My original goal was to read 60 books in 2018. I upped the number to 70 this summer. I’m currently in the midst of book 74 (The Witch Elm by Tana French). Amazing what you do when you long to escape, well, 2018.

Other 2018 goals: replace an old chair (check), revise Rock & Roll Loudmouth (ha!), paying off credit card (check), and write a short story (haha!).

In honor of reaching this reading goal, here’s some books to read when you’re in the mood for. . .

Smarts, music, and heartache — My Own Devices by Dessa. Memoir/essays by the Minnesota rapper/smarty pants. This book was so charming it even got me to come around on her coyness about naming her ex.

Cute, slightly naughty fun — Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal. These old ladies are dirty. It’s hot, funny, and sweet.

Messed up families & a riveting POV — Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage. I wish more people would read this so I had more people to say, “Wasn’t that so messed up?” with.

Super-original tale of late-stage capitalism and zombies – Severance by Ling Ma. It’s impossible to overstate how much I loathe zombies. And yet. . . this one is brilliant. I don’t throw that word around lightly.