It’s-almost-Fall book reviews

Oh my goodness. Since I last posted here, my eldest has turned 21, my youngest went off to college, and I am officially an empty nester, at least until May. I also started writing a weekly blog post for the dog rescue where I volunteer and where we got Bear, so writing on my own blog has not been a priority. I’d like to change that, but we’ll take that one post at a time, shall we?

In the meantime, I am very behind on book reviews…it’s been over five months! Since then, I’ve read thirteen and listened to eleven books. I’ve reviewed ten of my favorites, although feel free to follow me on Goodreads to see everything I read. Be aware, however, that I’m a stingy rater. A three-star rating is for books I’d recommend; four and five-star ratings are rare.

As always, I must disclose that the book titles are affiliate links. I’ve earned exactly zero cents from Amazon in 2019, but at least the links make it easy for you to buy a book if you want it.

If you like non-fiction…

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb (audio) 

This nonfiction book takes an insider’s look into therapy, from the point of view of a therapist. Author Gottlieb has her own issues, and she recounts both her own journey with a therapist and those of a few of her patients. It’s real, funny, heartbreaking, hopeful, and fascinating. I’m still not sure how it was okay to share this much of her patients’ personal lives, but given the absence of lawsuits, I’m going to assume they’re okay with it and just enjoy the ride.  

American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bolton

This is the true story of the 26-year-old guy who created the Silk Road, a Dark Web site peddling illegal drugs (and eventually more). How does a former boy scout and unassuming scholar build and maintain a multi-million dollar illegal operation? It’s actually quite fascinating and almost unbelievable. Believe it, though, but if you don’t know anything about Ross or the Silk Road, DON’T google about them until you’ve finished the book, unless you’re a fan of spoilers. 

If you like contemporary or historical fiction…

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

The Six was an up and coming band in the early seventies. Singer and songwriter Daisy Jones was just getting noticed at the same time. A producer sees them both, and puts them together, and creates a legendary rock group.

The band eventually splits, and years later the true story is told through a series of interviews with all the key players. It’s an interesting way to tell a story, and I was skeptical for the first dozen pages. But soon I was swept along in the story of sex, drugs and rock ’n roll.  

I liked this novel better than Reid’s previous novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, although many reviews I have read disagree. Whichever side you fall on, both novels are worth a read. 

Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile

If you lived in LA, and your late father left you 800 acres of sugarcane in Louisiana, would you pack up and move south with your tween daughter? 

Charley did, and this novel is a rich story of family, legacies, old wounds, and new challenges. This is contemporary Southern fiction told from the perspective of an African American woman, and it works. I’m glad I didn’t know much about the television series based on this novel – it uses the book’s bones, but really veers off in terms of characters and plot. Definitely read the book first! 

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon 

After Anne’s grandfather dies, she travels to Ireland to spread his ashes in his childhood home. Somehow, rowing on a lake transports her back to 1921, where she meets Thomas Smith and her grandfather as a boy. (If the “somehow” is important to you, it shouldn’t be. But if it is, perhaps a time travel novel isn’t for you.) 

Ireland is fighting for its independence, with loyalties and identities are questioned as the tensions rise. I was swept up in this novel – the history, romance, and conflict make for a deeply satisfying read. And of course, as with all time travel novels, there is the question of whether Anne will stay or go. 

If you are an unwavering realist with no tolerance for anything fantastical, don’t read this. But you’ll be missing out. 

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon 

Set over the course of forty years, the story of Lynnie and Homan begins in 1968, when Lynnie gives birth to a baby girl and hides the infant with Martha. Lynne and Homan have run away from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, in an attempt to be together. Homan escapes and the baby stays with Martha, but Lynnie is caught and returned to the institute. 

While today’s mental health system has its flaws, this reminder of how far we have come is sobering. This novel is heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful, and speaks to the power of good that each of us have inside of us. 

If you like a thriller…

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing 

I assumed this domestic thriller was going to be a predictable snooze after the first few pages. And while it was a bit predictable, it was actually a fast, engrossing read. The spoiler free plot: man and woman meet, fall in love, marry, have kids, live a suburban life. Until they don’t. Murder and secrets factor in, of course. If you have a flight in your future, this is the perfect novel to pass the time quickly. 

Alter by Jeremy Robinson (audio) 

The premise of this novel just seemed so interesting; I had to give it a try. It turned out to be one of the strangest, most intriguing books I’ve listened to in awhile. 

A doctor is stranded in the Amazon rainforest, after the helicopter taking him to his mission site crashes and leaves both pilots dead. Gregory survives, but as the days and weeks pass, his survival depends on his mind’s ability to let go of the civilized man he was and embrace a new reality. But will his sanity be the sacrifice? 

This is one of those novels I am glad I listened to; the narrator is terrific, and the audio format allowed me to become more immersed in this savage, mystical world. What a unique novel! 

If you like a feel-good read…

One Day in December by Josie Silver (audio) 

I needed a light read, and Nina’s recommendation was on the money! This novel reads like a Hugh Grant movie, and while a bit trite and predictable, it was thoroughly enjoyable. Girl sees boy but they don’t meet, girl looks for boy until boy unknowingly starts dating girl’s best friend…you get the picture. It’s the perfect book to choose after a heavy read, while on vacation, or when you just need an escape. 

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman (audio)

If you’re a fan of A Man Called Ove, you’ll like this book. Backman once again employs a cast of kooky characters to create a warm-hearted novel that celebrates our differences. Mourning the death of her beloved grandmother, seven-year-old Elsa embarks on a quest to deliver letters to everyone in her quirky apartment building. Funny, happy, sad, and clever…this novel has all the feels. But ultimately, it will make you feel good.

Happy Reading…and if you have a book to recommend, please let me know in the comments!