Today I'm sharing the best book I read in November.
Of the 11 books I read this month, I had four 5-star reads:
She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs by Sarah Smarsh
It Takes Two to Tumble by Cat Sebastian
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
So many great reads this month! One was a reread, and while I super enjoyed both queer romances, I'm going to give this month's crown to the one that took me by surprise with how well done it was.
I really, really enjoyed
She Come By It Natural, more than I expected. Originally published as a series of articles, this book (narrated on audio by the author) is not just a review of the life, career, and music of Dolly Parton but also an exploration of how these things speak to broader historical trends in women's rights, country music, and culture more broadly. Smarsh weaves in the life stories of her grandmother, her mother, and herself to compare and contrast with Parton, but — as you would expect from magazine writing — all of it is done concisely, with a light touch, so it doesn't become a full-fledged memoir or biography, even of Parton herself. She displays a balanced appreciation for Parton that doesn't shy away from critiquing Parton's more cringeworthy moments. Whether or not you agree with Parton's decisions — about her appearance, her career, and her music — you will understand them better, and what they can convey about the lives of other women who don't have Parton's platform, after reading this book.
What is the best book you read this month? Let me know in comments, or write your own post and link up below!
Looking back:
One year ago I was reading:
Hazeldine: Volume One,
The Bad Guys in The One?!,
The Haunting of Hill House, and
True Biz
Five years ago I was reading:
The Next Evangelicalism,
Airships, and
Demon Lord of Karanda
Ten years ago I was reading:
Like Water for Chocolate,
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and
Dreams of Joy
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