Open a Book & Open Your Mind

By Barbara Bellesi Zito

Whether you squeeze in an audiobook during your workout or commute, or you stay up reading well into the night, there’s no wrong way to enjoy books. As always, we’ve got some great recommendations for you, whether you like relatable stories or you prefer to be transported to another time and place.

“Uncle of the Year & Other Debatable Triumphs” by Andrew Rannells | Crown

Broadway and Hollywood star Andrew Rannells might be 40-something and have all the trappings of success—a great career, his own home, a nice suit that fits—but he still feels very much like a 20-something finding his way in the world. In this book of personal essays, he dives into the idea of “adulting” and whether it’s actually fulfilling or we’re just pretending it is for the sake of our family and friends. From love and romance to career and family— with a special focus on children in the titular essay— this book runs the witty gamut of insight into how we truly want our adult lives to play out.

>> Rannells is loved by audiences for his Tonynominated performance in “The Book of Mormon,” among many other roles on stage and screen.

“Pageboy” by Elliot Page | Flatiron Books

You might remember this talented actor’s breakout performance in “Juno,” but things have certainly changed for Elliot Page since then. Compelled by Hollywood to play the starlet and forced by society to remain binary, the transgender actor—who uses the pronouns he/they— has now reclaimed his voice and is sharing their story. Whether you’re a fan of “The Umbrella Academy” or simply root for those who have broken the mold of others’ expectations to embrace their true selves, you’ll enjoy this memoir.

>> Page is a vocal advocate for transgender and non-binary individuals.

“Quietly Hostile” by Samantha Irby | Vintage

Samantha Irby is back with a new installment of essays that offer LOL glimpses of her life. Granted, her life has gotten a bit snazzier these days—she is a writer for “And Just Like That,” after all. But despite Hollywood’s recognition, she still gets the flop sweats and gastrointestinal issues and has been known to overindulge in retail therapy à la QVC. But unlike how some (or most) people portray their lives on social media, Irby gives us an all-access, unfiltered view of her real reality, and we’re here for it.

>> GO Magazine calls Irby, “Quite possibly the funniest person alive.”

“Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See | Scribner

In 15th century China, women’s education is far from a priority. But that hasn’t stopped Tan Yunxian’s grandmother, one of very few female doctors, from teaching her the foundations of Chinese medicine. From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s health, particularly childbearing, and befriends Meiling, who is training to be a midwife. When Yunxian’s family sends her off to an arranged marriage, she is forced into the traditional role of wife and mother, and she is forbidden to see Meiling or treat women who need her medical knowledge. Based on the true story of a female physician who lived during the Ming Dynasty, this novel tells the story of how this exceptional woman broke free of the bonds of tradition to help other women.

>> See is the New York Times bestselling author of “Shanghai Girls” and “Island of Sea Women.”

“Good for You” by Camille Pagán Lake Union Publishing

As editor in chief of All Good magazine, Aly’s finally got her dream job. But when she overhears her colleagues throwing shade at her, she has an unprofessional, very public meltdown, which results in her taking unpaid leave to figure things out. Aly heads to the beach house at Lake Michigan, which she inherited from her brother, who passed away the previous year. What she doesn’t know is that Wyatt, Luke’s slacker best friend, was also included in the inheritance. Aly wants to sell, but Wyatt, true to form, isn’t all that interested. The stage seems set for conflict—or could it be that she has more of a connection with Wyatt than meets the eye?

>> Pagán is the #1 Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of “Everything Must Go” and “I’m Fine and Neither Are You.”

Broken, But Whole Again

“The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over” by Naseem Rochette | Misfit Blue

Naseem Rochette thought her life was over when she was run over not once, but three times when crossing a quiet street in her neighborhood. Though she miraculously suffered no internal injuries or even a single broken bone, Rochette was unrecognizable even to herself. It would be a long road to recovery, both with physical therapy and mental health counseling for her PTSD. But Rochette is a survivor and now applauds what she calls her “cracks.” Each year, on the anniversary of her near-death experience, she celebrates “Unbreakable Day.” In her memoir, she shares with others how they, too, can be resilient in the aftermath of trauma.

Rochette believes in the Japanese philosophy of kintsugi, the idea that we recognize our imperfections rather than try to hide them. The word is translated as “golden joinery,” and it’s based on the Japanese art of pottery repair that reconnects broken pieces with gold dust. The pottery is made whole again, but the breakage points are still visible.

“We all have cracks of some sort,” Rochette told BELLA, referring to the challenges and traumas we face on life’s journey. “Once we can accept our cracks, hopefully we look at our experiences and appreciate the resilience it took to make it through those tough moments to put the pieces back together. Hopefully, we can appreciate the insights that challenges offer us and the wonderful people and communities that help us move forward. That is what ‘Unbreakable Day’ is about—the holiday my family and I created to celebrate the anniversary of the accident.”

Prize-Worthy Women Authors

The Women’s Prize for Fiction’s longlist of nominees has been announced, and we’re clearing an entire shelf for these authors. It’s likely a winner will be announced by the time this issue is published, but we didn’t think you’d mind the extra recommendations for your TBR pile. Happy reading!

“Glory” by NoViolet Bulawayo
“Homesick” by Jennifer Croft
“Fire Rush” by Jacqueline Crooks
“Children of Paradise” by Camilla Grudova
“Stone Blind” by Natalie Haynes
“Trespasses” by Louise Kennedy
“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver
“Cursed Bread” by Sophie Mackintosh
“The Dog of the North” by Elizabeth McKenzie
“Black Butterflies” by Priscilla Morris
“The Marriage Portrait” by Maggie O’Farrell
“I’m a Fan” by Sheena Patel
“Pod” by Laline Paull
“Wandering Souls” by Cecile Pin
“The Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff
“Memphis” by Tara M. Stringfellow