I haven't done a reading round up in a while, so there are a lot of books on this one! Let me know your thoughts if you've read any of these!
Educated 5/5
Everyone should read this book! It’s a true story about a strict Mormon family in Utah who grow up rural with a father who has paranoid bipolar disease (undiagnosed). None of the seven children are educated in schools and despite this, the main character grows up to achieve success at some of the world’s best academic institutions. Most of the book describes her childhood and the absolutely unbelievable situations her parents and siblings (her father mostly) put her in. Later it also describes how she tries to assimilate into the normal world. One of my favorite themes from the book was how she kept going back to her family even when she was older , even after all they did to her. She loved them unconditionally and was constantly let down but that inner voice always kept her running home when she was needed. It was so raw, so honest, and such a powerful read. Definitely one of my favorite books of all time!
Ask Again, Yes 5/5
This will be one of my favorites from 2019 for sure. In this story two neighborhood children are best friends and are also connected forever by the drama of their families and a horrific event. The character development was phenomenal and I loved and cared for the characters throughout the story. As the two grow up, they struggle with their own adult problems but the parents and children still must stay connected. I know that’s all very vague but trust me this one is a good, intriguing read.
Run Away 5/5
This book is about a daughter who runs from her family. What seems like a simple story about an addict searching for her next high is complicated by murders, hit men, and secret societies. Her father makes it his mission to find her and find out what happened to his perfect daughter. There are exciting new revelations each chapter so the book moves fast. I had such an enjoyable time trying to figure this story out but also riding along for all the adventure. This reminded me of my favorite crime tv show or movie and this gets 5/5 for the excitement and adventure.
I read this author’s latest book, The Huntress and knew I’d love her earlier book (this one) that had great reviews . This book is about a two women of different generations searching for two people who happen to be connected in some way. They are out to find answers, lies, justice, and sometimes revenge. The story of the oldest woman is extremely interesting because she was a spy in WWI and WWII and lived a thrilling and terrifying life. The other woman is a 19 year old immigrant to the United States who doesn’t plan to lead a “traditional life” and is constantly disappointing her parents. Multiple love stories, drama, and trauma pack this book.
The Unhoneymooners 5/5 (for a romantic comedy genre)
This is a five star poolside read. The siblings of a newly wed couple are forced to take their siblings’ honeymoon trip due to unforeseen circumstances during the wedding. They hate each other. Lots of laughs and drama and love and more drama unfold. I went in reading this that it would be predictable and boring to just read another love story but I was pleasantly surprised with the way this story unfolded and the unpredicted drama. The characters are likeable and interesting and I imagined myself on the beach beside them!
Never Tell 4/5
I didn’t realize this book had a pre-story until late in the book , but you definitely don’t need to read the other books that came before to find enjoyment from this book. It’s a suspense and mystery novel about a woman who finds her husband shot and is accused of his murder, she had another murder in her life and detectives are trying to discover if they are linked. She also discovers that her husband had many secrets about his life. Unlike some mystery books, this one kept moving at a fast pace which had me interested the entire time. It’s a book that reminded me of watching my old favorite tv shows Bones and Castle. When I have time I plan to read some more from this author.
The Night Tiger 4/5
I Enjoyed reading this magical book full of murder and folklore. This story is about five strangers who are connected in a mysterious way. One of them is a young servant boy and is tasked with finding his master’s missing finger and returning it to his grave before time runs out. The other strangers are (of course) involved as well. Meanwhile, a mysterious tiger is roaming the town murdering people. It’s as intriguing as it sounds and it was fun to uncover why this finger is so important. There’s plenty of trouble along the way so you are entertained throughout the story. It’s a quick read and it’s so different than what I usually pick up!
LOVED reading this historical fiction novel about a woman who travels back to Cuba (since Americans are now allowed in after Castro’s death. ) She discovers so much about her extremely wealthy and powerful ancestors and the drama they were involved in which forced them to leave the country. There’s love and drama and it’s a great summer read that has some good Cuban history but isn’t too tough on the brain. I would easily pick this as a good beach read!
Normal People 3.5/5
This book is an emotional journey of two best friends who fell in love in high school but due to their difficult personalities and drama that brings they are constantly back and forth in their relationships. She's not popular in high school but rich, and he's popular but poor. Roles reverse as they age. It’s more than a typical love story, it’s extremely passionate and you feel the pain they have. The plot isn’t a huge aha moment, in fact, it’s more just a life story of these two (up until the age of 27 anyway). I enjoyed reading it because of the writer’s way she made you feel a part of the book and a part of their friendship/relationship.
A sister betrays her sister (badly) and every family member is involved. Plus there’s murder. It’s hard to tell who you can trust, and that type of story makes for a good read. This book is slightly above average for the psychological thriller crowd and isn’t a waste of your time if you happen to pick it up! I waited a long time on the waitlist and read it quickly because each chapter ended with a cliff hanger.
This book is about life and death. It’s about living life after death. I am young enough where only very few friends or acquaintances have experienced the type of grief that comes from losing a parent, a spouse, a sibling, or a child. In this book the character all lose a couple people important to them, but they aren’t “unlucky” because death of loved ones is promised to us all. They deal with it in various ways. The author explores how they continue with their lives and the tension put on their large family. Everyone handles grief and moving forward differently depending on their stage of life and has differing opinions about what is important. It’s a story that hits close to home in various ways for me, and unfortunately, the characters never stop grieving/loving/missing their loved ones. The sadness impacts them forever in waves and it just shapes how they make decisions about their own lives. That being said, it’s not necessarily a “sad” book, it’s a book about life and family but it’s not perfect, it’s real.
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