So far, February hasn’t let me down in terms of good books. Maybe it’s the slow-paced, chilly days we experience as winter (finally) wraps itself up, but this month I’ve had a strong preference for quiet, thought-provoking stories.
That said, drumroll please, find my February favorites below:
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
The magic of Fiona Davis’ new novel lies in its cast of characters. The story is told from the perspectives of two women who are tied to the mysterious Frick family mansion in different ways. One woman lives and works in the mansion as a private secretary in 1916, and the other stumbles across the landmark in 1966 while on a modeling shoot. Throughout the novel, both characters’ lives intertwine as they uncover family secrets hidden within the Frick mansion’s walls. Part mystery, part family drama, The Magnolia Palace will keep you entertained all the way through.
For fans of Marian Kamali and Mirielle West
The Friend by Sigred Nunez
This was my very first Sigred Nunez Book! At just 226 pages, this is a quick story that will linger in your mind long after you devour the last page. At its core, The Friend has two themes that hold hands throughout the novel: grief and friendship. When a writer’s dear friend passes away, she reluctantly adopts his Great Dane, Apollo. The dog is a constant in her life as she navigates her way through the healing process following a heavy loss. Apollo grieves the loss of his master just as deeply as the writer herself. They form a bond like no other through this shared experience. Warning: you will cry approximately 18 times while reading, but it’s totally worth it.
For fans of Ellen Cooney and Joan Didion
Beautiful World, Where Are You? By Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney is one of my very favorite writers. Beautiful World, Where Are You? is similar to her other books (Normal People, Conversations with Friends) in its conversational tone and willingness to dive into contemplative topics such as life after death, addiction, depression, and meaningful relationships. The novel follows four individuals who are looking for something. Every other chapter reads in the form of a letter between best friends, sharing their innermost thoughts about what makes the world beautiful. Big ideas are shared in a quiet whisper throughout this story. I took notes the entire time.
For fans of Sheila Heti and Stephanie Danier
South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami is the King of my Heart. He knows how to string words together in a way that even his longest novels feel like poetry, introducing ideas and concepts that will live in your brain long after you’ve finished the book. South of the Border, West of the Sun is in part a coming-of-age story, following young Hajime through life as he learns who he is during his developmental teenage years. We’re with him as he experiences his first love, makes his first mistakes, learns his dating style, gets married, and makes his way back to his first love again. It’s a beautiful book that will make you smile quietly to yourself as you read, remembering all your own “firsts.”
For fans of: Ishiguro Kazuo and Alice Hoffman
Spring is coming! March 2022 brings long awarded novels from authors such as Rebecca Searle, Melissa Fu, and Kate Quinn. Lots of good stuff to come and I can’t wait to connect with y’all about it. Have recs you’d like to share with our podcast family? Share them in the comments!