Sarie Reads: Recent Episodes
Sarie Reads
October Book Recs
- Model Home by Rivers Solomon - Hardcover | Kindle
- Deja Brew by Celestine Martin - Paperback | Kindle
- This Cursed House by Del Sandeen - Hardcover | Kindle
- Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton - Hardcover | Kindle
- A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer - Paperback | Kindle
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The 2024 presidential election is affecting book sales. I am reading I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez. Gloria Naylor’s Mama Day is officially on my ever-growing “To Read” list. And, Lee Daniels responds to reactions to The Deliverance on Netflix.
It's September, and I have book recs! Also, be sure to catch Israel Campbell at the Lawndale Library on September 28, 2024, for his book launch of Carlyle The Crocodile Who Lived on the River Nile. It's going to be loads of fun!
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is coming to HBO. I am reading It’s Elementaryby Elise Bryant and suggest Black Shield Maidenby Willow Smith and Jess Hendel. And I saw Longlegs(starring Maika Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Blair Underwood, and more!)at the theater!
The Secret Service is under scrutiny after a shooting at former President Trump’s rally left one attendee dead and two critically injured. I am reading A Light On The Horizon by Philip DeLizio. Also, It’s Elementaryby Elise Bryant, The God of The Woodsby Liz Moore, and Beyond Policingby Philip V. McHarris are on my recommendation list this month. Finally, Despicable Me 4is out!
James Robison was not present when Robert Morris met with Cindy Clemishire’s family. I am reading (listening to) On Call by Dr. Anthony Fauci. And, I want to talk about Journey Through My Psyche by Nola Saulny as well as Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which is currently in theaters.
Stephen King’s The Instituteis coming to television. I am reading The Presence of Jesusby Joseph Clampitt. And, why didn’t anyone tell me about the wonders of EVIL? Oh, and Avery Lee is Squishedin Megan Wagner Lloyd’s graphic novel.
Alex Jones has agreed to liquidate his assets to pay the $1.5 billion Sally Hook lawsuit he lost in 2022. I am reading Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lighting Thief. And, I think I want to see Inside Out 2.
OH! And have you decided to participate in my summer reading challenge yet? Click here for the Flipbook filled with book recs! There is something for everyone.
Former President Donald Trump was booed at the Libertarian National Convention. I am reading The Archaeologist's Club by D.K. Devonshire, and Belong by Chris Donald is food for the Christian evangelist's soul. Also, I'm doing a summer reading challenge for the very first time. Are you going to participate?
Learn more about Chris Donald's 33rd Company here!
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died. I am reading Pretty by KB Brookins. Revival If by Rod Parsley caused my eyebrows to raise. And finally, I don’t understand the hate thrown at How It Ends(2018).
A Virginia county school board votes to restore the names of Confederate generals to two of its schools. Disarming Leviathan by Caleb Campbell is all about loving Christian Nationalists. Speaking of love, The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor is not a love story at all. And finally, Richard Gadd is shocked by the success of Baby Reindeeron Netflix.
It is the month of May, and these book recs are too great to ignore!
May Book Recs
College Girl, Missing - Shawn Cohen
College student Lauren Spierer was pursuing her dreams, joining her boyfriend at a party school eight hundred miles from home. Social and gregarious, studying fashion and rooming with friends, Lauren embraced her new adventure with the zeal of a young woman who suddenly had everything she desired. But there was a dark side that she and her inner circle kept secret.
Leaning On Air - Cheryl Grey Bostrom
They last spoke as teens … But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life.
Mistakes We Never Made - Hannah Brown
Emma Townsend can sum up her situationship with hot-as-hell romantic red flag Finn Hughes in one word: almost. They almost dated in high school. They almost hooked up after college. They almost took things too far one magical night. Their whole story is one series of “almosts” and “nearlys,” and now they just kind of can’t stand each other.
Blood at the Root - LaDarrion Williams
Ten years ago, Malik's life changed forever the night his mother mysteriously vanished and he discovered he had uncontrollable powers. Since then, he has kept his abilities hidden, looking out for himself and his younger foster brother, Taye.
The Ministry of Time - Kaliane Bradley
In the near future, a civil servant is offered the salary of her dreams and is, shortly afterward, told what project she’ll be working on. A recently established government ministry is gathering “expats” from across history to establish whether time travel is feasible—for the body, but also for the fabric of space-time.
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The Arizona Supreme Court has deemed an 1864 law about abortion enforceable, Charming As A Verbby Ben Phillippe is about a dog walker and hustler, and A Fire Storyby Brian Fies takes us inside the 2017 firestorms that ripped through Northern California. Also, this Rotten Tomatoes review about Bird Boxannoyed me.
It’s April and time for book recs!
She’s Not Sorry - Mary Kubica
Meghan Michaels is trying to find a balance between being a single mom and working full-time as an ICU nurse when a patient named Caitlin arrives in her ward with a traumatic brain injury. They say she jumped from a bridge and plunged over twenty feet to the train tracks below.
Choice - Neel Mukherjee
"How ought one to live?" This is the question that obsesses London-based publisher Ayush, driving him to question every act of consumption.
Something Kindred - Ciera Burch
Jericka Walker had planned to spend the summer before senior year soaking up the sun with her best friend on the Jersey Shore. Instead, she finds herself in Coldwater, Maryland, a small town with a dark and complicated past.
Love in Tandem - Becca Kinzer
After a failed engagement and her mother’s battle with cancer, Charlotte Carter’s life is finally turning around now that she’s landed a dream job teaching music.
The Black Girl Survives in This One - Desiree S. Evans (ed.)
Fifteen chilling and thought-provoking stories place Black girls front and center as heroes and survivors who slay monsters, battle spirits, and face down death.
While We Were Burning - Sara Koffi
After her best friend's mysterious death, Elizabeth Smith’s picture-perfect life in the Memphis suburbs has spiraled out of control—so much so that she hires a personal assistant to keep her on track.
The Husbands - Holly Gramazio
When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There’s only one problem—she’s not married.
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Six workers are presumed dead after a bridge collapsed in Baltimore, according to a story published by Reuters. I finished Small Spacesby Katherine Arden this week, and I’m betting my Kindle Unlimited borrowing power that we will love The Realtorby Sonya Bateman.
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Abortions are on the rise in the United States, according to a new report elaborated on by CNN. I am reading Small Spaces by Katherine Arden, and Maia Kobabe’s memoir, Gender Queer, was quite informative. Welcome to Season 2!
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It’s the beginning of March and there are seven books I want to bring to your attention.
7 Book Recs
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Soledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything.
Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman
Every day at 3:55 a.m., members of Team Movement clock in for their shift at big-box store Town Square in a small upstate New York town. Under the eyes of a self-absorbed and barely competent boss, they empty the day’s truck of merchandise, stock the shelves, and scatter before the store opens and customers arrive.
Forever Barbie by M.G. Lord
Since her introduction in 1959, Barbie’s impact has been revolutionary. Far from being a toy designed by men to oppress women, she was a toy invented by women to teach women what was expected of them, for better or for worse.
Trash: A Poor White Journey by Cedar Monroe
Human beings are not trash and the system that enables humans to imagine each other as such needs to end. Every day across the US, 66 million poor white people pay the price for failing whiteness.
Free Period by Ali Terese
Helen and Gracie are pranking their way through middle school when a stinky stunt lands them in the front office -- again. Because nothing else has curbed their chaos, the principal orders the best friends to do the unthinkable: care about something.
Ellipses by Vanessa Lawrence
When cosmetics mogul Billie rolls down her town car window and offers Lily a ride home from a glitzy Manhattan gala, Lily figures this could be a useful professional connection. She’s heard of Billie’s storied rise as a business titan, the product of white New England privilege and one of the few queer women in a corner suite. Billie could be just the jolt Lily needs to manifest her next step.
Uprising by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Twelve-year-old Lidia is outside her grandfather's house when planes fly overhead, bearing the Nazi cross on each wing. Before the bombs hit the ground, Lidia realizes her life is about to change forever
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Mychal Threets is our favorite librarian and citing reputable sources is, apparently, a lost art.
Make sure you follow Mychal Threets on Instagram @mychal3ts
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Middle-grade and YA books are too expensive for kids, self-publishing is a beast, and Amazon is taking back royalties. We’re hanging out with Book Twitter this weekend!
Be sure to follow these people on Twitter:
- Mike Lasagna (@theLasagna)
- James Schannep (@JamesSchannep)
- Sheila E. Young (@SheilaEYoung1)
- Maria Tureaud (@Maria_Tureaud)
- Mo Netz (@netzmo)
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Brittney Griner is ready to talk about her “nightmare” in Russia. I am ready to review ‘Yellowface’ by R.F. Kuang. And also, this new Christian fiction book has me feeling a way.
Books Discussed:
- Coming Homeby Brittney Griner
- Yellowfaceby R.F. Kuang
- Their Second Chance at Loveby Kayla Tirrell
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Source:
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/exclusive-brittney-griners-new-book-detailing-harrowing-imprisonment/story?id=106968820
February is knocking at the door, and I have book recs!
February Book Recommendations:
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn’t one of them.
The End of Race Politics by Coleman Hughes
Hughes argues for a return to the ideals that inspired the American Civil Rights movement, showing how our departure from the colorblind ideal has ushered in a new era of fear, paranoia, and resentment marked by draconian interpersonal etiquette, failed corporate diversity and inclusion efforts, and poisonous race-based policies that hurt the very people they intend to help.
Medgar and Myrlie by Joy-Ann Reid
On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers became the highest profile victim of Klan-related assassination of a black civil rights leader at that time; gunned down in the couple’s driveway in Jackson.
Watch Where They Hide by Tamron Hall
After dropping her child off at preschool, Marla Hancock, a stay-at-home mother, disappears.
Ours: A Novel by Phillip B. Williams
In this ingenious, sweeping novel, Phillip B. Williams introduces us to an enigmatic woman named Saint, a fearsome conjuror who, in the 1830s, annihilates plantations all over Arkansas to rescue the people enslaved there.
The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Ady, a curious, sharp-witted girl, and her fierce mother, Sanite, are inseparable. Enslaved to a businessman in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the pair spend their days dreaming of a loving future and reminiscing about their family’s rebellious and storied history.
Brooklyn by Tracy Brown
Brooklyn learned the art of hustling from her parents who used the church to get money.
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Poor people are not heard, according to Michael LaBorn. A bookstore owner in Australia would like picture books with “just white kids” on the covers. Also, are book reviews for readers only? This week’s episode is brought to you courtesy of Bookthreads!
Be sure to follow Michael LaBorn (michaellaborn), Damon Young (drdamonyoung), and Autumn Kaufer (authorarkaufer) on Threads!
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* Important: Please do not harass the bookstore mentioned in the episode. As I stated during the segment, I appreciate small businesses and hold to the conviction that everyone has an opinion.
Rebecca Romijn, ex-wife of John Stamos, refuses to help him sell books, Kamilah Cole has a new YA book, and Reyna Grande brings us to the frontlines of war in “A Ballad of Love and Glory.”
- Rebecca Romijn Refuses to Help Ex John Stamos ‘Sell Books’ After Being ‘Incredibly Shocked’ by His Memoir - PEOPLE
- Books of the Week:
- If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos
- The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
- A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande
- So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
Follow me on Instagram (@sarie_reads), Twitter (@SarieReads), YouTube (@SarieReads), and Threads (@sarie_reads)! Oh! And TikTok (@sarie_reads)!
The Book Twitter streets are talking about HarperCollins and AI, books too terrible to publish, and libraries serving as babysitting spots. Also, a querying story that is just wild!
On Twitter (X), be sure to follow:
- Keshav Kant (@MxKantEven)
- Indie Author E.H.H. (@ymir_press)
- S J Watson (@SJ_Watson)
- Oh nicole (@iunfold)
- Stacked Librarian (@StckedLibrarian)
- Megan (@angelameganm)
- N.M. Mainardi (@nmainardiauthor)
Follow me on Instagram (@sarie_reads), Twitter (@SarieReads), YouTube (@SarieReads), and Threads (@sarie_reads)! Oh! And TikTok (@sarie_reads)!
Gen Z and Millennials prefer libraries and print versions of books. Also, the January picks are here!
New ALA Report: Gen Z and Millennials are visiting the library and prefer print books
(https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2023/11/new-ala-report-gen-z-millennials-are-visiting-library-prefer-print-books)
January Picks
The Mayor of Maxwell Street - Avery Cunningham - January 30, 2024
Nelly Sawyer is the daughter of the “wealthiest Negro in America,” whose affluence catapulted his family to the heights of Black society. After the unexpected death of her only brother, Nelly becomes the premier debutante overnight. But Nelly has aspirations beyond society influence and marriage.
What Makes You Bloom: Cultivating a Practice for Connecting With Your Divine Self Kevin Miguel Garcia - January 9, 2024
So many of us are leaving conservative faith traditions behind, rightly saying goodbye to toxic theology, bigotry, and harm. But in the process, we often lose our rhythm of gathering, prayer, and worship. We may even lose our sense of connection to God.
Voyage of the Damned - Frances White - January 18, 2024
For a thousand years, Concordia has been able to maintain peace between its provinces, protected by a wall known as the Bandage. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the Goddess's mountain. Aboard are the heirs of the twelve provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.
Just The Nicest Couple - Mary Kubica - January 10, 2024
Jake Hayes is missing. This much is certain. At first, his wife, Nina, thinks he is blowing off steam at a friend’s house after their heated fight the night before. But then a day goes by. Two days. Five. And Jake is still nowhere to be found.
Dead In Long Beach, California - Venita Blackburn - January 23, 2024
Coral is the first person to discover her brother Jay’s dead body in the wake of his suicide. There’s no note, only a drably furnished bachelor pad in Long Beach, California, and a cell phone with a handful of numbers in it. Coral pockets the phone. And then she starts responding to texts as her dead brother.
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A school was searched after someone called the police to report a teacher having ‘Gender Queer’ in the classroom. Also, #sungate rages on!
Police Called To Great Barrington Middle School Over ‘Gender Queer’ (https://www.boston.com/news/schools/2023/12/20/police-called-great-barrington-middle-school-gender-queer-book/)
- ‘Gender Queer’ by Maia Kobabe - Amazon (https://amzn.to/41BMbfI)
- ‘Gender Queer’ by Maia Kobabe - Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9781549304002)
“You Cannot Copyright The Sun:” Lauren M. Davis Claims Against Marve Lead To Backlash (https://sariereads.com/you-cannot-copyright-the-sun-lauren-m-davis-claims-against-marve-lead-to-backlash/)
- ‘His Dark Reflection’ by Marvellous Michael Anson - Amazon (https://amzn.to/3TC4wXR)
- ‘His Dark Reflection’ by Marvellous Michael Anson - Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9781739208707)
#AmReading: ‘The Blood Of Patriots’ by William W. Johnstone
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/3tuSntj)
The Written Word: ‘Happiness’ by Christophe Andrè
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/41BMJSO)
Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9781846045059)
Matthew Knowles is getting ready to take his memoir to film and television, and can houseplants prevent mold? Find out in this episode!
Matthew Knowles’ Memoir Heads to Market for Film and Series Adaptations-
(https://variety.com/2023/film/news/matthew-knowles-memoir-film-tv-adpatation-beyonce-1235835341/)
Racism From the Eyes of A Child by Matthew Knowles
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/3Ny5zV1)
- Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9780692046821)
8 Houseplants That Can Help Keep Your House Mold-Free - (https://www.housedigest.com/1213858/8-houseplants-that-can-help-keep-your-house-mold-free/)
AmReading: Tender Is The Flesh by Agustina Bazterica
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/3GNp9sv)
- Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9781982150921)
The Written Word: Church by A.W. Tozer
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/4aogQRB)
- Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9780802418289)
Get more Christian reads from The BeeSphere!
You aren’t getting in this restaurant without paying $10,000. And, can you really talk about a book if you didn’t finish it?
A $10,000 members-only sushi restaurant is coming to Miami -
(https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2023/12/09/miami-members-only-sushi-namba-ura-listening-room-2024/)
Should you DNF a book? Pros and cons to consider! - (https://brewingwriter.com/dnf-book/)
#AmReading: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/46YyEQ9)
- Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9780063250833)
The Written Word: The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
- Amazon (https://amzn.to/41eBjnR)
- Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/a/81744/9781982197667)
Let’s chat! (ssriedenise@gmail.com)
‘Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncè’ grossed over $20 million. Does profanity help you cope? It’s all in this episode!
Show Notes:
Box Office: ‘Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncè’ $22 million opening … (https://deadline.com/2023/12/box-office-renaissance-a-film-by-beyonce-godzilla-minus-one-hunger-games-1235647651/)
Why swearing is good for us, according to science (https://www.mdlinx.com/article/why-swearing-is-good-for-us-according-to-science/3Wa3erwAO39tklm6BTKqpO)
Books With Swear Words In The Title:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck (https://amzn.to/3uJG8JL*)
Get Your Sht Together (https://amzn.to/47Vsp0o*)
Rude Btches Make Me Tired (https://amzn.to/47MmXxy*)
Holy Sht: A Brief History of Swearing (https://amzn.to/3GsaEu3*)
Books Highlighted:
The Many Lives of Mama Love (https://amzn.to/46PVPMQ)
Teaching To Transgress (https://amzn.to/3T9tEFb)
Show Notes
Retailers are ready to kick off Black Friday just as shoppers pull back on Spending - https://apnews.com/article/black-friday-thanksgiving-economy-discounts-inflation-e0a7e0cf276aa9af50599e60c7a942ea
Why you put things off until the last minute - https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/procrastination#:~:text=People%20sometimes%20procrastinate%20because%20they,management%20can%20limit%20procrastination%20behaviors.
Books about procrastination and how to overcome it:
-
Atomic Habits - https://amzn.to/3Gk9Ua9
-
Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior - https://amzn.to/3GelbsQ
-
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery - https://amzn.to/3GgGMkl
Am Reading: This Is Not A Personal Statement (https://amzn.to/3SUfyHO)
The Written Word: The Cafe on the Edge of the World (https://amzn.to/3SPxFP2)
Show Notes
- Check out Volumes Bookcafe here!
- Get your copy of Spare by Prince Harry here!
- Get your copy of Turning by Joy L. Smith here!
- Check out Israel & Rachel Campbell 'SOUP' here!
- Get your copy of 'The Art of Sonship' here!
- Check out Butter by Keba here!
- Get your copy of 'Sacred Commerce' here!
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And don't forget to check out Sarie Reads - The Blog!
Show Notes:
- Reading Goals for 2023 - Track your progress (Goodreads, StoryGraph)
- Business Shoutout: Hair Garden Nursery
- Author Spotlight: Sandra Cisneros (House On Mango Street, Woman Without Shame)
Books that left a positive impact:
- Don't Cry For Me - Daniel Black
- Finding Me: A Memoir - Viola Davis
- Revival Season - Monica West
- The Next Level - Marcus "Goodie" Goodloe
- A Killing In Amish Country - Gregg Olson and Rebecca Morris
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