Between the World and Me

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that is nearly impossible to describe, but the reading experience was powerful and jarring. Coates is eloquent and his way of discussing race unparalleled in my personal reading experience. That said, I prefer works like Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy only because I crave the ability to do something to make tragic social issues better. It is not the author's responsibility to provide those, but I'd rather feel hopeful than feel that all is already lost.

Happy reading and happy kinder living--

(Book 64 - 2019)

The Lost Girls of Paris

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Women, espionage, World War II, and shifting time periods - this set of details is a trend in fiction right now, and still The Lost Girls of Paris held my attention to the point that I was trying to find any excuse to keep going with the story. Kate Quinn's The Huntress has more grit and drama, but I would still recommend Lost Girls because it's a well crafted story with interesting parallel story lines that converge in a clever way. There are some cliched details and character sentiments, but I was so hooked that I'm more than happy to look past them.

Already counting down to book club for our discussion-- happy reading!

(Book 63 - 2019)

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's official - I am a Rainbow Rowell fan. This is my third one of her books, and I'm impressed by her ability to tap into the most basic human motivations we have to be loved, understood, and seen. She writes teenagers well and breaks her characters down into the most delicious of details. I cringed my way through so much of this story because Eleanor's home life is so rough, but it's well told and leaves you still inwardly sighing long after you've finished. Also, the audiobook readers are great.

Happy reading and happy reminiscing about adolescent twitterpation and first loves--

ps. This is technically a YA book, but it is not for young teenagers. The language and content is pretty mature.

(Book 62 - 2019)

Girl, Stop Apologizing

Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not as magical or novel as "Girl, Wash Your Face" - but still inspiring and motivating. Her writing felt a little repetitive to me, but I wonder if that's because when I read her first book I wasn't familiar with her at all. Now I've listened to her Rise podcast that she records alone and her Rise Together podcast that she records with her husband enough to know her catch phrases pretty well. That said, my sisters and I have made real changes to our day-to-day lives and long term goals that are, in part, because of Rachel Hollis and her ideas. So I'm in, even if the book isn't perfect because neither am I, but I'm not going to apologize for it. ;)

Happy reading and happy achieving--

(Book 61 - 2019)

I Owe You One

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sophie Kinsella novels seem like the epitome of "chick lit" or a cheesy, romantic comedy. You don't go in expecting to be wowed by the prose or deeply inspired. That said, I was super frustrated by the main character. She was too smart to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Still I persevered because I liked the setting (England is always a win for me), the narrator (British accent and a good reader), the reason for the title, and the love interest character. Would I recommend the book? Only if you read a really high volume of books. Otherwise watch Bridget Jones Diary or read "One Day in December" or a Marisa de los Santos novel.

Happy reading and happy English summers--

(Book 60 - 2019)

Still Life

Still Life by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was wary of Louise Penny because lots of people talked up her books, and honestly, I'm not drawn to mysteries. Still I decided to try out her world of Three Pines, and I'm so glad I did. The book started a little slow for me, but I was hooked a quarter of the way in and so intrigued by Penny's cast of characters. Her Armand Gamache is a more relatable Hercule Poirot, and I did not guess ahead of the characters. Well told and very engaging--

On to Penny's next book. Apparently there are 14 out so far in this series...

Happy reading--

(Book 59 - 2019)

China Rich Girlfriend

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

These books are like reading a really well written People magazine - there's gossip, fashion, travel, glamour, gourmet food, etc. I appreciated the change of pace and scenery from my usual reading. Perfect beach read--

Happy reading--

ps. Probably a 3.5 for how fast I devoured it.
pps. Lots of language in this one, so not an audiobook to listen to with littles around.

(Book 58 - 2019)