This month was pretty hit or miss with books, I don’t think I’ve ever read so many 2-star books back to back in such a short span of time. However, this month I managed to select FOUR 2-star books, which was super painful. But I guess that’s how it goes sometimes. Here’s everything I read last month, what I’m currently reading, and what I hope to read before the baby arrives.
READ IN OCTOBER
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Yikes. This book was AWFUL. I actually couldn’t finish. Chapters are broken out by month, with a new ‘happiness goal’ for each. I stopped reading after finishing February. I just couldn’t continue. The entitlement and privilege that pours out of this book is shocking. The title should really be called, ‘Rich white lady with a loving, devoted husband, two healthy children, friends, family, an Upper East Side Manhattan apartment, and more money and time than she knows what to do with wants to ‘be happier’.’ It’s clear how bitter Rubin is and it comes shining through in her writing. She learns nothing during this process. Also, beware of quotes dropped every 5 sentences from the Big Book of Quotes. Verdict: Avoid at all costs!
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
LOVED! I absolutely loved the writing, the pacing, the tone, and immense detail that went into crafting this unique story. I was enthralled within the first few pages. I know I’m behind the curve with this book as it came out 5+ years ago, but I’m glad I had the chance to read it. Verdict: Yes, please!
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
I’ve wanted to read Home Fire for a really long time, as it won several awards and was up for the Man Booker Prize in 2017. I didn’t expect to dislike it as strongly as I did, and felt very conflicted about it for quite a while before dubbing it 2-stars on GR. It was a modern spin on Antigone, and while the subject matter felt very topical, it felt like a cheap way for a super mediocre book to sky rocket into the hall of fame. I say mediocre because each and every character was not only interesting but very complex, however the fleshing out of each fell totally flat. Verdict: Nope!
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
This was a book club pick and one that had been on everyones list for a while. I definitely enjoyed the writing, perspective, and the uniqueness of it. If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you’ll totally be able to relate to the ridiculousness that comes with the job. It wasn’t incredible, but enjoyable all the same. Verdict: Not a bad option.
Final Girls by Riley Sager
Ugh. I was pretty disappointed with Final Girls. I enjoyed reading Sager’s other book, The Last Time I Lied while on vacation. It wasn’t anything special, but it was a page turner and the plot was interesting enough, even if it did have a few holes in it. Where as Final Girls was a total cluster f*ck of a book. More than half of it wasn’t believable and felt made up for the sake of a shock value. It was painful to get through. It was a page turner and it was an easy read, so I’ll give it that. But that’s it… Verdict: Avoid!
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Dark and totally twisted! I really enjoyed Then She Was Gone. It was very well written, nicely paced, and had interesting well developed characters. The meat of the book was disturbing and wonderful. I’m glad I picked this as my one Audible pick of the month. The narration was subpar, but it didn’t take away from the story. Verdict: Would recommend to those who enjoy these types of books.
The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
Good god this bored me to tears. Intriguing plot that was poorly executed, super repetitive, SLOW, and filled with unlikeable characters. The story felt so flat and kept missing the mark where it could have taken interesting turns. I just couldn’t get into it to save my life. Verdict: No!
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
What a fantastic read. I really enjoyed how deep, raw, passionate and emotional the writing was. I actually saw the movie earlier this year, and while I enjoyed it, I had a feeling I would find the book much, much, much more intriguing. And to no ones shock, the book was a million times better than the movie. Verdict: Definitely recommended!
CURRENTLY READING
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
I recently started this book and definitely enjoying it so far. It’s quite a moving story about an autistic 15 year old boy who is trying to solve the murder of his neighbors poodle. The book is entirely written in his perspective and it’s pure gold.
American War by Omar El Akkad
I don’t know much about this book other than it’s a dystopian novel about a second Civil War set in 2074, and a good friend of mine really enjoyed it. I haven’t started it yet but will keep you posted.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
I haven’t received my physical copy of the book yet. I’m going to see Liane Moriarty’s talk next week with a few friends who worship her writing as much as I do. After the talk we’re getting the book signed, and I’m pumped!
TBD via Audible
My one free audiobook with my Audible subscription! I haven’t decided yet and torn between a few novels. Where the Crawdads Sing, The Alice Network, Something in the Water, The Secrets She Keeps, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. So many excellent choices with excellent reviews. Haaaalp!
And of course, I still have like 16 pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn books to get through before our baby girl arrives. Which could be tomorrow or sometime in December (dear god I hope we don’t go past her due date). The unknown of when she’ll be arriving is pretty exciting and has been keeping me on my toes in anticipation.