Hinton's story about spending 30 years on death row as an innocent man is a MUST READ. It's infuriating, horrifying, devastating and an absolute call to action regarding our criminal justice system. That's really all there is to say, other than it made for an excellent audiobook.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

As the title probably implies, this book is crazy! But not in an overt way - it's written with a subtle, ominously slow build. I had constant simmering anger on the protagonist Korede's behalf, cleaning up after her almost criminally self-centered sister, on top of being a murderer. It's got suspense and originality in spades and I gobbled it up in two days - it's a rather slim volume, too. Yet it's packed with food for thought about gender power struggles and how far we'd go for our family.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

I am glad I finally checked this one off my list, but I didn’t love it like I hoped I would. It was a sweet and a lovely little story, but the comparisons to Anne of Green Gables fall FAR short in my opinion. I definitely see the similarities in the protagonists, but the language didn’t wow me and I maybe laughed aloud once or twice, unlike being inside the head of Anne Shirley. Alas, comparison is the thief of joy and perhaps I should have read this one before I heard anything about it!
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

The structure of the book, told as an oral history of a fictional rock band, was utterly absorbing. I am a fan of multiple narrators, and usually they alternate by entire chapters. Having each character voice their thoughts from one PARAGRAPH to the next really was impactful and amazing how we can see the same situation in such different ways - so much juicy drama! I loved all of the relationship dynamics - not just Daisy and Billy, but Daisy and Simone, and especially the back and forth between Karen and Warren. And Reid's depth of research into the music and culture of the time shows. So good! I also had the pleasure of meeting Taylor Jenkins Reid at an event for the book and she's a goddamn delight.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

Sounds a bit out there, but I think this would make a great pairing with The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir in thinking about the relationship between modern youth and religion... Acevedo touches on other thought provoking subjects like immigration, sexuality, and family loyalty. It's equally heartbreaking and uplifting. I haven’t read a story written in verse since Brown Girl Dreaming and I think I need to rectify this - so gorgeous and immersive.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

I think that one has to have been living under a rock to not have heard about Elizabeth Holmes and the massive scam she pulled upon creating Theranos. Unfortunately, I think that led to me not being as wholly captivated by the book as I could have been if I didn't already read the news pretty thoroughly. It's an excellent account by the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who broke the story, and the second part of the book told from his perspective was absolutely riveting. I wish it had been in that format from the start, but nonetheless, this is an insane story of wealth and privilege that is utterly shocking and we're all better off that it has come to light.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

I stole this graphic novel from my daughter's library stack because it's been getting a fair amount of buzz and is reportedly going to be made into a Netflix film. We both really enjoyed it, especially the power of the Pashmina which had me guessing until the end. It's a lovely juxtaposition of high fantasy and the struggles of the characters everyday lives. Chanani does not shy away from the harsher realities of her culture, nor the beauty. I definitely recommend for adults and kids alike.
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

The audiobooks I listened to recently were on the heavier side, so I was searching for something a little more lighthearted but still interesting. Sisters First definitely fit the bill, although I'd say interesting does not equal informative. I didn't have any grand revelations about the Bush family after listening, but there were definitely a range of well told stories that were funny, sad and heartwarming. Also, worth noting, I was constantly distracted by Jenna's voice because I think she used her television speaking voice (always emphasizing the last word in her sentences) instead of sounding more conversational, like Barbara. Perhaps the hard copy of this one is the way to go!
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

Confession: I haven’t read Liane Moriarty since I read Big Little Lies, years before the tv show (which I thought was an EXCELLENT adaptation). The buzz around Truly Madly Guilty wasn’t great, so I never picked it up. Then I had the chance to catch Moriarty on tour for her latest, and absolutely loved hearing her talk about Nine Perfect Strangers. And STILL, I took forever to pick it up because of mixed reviews. I finally read it and absolutely tore through the pages. Yes, it’s a little kooky. No, it’s not Big Little Lies. But she writes such fast paced, wholly engaging stories. This one was also exceptionally hilarious, and I often barked a “HA!” out loud. Perhaps I saw Liane in the main character Frances, whom she said she identified with most, and I was able to invest in her journey. Either way, I definitely recommend this book for a fast, fun and crazy ride. Now maybe I’d better pick up Truly, Madly, Guilty...
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/

This book was CRAZY! What if genetic testing existed to find your true biological soul mate, your perfect match?? Marrs explores a whole host of chaotic scenarios that were really thought provoking. I was in the mood for a thriller and this one has a little sci-fi, a little romance, and a lot of food for thought. And of course, it’s coming to Netflix as a series in the near future - I definitely plan to tune in!
For more reviews and bookish musings visit http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/