Reese Witherspoon Book Recommendations for 2024
January: First Lie Wins By Ashley Elston
Preorder from Booktopia for $26.96
February: Redwood Court by DéLana R. A. Dameron
In DéLana R. A. Dameron's poignant debut novel, Redwood Court, Mika Tabor, the youngest member of a Black working-class family in Columbia, South Carolina, learns the depth of her heritage and the resilience of her community.
Set against the backdrop of the all-Black cul-de-sac where her grandparents reside, Mika absorbs the rich tapestry of familial tales and neighbourhood struggles. From the tireless efforts of her parents juggling multiple jobs to her grandparents' triumph over the legacy of Jim Crow, Mika discovers the profound lessons woven into everyday life on Redwood Court.
With lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling, Dameron unveils the resilience born from adversity and the enduring spirit of a community determined to thrive despite societal barriers. Redwood Court is a stirring ode to the power of visibility and the enduring pursuit of the American dream amidst adversity.
Buy Redwood Court from Booktopia for $49.75
Buy Redwood Court from the Kindle Store for $16.91
March: Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
In 1985, Anita de Monte's tragic death captivated New York City, but by 1998, her name had faded into obscurity. Enter Raquel, a third-year art history student navigating the privileged world of College Hill where her status as a minority brings its own challenges.
When Raquel's romance with a well-connected older art student propels her into higher social circles, she uncovers Anita's forgotten story, paralleling her own struggles for recognition.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last delves into power, love, and art, challenging the elitist hierarchy and questioning who gets to leave a lasting legacy.
Buy Anita de Monte Laughs Last from the Kindle Store for $15.85
Preorder Anita de Monte Laughs from QBD for $34.39
March: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson's love story unfolds against the backdrop of the 1970s, blissfully unaware of the challenges that lie ahead. Fast-forward to 2016, and the couple finds themselves with four daughters, each navigating her own tumultuous path.
Wendy, having been widowed at a young age, seeks solace in alcohol and relationships with younger men. Violet, once a successful litigator, grapples with anxiety and self-doubt as a stay-at-home mom. Liza, a neurotic and recently tenured professor, faces an unexpected pregnancy with ambivalence towards both the baby and its father. Meanwhile, Grace, the youngest, harbours a secret that remains hidden from her family.
The family's dynamics take a significant turn with the sudden appearance of Jonah Bendt, a child given up for adoption by one of the daughters fifteen years prior. This unexpected reunion forces the Sorensons to confront the complexities of their shared history, filled with teenage rebellion, marital infidelity, and lingering resentments. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, they discover moments of profound joy that reaffirm the enduring bonds of family.
Buy The Most Fun We Ever Had from Amazon for $12.99
Buy The Most Fun We Ever Had from Booktopia for $37.25