Hi friends!

I’m sorry it’s been a couple of weeks since I have last posted. I was travelling throughout Italy with Ben and living my best life. Don’t worry, i’ll be spending my weekend working on my travel guide. You’ll have lots of fun content next week. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to read quite a bit while I was gone. Amazingly, I enjoyed every single book I read!

Full disclosure, books 1-3 were gifted to me by Random House publishing– I chose my selections, and my thoughts are honest as always. Per always, if you buy directly from the links in this article I will receive a tiiiiny commission. Please support me, otherwise go to the library.  

Here are my thoughts:

1.) All The Names They Used For God – Anjali Sachdeva

I finished this book in a single plane ride, and it was beautifully imaginative. Despite this being the author’s first book, she is far from an amateur writer. These stories span different continents and centuries, and all tackle the character’s experience with fate. This is definitely a book I would only recommend to strong readers with expansive imaginations.

2.) Anything is Possible – Elizabeth Strout

I’m not sure what I was expecting, before reading ‘Anything is Possible.’ It sat on my windowsill for months before I picked it up. This short story collection takes place in a small rural town in Illinois. Each character’s story is connected to another in the book in one way or another– many of whom have been struck by poverty, family tragedy or both. All these people speak regularly of a woman named Lucy Barton, who is the protagonist in a different Elizabeth Strout book. Despite having not read that one previously (though I wish I had), I was still able to follow the book with ease. This was an easy read, that I think anyone would enjoy. However, if you have difficulty with remembering many characters, this might not be your favorite.

3.) Beauty in the Broken Places – Allison Pataki

I’m a creature of workday habits. From 2-3pm, Monday through Friday, I read. Of course, like anyone, if a book is too good to put down– I read outside of those times. Beauty in the Broken Places had me staying up past my bedtime. It’s a memoir of tragedy, faith and love. Allison is a bestselling historical fiction writer and daughter of the former governor of New York. She and her husband, Dave, were always worried they were a little bit too lucky– until their good fortune took a grim turn. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a beach chair read with substance. It was fantastic.

4.) Not That Bad – Roxane Gay

We’re reading this book for the Bad Bitch Book Club! Of the three books we’ve read so far, this one is my favorite. That’s all i’m going to tell you. If you want my full review, you’ll have to join our club. Send me an email (mackenzie@mackinstyle.com) or shoot me a DM on Instagram (or FB) and I’ll get you added to the list 🙂

For my next book, I’m thinking of reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”– has anyone read it? My other option is “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. If you’ve read either, let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂 Otherwise, tell me your favorite book of 2018!