Ren Reads (and More): Favorite Books and July Sounds

Author Lauren Beck offers thoughts and recommendations on books and a lot more. Find her column on The Alabama Take.

Three different genres. Three different vibes. These are all my absolute favorite books ever to exist. These books have my absolute heart and are beyond 5-star reads. 

1. Out of Love by Hazel Haze 

The very first page of this novel highlights a couple breaking up. The story is then told in reverse order, ending on the day they meet. Words do not begin to express the love I have for this book. Even though you know the relationship does not work out, there is something more moving about seeing the relationship fall apart backward. I recommend reading this book if you are going through a breakup! It definitely helps. 

2. A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci 

This book absolutely changed my life. I laughed, I cried, I could not put this book down. I read it every free chance I had: in the grocery store, in line for food, at the doctor's office. I like to say that it is a historical thriller, challenging you and pulling you out of your comfort zone as this novel covers racial injustice in the South. It's very similar to the movie A Time to Kill. Everyone should read this book! 

3. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda

This is my favorite thriller of all time. It is another novel that is portrayed in reverse order, starting at the climax and going backward until everything circles back around. I loved this book so much, I made my dad read it. He also thoroughly enjoyed it! I think this is a great introduction to thrillers that you will not be able to put down. Plus, Megan Miranda is a great Freida McFadden alternative if you are not a fan of her works or have already read all her books. 

As stated on my author page, I am a self-proclaimed music connoisseur. Music is a part of every aspect of my life. At any given time, I can be found listening to music on Spotify, YouTube, through speakers, or my record player. Because of this, I have a lot of playlists. Each playlist is a collection of songs I have discovered, rediscovered, or obsessed over each month. 

Let’s dive into my favorite songs from this month! 

"Little Fortune" - Katie Lynne Sharbaugh 

This is a cute little song that was released this month. It can be found amongst three other songs on the EP, titled Act II. Coming in at 2 minutes and 30 seconds, this song instantly transports me to what feels like simpler times. I originally found this artist through TikTok and was hooked at once on her ability to include the beautiful sounds of strings with equally beautiful songwriting. I recommend this song for all of the summer vibes! 

"Evil Woman" - Electric Light Orchestra

One of the songs I rediscovered this month. I have always been an Electric Light Orchestra fan, but this song stands out amongst their discography. While trying to escape the oppressive summer heat of Alabama, I have been trying to manifest fall vibes. This song allows me to dream of and anticipate the upcoming season and, most importantly, Halloween. I don’t know about you, but I am all for celebrating the Fall season once late July/early August hits. This song is the perfect introduction to (hopefully) cooler weather ahead. 

"Pink Pony Club" - Chappell Roan 

Chappell Roan is an artist I have become obsessed with this year. Her ability to fuse modern pop with 80’s techno is not only masterful but addicting. This song has been stuck in my head all month and I have been listening to it on repeat. This artist serves as an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community and embraces femininity to its fullest. I recommend this song if you need to have a moment to dance it out or pick yourself up! 

"Sunlight" - Hozier 

We now move on to one of my top artists of all time. I am sure a Hozier song makes its way back onto my playlists almost every month. This song fully encompasses summer and good vibes in 4 minutes and 17 seconds. It is a lovely journey focusing on being in love and comparing that love to literal sunlight. It's safe for me to say: I will never be tired of this song. 

"doomsday" - Lizzy McAlpine 

Moving away from the positive feelings of love and good vibes, it's a more agonizing song about the end of a relationship. This artist compares the end of a relationship to the death of her. While it is not the most positive message -- it is rather sad -- the composition and lyrics are too good not to enjoy. It expresses the feelings of being in love with someone who exhibits narcissistic behaviors, realizing that this is someone the artist would have married if they had not “pulled the plug” on the relationship. I recommend listening to this song if you can relate to this situation or are a fan of composition; it is quite an instrumental masterpiece.