This month’s must-read list includes seven recently published books and a bonus classic by Agatha Christie. Lose yourself in a book covering political fiction and then read a nonfiction tale about the future of women and work and the notion that we ‘can have it all.’ The list also takes an adventurous turn with historical fiction and a mystery, rounded out by a classic Hercule Poirot who-done-it. Whichever books you choose, it’s a wonderful time to find a cozy chair and begin to read! Enjoy!
Truth and Other Lies by Maggie Smith | Political Fiction
Truth and Other Lies is a story of politics and journalistic ethics with a feminist slant. A young investigative reporter clashes with her politically conservative mother, who’s running for Congress. The daughter lands an opportunity to work for an iconic journalist when a scandal threatens her work, family, and relationships.
Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work by Reshma Saujani | Nonfiction
Pay Up is an urgent call to arms to lift the burden placed on individual women to be primary caregivers and work around a system built for and by men. It dismantles the myth of “having it all.” The time has come for innovative corporate leadership, government intervention, and a sweeping culture shift. It’s time to Pay Up to make a better future for women and work.
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn | Historical Fiction
The Diamond Eye tells the story of Mila Pavlichenko, who becomes history’s deadliest sniper during WWII. After killing more than 300 of Hitler’s officers, Mila comes to the U.S. to promote America’s entry into the war. Vivid characters, unforgettable battle scenes, and moments of intense humanity and love create a riveting, authentic story.
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen | Mystery
The Golden Couple is a twisty tale of a family therapist with unconventional methods trying to unlock the mystery of a “perfect” marriage. This therapist says if she can’t fix your issues in ten sessions, she won’t take you on as a client. Unfortunately, the problems these women think they are facing are just the tip of the iceberg.
Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley | Memoir
Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director, and actor Sarah Polley’s Run Towards the Danger explores memory and the dialogue between her past and present. Run Towards the Danger is a poignant collection of essays centered around the most traumatic moments of her life. Until now, Polley has been silent about stories of neglect, medical trauma, wanting, and creating.
The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh | Fiction
The Love of My Life begins when a husband learns his wife is hiding a secret life. It seems unbelievable that lovable Emma could be deceiving Leo, but how else to explain the secrets he’s uncovering? The big reveal about Emma’s life manages to be both surprising and heartbreaking, with many twists and turns along the way.
CLASSIC: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie | Travel Mystery
Death on the Nile is a sweeping mystery of love, jealousy, and passion. Detective Hercule Poirot must find the murderer of the wealthiest young heiress in England, who is on her honeymoon. Adaptations in 1946: London Theater, 1950: Kraft Television Theater, 1978: Radio 5 part series, 2004: movie, PC Game, and a newly released 2022 film.
In Case You Missed It: Here’s Sandy’s April reading list from 2019!
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See | Historical Fiction | NYT Best Seller
The Island of Sea Women tells the story of a feminist utopia on Jeju, a Korean island. For centuries, all-female diving groups have harvested seafood for their families and markets. This story celebrates women’s strengths and the strengths of friendship, reminding us how powerful women can and must be to survive.
Readers Recommend:
China Dolls by Lisa See
Saigon by Anthony Grey
Garden of the Evening Mist by Tan Twan Eng
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a world Designed for Men by Caroline Perez | Nonfiction
Invisible Women exposes how a gender gap in data perpetuates bias and disadvantages women. Most product designers use a “one-size-fits-all” approach designed to fit men. Women pay tremendous costs for this bias in time, money, and often – their lives. The research in this book will change how you look at the world. Share this data with others!
Readers Recommend:
Down Girl: Logic of Misogyny by Kate Manne
Women and Power by Mary Beard
Good and Mad by Rebecca Traister
The Real Wallis Simpson by Anne Pasternak Biography
The Real Wallis Simpson provides a different story of King Edward’s abdication: that Wallis was the victim, not the villain. New information from previously unseen letters, diaries, and Simpson’s own memoirs redeem the woman wronged by history in this fascinating Royal tell-all.
Readers Recommend:
That Woman by Anne Sebba
17 Carnations by Andrew Morton
The Last of the Duchess by Caroline Blackwood
The Cook by Maylis de Kerangal | Fiction
The Cook is a lyrical, enchanting read about haute cuisine and the life of a French chef, his hunger for cooking, and his appetite for life. The writing flows beautifully and engages the reader’s interest before moving on to a new restaurant, a new city, and a new stage in life.
Readers Recommend:
Mend the Living by Maylis de Kerangal
The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal
Birth of a Bridge by Maylis de Kerangal
If, Then by Kate Hope Day | Fiction/ Fantasy
If, Then explores the theory that parallel worlds actually exist, that alternative choices lead to different lives with every decision made. This thought-provoking story, written in beautiful prose, inspires us to envision the infinite possibilities for our lives. TV rights are sold to HBO.
Readers Recommend:
Tomorrow There Will Be Sun by Dana Reinhart
House on Fire by Bonnie Kistler
Watching You by Lisa Jewell
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing | Psycho/Drama
My Lovely Wife creates an eerie atmosphere from the first page, and the tension is carried on throughout. A beautiful married couple has committed murder and gotten away with it. The plot is brilliantly unique and so scandalous you will need to talk about it! Truly horrifying!
Readers Recommend:
Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon | Historical Fiction
What the Wind Knows is an unforgettable love story, a woman’s impossible journey through the ages and time-traveling between present-day and war-torn Ireland in 1921. The story is woven around historical events and the Irish patriots—a book that will haunt you for a long time.
Readers Recommend:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you get a free Prime Read each month. Right now, our favorite is Dead End Girl by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain.
Read Next:
Sandy’s Selections: Your February Reading List
