2018 Halfway Book Review
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know it is one of my goals to read 13 books in 2018. I know that’s not a ton of books, but I’m a slow reader so this is a stretch for me. I wanted to share an update with where I am on my goal and a quick review of each book I’ve read so far. And I should preface this with I have a type. I’m drawn to murder mystery books for the most part, so there is a definite theme with the books shared below.
Into The Water by Paula Hawkins
I loved Paula Hawkins first novel Girl on the Train, so I knew this would be a book I couldn’t put down. It is my type of thriller, murder mystery book and I tore through it at the first of the year. Into the Water follows Jules Abbott as she returns to Beckford, after the death of her sister, to care for her niece, Lena. The story is told from the viewpoint of several different characters which is interesting because you can understand how different people perceive different interactions and events. I couldn’t put this book down. The Drowning Pool, if it were real, would definitely be a place I would want to know more about. I could not put this book down. And when it becomes a movie, I will be there for it.
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
This book was right up my alley with suspense. A predictable twist comes about 100 pages in, so I was left wondering what could possibly happen over the next 200. Honestly, you can’t assume anything with this novel. You’ll assume you’re reading about a jealous ex wife, but then are you? I could not put this book down. I had to find out what happened to Vanessa and Nellie. This was a quick read that I would recommend to most everyone. Again, once the movie drops, I will be there for it.
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Let me preface by stating that I love Practical Magic. I loved Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, midnight margaritas, their long braided hair and all the spells. It is one of my favorite movies, so of course I was interested in the prequel of how Aunt Jet and Aunt Francis came to be. With that being said, if you are not a Practical Magic fan I would pass on this book. I enjoyed it, but there were times when I felt the story of Jet, Francis and their brother Vincent dragged on and was more sad than I would have liked. I enjoyed learning about how Franny and Jet came to live at the giant house in Massachusetts, and how despite their mother’s wishes they explored their gift of witchcraft.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
At first I was a bit intimidated by the size of this book. What if I didn’t like it and had 400+ pages to read? Full disclosure: I’m not someone who can start a book, decide I don’t like and it and stop reading it. I want to be this person, but I can’t. Back to the point, I loved this book. It tells the story of two sisters — Vianne and Isabelle — who are trying to survive Nazi invaded France. This book made me laugh and cry. It showcased a side of war we so rarely see or hear told. The story of the home front - the wives, daughters, sisters who fight the fight at home. If you love historical fiction, this book is for you.
Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolker
I’m not going to lie, I didn’t like this book as much as I hoped. I love true crime shows and podcasts, so I had no doubt I’d love a true crime book. Lost Girls is more a portrait of the “Lost Girls”, their families and discusses the ease of money, but the very serious dangers of the new world of online prostitution. I was hoping for more investigation into the murders and less about the drama between the families after the murders brought them together. I got a little lost at times due to so many people and families and towns being involved in this tragedy. The author did a great job of humanizing the victims and informing you of the hidden world of online escorts. This is a great book to pick up, the story is so interesting and shares a side of crime I not used to reading, but it is heavy on the familial details which can cause a reader to get lost.
Last Girl Seen by Nina Laurin
Girl Last Seen was everything I was looking for in a thriller/suspense novel with a list of untrustworthy characters with secrets of their own. I felt terrible and sad for the tragedy the main character endured in her youth. The author really painted a picture to make the reader feel for the characters. However, when I finished this book I realized I didn’t enjoy this story. Something about the book felt messy, unfinished and rushed. When I take the book for what it is, I enjoyed the suspenseful story, but when I think of all the books I’ve read since setting these yearly reading goals for myself I am unsatisfied with the story. If this is made into a movie, I’ll watch it at home when it makes it’s way on to a streaming service.
Text Me When You Get Home by Kayleen Schaefer
I loved this book. It made me reflect upon all my female friendships and how incredibly important it is to have supportive women in your life, and how it is even more important to show other women how meaningful female friendships can have a positive impact on your life. I connected with the author instantly in how she first felt like guy friends were the better route, but learned female friendships will feed her soul in a way friendships with guys never will. This book didn’t receive great reviews on Good Reads due to it readers feeling the book wasn’t well researched or reflected too much on the author’s experiences, but for what this lacked in research, it gave me so much in cherishing my female friendships and reignited that feeling you get when you are with your girlfriends despite me living so very, very far from most all of mine. I said I would write an open letter to my girlfriends after reading this book and I still intend to do so. I really enjoyed this book. And to all my girlfriends…Text me when you get home.
I’m currently on book 10 and will share the remainder of my reviews once I finish. Have you read any of the books mentioned above? What are your thoughts? If you’ve read any good books lately, please share in the comments. I’m always looking to add to my list.
xx,
Linds