Wolfpack

WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power and Change the Game by Abby Wambach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short and powerful message about why it's so important to lift those around us in our attempts to also be our best selves. We're so often pitted against each other in the quest to succeed, but the reality is that we only really succeed when we succeed together. Had I read a physical copy, I think I would have had a couple dozen tabs poking out of the book for all the great lines Wambach shares.

Happy reading and happy pack living--

(Book 70 - 2019)

Rich People Problems

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think I needed a bigger break between the second book in the trilogy and this one because this book was both completely engaging and completely frustrating. A larger gap between reads might have meant less eye rolling at the less likable characters. That said, Kwan did a good job rounding out this series. So many series have such a drop off in quality, and he managed to keep the story interesting. This is probably a 3.5, but you know Goodreads and the lack of half stars.

Happy reading and good luck settling back into normal life after imagining the flashy world of Tyersall Park.

(Book 69 - 2019)

One True Loves - Round Three

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read this book three of the last four summers. Last year, I was just weeks from having a baby hence the gap year, but I think it's safe to say that this may become an "every summer" kind of book. I love how Reid captures settling into your adult self and the things that become our interest and passions that our younger selves would have thought silly. Ironically I think I've always been an adult at heart, but still loved falling into the world of Blair Books and this fantastically set up love triangle.

Happy reading--

(Book 68 - 2019)

ps. I liked the original cover much better.

A Fatal Grace

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is it strange to love Three Pines if two murders have taken place around town? Penny's gift is her characterization, so two of Penny's books down, twelve to go. Also, for the record, I am picturing Kenneth Branagh as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Can't wait for the next Penny mystery to come available at the library--

Happy reading--

(Book 67 - 2019)

The Rules of Magic

The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I stumbled on to this book when none of my library holds were coming up for a few days. I was surprised to care about the sisters in this story since magical realism isn't usually my thing. My only introduction to this book was the Practical Magic movie that I watched as a teenager, so it felt like a clean slate with Hoffman's prequel. It's interestingly told and has well set up ties between characters that appeared in a more subtle way than I expected. Not amazing, but captivating enough that I would gladly read more of Hoffman's writing.

Happy reading and magical living--

ps. I'd pay a great deal for the black soap mentioned in this book.

(Book 66 - 2019)

Gmorning, Gnight!

Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clever, succinct, inspirational. It would make a great graduation gift or little something for someone having a hard day. To say that Lin has a gift for words is akin to saying that Shakespeare was a decent writer. Definitely worth an hour (or less) of your time--

Happy reading and g'night!

(Book 65 - 2019)

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)