Hey friends! 👋
Guess what? A brand new month is here, and that means a fresh stack of books is waiting for us! I have to be honest—this month’s picks are packed with some serious Sad Girl Summer vibes. 😅 Somehow, I ended up choosing three deeply emotional and soul-stirring books, and I’m super excited because I’ve never read any of them before! And can you believe it? Two of them are non-fiction, which is a big deal for me since I usually hang out in Fiction Land.
But hey, sometimes we all need a good cry, a heartfelt story, and a little reminder that we’re all just humans figuring things out as we go. So if you’re up for some powerful reads, raw emotions, and great conversations, you’re in the perfect spot!
Here’s what we’ll be diving into together this month:
💔 To Selena, With Love by Chris Pérez
Get ready to dive into an incredibly emotional memoir by Chris Pérez, the husband of the iconic Selena Quintanilla! This book opens a heartfelt window into their relationship, sharing their beautiful love story and the profound heartbreak that followed her tragic passing. It’s a deeply personal account, and let me tell you, I’ve heard it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Selena was one of a kind, and I still feel the impact of her music and the legacy she could have created.
Why I picked this book:
- I’ve always looked up to Selena, but experiencing her story through Chris’s eyes is something entirely new.
- I’m bracing myself for some serious tears—like, a lot!
- It promises to be a love letter filled with raw emotion and a journey of grief that’s both beautiful and painful.
- Plus, I’ve heard it answers all those burning questions, like, “Did they ever argue? What were the fights about? And did Chris really like Yolanda?” Can’t wait to find out!
🕯 For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jaysea Lynn
Prepare yourself for an emotional journey that’s anything but ordinary! This isn’t the classic Hemingway tale you’re expecting—no 1940s war scenes here! Instead, dive into a modern exploration of grief, memory, and profound personal transformation. I’ve heard that the characters are so incredibly rich and lifelike that it’s like spending time with your closest friends. And with most of the TikTok series under my belt, I’m already invested in their stories, which means it’s going to hit hard!
Why is this making the list?
- It perfectly captures the essence of love and loss.
- I’m clearly ready to experience every single emotion!
Remember—it’s Sad Girl Summer! Get ready to feel all the feels! 😭✨
🎹 Three Pianos by Andrew McMahon
I’m thrilled to share my second non-fiction pick of the month (what’s happening to me??)! This incredible memoir dives into the world of music, identity, illness, and healing. If you’re not familiar with Andrew McMahon, he’s the brilliant mind behind Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Even if you haven’t heard his music, this memoir stands strong all on its own!
As a fan since 2005, I’ve connected deeply with his music and lyrics, finding so much personal healing through them over the years. This book is likely to bring on the tears, especially since it covers his battle with leukemia—my second cancer-themed book of the month! (Minor spoiler alert for *For Whom the Bell Tolls*!)
Why my excitement is mixed with a little fear:
- It beautifully blends creativity with survival and self-discovery.
- It’s raw and reflective—one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve read it.
- Sure, it might tug at the heartstrings, but I believe this kind of sadness can ignite inspiration!
I can’t wait to dive into these powerful narratives!
I’m really excited that I was able to find “Selena with Love” and “Three Pianos” in physical copies at my local Barnes & Noble! I couldn’t track down “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” but no worries—I managed to grab it on Amazon. I’m trying to cut back on using Amazon for books since I love supporting local stores. And barnes and noble is nowhere near a small and local store but it is a physical store and sometimes it’s just so convenient! By the way, I also stumbled upon a fun book called “Gays on Broadway,” which is perfect for Pride Month!
🗣 Let’s Feel Things Together (or Not, No Pressure 😌)
I’m sharing the books I’ll be reading this month in case you want to join me on this emotional journey! If any of these titles appeal to you, feel free to read along or save them for later when you’re in your own “Sad Girl” era.
I’ll likely post some thoughts, quotes, or random memes as I go (because balance!). It’s all about the vibes, tissues, and maybe a cozy drink or two.
Here’s to a “Sad Girl Summer” filled with emotions, good stories, and that strangely comforting kind of sadness we sometimes need to embrace.
Feel free to read with me—or just watch my spiral. Either way, I’m glad you’re here! 💛📖
