3 books again this month — very proud of myself!
The first was my book club pick - The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. A character‑driven sci‑fi story that leans hard into themes of prejudice, injustice, and chosen family. I loved the Wayfarer crew — they’re diverse, warm, and genuinely interesting, with a lot of consideration of how different species and cultures learn to understand one other. That said, it fell a bit short for me. While the characters have depth, the overall story didn’t pull me in as much as I expected, and I found myself wanting a bit more drive behind the big ideas it raises.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is another "space" book but extremely different than Angry Planet. This is my eighth Reid book and definitely in the top 4 of those (the others are Seven Husbands, Carrie Soto and Daisy Jones). This has a dual timeline, following Joan Goodwin and her quest to be one of the few humans to fly into space aboard the space shuttle and a present-day crisis. I loved the strong “girl power” vibe and the relationships — friendships, mentorships, and complicated bonds that shape Joan’s life. I don't want to give too much away, but one of those relationships is with a fellow astronaut and how they navigate their work and society's expectations.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is such a beautiful story, it will most definitely be in my top 5 for the year. What I loved most was the sense that something larger was always at work. Again, the relationships are a standout. They’re tender, complicated, and full of quiet truths. And Theo’s instinct to see the best in people — even when it’s risky or naïve — makes him incredibly endearing. Overall, a rich, heartfelt novel that blends charm, purpose, and a touch of the mystical — a story about second chances and the courage to rewrite your own legacy. The narration is delightful - warm, immersive and a little magical.
