Need a new book? Look no further because I've read some great books lately that I know you will love! (Plus one that you can probably skip, so you can save your time!)
Here's a quick summary of the books I've read lately:
Side Note: For a TON of great book round ups, check out Life According To Steph's Monthly Show Us Your Books link up!)
When I heard that Judy Blume was writing another book, the Margaret and Deenie inside me shouted with glee. This book didn't disappoint. There is much less talk about periods and teen angst but it still was a winner for me (my tastes have thankfully matured since the 1990s)
In the Unlikely Event is based on the true story of numerous plane crashes that plummeted in Blume's home town in the 1950s. Her story looks into how those events effected several different characters. Her descriptions of the crashes, including news stories and police reports, as well as various characters' personal recollections gives this novel multiple dimensions. Ruby, Christina, Merri, Cathy and more..they all tell a side of the story that the other didn't see and I love how all of it connects in one way or another. It was also really interesting to see how people in the 1950s dealt with tragedy. What a difference from the media circus that occurs in our lives now. These disasters were still felt by other miles and miles away but the stories are told in letters and phone calls and limited news coverage so they are much more personal. Most memorable moment: Realizing a character I loved had died in one of the crashes. I was so involved. It was a riveting story.
I listened to this family saga on audiobook and I have to say, I just wasn't thrilled. How boring was it, exactly? Enough that I can't remember any of the characters' names. The story has splendid potential: family drama, love triangles and wine. LOTS of wine. What could go wrong? It's just that this book was everything I hate my wine to be. Bland. Boring. Watered down. And no matter how much I drank, I just needed a little bit more.
Oh, this book. I'm telling you what. You have to read it.
It's like Dateline meets True Life meets Intervention. I know for a fact this will probably become a movie at some point. The main character is haunted by ghosts of a past no one should ever have to experience. As a teenager in a privileged life, Ani is revisiting the place where her life changed forever and there is a lot of soul searching she needs to do before she does it. There's a lot of hurt involved in Luckiest Girl Alive, you can see the scars of the characters from miles away. You can tell that Ani is deeply traumatized and the author pulls you in so deep, you'll be captivated all the way to finding how what happened that shattered her life. And that's really just half the story. I feel like I should give you more but I don't want to ruin any mystery, it is what makes this book so awesome.
I'm currently reading:
This book, from new author Kate Michaels had me hooked just from the cover alone. It's like the Devil Wears Prada plus the cute girl from SkinnyGirl cocktails. Booze and books. Two of my favorite things, so read it I will!
Plus, it's about a twenties New Yorker slumming around in a classy way, Sex and the City meets Lena Dunham. Her first year of living in the big city had plenty of intrigue and possibilities, but the stranger in her bed and the walks of shame aren't living up to her expectations. I can't wait to see how this stories plays out.
I'm also currently listening to
A judge, a psychiatric nurse, affairs and illicit chat rooms. Don't let he cushy cover of this book fool you. This raunchy look at what happens when people don't think they are being watched is just the kind of book I'll need to help me move on since I'm done binge watching Orange is the New Black.
After you've put your book away, I also highly recommend you watch UnReal on Lifetime. You can watch the first 4 episodes online and then catch up on Monday nights. It's a scripted show about producers of a Bachelor type reality show and boy, is it juicy! Just a little heads up for anyone who loves a good show to binge like I do!
What are you reading?
Luckiest Girl Alive is on my list to read. Checking out the Wednesday Group. I am loving UnReal too, total satire on the Bachelor but such drama. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI read Judy's book last month too! I loved it. Reese Witherspoon is producing Luckiest Girl Alive. I really liked that one too, but the ending was a let down. It was just so anticlimactic. I have UnReal all saved up on TiVo, but no time to watch!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading The Children of Men by P. D. James. It's so dense that it's taken me forever, but I really love it!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a fan of Eight Hundred Grapes either...thought it seemed like a watered down version of This Is Where I Leave You :( AND - Unreal is SO good! Better than the real Bach! And - if you like all the behind the scenes Bachelor gossip, check out RealitySteve.com...but he includes spoilers, so you need to be OK with that to read his site.
ReplyDeleteIn the Unlikely Event is on my list of books to read - I just requested it from my library! Thanks for the review! I'm currently reading Sail Upon the Land. For this year, some of my favorite books I've read include: The Forgotten Garden, The Invention of Wings, and Unbroken. The Golem and the Jinni was a good read for something different.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the library wait list for Judy Blume, I cannot wait!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Eight Hundred Grapes either, I just didn't connect with the characters or the plot.
I'm reading The Luckiest Girl Alive now. I have the Blume and the wine book on request at the library. I added the last one to my goodreads. That sounds right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteI usually stick with authors I am use to but every now and again I will pick something up at the library by someone I have never heard of and give it a whirl
ReplyDeleteI just started the Luckiest Girl Alive and the Judy Blume book is coming up on my list. I've read mixed reviews on both - I'm excited that you had good reviews. I can't wait to see what I think.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Luckiest Girl Alive... It's one of the more creative and daring new releases.
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