20 books I Recommend on "What to Read Next" Podcast
20 books I Recommend on "What to Read Next” Podcast
First of all, a big thank you to Laura from “What to Read Next” for having me on her podcast! I had a great time chatting about books and talking about our recent moves to Chicago. I hope when we find ourselves on the other side of this pandemic that we can meet in person. If you haven’t already listened to my interview, find it here! If you have, and you want a complete list of the books I mention, then you’re in the right place!
What are your go to genres? What are some of your favorite books in this genre?
Historical Fiction
A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
The riveting novel of iron-willed Alva Vanderbilt and her illustrious family as they rule Gilded-Age New York, written by Therese Anne Fowler, a New York Times bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.
Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Aviator’s Wife returns with a triumphant new novel about New York’s “Swans” of the 1950s—and the scandalous, headline-making, and enthralling friendship between literary legend Truman Capote and peerless socialite Babe Paley.
Th
e Paris Wife by Paula McLain
A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures the love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.
Mystery/Thriller
Anything by Fiona Davis
The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives—from the national bestselling author of The Dollhouse and The Address.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips
An electrifying novel about the primal and unyielding bond between a mother and her son, and the lengths she’ll go to protect him.
Fashion Memoirs
My Journey by Donna Karan
In this candid memoir, featuring a foreword by Barbra Streisand, renowned designer Donna Karan shares intimate details about her lonely childhood, her four-plus decades in the fashion industry, her two marriages, motherhood, and her ongoing quest for self-acceptance and spiritual peace.
The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
One of the most influential, admired, and innovative women of our time: fashion designer, philanthropist, wife, mother, and grandmother, Diane von Furstenberg shares stories about becoming the woman she wanted to be.
I'll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist by Betty Halbreich
A classic tale of personal transformation amid a stunning backdrop of old world glamour and current high style, Betty Halbreich moves from a trapped woman to a ferociously independent icon.
What are some of your most anticipated new releases for 2020?
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
In nationally best-selling author Fiona Davis's latest historical novel, a series of book thefts roils the iconic New York Public Library, leaving two generations of strong-willed women to pick up the pieces.
Jackie and Maria by Gill Paul
From the #1 bestselling author of The Secret Wife comes a story of love, passion, and tragedy as the lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas are intertwined—and they become the ultimate rivals, in love with the same man.
The President's Wife; a Glamorous Superstar; the rivalry that shook the world...
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
The author of the number one New York Times best seller Orphan Train returns with an ambitious, emotionally resonant historical novel that captures the hardship, oppression, opportunity and hope of a trio of women’s lives - two English convicts and an orphaned Aboriginal girl - in 19th century Australia.
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
From the number one New York Times best-selling author of Small Great Things and A Spark of Light comes a riveting novel about the choices that alter the course of our lives.
Which three books did you read over the past few months would you recommend?
The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan
An accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet - a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA that combines the wit of Jonathan Tropper with the heart of Susan Wiggs.
You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer
The heartbreaking, yet hopeful, story of a mother and daughter struggling to be a family without the one person who holds them together - a perfect summer listen for fans of Jojo Moyes and Marisa de los Santos.
Betsey: A Memoir by Betsey Johnson
A memoir by the internationally famous fashion designer and style icon
What books are on your TBR?
Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin
A dark, witty pause resister about a struggling young musician who takes a job singing for a playgroup of overprivileged babies and their effortlessly cool moms, only to find herself pulled into their glamorous lives and dangerous secrets…
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Just after the Second World War, in the small English village of Chawton, an unusual but like-minded group of people band together to attempt something remarkable.
The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.
Fast Girls by Elise Hooper
Acclaimed author Elise Hooper explores the gripping, real life history of female athletes, members of the first integrated women’s Olympic team, and their journeys to the 1936 summer games in Berlin, Nazi Germany. Perfect for readers who love untold stories of amazing women, such as The Only Woman in the Room, Hidden Figures, and The Lost Girls of Paris.
