Kindred – A black woman from the 20th Century, who is married to a white man, is brought back in time to her slave-owning ancestor.  Butler uses science fiction to make us all wonder how could anyone be a slave.  An incredible read and certainly notable for this time although written in 2004.

The Book of Eating: Adventures in Professional Gluttony – Adam Platts first adventures as a kid in the global world of food to today.  He takes us through the history of dining from the 80s until now and how it is changed.  Definitely a worthy read as we start to think more about what is the future of hospitality going to look like.

Arbitrary Stupid Goal – A wonderful book that brings you back to the times when NYC was very different.  We kinda need to return.

Amazon – An incredible debut novel.  The story of a young woman exploring her life after losing her mother.  Set in Northern India with historical references to the religious issues that create havoc in that part of the world.  Great read.

A Burning – Debut novel about how the criminal system works in India.  Rising from the poor to the middle class.  Great read.  Expect more from Megha Majumdar.

A Small Town – Unclear how this ended up in my feed but I read it.  A serious page-turner about a jail break out and the aftermath.  Not sure I could recommend it as it is so counter-intuitive to what is happening on the streets right now.  I want to believe most people are not that awful.

American Dirt – We have all read the horrors of lives being destroyed in their own countries by gangs.  The book is definitely a page-turner but not sure how much research the writer did or how connected she is to this terrible situation.

Ask Again Yes – Perfect beach read.  Two families who live next door to each other.  How their lives intertwine, forever.

Long Bright River – A thriller around drugs and family.  Quick summer read.

Notes from A Black Chef – Great read.  Hungry, competitive, driven chef.  Seeing the hospitality restaurant world through his eyes is a worthy read.

Ordinary Girls: A Memoir – A very powerful memoir.  Jaquira is a survivor.  Many of her friends, who were just ordinary girls, were not.  She could have ended up in a very different place.  The title truly says it all.

Strung Out: One Last Hit and Other Lies That Nearly Killed Me – An incredible memoir on how addiction ravages you.