Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Monica Mendez. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, I moved to Stockholm, Sweden, in 2018 to spend my life with my best friend and soulmate. Taking advantage of the free tuition for citizens and not really knowing what I wanted to do in my mid-30s, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English and then a Master’s degree in English Literature. Hence, I am now spreading my knowledge and love for books at Bookstr. Besides writing about books, my hobbies and interests include planning trips (still completely obsessed with my first trip to Japan last year), hiking and foraging through the Swedish forests, and cooking delicious meals for my closest friends.
In this special Bookstr listicle, I want to share with our readers the books that have made me over the years. Some are picks I have read recently that are still on my mind. But a few are books that I read years ago that have left their mark. I hope that you find the same joy and passion in these reads as I have. Happy reading!
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Ava Reid gives a different perspective on one of the most famous villainesses from Shakespeare’s tales. Known as a conniving witch in the original retelling, Ava’s version gives a different view, uncovering how Lady Macbeth was forced to marry the Scottish King and dragged to her wedding bed. However, despite her grim position, she discovers that her magical abilities are stronger than her husband’s, while her beauty is feared among the men of the court. Her witchcraft is turned into a survival method to deal with male oppression.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
The twists and turns of this novel left me breathless and introduced me to the author, Riley Sager. So far, this one remains my favorite of his novels. The spookiness is in full swing as a small town is haunted by an old family tale from the crumbling mansion up on the hill. The year is 1929, and Lenora Hope has committed unspeakable acts of murder against her family. Flash forward to 1983, and Lenora remains up in the house, now a brittle old woman. Kit McDeere, a health care aide, is employed to care for the aging woman, as Leonra is now confined to her bed, unable to speak or walk. But as Kit spends more time in the estate, odd things begin to transpire, questioning if there is more to the story of Lenora Hope.
With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson
This was also my first of Alicia Thompson’s novels, and I have to say that each of her books is a massively fun ride that just leaves me giggly and delighted. From another fellow Floridian, With Love, From Cold World is based in Orlando. The descriptions of Cold World, a snow-based tourist destination in the middle of sweltering Florida, give readers an accurate description of the touristy world outside of the main parks, such as Disney and Universal. While Cold World is struggling to keep afloat, Lauren Fox is employed as their bookkeeper. In this sorta “enemies-turned-to-lovers”, Lauren’s co-worker, Asa Williamson, is not exactly her match. Asa thinks that Lauren is uptight and not extremely fun, unlike his carefree attitude. However, after the owner of Cold World announces a competition to generate new ideas and revenue for Cold World, Lauren and Asa put aside their differences to help their place of employment. The steamy scenes between the two are enough to melt any cold heart.
Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston
From one of the most brilliant African American women authors comes this memoir of Hurston’s time studying voodoo culture in Haiti. While her most famous work was Their Eyes Were Watching God (if you haven’t read this one, add it to your list now!), Hurston was also a scholar in anthropology at Barnard College, where she received her Bachelor’s degree and studied under famed anthropologist Franz Boas. During the 1930s, Hurston ventured to Jamaica and Haiti to continue her research. The book details her involvement in the rituals and highlights the different characters she met along the way.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Spoilers: This was a massive tearjerker! I believe it accurately highlights the loneliness older people experience, especially within a Swedish culture. We are first introduced to Ove, a grumpy old man who patrols his neighborhood and barks at anyone who breaks any of the commune rules. But as we continue to be introduced to this gentleman, his past history with his late wife melts your heart and transforms him into an unlikely lovable protagonist. When Ove receives new neighbors, a young family with two small daughters, we continue to fall in love with this grandpa-like character.
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Although Jenny Lawson does discuss some very heavy subjects relating to depression and mental illness, at the same time, her works are always a joy to read. Some of her stories about the absurdity in her life are laugh-out-loud funny and, again, incredibly relatable. Also, the cover is enough to pull you in with its image of a furiously happy, glittery taxidermy raccoon.
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh
Allie Brosh’s illustrations are quite familiar, as her blog began in 2009. In 2013, Brosh released her artwork in this book format. This is one of those books that makes readers feel like the author was writing about them. There are so many stories in Allie’s collection of illustrated panels that are relatable to things that happen every day. Through these allegories, we’re taught to look at these anxieties in a different light and see the humor (or absurdity) in them. The long-awaited follow-up, Solutions and Other Problems, was released in September 2020, which was perfect timing for Brosh’s readers during the anxiety-riddled COVID times.
Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay
This hauntingly beautiful story takes place in Australia and tells the story of students from Appleyard College for Young Ladies. One faithful day in 1900, a group of girls ventured on a field trip and had a picnic in the shadows of Hanging Rock. While the girls are resting after their lunch, three of them break away to go explore on the mountain, but never return. This Australian gothic horror classic was also made into a movie directed by Peter Weir in 1975, which is known for its dreamy musical score.
Jackaby by William Ritter
For fans of Doctor Who and Sherlock, this is the initial installment of the fun ride, which is the Jackaby series. The year is 1892, and Abigail Rook has just moved to New Fiddleham, New England, and is looking for a job. She arrives on the doorstep of the eccentric R. F. Jackaby, who can see supernatural beings. As Abigail also possesses unique abilities, she becomes the perfect match for Jackaby as his assistant. On their first case investigating a prowling serial killer, Abigail also crosses paths with a handsome investigator named Charlie Cane.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The film edition of these stories is where some of us first fell in love with British actor Jamie Campbell Bower, as he portrayed his role as Jace, the Shadowhunter. City of Bones is the first in Cassandra Clare’s series of The Mortal Instruments. The story begins as Clary Fray’s life changes forever, and she witnesses strange events outside of the Pandemonium Club in New York City. This is her first encounter with Shadowhunters. But when demons attack Clary’s mother and she disappears, Clary is dragged even further into the world of the Shadowhunters. This multi-part series is an exciting ride to return to after reading it so many years ago.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
From the list of required reading in high school, this story has stuck with me the most. Tackling topics before their time, Oscar Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a man who trades his soul for eternal youth. His Dorain age, his physical appearance does not show it, but the sins and corruption he commits are reflected in his portrait. This is a classic that I highly recommend anyone add to their TBR list.
I hope you enjoy this list of some of my favorite reads over the years.
If you are interested in reading more from me, check out my trivia article: Will Thou Love To Live Deliciously With These Literary Witches?
To unveil more of the Bookstr team’s reading recommendations, explore our bookshelf on Bookshop.
