I’m no romantic, but I’ve read a book or two. Much to my dismay, it’s February and love is in the air. Instead of shrugging off the season, I figured it would be best to embrace it. The following recommendations are celebrations of unconventional forms of love.
“The Last List of Mable Beaumont” by Laura Pearson
Arthur Beaumont loves to make lists. So when Mable finds her husband’s last checklist days after his funeral, she makes it her mission to finish his final task: “find D.” Assuming Arthur is referring to their long-lost friend, Dee, the widow sets off to amend her decades long absence; although, she quickly realizes that she may need some help along the way. Accompanied by a caretaker, a new mom, a troubled teen and a dance teacher, Mable does the unthinkable and “finds D,” but not in the way you might expect. An exploration of the value of female friendships, this heartwarming novel is sure to make you hug your best friends a little tighter. I can say with confidence that this is one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far. (Bonus, it’s available for free with Kindle Unlimited!)
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” Taylor Jenkins Reid
Although it’s not often, BookTok got something right this time. Amateur journalist Monique Grant is invited to write the biography of none other than Hollywood’s Evelyn Hugo. Though she is no longer in her prime, the retired star’s story is highly sought after. Monique transcribes the details of all seven of Evelyn’s relationships and her one true love, all while grappling with her own impending divorce. Rapport between the reporter and the movie star becomes almost familial, as readers decipher why Monique was really invited by Evelyn. Taylor Jenkins Reid manages to capture every flavor of romance, lust and longing between all the suitors in her book, and her final plot twist left me with whiplash, to say the least.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom
The only nonfiction piece on my list, “Tuesdays with Morrie” may be the most compelling. Author Mitch Albom describes the pivotal life lessons he learns from his mentor. Though Albom had not seen his teacher for years, he returns for Morrie’s wisdom when he finds out the old man was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Through storytelling, Morrie teaches his “student” everything one needs to know about, well, life. Albom tells a heartwarming story, filled with love of a pupil for his teacher and vice versa.
“The Birdcatcher” by Gayl Jones
Author turned travel journalist Amanda Wordlaw is stuck in a love triangle (or rather, love corner) with her two married friends. Amanda loves Catherine platonically, Ernest loves Amanda romantically, and Catherine wants to kill Ernest. Despite Catherine’s murderous phases, her husband never leaves the marriage. Their relationship doesn’t stay damaged for long, as Ernest insists on taking her to a new “postcard place” each time so she can continue her work on her perennial project, the Birdcatcher. Amanda recalls her mediation attempts along with stories of past lovers from her years of travel in diary-style chapters. Throughout the novel, the bounds of friendship are tested, and notions of monogamy are challenged. The reading experience Gayl Jones creates is nothing short of an oddity, but it’s gripping, nonetheless.
