All Booked | My Recent Reads

By Emily Lee Wed Feb 28, 2024 | 11:15am

The original version of this newsletter was sent out on Tuesday, February 27

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Hello, book lovelies!

I don’t want to jinx it, but we are two months into 2024 and I’m feeling like this may be one of my best reading years to date. I have been absolutely LOVING everything that I’ve been picking up. Either I’m on a lucky streak or I’m getting better about selecting books that I’ll enjoy … I’m thinking it’s the former. I have trouble pinpointing what exactly in books works for me. But looking at this list, my guess is the idea of human connection, found-family, and learning about a niche topic.

If you are also like me and have trouble figuring out what you love in books, I do want to give a little shout out to our public library! The librarians over there are incredibly helpful with giving book recommendations. They also have an online resource called Book Match, where you fill out a form with some information about reads you’ve loved in the past and what you’re looking for. After a couple days, you receive an in-depth email featuring a few books that they recommend based on your form. It’s completely free and such a great resource if you’re feeling stuck on what to pick up next.

Ok, enough gushing about the library 🙂 Here are my most recent reads that I have loved and hope you will too:

I am a big believer in going into a book knowing as little as possible. I try not to read too much of the synopses or reviews, since most of them over-share. My pitches below are short and sweet just for that reason.

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

One morning everyone in the world over the age of 22 wakes up to a box outside their home. In the box contains a string and a note that reads “The measure of your life lies within.” Some choose to look at the string, others don’t. What follows is the exploration of what would happen to society, systems, and individuals if we were to all have the ability to know the length of our life.

I’m not going to lie, when I first picked up this book, I thought the premise was a little cheesy. I also thought it was going to be hard sci-fi or a dystopian novel, both of which I enjoy, but not what I wanted for this book. I was wrong. I cannot express how much I loved this book. Erlick brings so much humanity to the situation. She delves into so many issues and primes us for incredible discussions.

Highly recommend. Possibly my favorite read so far this year. Would make a great book club pick.

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

I will be the first to say that this book will not be for everyone. It’s a little weird, a little uncomfortable at points, but it’s also a beautiful story about a woman in her late 20s trying to find herself. The publisher pitches it as “hilarious.” I don’t think I’d go that far – there are funny moments, but I did find the book slightly serious (in a good way). We follow Enid who is obsessed with space and has a very real fear of bald men. She works at the Space Academy, listens to true crime podcasts religiously, casually dates, and is trying to form a relationship with her half sisters.

Like I said, it’s weird, it’s quirky, but it’s also relatable in many ways. If you like plot-driven books then this is not for you.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Wow. I’m sure most of you have seen or heard of this novel. It came out in 2022 and has quickly won the hearts of readers everywhere. I am no different. The hype is so worth it and well deserved.

We follow Sam and Sadie from when they first meet at age 12 in a hospital, through college, and into their 40s. We see the ebbs and flows of their friendship. I won’t say much else because you’re better off discovering it for yourself when reading.

I will say that Zevin knows how to tell a story. She puts into words feelings and thoughts that we’ve all experienced at least once but perhaps didn’t know how to express it. This story and these characters will stay with me for a long time.

This novel is tied along with The Measure as my favorite read of the year so far.

As always, I’d love to hear from you! How has your reading year been going so far? Also, in case you missed it, last week I kicked off a new series in the newsletter where I feature one of you! If you are interested in being featured in All Booked, please fill out this form.

Your smitten bookworm, Emily

UPCOMING BOOK EVENTS

Below, you will find a few bookish events coming up in Santa Barbara. If you are hosting a bookish event in Santa Barbara, be sure to submit the event to our online events calendar.

Book Talk – Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter
Tuesday, February 27, 6pm | Chaucer’s Books

Raising a Reader: Getting Ready for YA
Thursday, February 29, 6pm | Virtual Webinar hosted by Santa Barbara Public Library

Virtual Book Talk – Hoops March Madness at Chaucer’s
Monday, March 4, 7pm | Virtual hosted by Chaucer’s Books

Beyond Bookselling: How Queer Bookstores Shaped the Gay Liberation Movement
Tuesday, March 5, 6pm | Faulkner Gallery, SBPL

Book Talk- Local Psychotherapist Maureen Murdock
Thursday, March 7, 6pm | Chaucer’s Books

LOCAL BOOK SPOTLIGHT

We at the Independent get many books sent to us by local authors, sometimes too many! It’s practically impossible for us to read and review them all, but just because we are busy bees does not mean that they aren’t worth the attention. In an attempt to not completely drop the ball, we have compiled a list of books here that have a local spin. They are all either written by a local author, feature someone in our community, or have another tie to Santa Barbara. I urge you to look through this list. Perhaps you will find your new favorite read!

The following are the most recent titles that have been sent to us. Click here for a more comprehensive list.

Leo’s Lesson by Tony Navarro

Recovery with Yoga: Supportive Practices for Transcending Addiction by Brian Hyman (Happy Publication Day!)

Santa Ynez, a Novel by Dennis Patrick

If you are a local author and would like us to feature your book in this section, please email allbooked@independent.com with the subject line “Local Author Spotlight.”