If your fall plans include a stack of cozy books, a cup of something warm and getting lost in your moody, melancholy thoughts while journaling curled up in a book nook. You are my twin soul. Let’s talk about some delicious reflective cozy books that are worthy additions to your TBR.
Cozy Books But Make Them Historical
Name a better match than a Historical Fiction book and a chilly fall day? I’ll wait. But seriously what is it about the Historical Fiction genre and this time of year that brings such nerdish delight? Here are a few that are delicious cozy reads.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
I will not stop recommending this book. It’s a magnificent combination of generational trauma, Black American history, and the resilience of a family to endure the trial and tribulations of life despite what comes against them. The strong character development, and use of a family heirloom as a powerful motif representing the tradition of oral storytelling and how resilience can be passed down through generations the same as trauma. Lovers of character driven, multi-pov stories will enjoy this one. Check out my Review Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
This coming of age story of sixteen year old Junie enslaved at Bellereine Plantation in Alabama as she grapples with uncertainty regarding her future and the consuming grief over the loss of her older sister Minnie finds herself on a journey of self-discovery after accidentally awakening her sister’s spirit. An emotional and thoughtful look into what it must’ve felt like to grow into adulthood as a young enslaved Black woman with zero autonomy and promise of ever acquiring it. An ideal book for those that don’t mind reading about Black American history during slavery you’re rewarded with an emotional read. View on Amazon
Dark Thrillers With An Edge
Can thrillers be considered? If not I’d like to sign a petition to include them in the cozy chat. And these thrillers have delivered on the dark suspense while also providing a thought provoking reading experience.
Velvet was the Night by Silvia Moreno Garcia
This delicious noir set in 1970’s Mexico City when the political climate was spicy. Maite finds herself caught in a game of cat and mouse after a simple favor to pet sit her neighbor Lenore’s cat goes wrong. She becomes a person of interest in the hunt for a se of film with incriminating photos. She’s being traced by lackey Elvis who’s becoming disillusioned with his job with both finding out not all is as it seems. I enjoyed the themes of this novel with both Maite and Elvis struggling as misfits in a world and society that balances on the brink of destruction. Their coping mechanisms and flaws lead them into some very interesting situations challenging their worldview and self-identity. Great for readers who enjoy a gritty thriller with political overtones, action, twists, and suspicious shady characters. Check out my Velvet Was The Night Book Review Silvia Moreno Garcia’s Deliciously Dark Noir
The Nigerwife (The Lagos Wife) by Vanessa Walters
This novel explores the lush, high-life of the wealthy and elite in Lagos, Nigeria where a group of women known as The Nigerwives have formed a community to support non-Nigerian women transition to the life and realities of being married to wealthy Nigerian men. While Nicole Oruwari lives a seemingly perfect life Claudine is shocked to discover the secrets that were hiding underneath the surface when her niece disappears and there is little being done to find her. There are themes regarding cultural identity, past trauma, and how the heavy burdens of family secrets can erode relationships. A delicious novel for those that enjoy exploring the lifestyles of the wealthy and elite and the shocking secrets they cover and hide while providing insightful commentary on cultural identity and the cost of losing oneself to their partner, and the oppression of misogyny and sexism. View on Amazon
Gothic Horror but Make It Mean Something
While not necessarily cozy the atmospheric vibes and exquisite lyrical prose makes it a pleasure to annotate and read these book recommendations.
Salt Bones by Jennifer Givhan
A powerful exploration of generational trauma and the secrets we hide from ourselves and each other. Mal is still haunted by her younger sister’s Elena’s disappearance and feels responsible and endures the blame her mother heaps on her. But, when a local girl goes missing Mal’s wounds are reopened as she becomes desperate to prevent this from happening again. Steeped in magical realism and Mexican folklore we follow a dedicated mother who’s hellbent on protecting her daughters and the young girls of her community from the evil that lurks underneath the town’s dark underbelly. This is an atmospheric ride that makes you feel the character’s dizzying reality as you scramble to put the pieces together to a heartbreaking ending. Perfect for readers that want to dive into the topic regarding the disregard Black and Brown women and young girls experience when they’re missing. Check out my reading vlog for this book!
The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas
A phenomenal book where Cañas writes about Alba Diaz a young woman desperate to flee from marrying a ruthless man that will use her for her body as her freedom and autonomy becomes his possession and enters into an arrangement with her childhood friend Carlos to marry. But after a plague forces them to flee to the small mine he owns Alba becomes possessed by a demon and her only salvation is Elías the family outcast she shares a growing attraction with. Cañas does it yet again and pens a lyrical odyssey full of longing, pining, a strong determined woman fighting for control of her life and body. You’ll appreciate this if you enjoy challenging traditional thoughts and ideas about class, status, bodily autonomy and spend your time thinking of ways to overthrow the patriarchy. View on Amazon
Contemporary Musings
Let’s round things off with some literary, contemporary reads that encourage reflection and thoughtful journaling that’s the perfect end to a cozy fall day.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
A touching novel that explores the frailties of newlywed couple Roy and Celestial when after a false conviction Roy is imprisoned for twelve years putting their marriage under a pressure cooker as they navigate a new reality and future that neither imagined. This was a poetic and visceral read that showed the raw innards of America’s justice and prison system. As well as the small cuts that can tear apart a marriage and the realities of Black love. An enthralling and heartbreaking read that will challenge your perspectives and viewpoints on love, marriage, and self-actualization. Ideal for readers that enjoy stories full of moral ambiguities and flawed characters doing their best with the circumstances they’ve been dealt. Check out my Review: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
Set in Southeastern Nigeria a mother discovers her son’s body wrapped at her doorstep plunging the family into the depths of grief and despair as they work to try to uncover the truth behind his untimely death. A bold novel with an ambitious structure told through the eyes of Vivek’s close friends and family. Emezi does a terrific job exploring identity and the fluidity of gender and sexuality and how the most beautiful gift is to allow others to embrace their truth. Another great pick for those that want to learn more about gender identity and family bonds. View on Amazon
What Are Your Faves?
Share some of your favorite books that you enjoy within this season I can’t wait to see what you recommend!
Books-Giving Giveaway
This past week I launched my Books-Giving series where I’m sharing gratitude and appreciation for the books that touched my heart and soul over the past year. As part of the celebration I’m hosting my first ever giveaway where participants can win the Deluxe Limited Editions of Immortal Dark and Eternal Ruin by Tigest Girma. To enter you can subscribe to my newsletter, Turning Pages, which counts as one (1) entry. Bonus opportunities for additional entries are available to increase your odds of winning. To find out more information about the giveaway and to enter click here. I hope you join me in this celebration. See you soon and happy reading!
