what i read : july to september 2014

October 2, 2014

what i read

Still not a ton of books for the past few months, but my reading has been picking up again lately! I’m excited to write more about books here going forward.

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – What can I even say about this book? It’s an epic western and totally deserving of its Pulitzer. The characters were amazing. Even when nothing was really “happening” I just enjoyed their company. Lots of it I found funny, but then suddenly something very dark and sad would happen. It left me with an ache that is hard to describe. (5 stars)

Dark Hope by Monica McGurk – Kind of a Twilight knockoff only with angels & demons. A bit boring in parts, but the female lead was strong without being stupid and afraid without being a victim. Full review here. (2 stars)

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty – I have discovered that there is a type of “chick lit” that I like, and it is the kind written by Liane Moriarty. There are a lot of heavy topics addressed here, but it is still somehow a fairly light and easy read. I really enjoyed the characters and it felt smart and witty. The way she ends chapters makes you want to keep reading. There was a huge moral dilemma presented, and although it worked out in a way that probably never would have happened in real life, it got me thinking. (4 stars)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver – I had to force myself to read past the first chapter because the teen girls it focuses on (including the main character, Sam) were really the worst. I’m glad I pushed through, because as Sam relives the same day of her life seven times (no explanation for why, which kind of bugs me, but whatever) she changes and we see her friends in a new way as well. There are obvious morals here, but they are good ones. (4 stars)

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares – This was a fast and fun read, but plot-driven to a fault, I think. The scenes were choppy and neither the characters nor the setting were fleshed out in any meaningful way. But still a nice mix of time travel, dystopia, and teen romance. (3 stars)

The House Girl by Tara Conklin – Excellent writing and descriptiveness. I enjoyed the back and forth chapters between characters (one modern-day young lawyer, one slave house girl from the 1800’s). Not something that sucks you in right away, but I found myself immersed in it before long. (4 stars)

From Caiti:

I’m with you on chick-lit. I haven’t read Liane Moriarty yet, but I have “What Alice Forgot” on my Kindle. Based on what you described, you might also enjoy Jojo Moyes. “Me Before You” is excellent and thought-provoking, and I know a lot of people who read Moriarty also like Moyes.

From Kathleen:

I read What Alice Forgot and enjoyed it! Some people like it best of Moriarty’s books, I hear. I’ve been interested in reading Moyes, although to be honest I’m afraid of reading anything too depressing or emotionally tough because I’m so affected by that since having kids! Total wimp here!

From Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout:

I was also going to recommend What Alice Forgot, but it looks like someone beat me to it. I am also super-emotional since I have had kids, but Me Before You didn’t leave me weeping the way it did some people. (I did like it, though.) You might find it interesting in a different way than many people since you work with people with serious health conditions.

From Nora:

If you want to try a Moyes book, try the Last Letter from Your Lover; I think you’d like it and it’s not as sad as her other books (though I admit I have shied away from her other books so far since I can’t handle too much heaviness this year).

I may have to pick up Lonesome Dove; I know many people who loved it.

From Holly:

I really liked “What Alice Forgot” but found “The Husband’s Secret” way too predictable. It’s one of those books I finished to finish it, not because I was super intrigued by the story. I’m on a big memoir kick now … I’m sure I’ll be back to chick lit in a few months :)