What I've Been Reading Lately: August and early September

I have read 21 books so far this year and am getting closer to my goal of 31 for 2017. I need to fit in a few shorter books to make that happen or stay off my smart phone more!

Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy Skin by Adina Grigore

I have suffered from hormonal cystic acne since my early 20's and like most people with my condition, I am always looking for a quick solution! It turns out there isn't one and the author of this book presents that in an accessible and smart way. It really does come down to diet and proper cleansing.

Author Adina Grigore is a holistic health coach and owner of the skincare line S.W. Basics. She offers great advice, recipes, and basically presents the idea that less is more when it comes to taking care of our largest organ. I highly recommend this book and once I finish up some products, I would also love to check out her fabulous sounding skincare line.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

I joined a new book club and this was our first selection. While I enjoyed the book, I would not have continued reading it if I didn't have the obligation to finish for a book club. I like that joining a club gives me the external obligation I sometimes need to read something outside the norm.

I enjoy historical fiction, so the idea of a story set in World War II appealed to me. While I thought the book was well-written and I liked it, I thought it could have been about 200 pages shorter! I became immersed in the characters though and the story read quickly as a result.

I had heard of author Kate Morton prior to reading this and it looks like she has a pretty good following. Perhaps I will pick up another title of hers in the future.

I can't wait to see what my book club picks next! It's fun being a part of one again.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

Evicted is one of the best non-fiction books I have read this year. It tells the true stories of six Milwaukee families living in poverty and their two landlords. Milwaukee is one of the most segregated cities in America and my hometown. Harvard sociologist Matthew Desmond immersed himself in his research in 2008-09 by living among the families and experiencing their plight. Because of this, he did an amazing job telling both sides of the tenant and landlord story.

I am sad that my hometown is not able to offer better living situations and jobs for those in poverty. Some of the depictions of the roaches, dirty living conditions, eviction processes, and more made me so angry.

Evicted appeared on many bestseller lists last year and it won the Pulitzer Prize. I'm sure you've seen the cover advertised at your local bookstore or library. I think this book is perfect for book club discussions.

Please consider reading this soon. You won't regret it.

Disclosure: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.