How to be Fine: What We Learned from Living by the Rules of 50 Self-Help Books by Jolenta Greenberg & Kristen Meinzer

Jolenta and Kristen are the hosts of the funny and insightful podcast, By the Book.  In each episode, they read a chosen self-help book, spend two weeks living by the book’s guidelines, and then offer their opinions of the book’s premise.  When they had read and lived by 50 different books, they decided to write one of their own.  How to be Fine highlights what they learned from their experiment.  

Their book is divided into three sections: the good things they learned, the things that didn’t work at all or were actually harmful, and the advice they wish they had found in the book but did not.  Kristen and Jolenta are very candid in their critiques, pulling no punches when authors promote unhealthy ideas or perpetuate ugly stereotypes.  They are also very open about their own personal struggles and offer some excellent advice of their own about self-care.  

If you’re drawn to self-help titles, this is a great way to experience 50 books in one.  The authors distill the knowledge into the most important take-away ideas, while sharing their own experiences with a good deal of humor and compassion.

A Lot Like Christmas by Connie Willis

This book of short stories by Hugo Award winning author Connie Willis is sure to get you in the spirit of the season. She puts a fantastical spin on many cherished holiday traditions, from android Rockettes to high-tech decorations. Willis also pays homage to the classics, pondering what the ghosts from Dickens's A Christmas Carol do in a modern December, and presenting a Christmas mystery that takes cues from both Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Allan Poe. A couple of tales touch on the biblical story, including a trio of contemporary magi cruising the interstate, and a nativity lost in time. Willis' love of holiday movies is also on full display (are you team It's a Wonderful Life or team Miracle on 34th Street?). She even includes her personal advent calendar of movie suggestions.

The stories in A Lot Like Christmas are light fare with just a dash of science fiction and a healthy dose of humor; perfect for listening to while putting up decorations or baking cookies.

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: And Other Questions About Dead Bodies by Caitlin Doughty

Author, blogger, YouTube personality, and (most importantly) mortician Caitlin Doughty has compiled a list of the best questions about death that she’s received from kids and answers them in this hilarious book. As a mortician with a degree in medieval history, she answers these questions with science and history in an easy-to-understand matter while touching on her "death positive" movement, in which she believes that we should stop the cultural censorship of death for the betterment of society. All of the odd questions you’ve ever had about death but were too afraid to ask will probably be answered, and if they’re not in this book, she has two others as well. What happens to a body in space? Can I have a Viking funeral? You’ll have to read the book to find out, but fair warning: you probably will laugh out loud!

Doughty narrates the audiobook of this and really brings the book to life. Emphasizing certain words in her sarcastic manner shows you that she’s kidding. Some of the humor may get a little lost in reading the book rather than listening, so if you’re reading it in print or e-book and are unsure--she’s probably kidding.

Devolution by Max Brooks

Amidst the settling ash and chaos following the eruption of Mount Rainier, there is a massacre of a nearby community. Built to be eco-friendly and self-sufficient, Greenloop is already considered “off-the-grid living,” but in the aftermath of the eruption, the tiny town is even more cut off from the rest of Washington. So when, fleeing the fires, a group of Bigfoot – that’s right, BIGFOOT – descend upon the community, all Hell breaks loose.

The whole book takes place after the massacre, and is written as a series of interviews with people connected to the event, along with excerpts from a diary found at the scene. The reporter is able to bring the whole story to life and recreate the gruesome events by blending the interviews and diaries together, along with some real-life accounts of primatologists and anthropologists, like Jane Goodall.

This is is a wonderfully terrifying read that will have you sleeping with the lights on and taking a second look at the treeline the next time you go camping. The audiobook version was spectacular, especially since it is narrated by multiple great voice actors, who do a tremendous job voicing the fear and the anxiety felt by the residents of Greenloop. It’s not like Max Brooks to write sequels, but the cliffhanger at the end of Devolution will leave you begging for a second book. As Halloween approaches, there is no more perfect, scary, “campfire-y” story you’d want to read or listen to than this book. 10 out of 10 on the “scare-the-****-out-of-you” scale!

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Spend Election Day with Marva and Duke in this young adult novel about the importance of casting your first vote. Marva has been looking forward to voting in her first General Election, since, well, forever. She is passionate about social justice and has worked hard canvassing and helping to get people to the polls. So when she sees Duke get turned away at her polling place, she considers it her civic duty to make sure his vote is counted. No matter what obstacles get thrown in their way.

This book tackles issues of voter suppression, being a Black teenager in America, grief, social justice, and privilege balanced by Duke and Marva’s developing romance, typical high school struggles, and Marva’s insta-famous cat. Especially recommended for people of all ages feeling burnt out by politics, as well as anyone who loves a cute, quirky rom-com!

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This is the story of Nobody Owens (Bod, for short), whose family was killed when he was an infant.  After that early tragedy, Bod spends a relatively happy childhood in a neighboring graveyard with his new family of ghosts and other paranormal creatures.  They teach him the things he will need to function in the world of the living, as well as many of their own secrets.  Bod has many adventures and a few brushes with the danger; after all, not everything that lurks in the graveyard is friendly.  As he approaches adulthood, he will have to confront a very human threat-- the man that murdered his first family is still stalking him, and he will need the help of the graveyard denizens to defeat him.

Bod’s story is both scary and heartwarming, as his found family helps him to grow into a good man.  Neil Gaiman has said that he got the idea for the story while walking in a cemetery and wondering how Kipling’s classic, The Jungle Book, would have been different if set in a graveyard.  Winner of the Newbery Medal in 2009, this is a perfect tale for the Halloween season.

Absolute Carnage by Donny Cates

Someone is going around looking exactly like Eddie Brock, with a Venom-like suit, on a killing spree, taking out anyone who has ever called any of the various symbiotes their host. Though troubling for the world, it’s especially troubling for Eddie Brock, now wanted as a serial killer. Knowing well that the real perpetrator is Kleetus Cassidy, aka Carnage, Brock must team up with Spiderman and what few other heroes will believe he’s innocent, and put a stop to Carnage.

Though DC has more been known to utilize dark and gritty elements in their stories than Marvel, few characters get as twisted as Carnage, and his appearance here is no different. Absolute Carnage is a horror story; that much is obvious from its reliance on the literal dark, along with plenty of violent imagery, overwhelming odds, and a plot to summon an otherworldly abomination to Earth: the source of all of the symbiotes in the universe. Carnage’s ability to take over people’s minds and twist them to his goals adds to the overall sense that Absolute Carnage might have at least partially been inspired by the likes of H.P. Lovecraft, creator of the Cthulhu mythos. The story does suffer from relying on previous storylines, which causes it to lose some of its accessibility, but fans of Venom (and especially of his recent film) will enjoy this tale to thrill.

Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur

Witches Lizzie and Belle have been best friends since childhood, but now they are on the run from Lizzie’s family, who are considered witch royalty. They currently own a cafe on the Faelan Werewolf Reservation and perform psychic readings on the side.

During the adventures of the first book, some people in town learned that Lizzie and Belle may be more than they led the reservation council to believe, including Lizzie’s new love interest, ranger Aiden O’Connor. They thought they were still safe, until Lizzie is awakened by church bells during the witching hour and can sense the evil, vengeful presence of a soul eater on the hunt. As the body count climbs, Lizzie’s life and business are put in peril. But the biggest threat is an outside witch brought in to hunt the soul eater. He views Lizzie and Belle as a puzzle he needs to unscramble, which may lead her family right to their doorstep.

The Lizzie Grace series takes place in Australia, which is also where the author and narrator live. As such, there are some phrases that the average American wouldn’t hear on a daily basis, but Littrell says them so smoothly that you don’t have to stop and ponder the meaning. Littrell gives the narration of the book a more personal feel, like you're really listening to the story from Lizzie herself, which is something that I often feel is missing from audiobooks.

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Malorie didn't believe there was something out there at first. Her sister tried to warn her. Incidents of suicide and madness were popping up around the world but nothing close to home. Until their parents stopped answering the phone. Then there were cases occurring in their city. Finally, pregnant and scared, Malorie finds her sister in the bathroom in a pool of blood. Thus starts a frightening tale of unknowns and survival. In an attempt to find civilization with two young children in her care, Malorie takes to the the river to find a group who is self sustaining, and waiting for their arrival. But will they be able to make it, completely blind to the elements? Will the children be able to keep their blindfolds on? Or will the creatures get to them?

Bird Box is an atmospheric horror novel written in a quiet way that instantly gives the reader goosebumps. Malerman creates a dystopian world full of uncertainties that is completely original and addictive. Cassandra Campbell narrates the audiobook with hushed tones and a perfectly timed voice. This is a perfect book for readers looking for a subdued horror novel.

Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice is generally pretty happy. She has two best friends who are about to get married, a summer job at her local library, an undeclared college major, and a supportive if overbearing and judgmental family. But things get shaken up when she gets a new coworker, Takumi, who she is instantly attracted to. He's off-the-charts cute, smart, sweet, and funny, and he seems to like her back. There's just one problem-- Alice is asexual, and her previous attempts at relationships have all gone... badly.

Will Alice and Takumi get together? Will she stand up for herself with her family? Will she hold onto her friends as their lives all change? Read it to find out!

This is a charming book. Alice is a quirky and energetic main character who talks a mile a minute and is a joy to follow. She comes off as immature at times, and some of her references are a bit esoteric for those who aren't denizens of Tumblr, but even if those go over your head, there's a lot to like. Asexual characters are a rarity, and asexual characters with romantic arcs even more so, and non-white ones are rarest of all. This book is a gem, and if you're looking for a fresh experience and an unconventional romance, it's worth picking up.

The Snagglepuss Chronicles: Exit Stage Left by Mark Russell

Snagglepuss, a famous Broadway playwright in 1953's America, is called before the House Un-American Activities Committee for potential subversion of the government with his performances. He denies it. Behind his fantastic life, however, Snagglepuss is living a hidden life as a homosexual man, with a sham marriage to a woman who knows his secret, and a boyfriend who he meets regularly at a bar. While he tries to get his latest production off the ground, HUAC refuses to let him go and hunts for some proof of their claims, hoping to turn the playwright into an example and ruin his career.

The Snagglepuss Chronicles is bizarre in all the best ways. It takes itself very seriously, which makes the fact that it portrays Hannah-Barbara classics such as Huckleberry Hound, Quickdraw McGraw, and the eponymous Snagglepuss as closeted gay men during a very turbulent time in American history all the better. No one would expect these characters to be anything more than two-dimensional, like their original selves, but these are men with deep flaws, sincere personalities, and honest relationships... and it somehow works. It provides a wonderful look at the duplicity of people in positions of power, and how that power can corrupt and make you blind to doing what’s right. In many ways, Snagglepuss is very reminiscent of the 2015 film Trumbo, except replace Communism with homosexuality.

With its new and interesting take on some classic characters, The Snagglepuss Chronicles is delightfully strange, and strangely heartfelt.

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

In the village of Varenia, all girls are trained to be the most beautiful and charming, so that they may be chosen at the ceremony to marry the prince of Ilara. Nor and her identical twin sister Zadie are born undoubtedly as the most beautiful in Varenia, but a childhood incident gives Nor a small scar on her face. In a village that believes the beauty of a woman is all she has, this scar makes her damaged goods. This takes the burdens of being perfect off of her, allowing her to help her family as the village begins to suffer. When Zadie is chosen at the ceremony to become the prince's wife, it is no surprise to anyone, but each sister longs for what the other has. Nor wants to leave the small village and see the world, and Zadie wants to stay and marry her love in Varenia. In a twist of fate, they both get what they believe they want, and while Zadie learns her own strength in a new world of lies and obsession, she may also lose everything she holds most dear.

This coming-of-age story makes you cheer for the underdog and scream in support of the power of a woman. Zadie, who comes from one of the poorest villages, fights for her beliefs and values as a woman in a man’s world and survives unquestionable odds.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Glennon Doyle, author of the New York Times bestseller Love Warrior, has written a book that is part memoir, part self-help, part uplifting feminist theory. She discusses what it means to be a girl or woman living in a cage, being taught to doubt herself and be demure and little instead of big and, as she calls it, "knowing." Basing her theories and revelations on events in her own life, as well as spirituality, Doyle brings to light the oppressing factors that women deal with in society every day.

Doyle does a fantastic job creating a narrative around social stereotypes in young girls and women, highlighting the obstacles she herself, as well as her family, have had to endure. Discussing struggles in marriage, with self-doubt, personal image, and other issues she is able to preach on the importance of "knowing:" knowing who you are, trusting your knowing, etc. She did a phenomenal job connecting social paradigms with real life and was able to write a moral boosting book. It was an enjoyable experience listening to Glennon Doyle's passion as she narrated the audio version herself. For readers who enjoy light self-help with a focus on feminism, mixed with some spirituality and personal experiences.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens sees the long foretold coming of the Antichrist, which is a big problem, not just for all the people caught in the way of Armageddon, but for the angel Aziraphale, and the demon Crowley, Heaven and Hell’s representatives on the mortal plane. Both have grown rather accustomed to the comforts of the world, and, scheming together, they hatch a plot to stop the end of the world.

There’s a reason this novel makes so many lists of "must read" or, more appropriately, "must listen to" books. The writing in it is wonderful, with colorful characters, hilarious quips, and fantastic imaginings of apocalyptic entities. One would not think of the four horsemen as being fun or funny people, but these writers manage it somehow. It’s not terribly long, either, so, if you have an afternoon, give it a listen! It was also recently turned into an excellent TV miniseries by Amazon and the BBC.

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of an earl, plays servant to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. One night, Sophie sneaks out to attend a masquerade ball at the house of the Bridgertons, a wealthy, popular family within London society. When she meets Benedict Bridgerton, they quickly become enchanted with one another during the magical evening. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie disappears, leaving Benedict with no clue what she looks like or who she is.

After many seasons of tiresome London balls, Benedict is immediately captivated by Sophie’s charm and her mysterious demeanor. Determined to find her and vowing to marry no other, he searches all of London-- to no avail. When he begins to develop a romantic relationship with Sophie the maid, he struggles between his vow and knowing he can never actually marry a servant. Sophie, refusing to compromise her principles, struggles between keeping her identity a secret and avoiding her stepmother, who is determined to make her life miserable.

A retelling of Cinderella, Sophie and Benedict’s story is full of passion and longing making for an exciting and sympathetic tale. It is the third book and easily my favorite of the Bridgerton series, although it can also serve as a standalone Regency romance. The Bridgertons have also been adapted into a Netflix series with producer Shonda Rhimes. It is expected to launch sometime in 2020!

The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand

Clendenin Hughes was supposed to be Dabney’s one true love, but his dreams of exploring the world outside their Nantucket home compelled Dabney to let him go. Now over twenty years later, he's back, but Dabney has moved on with her life. She’s married, running the chamber of commerce, and seemingly happy with her days. What does his presence mean? Will she respond to his repeated attempts to meet up? And what about their daughter, Agnes, whom he never met? Will he now want to be a part of her life?

Elin Hilderbrand has written an emotionally stirring story that is hard to put down. Fans of Jodi Picoult or Mary Kay Andrews should give this one a try.

My Boyfriend is a Bear by Pamela Ribon

Nora is just like any other woman in her mid-twenties. She works a job she hates, hangs out with friends, and has been through more bad relationships than she can count. She perhaps finds her true love in the most unlikeliest of places: a literal 500 pound American black bear who, after scaring her in the woods, returns something she dropped. Kind, considerate, big, and fuzzy, she must convince her friends, family, and even herself, that this is more than just an extreme rebound: it’s true love.

Calling Ribon’s book an oddball comedy-romance would be doing it a serious disservice. Nora and “The Bear” (as he is always called) do normal couple things: get dressed up, go on dates, hang out with friends, go to parties etc. Their relationship has ups and downs, twists and turns, and doubts from both about the validity of their potential together. Except, The Bear is a bear. The book never tries to hide this fact, nor does anyone doubt what he is. Most of the comedy comes from the sheer absurdity of this as we watch The Bear get a job to support himself and Nora, but we also see him comfort Nora after her cat dies. There’s some real quality insight into not letting others opinions stop you from living your best life, and living life for yourself even if that means not being with the people you care about the most. If you can bear the odd imagery, this book is a fun little story with plenty of cute to satisfy.

Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan

Friends and Strangers tells the story of two women at a crossroads in their life. Sam, a senior at an all girls college, has signed on to babysit Elisabeth's baby, Gil, part-time. The women indulge in a quick friendship, relying on one another for honest insight as Sam prepares to adjust to a new more grown up life outside of college and Elisabeth adjusts to her new life in a small town. Both women, however, find themselves dealing with personal demons, elitism and privilege.

Sullivan's latest novel comes from the point of view of both women, telling a relatable coming-of-age story with decisions and situations from two separate points in a person's life. She does such a spectacular job drawing you into the lives of Sam and Elisabeth that you feel like you know them personally. I had a hard time letting go of this novel, so much so that I found myself up at all hours to finish it! An easy and insightful read, Sullivan fans will not be disappointed.

Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao

In Blood Heir, Zhao has created a fantastical world where people called Affinites have the ability to control the world around them. In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are considered to be dangerous, unnatural, and touched by demons. Ana, the crown princess, has the Affinity to control blood, which is a monstrous gift even to other Affinities. After her power is revealed as child, Ana is hidden away in the palace and the kingdom is told that she is ill. But when the emperor is killed and Ana is framed for his murder, she must flee her home and find the true murderer to clear her name. After nearly a year of searching, Ana grows desperate and goes to Ramson Quicktongue, one of the most corrupt and cunning crime lords in Cyrilia. However, Ramson may have met his match in Ana. As they unravel the secret to the conspiracy behind the emperor’s death they realize that it was a lot worse than they ever imagined.

Blood Heir is a fast read because you won’t want to put it down. Zhao has designed a world that is fascinating to read about, including the abilities of the Affinites and the way they are hated just because they are different, which mirrors our own world. The characters are ones you will come to both love and hate, with depths to their personalities. None are perfect, but the ones you’ll come to love  are learning and trying to make the world they live in a better place.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson

Bookshelves are awash with advice for those wishing to organize their living spaces.  Techniques vary from no-nonsense clutter-busting to thanking and discarding items that no longer spark joy.  Anyone who has had to clear out a relative's home will understand the practicality of the Swedish concept of death cleaning: the organizing of one's worldly goods before passing away.  The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning serves as a friendly guide to undertaking this admittedly gloomy-sounding project at any stage of life.

Making the book as much a memoir as motivation, Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson illustrates the process by describing her own death cleaning practices, including charming stories about her possessions.  Her eventual decision to sell a beloved family sailboat is somehow both sentimental and pragmatic.  She concludes that its value lay in happy memories, not in the physical object, which should go on to delight another family, rather than sit unused in storage.

A quick read, this is a warm and humorous approach to tidying that combines the life-changing magic of Marie Kondo with the cozy simplicity of Scandinavian hygge.