Recent reads 2026.

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke- This was written by the oldest daughter of Ruby Franke, head of the popular 8 Passengers family vlog, who is now in prison for child abuse. Her memoir of resilience and all she has overcome was very moving. It was a difficult read at times, hearing about children not being cared for as they should, but powerful.

The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Laura Love Hardin- This is a memoir about how drug addiction made her lose everything and how she overcame it. I don't think I've ever read a more honest and raw telling of what addiction and prison is like. I loved how she used writing as a way to make it through and I loved that she overcame so much. I definitely don't agree with some of her life choices, but it was such a good read in that I really felt like I was experiencing it along with her.

The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner- Ruth grew up in the deserts of Mexico in a polygamous community. She was the 39th of her father's 42 children. Her father was murdered when she was very young and her mother remarried another man who treated her terribly. They traveled back and forth to the US to collect welfare money, and the poverty they lived in was astounding. She endured such hardship and was like a mother to her younger siblings for the majority of their lives. The courage and perseverance she had was remarkable and she overcame so much. 

If You Would Have Told Me: A Memoir by John Stamos- This was an okay read for me. I wanted to read it because I love Full House so much, but I didn't love some of his other stories/language/choices. I did, though, really enjoy the parts where he talked about what it was like to film Full House, his experiences with the Beach Boys, his friendship with Bob Saget, and I loved the way he talked about his love for his parents.

Big Dumb Eyes: Stories From A Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze- After reading a few heavier books in a row, this was a treat. I love his humor that I really appreciate that he is a clean comedian. This was a very entertaining, enjoyable, and light read.