Some of my favorite books end up being ones that are bittersweet, that capture a sense of nostalgia, gratitude, and longing all rolled into one. Here are a few recent reads that have reminded me of that Kacey Musgraves song — happy and sad at the same time.
Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith is a very short novel (a little over 100 pages) following one day in the life of a twenty-something woman who loves ephemera and all things old and secondhand. This book is filled with longing and small moments of courage, connection, and loss. The writing is beautiful and captivating in a way that could be read in one sitting if you have the time. A word of warning, though: you will have the urge to go thrift shopping after reading this.
I’d heard so much about Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors, and I’m so glad I finally borrowed the ebook from the library. This book was a bit tough to get into at first, but by the second half I was completely invested in these four sisters and their relationships with each other, their past, grief, addiction, and the hope of recovery. I wasn’t expecting this book to be so touching in the end — definitely one to read if you want something to tug on your heartstrings!
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery absolutely wrecked me. It’s bittersweet right from the start — in part narrated by a girl who has decided to end her life on her thirteenth birthday unless life shows her it is worth living, in part by a concierge who hides her expansive love of art and literature and philosophy from the building’s residents, except for one. But the ending. Such a poignant, heart-breaking, beautiful read.
What have you read lately? I’d love to know.
Take care xx
nut free nerd 
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