I didn’t quite have the same level of success with these books as I did in last week’s What I’m Reading post (three 5-star reads!), but this one was a recommendation trifecta, as I read each one based on the recommendation of others!
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales (★★★☆☆ 1/2)
Audiobook • Libby • Mystery • 2023
Short synopsis: When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, a young lady takes on the decidedly improper role of detective in this action-packed debut comedy of manners and murder.
This historical mystery had so much potential, and, while it didn’t fully deliver, it still worked as a fun palate cleanser. One of my favorite mystery tropes is the locked-room mystery. In this novel, that location was a ball that took place during a snowstorm, effectively trapping everyone inside while they tried to figure out the “whodunit.” The satirical tone, feisty heroine, and roguish detective give the story plenty of charm, and I loved the chemistry between Beatrice and Drake. That said, the large cast was difficult to track (especially on audio), and the mystery became a bit convoluted by the end. It definitely read like a debut in that respect. Still, I had a great time listening and was excited to find out there’s a sequel. (Recommendation source: Meredith from Currently Reading)
Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (★★★☆☆ 1/2)
E-Book • Libby • Historical Fiction • 2025
Short synopsis: Amid the turmoil of 1968 Buffalo, six teenage girls—condemned for being gay, pregnant, rebellious, or simply inconvenient—are confined to the secretive Good Shepherd institution, where forced labor, abuse, and moral hypocrisy test their endurance, loyalty, and will to survive.
This could have been a five-star read if not for the final 100 pages. The first 75% is absolutely gripping—visceral, heartbreaking, and rooted in an important history that deserved to be told. It was hard to read about the abuses the girls suffered, of course, but their resilience and the bonds they forged feel raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, the extended present-day storyline didn’t land the same way. While I appreciate the idea of these women reconnecting and reclaiming their power in their seventies, it went on far too long and began to feel overly tidy and sentimental, smoothing over the complexity that made the earlier chapters so compelling. (I was also kinda annoyed that the only girl from their cohort who did not end up married or in a serious relationship is the one who died tragically. Tell us how you really feel about single people, Susan Wiggs!) I still wholeheartedly recommend it for the historical narrative alone, but I don’t think there’s any reason to keep reading once the present-day timeline starts. (Recommendation source: Kyria)
You Are Not a Before Picture by Alex Light (★★★☆☆)
Audiobook • Spotify • Nonfiction • 2022
Short synopsis: An empowering guide to disavowing diet culture and learning to make peace with our bodies, from body confidence and anti-diet advocate, Alex Light.
This book has earned so many rave reviews, and while it didn’t hit me in a groundbreaking way, I can absolutely see why it resonates. I suspect that if I had picked it up earlier in my own diet culture unlearning, it might have been life-changing. For me, much of the content wasn’t new, as I’ve been reading and listening to many of the experts Light references for nearly a decade now, but that doesn’t diminish its value. What I appreciated most is that Light doesn’t position herself as having all the answers. She’s honest about how hard it is to unlearn diet culture and how imperfect that process can be. Her writing is engaging and accessible, and I’d recommend this to anyone at the beginning of their journey who’s looking for a thoughtful, compassionate place to start. (Recommendation source: Elisabeth)
What are you reading?
I agree re Wayward Girls! They could have just cut it off when they were no longer in the institution. It did feel a bit wrapped up with a bow at the end. I find the historical part fascinating and disgusting, and enjoyed learning more about it! I haven’t read with of your other reads…
I currently just read a few interesting books. The Moor’s Account was a tale of the exploration of the Americas, as told from the POV of an African slave who is brought with the Spanish exposition. It goes into meeting with the natives and talks about the Spanish looking for gold and making slaves out of many of the native people. It is also a disturbing part of history, but also fascinating at the same time.
I’m glad you felt the same way about Wayward Girls. She was just working WAY too hard to tie everything in a neat bow when that’s not the way life works, and especially for people who have gone through massive trauma like those women! Oh well – MOST of the book was excellent.
The Moor’s Account sounds harrowing – I’m probably not in the right place to read a book like that, but I’m glad it worked for you.
I can’t remember any specifics from the “before picture” book, but I do remember enjoying it and I just checked Goodreads and see I rated it 4 stars. I read it before I started writing reviews of each book I read, and it irks me to not be able to get a bit more context for what I thought!!!
Don’t you hate when you can’t remember WHY you rated a book the way you did? I do the same thing, and then I’m like, “Wait. Why did I give this book 4 stars?!” I totally get it!
I also had high hopes for A Most Agreeable Murder that didn’t pan out. It had potential though- you’ll have to read the sequel and tell me if it’s better!
I just finished Project Hail Mary, which was one of the books I bought in St. Pete- it was good!!!
I’ll let you know how the sequel is!
I’m so happy you loved Project Hail Mary! Rocky is an all-time fave.
It is hard to unlearn diet culture, but I feel like this book might be a bit “old news” for me. I heard the first author interviewed on a podcast…when? I have no idea. I just remember the title. Wow, this comment is scintillating.
I am reading The Latecomer and I love it SO much. It’s a chonker of a book, but worth every page.
I don’t think you need to read You Are Not a Before Picture! It’s definitely a book for people very new to the anti-diet culture movement. If I had read it 10 years ago, I think I would have loved it a lot more.
I haven’t read many books about diet culture so this one might be a good starting place for me. Dang it is hard to unlearn diet culture!
I haven’t heard of the other 2 books and will not be checking them out! I finally finished a 5 star fiction book – “So Old, So Young.” Woo hoo! Now I’m reading “Hazel Says No.” I also started a physical copy of “Audition.” That got such mixed reviews so I will be curious to see what I think.
I think Wayward Girls could be up your alley, but I just wish more than anything she hadn’t included such a long epilogue. Gah!
I would definitely recommend You Are Not a Before Picture! It is helpful to understand why diet culture is so insidious and how to combat it.
The title ‘You Are Not a Before Picture’ is such a good title, right? I am reading The Book of Names and it is right up my alley. I’m really enjoying it. I read School of Essential Ingredients and it fell flat for me. Lots of snippets into the lives of different people attending a cooking class. Blah. I was overdue for a good book.
Such a great title!
I’m glad you are finally reading something you’re enjoying!