Category: what i read

I’m patting myself on the back over here for all the reading I did this month! Not only did I finish five books (which is a lot for me lately) but they were all good ones.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman : I was so into this. One big criticism I had read that had kept others from enjoying it was that they didn’t like the main character. I liked him fine, though, despite some of the awful things he did. I could also see him changing and redeeming himself by the end which makes me excited to see where the story goes. I just love a good fantasy. (4 stars)

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng : I expected this to be a mystery, and although there was that aspect it was more of the story of a family dealing with mixed-race issues. It was absorbing and gave me a lot to think about in regard to the mother-daughter relationship. (4 stars, audio)

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel : The hype is for real, guys. This is a dystopian set after a worldwide flu has eliminated most of the entire planet’s population and all modern conveniences (like electricity) have been lost, but you also get the story leading up to the outbreak. It follows some very unique characters – a film star, a traveling symphony, a cult leader – and has a sort of mystery to it as well. (5 stars)

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin : I probably had too high of expectations for this one, since everyone was telling me that if you like books, you’ll love this one. And I like books! But I didn’t love it. I did like it, though. The tone of the book was a lot lighter than I was expecting, so I felt like I was reading chick-lit or a romantic comedy, but yet it dealt with a lot of serious issues. So it was confusing. (3 stars)

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro : I knew very little about the premise of this book going into it and I think that really added to the experience so I’m not going to say much. It’s a quiet book that relies heavily on characterization and atmosphere; it was thoughtful yet disturbing and haunting. Can’t wait to discuss it with book club. (4 stars)

Reading challenge:

This year I’m participating in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s reading challenge. This month The Magicians will count as a book I’ve been meaning to read (as evidenced here!)

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)

Alright, I’m still in my huge reading slump! Only four books in three months! That’s incredibly low for me and it bums me out. I mean, obviously I have less time now than I did before Liam came along, but I do have time. I’m just choosing to use it in other ways, like blogging, crafting, sleeping, or planning. It’s fine, I know that the enthusiasm ebbs and flows, but I am looking forward to it coming back. Anyway, here is what I did read:

Joyland by Stephen King – Stephen King is just such an amazing storyteller. This was a good coming-of-age story with an interesting setting, likable characters, a little mystery, and a satisfying & touching ending. (5 stars)

Lexicon by Max Barry – I super enjoyed this book. It was the first one in awhile that made me just want to sit down and read it straight through (although of course that couldn’t happen, but I read it a lot faster than my usual). It has such a cool premise, lots to do with human psychology and how we are influenced by words. There is a slight sci-fi bent to it but nothing crazy. It jumps around in time which kept it interesting although I do feel like I need to read it again to get it all straight. There is a bit of romance which I won’t say no to. A good amount of suspense, mystery, and action. Just all in all really fascinating. (4 stars)

Allegiant by Veronica Roth – My biggest complaint about this is that I found it boring. I was in favor of the expansion of the world and exploring the greater issues behind their factions and cities, but I felt like the bigger conflict was hastily thrown together and just didn’t work well. I found that I was having to force myself to read because it just wasn’t interesting me. Further than that, I had an issue with the alternating points of view. I see why it was necessary and I liked the insight into Tobias’s mind to an extent, but his voice and Tris’s were so similar that I kept forgetting whose chapter I was in and getting confused. Obviously I wasn’t satisfied with the ending but I’m not mad about it. Anyway, glad I pushed through so I could see what happened, but definitely ready to move on.

It Starts With Food by Melissa and Doug Hartwig – This is the book that inspired my whole30. It was extremely educational and interesting, and has changed the way I think about food and so far I’m sold on this lifestyle. Their attitude was completely nonjudgmental, encouraging, and hopeful. At the same time it made me want to eat clean while also not feeling guilty about the way I’ve been eating. I liked that they addressed the science behind food as well as the psychology. There are a ton of resources, plans, and ideas so it makes doing a whole30 seem obtainable. 

Wow, I can’t believe I only read four books in the last three months. You would think that being on maternity leave I would’ve read a ton but in reality I was busy catching up on TV and other projects. I regret nothing.

Longbourn by Jo Baker – This book was my jam. It’s Pride and Prejudice from the servants’ point of view, but totally stands on its own as a story. Loved it and highly recommend. (5 stars)

Margot by Jillian Cantor – A hopeful and compassionate story that explores what Anne Frank’s sister Margot’s life might have been like had she lived. Simple and straightforward but I liked it. (3 stars)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – I was disappointed in how repetitive this book was and how much it dragged in the middle. I appreciate the message and I was deeply moved several times, but I guess I’m not used to Christian fiction because it wasn’t subtle enough for me. (3 stars)

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns – Gives a good overview of what life in a small southern town might have been like in the early 1900’s. Told from the point of view of a 14-year-old boy who I really liked, and all the characters were endearing. It was funny and interesting, but the end got kind of serious. Just don’t read it expecting any kind of accurate portrayal of race. (4 stars)