August 2024 - Kitchen is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of food. The novel beautifully intertwines the themes of grief and personal growth, making it a poignant and relatable read. Yoshimoto's poetic prose and unique characters offer a refreshing perspective on everyday life and the strength found in human connections. This novel is not just a story, but an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. [Song: Serendipity] 

September 2024 - Burial Rites is a special book in my family as the story is based on a young woman in Iceland a few centuries back who falls in love with a young pastor, who happens to be one of my ancestors, and who carries the same name as my father! I love this book as the visual journey is fantastic and it takes me on a journey through my heritage and country. It's also the most compelling story! [Song: Promise] 

October 2024 - Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell is a historical novel set in 16th-century England, focusing on the life of William Shakespeare’s family, particularly his wife, Agnes, and their children. The story revolves around the death of their son Hamnet, who succumbs to the plague at age 11, and explores the emotional toll it takes on the family. The novel also delves into themes of grief, love, and the fragility of life, while providing a vivid, intimate portrayal of Elizabethan life. This novel is brilliant, can’t wait to see what you all think 🤍✨

November 2024 - Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up in 19th-century New England. The story explores their individual personalities, dreams, and struggles, highlighting themes of family, love, and personal growth. As they face societal expectations and personal hardships, each sister learns important lessons about ambition, sacrifice, and the bonds of sisterhood. The novel captures the essence of womanhood and the pursuit of happiness in a changing world. Enjoy xx

December 2024 - We’re excited to announce that The Gift Of Magi by O. Henry is our December Laufey Book Club pick 🤍 In the spirit of the holidays and spending time with our loved ones, we will not be holding a December book club meeting at the end of this month - however, we encourage you all to discuss the short story as much as you’d like throughout the month in the book club channel of Laufey Land discord server 💌 Thank you all for a wonderful year of reading, thoughtful discussion, and community ✨

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during the Goddess tour. - Persuasion tells a story of kindred spirits, second chances, and the limits to love posed by regency-era social rankings. The language and words that Jane Austen uses are a treat for the brain — I find that l can pour over them for hours. Despite the fact that it was written in 1817, the narrative is exceedingly modern and relevant for today. I highly recommend this book for anybody who wishes to whisk themselves away to the English countryside on a chilly autumn day. [Song: Let You Break My Heart Again] 

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during the Goddess tour. - Slouching Toward Bethlehem is my favorite DIdion book. The title is derived from a poem by William Yeats, and it is a phrase used to describe the slow coming of an apocalyptic revelation, which will forever change the world. While the phrase sounds quite heavy, I found the book to be comforting, and Didion's voice served as a tether of sorts while I adjusted to my life after moving alone to Los Angeles. [Song: California and Me] 

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during the Goddess tour. - The Dud Avocado is about a girl named Sally Jay Gorce. She's a young American woman living in Paris after graduating college, and she is on a mission to make the most of her time there. She parties, falls in love, and goes about her Parisian escapades in a way that allows you to live vicariously through her. This is a glamorous and humorous book that I recommend for anyone who would like to experience Paris in the 50s, sipping a cocktail and wearing a ballgown. [Song: From the Start]

This book (specifically "Any Moomins Children's Book by Tove Jansson") was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during A Very Laufey Day 2024.  - The Moomins are a staple in an Icelandic child's bookcase. Written and illustrated by Tove Jansson, one of Finland's greatest writers and artists, the Moomins have been somewhat of a guiding light throughout my adulthood. I had Moomin mugs in my college dorm and when I need to calm down while on tour, I periodically watch some of the video clips available online. The Moomin world and creatures are witty, cute, and unserious while maintaining status as true art — the types of qualities that many nordic people and exports tend to possess. [Song: Like the Movies]

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during A Very Laufey Day 2024. - Cleopatra and Frankenstein follows the whirlwind romance between Cleo, a young British artist, and Frank, an older, successful American businessman, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Their impulsive marriage drastically alters the trajectory of their lives, intertwining their fates with a colorful cast of characters, including friends, family, and ex-lovers. The story delves into themes of love, identity, and the search for meaning, exploring how unexpected connections can lead to personal transformations. As Cleo and Frank navigate the complexities of their relationship, they uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other. [Song: Goddess]

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during A Very Laufey Day 2024. - The Shards is a gripping thriller set in 1980s Los Angeles, capturing the city's dark allure and complex social dynamics. I 11ve in LA, and the book offers a fun and immersive experience, filled with vivid descriptions of familiar locales and the city's unique atmosphere. The blend of mystery, suspense, and rich character development draws readers into a chilling narrative that echoes the city's real-life blend of glamour and grit, making it a captivating read. It's not too scary but satisfies that itch for something that leaves you on the edge of your seat. [Song: California and Me]

This book was sold at the Laufey Book Club pop ups at bookstores during A Very Laufey Day 2024. - The Joy Luck Club, a novel by Amy Tan, explores the complex relationships between Chinese-American daughters and their immigrant mothers. This story resonates deeply as it delves into themes of cultural identity, generational conflicts, and the blending of traditions - something I dealt with growing up as a half Chinese girl in the West. The characters' struggles with balancing their Chinese heritage with American values mirror the personal journey of finding one's place between two cultures The emotional depth and authenticity in their experiences offer a relatable reflection of the challenges faced in navigating dual identities. [Song: Above the Chinese Restaurant]