I have so many books lined up in my queue on the Libby app right now. It’s easily the most books I’ve had checked out at once, and for some reason, it’s stressing me out. I was on a nice audiobook kick, but most of my current selection is comprised of e-books. (Is e-books what we call them? Digital books? Why do I sound like a total novice?)

It’s harder right now to find the time to read and make a dent in the books I have checked out. But I am determined. In the Libby app, a bouquet emoji appears on the screen when you return a book back to the library. I recently discovered that if you tap the bouquet, the flowers start dispersing all over the screen. I find it oddly exhilarating. Yes, I’m at a stage in life where tapping on one-dimensional flowers brings an ample amount of excitement. Riveting stuff.

Here’s what I read and loved lately:

Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Giuffre

Blurb: The world knows Virginia Roberts Giuffre as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s most outspoken victim: the woman whose decision to speak out helped send both serial abusers to prison, whose photograph with Prince Andrew catalyzed his fall from grace. But her story has never been told in full, in her own words—until now.

In April 2025, Giuffre took her own life. She left behind a memoir written in the years preceding her death and stated unequivocally that she wanted it published. Nobody’s Girl is the riveting and powerful story of an ordinary girl who would grow up to confront extraordinary adversity.

My thoughts: Such a powerful and heartbreaking read. The beginning of the book is where Virginia recounts her childhood, and it was incredibly challenging to get through. I thought I’d have to give up on the book because it was so disturbing, but knowing this was a tough topic, Virginia pauses to share some sweet moments with her children. I found the book easier to read as it went on, and I’m even more impressed with all the advocacy Virginia did over the years to fight for herself and other victims.

They All Came To Barneys by Gene Pressman

Blurb: During the greatest, most exciting years in the world’s greatest, most exciting city, Barneys New York was a place where fashion made culture and made history.

In They All Came to Barneys, Gene Pressman tells his story for the first time, capturing the unprecedented rise and unimaginable fall of his family’s multimillion-dollar fashion retail empire as only he can: from the inside.

My thoughts: I always love learning how a successful business comes to be. Add in any fashion element, and I’m in! I’ve read about the iconic history of Barneys, but never got to experience it myself. I love a memoir, and thought it would be a fun read. It was interesting to learn about how the store came to be and its exponential growth over the decades. It did feel arrogant and pretentious at times, but you can draw parallels between that attitude and perhaps why the store folded and is sadly no longer around.

We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay by Gary Janetti

Blurb: In this hilarious and often touching collection of funny travel essays, the author, television writer, and producer takes us with him on travels across the globe.

Gary Janetti has gained a devoted following, with a huge audience on social media, and two bestselling collections of essays under his belt. His new collection will prompt laughter but also delighted recognition as Janetti tackles the absurdity and glory of travel.

My thoughts: This was a fun, easy read. I like essays because it feels like you get more stories packed into one book. And they’re easy to digest. They’re short and sweet. I enjoyed Gary’s travel adventures and his sharp, sarcastic writing style. There were moments of humor and also touching stories. I enjoyed learning how he and his husband Brad met each other by chance in Mykonos. As someone who was a loyal The Rachel Zoe Project watcher, I’ve always been a fan of Brad Goreski.

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

Blurb: An insanely competitive housing market. A desperate buyer on the edge. In Marisa Kashino’s darkly humorous debut novel, Best Offer Wins, the white picket fence becomes the ultimate symbol of success—and obsession. How far would you go for the house of your dreams?

My thoughts: I loved this book! As a former realtor and someone who comedically writes about my experience in the real estate biz, I was instantly intrigued. I don’t read a ton of fiction, but I had a feeling this would be fun, and it was! I could totally relate to the main character regarding the perils of not only finding your dream home, but getting the winning offer. It took me back to 2020 and the following years when the market was pure chaos, and a new listing could have 30 offers by sunset. Margo, the main character, isn’t super likable, but the story was compelling.

Just when I thought I knew what was coming next, something unexpected happened. I liked being kept on my toes, especially later in the book. Best Offer Wins is also being adapted for TV, so I’m excited for that!

Shop the books

You can shop for the books I mentioned by clicking on the images below or by clicking here. I also included books I’ve read and enjoyed from previous posts!