Jessica George Shares a Reading List for Her Debut Novel “Maame”
Jessica George
A Note from the Editors: We couldn’t put down Jessica George’s debut novel Maame (it’s also February’s Read with Jenna selection and a Book of the Month pick!), so we asked her about some of the books she loves. Keep reading for her current recommendations.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
I used to think that in order to enjoy a book, I had to love the characters and agree with every action they took and every word they said. Now I’m drawn towards stories that include real people—people I won’t always root for or agree with but can still see the validity in their stances. I’m falling more and more in love with stories that highlight the complex nature of humanity, and I think An American Marriage does that beautifully.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
The most relatable book I’d ever read up to the point it was published in 2019. Needless to say, it was a long time coming and an unforgettable reading experience.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
I attended a talk where the speaker said that Agatha Christie is the third best-selling author of all time, after the Bible and Shakespeare. I think that fact alone sells you on her books more than anything I have to say. I’ve read a few of hers now and have enjoyed every single one, but Roger Ackroyd remains my favorite.
The Worst Class in the World by Joanna Nadin
I stopped reading children’s books as soon as I was old enough to transition into YA; now I consider the idea that you outgrow children’s book a misguided belief. Thankfully, I got a job in the children’s fiction department of a publishing house and rediscovered the sheer joy and hilarity that often comes with children’s fiction. The Worst Class in the World series is one of my favorites, and I’ll continue reading those books until the last one is published. I’m hoping that will be years from now.
Maame by Jessica George
Maame follows later-bloomer Maddie (who is also a caretaker for her father suffering from Parkinson’s Disease) on her journey of firsts: her first kiss, love, flatmates, real job, as well as her first encounter with grief. Follow as she navigate all of this with the aid of her best friends, her unconventional family, Google, her animated subconscious, and the new men in her life. Plus, I hear the author is pretty great and worked really hard on it.
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Jessica George was born and raised in London to Ghanaian parents and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield. After working at a literary agency and a theatre, she landed a job in the editorial department of Bloomsbury UK. Maame is her first novel.