Hello! I’m Joy, and I love to read. I consider it my greatest talent and favorite hobby. Another one of my preferred pastimes is recommending reads to anyone who is the least bit curious. Seriously. I am always volunteering book recs to people near me, whether they ask or not. I thought it would be fun to bring this passion to Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. I will share with you every book I read month by month and what I think about them. Let’s get started! You can also follow me on Instagram at @joyfulreadswithjoy!
1. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield
Oh my gosh. This book was written for me! And all the other SNL-obsessed women in their 30s and 40s! I don’t know if I can express how much I adore this witty, sweet, vulnerable, and genius novel, but I’m going to try. Curtis Sittenfeld is my new favorite author, and I want to read everything she has written. If you like smart, sexy, hilarious, and insightful characters, dialogue, and genuine moments, Romantic Comedy will certainly delight.
Summary: Sally Milz is a veteran writer at The Night Owls, a long-running live sketch show modeled on SNL. She is brilliant and well-loved for her consistent writing on the show. When Noah Butler, a global pop star, shows up to host, Sally finds herself working closely with him and unexpectedly experiences sparks. Filled with self-doubt, Sally cannot believe their feelings are real. Fast forward to the lockdown, and Sally and Noah begin emailing and falling fast as they rekindle their TNO chemistry. Is it real? Can a comedy writer and a “smoking hot” pop star really be a couple? Hint hint: it’s a happy ending!
Here’s where I gush. This novel is divided into three parts: the TNO/Noah week, the epistolary emails, and the can-they-be-together test. Every moment is just perfect. As a HUGE SNL fan, I absolutely loved Sittenfeld’s interpretation of that unique workplace. She nails it. The novel is so much more than that, and the emails and honest relationship conversations are just beyond. They are grown up, realistic, super clever, and really tender. I am obsessed. Sittenfeld has created a snarky yet soft protagonist that I root for and want to know, and she also has created the most perfect book boyfriend I could dream of. Kudos! I want more Sally and Noah!
2. Maame by Jessica George
Jessica George has penned a vulnerable character study of a young woman who is finding herself in her mid-twenties. Maame covers identity, grief, family dynamics, culture, insecurity, and friendship through the eyes of a bright, naive Ghanaian British woman named Maddie. Throughout the novel, Maddie experiences new experiences, career changes, dating dramas, and intense loss. I wanted Maddie to find her happiness so badly!
Summary: Maddie is the sole caregiver of her father, who has Parkinson’s, and is the most responsible adult in her family at only 25. She has been existing in this role for years, limiting herself from exploring what’s around her. When the opportunity arises to move out, Maddie decides to try all the things she’s been keeping herself from. She tries dating, a new job, new roommates, and new clothes, but a family tragedy interrupts her path. She has to find out who she is in the midst of extreme grief. Along the way, she finds her voice and her path.
First of all, I loved the London setting and the British vibes. Secondly, I really saw some of myself in Maddie, in her “good girl” instincts, her introvertedness, her people-pleasing ways, etc. I really loved Maddie’s development, even though many of her choices made me cringe and feel anxious. However, it all shakes out in the end, and I was so proud of her! I also loved learning more about Ghanaian culture and the creative roles in London.
3. The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner
Sarah Penner’s second novel, The London Séance Society, is a fun Victorian mystery full of spirits, tricks, private clubs, female friendship, and vengeance. Penner exposes the immorality of the buttoned-up Victorian London society while illuminating the obsession with the supernatural and with illicit behavior. She also celebrates the bond between two women in a time that women were forbidden from public intrigue and occupation.
Summary: Lenna Wickes is a grieving young woman who is determined to uncover the truth of her sister’s murder. She has joined an internationally known medium, Vaudeline, as an apprentice to learn the ways of talking to spirits. Soon, the two women are entangled in another mystery involving the powerful and secretive London Seance Society. Guided by the shady Mr. Morley, Lenna and Vaudeline embark on their own investigation into the ways of the Society. Danger awaits. Who can they trust?
Much like her first novel, The Lost Apothecary, Penner dives into British history and highlights the POV of a curious young woman in her time. Full of twists and turns, this novel delves into the Spiritualism movement in the 1870s. I am fascinated with this period, and I quickly lost myself in the pages. The second half takes off as questions are answered. If you like ghosts, the debate between science and mysticism, Victorian vibes, and strong heroines, this will be a delightful read for you.
