My favorite thing to do while I run errands, clean the house, exercise or just relax is listen to or read a book. Here is the collection of books I read this month. Do you have any recommendations? I’m always looking for something new to read!
“The Guncle” by Steven Rowley
When tragedy strikes, Patrick or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP) is forced to care for his niece and nephew. His Hollywood lifestyle and independent living has to be put on hold for a while. This is a delightful read of healing, grief and the importance of family. It will make you laugh and break your heart at the same time. I’ve had this on my TBR list for a couple of years now, I gave this one 3 stars.
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
I read this book probably 12 years ago when I was jumping back into reading. It was a delight then and didn’t disappoint this time around. This is a powerful read about the power of finding one’s self. Janie Crawford’s quit for identity takes her through three marriages and into a journey back to her roots. It is a beautiful representation of African American life in the South. I gave this book 4 Stars.
“Meant to Be” by Emily Giffin
This book was on the JFK Jr book recommendation list. Although it is not directly the story of his and Carolyn Basset’s love story, it is almost identical to it minus the main characters names. After reading multiple biographies about his life and love story, this felt like something almost disrespectful. I guess if you knew nothing of the history and real story you’d enjoy this book but it was almost comical to read knowing the real story and how minutely they changed the story line. The only redeeming feature was they actually didn’t die in the plane crash and gave a glimpse to life after that tragedy. I gave this book 3 stars.
“In Your Dreams” by Sarah Adams
This book is part of a series, When in Rome, a family of sisters and each of their love stories. This book is about Madison Walker, the culinary sister who was chasing her dreams in New York. After a little shattering of her confidence, she returns to her small town in Rome, Kentucky where a job lands in her lap as the chef in a new farm to table restaurant in her hometown. Of coarse it wouldn’t be a love story without a man. Will she be able to run the restaurant and find love? You’ll have to read to find out. I gave this one 4 stars.
“The Bright Years” by Sarah Damoff
This was on several best of the year lists, so I wanted to add it to my reading list. The Bright Years is a tender, true-to-life novel that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but over time, restored by the power and grace of love. It will break your heart and put it back together. I gave this book 4 stars.
“Broken Country” by Claire Leslie Hall
This was a re-read for me. It is a book that gives you important information at the ending to help understand the entire book. My first time reading it I finished and didn’t love it. I think I just needed to read it knowing what I learned at the ending of the book. The second time around was so much better! This book is a love story of impossible choices with explosive consequences. It is book of character and moral faithfulness that will leave you needing to reread. I gave this book 4 stars.
“Lady Tremaine” by Rachel Hochhauser
This book seemed to be recommended to me by several friends and sources. It is a Cinderella story told by the step mother, Lady Tremaine. Although very different from the typical fairytale, this gives you a little insight into why she is so wicked. I didn’t realize it was a Cinderella story until I got to the ball. I enjoyed the book and the power it gave to being a strong woman. I gave this one 4 stars.
