What I Read in February
📍 Greenwich, Connecticut
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I made a goal of reading 24 books in 2024 (AKA 2 books per month). Although having a reading goal has become an annual tradition, I always lose major steam in the summertime. This year, I’m sticking to it! In February, I was able to keep working towards my goal with these 6 incredible books I devoured. Oh, the perks of getting a library card! I feel empowered and unstoppable in the book department. To help you reach your own reading goals this year, here’s what I read in February.
The After Party
One of the first reviews I read about The After Party was “A vintage version of Gossip Girl.” If that’s not enough for me to pick up a book, then I don’t know what is. This novel takes place in the landscape of high society in Houston, Texas, in the 1950s. We follow the main character, Cece, as she seemingly chaperones her longtime best friend, Joan. Joan is the darling of the social circuit, but her increasingly risky behavior becomes too much for their friendship to handle.
Under the Influence
After reading Cultish last month, I could not put this book down. In fact, I finished Under the Influence in a day! I personally have a few problems with life gurus and the blind adoration for people we find on social media. Still, I was intrigued as Harper navigated through the cult-like pieces of her new company. The book really begs the question, “Where is the line between inspiration and toxicity?”
Deliberate Cruelty
Are you a lover of true crime stories? Have you been fixated on Feud: Capotes Vs. The Swans? If you answered yes to both questions, then you should definitely read Deliberate Cruelty. It shares the very real story of Ann Woodward, the New York City socialite who killed her husband in 1955. The book also sets the scene for Truman Capote, explaining why he was invested in this story and how it led to his tell-all book, Answered Prayers. This biography reads more like a novel, keeping me hooked on every page.
The Barbizon
There’s something about 1960s New York City that I will always be endlessly fascinated by. It was a time of great and meaningful change in our country that helped us move toward equality. On a more superficial level, the fashion was just incredible! The Barbizon was a hotel on the pristine streets of the Upper East Side that helped facilitate some of those changes for women. It’s where independent women could come to the city and begin their careers. Some well-known women actually got their start there, including Grace Kelly, Betsey Johnson, and Liza Minnelli. The Barbizon also served as inspiration for Sylvia Plath’s acclaimed book, The Bell Jar, a book I hope to read soon.
Kingdom of Prep
I feel like I’m way behind on reading this book, but better late than never! It’s no secret that I’m a big J. Crew fan. About 80% of my closet is dedicated to the label. The Kingdom of Prep gives a history lesson on the iconic American brand. Let’s just say that its origins probably don’t match what you’re expecting. Better still, this book serves as a time machine into the different iterations and styles that J. Crew specialized in. If anyone remembers the bubble necklaces of the early 2010s, then you know exactly what I mean!
Lady Killers
I’ve wanted to read Lady Killers by Tori Telfer since I read her book Confident Women. Again, this is another great pick for anyone who loves true crime stories and documentaries. Meet and get to know over a dozen murdering women throughout history, along with their motives and preferred methods. Each murderess is contained in her own chapter, so you’ll fly through this witty and incredibly intriguing book.
I just started Girly Drinks by Mallory O’Meara, which uncovers the history of women and alcohol. I’m only on the first chapter, but I absolutely love it! I also have a few fun historical fiction novels on Hold at the library that I can’t wait to dive into. Before I get ahead of myself, you can expect a mini-review in my next issue of What I Read. Until then, happy reading!
Love from Connecticut,
Katie
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