Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some products mentioned in the links. Welcome to Shelf Life, the books column on ELLE.com, where authors reveal their most unforgettable reads. If you’re looking for a book to comfort you, deeply move you, or simply make you laugh, take a suggestion from our featured writers who, like you, are avid book lovers. One of their beloved titles might just become your next favorite.
Although Curtis Sittenfeld recently dabbled in a short story competition against ChatGPT, her literary prowess suggests she has nothing to fear from AI taking over her craft anytime soon. Her latest collection of stories, “Show Don’t Tell,” hits shelves today, marking her ninth publication. Her impressive bibliography includes a prior story compilation and seven novels, among them her debut work “Prep,” and two books inspired by First Ladies: the Orange Prize-nominated “American Wife” (Laura Bush) and “Rodham” (Hillary Rodham Clinton). In 2020, she served as guest editor for “The Best American Short Stories” anthology, and her upcoming 2023 book, “Romantic Comedy,” will be adapted for the silver screen by New Line Cinema and Hello Sunshine, revolving around a writer on a sketch comedy show akin to “Saturday Night Live.”
A bestselling author hailing from Cincinnati but based in Minneapolis, Curtis Sittenfeld is a mother to two teenagers and a rescue chihuahua shared with her professor husband. She taught at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop post earning her MFA at Stanford University, initially planning a career in social work. Noteworthy trivia includes winning Seventeen’s fiction contest at 17, working at Prairie Lights Books and Fast Company, and interning at The Atlantic and the Charlotte Observer. She’s made appearances on “Jeopardy!” and in New Yorker crossword puzzles, and was born as Elizabeth Curtis. Known for her quirks like owning an Ed Sheeran prayer candle and throwing a solo Super Bowl party, Sittenfeld is set to participate in the Iceland Writers Retreat and was part of Esquire’s Napkin Project.
Preferences include solitude, walks, Skyline Chili, Graeters ice cream, Nigerian cuisine, and oat milk coffee. She holds a strong stance against writing about the NFL or Melania Trump, but actively supports Reese’s Book Club LitUp, writers in Baltimore schools, and Casa de Misericordia, an organization aiding domestic violence victims. Her interests span from celebrity gossip to Judy Blume and classics like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Dirty Dancing.”
Explore her book recommendations below:
– A source of solace during loss: “Lost & Found” by Kathryn Schulz
– Highly recommended read: “Swift River” by Essie Chambers
– Unfinished but compelling: “The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity” by David Graeber and David W
Sure, here is a revised version of the text:
“The latest additions to my reading list include various intriguing titles: ‘Mexican-American family by a famous author; ‘Dream State’ by Eric Puchner, which many consider a standout in American literature; and ‘Consider Yourself Kissed’ by Jessica Stanley, set to release in May 2025, promising a captivating Australian-British love story. The most recent book purchase I made was ‘Great Expectations’ by Vinson Cunningham. I’m excited about a novel related to Obama, written by a former member of his team turned New Yorker writer. A title that caught my eye is ‘I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness’ by Claire Vaye Watkins, known for its bold storytelling. As for a spicy scene, the one in the book ‘I’m currently listening to the audio of Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew From It’ by Greg Marshall fits the bill with its amusing and heartfelt narrative, including a memorable depiction of pre-teen boys discovering something unexpected in a basement.
During a significant journey, my family and I listened to ‘Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals’ by Oliver Burkeman on our drive from Minneapolis to Cincinnati for the holidays, finding it both insightful and just the right length for our trip. A friendship was cemented over a shared appreciation for ‘All Fours’ by Miranda July, leading to a memorable dinner conversation filled with differing perspectives. A book that stands out as a must-read for all is ‘The All-or-Nothing Marriage’ by Eli J. Finkel, offering valuable insights on modern relationships. ‘The Country of the Blind’ by Andrew Leland left me feeling hopeful, as it navigates the author’s personal journey of losing sight and adapting to unforeseen changes with grace.
In terms of trivia, the novel ‘Big in Sweden’ by Sally Franson introduced me to the Swedish term ‘smultronställe,’ a delightful concept that captures the joy of discovering hidden treasures in unexpected places. Additionally, I proudly support the literary organization ‘We Need Diverse Books,’ dedicated to promoting diversity within the publishing industry and literature itself.
For those interested, here are some recommendations for organic and clean shampoos suitable for all hair types, as well as a curated list of gifts under $50 that exude luxury and elegance.”
