The best books are defined by amazing stories about what it means to be human (or in this case, half Titan, half nymph, but that’s okay). And Circe is an amazing story. Yes, she is a goddess, but her story embodies universal themes of identity, family, displacement, love, loss, death, and ultimately how she overcame her struggles. I really enjoy books with these themes, and the fact that I got to brush up on Greek mythology was an added bonus. I felt drawn to Circe, as she struggled to be accepted by her family and come into her own as a powerful witch. Madeline Miller’s writing is stark and beautiful, which characterizes her very well. I couldn’t recommend this book enough.

The ladies of the Currently Reading podcast convinced me to give this one a try, and I’m so glad I did! I haven’t read middle grade fiction or even YA for a long time, but this book definitely delivered. Similar to Harry Potter, the author writes about a fantastical world with education as the backdrop, clever wordplay, and magical buildings you wish you could visit! I immediately wanted to read the second book, and am waiting for the third one.

I wasn’t very into this book, and yet I kept reading it - I think for it’s good tight writing and my interest in women in India in the 1920s. It was almost like a historical novel/history book on the issues women faced at that time. IMHO, the mystery wasn’t really there, and I felt like this book was marketed mainly as a historical mystery novel, which it really isn’t. I wouldn’t recommend this book to just anyone, but if you’re interested in the culture, it would definitely be worth your time!