seem to have it all--great jobs, a bright future, and love that runs deep. But one fateful night tears that all apart. Roy, an African American male, is arrested and sentenced for a crime he didn't commit, leaving Celestial to continue with her life without her husband. 

I listened to this book on Audible and would definitely recommend it! The narrators did a beautiful job with capturing and displaying the complexities of Celestial and Roy.

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

A re-read, Of Mice and Men is a classic! I read this book in high school and have been wanting to re-read it forever. 

Steinbeck showcases two flawed characters--George, a dreamer, a hot-head, an overprotective friend, and Lennie, a simple and sweet man that relies heavily on George's guidance. Their relationship is akin to brothers and George has taken on the task of keeping the well-meaning Lennie out of trouble. 

If you haven't read Of Mice and Men, do yourself a favor and read it now. 

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The first historical fiction novel I've read in a while. 

The Alice Network is the story of Evelyn (Eve) Gardiner and Charlotte (Charlie) St. Cloud. Encompassing both World Wars, this book jumps back in time to when Eve's story plays out. A spy in France as part of the Alice Network, we see directly into what it was like for women to work as spies during WWI. 

The present, a few years after the end of WWII, we see into Charlie St. Cloud's life--pregnant, unwed, and searching for her missing cousin Rose, Charlie seeks out Eve's spy skills to help her find her cousin. 

I loved this book and how these two women's worlds collide. I would highly recommend this book if you're into historical fiction.

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Y'all need to read this book now. I could leave it at this but I'll give you a bit of a background first. 

This book is a memoir of the life of Tara Westover, a girl born into a very devout Mormon family in Idaho. Her mother and father refuse to send her to school (ever), refuse to engage in traditional medicine, and force her to stockpile items for the end of times. 

A story filled with violence, trauma, blind allegiance, this is a coming of age story like no other. 

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. 

I did a lot of reading in August and read some really great things! I hope you did too. I'd love to know what you read this month!

With love,

Emily