Summer 2019 Books

​The Reckoning—John Grisham
This book was one of the greatest that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. It was the most captivating and well-written novel—such an amazing plot line. What you think is the story seems to end mid-way through the book. I even thought, “Well, what’s the point of reading any more if we know what happens?” But YOU ACTUALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. 11/10 for sure. 
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The Taster—V.S. Alexander
I had high hopes for this book but ended up being pretty disappointed. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what the issue was because the book does have lots of action, it’s historically interesting (about WWII), and I did finish it! However, I think the main character just bugged me (the author had her repeat herself enough that the reader can't help but notice). Honestly, I would only recommend this to someone if that person has literally nothing else to read (harsh, I know, but I was so disappointed!). 

Someone Knows—Lisa Scottline 
The story was definitely intriguing, but the writing wasn’t my favorite. Every single chapter was a different person’s point of view, and normally I wouldn’t mind that kind of back-and-forth, except that when I say every character in the entire book had a chapter, I mean every character in the entire book had a chapter. (Definitely too confusing.) Scottline also loved italics in this book, and for some reason, it really got on my nerves. BUT, I still had to keep reading to find out how it all ended because the plot line was still interesting and all the little details proved that at least Scottline knows how to make an interesting story. 

The Wedding Party—Jasmine Guillory
This was a fast and fun read (definitely for a mature audience only). If you’re looking for a mindless romantic comedy, then you’ll love Guillory’s characters and the classic plot line.

Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11—Mitchell Zuckoff 
I came across this book while perusing through the “New Releases” section at the library, and I’m so grateful that I felt the need to pick it up. It’s a tough, gruesome, intense read—no doubt about it. But it deserves to be read, the facts and history recorded and remembered. I learned so much about this devastating event (that I was alive for, albeit super young), I read the accounts of individuals who perished and those who survived, and I was beyond moved and impressed with the hard work and reporting that went into creating this mammoth record of history. 12/10 recommend. (I plan on reading all of Zuckoff's books now.)

An American Marriage—Tayari Jones
This was another difficult book for me. Much like with Someone Knows, there were aspects that I liked (such as the plot and the way the novel was constructed/the chapters), but there were also parts I didn’t like as much (such as one of the main characters total disregard for other people). BUT I was envious of Jones’ writing, and since I came across the novel on a “must read list,” I would still recommend it. 

Big Magic—Elizabeth Gilbert
Yes, I included this in my spring book haul, but I needed to re-read it recently and be reminded of all the wonderfulness that Gilbert talks about. (I bought my own copy so that the second read-through could include a pen and major underlining!)

Happy reading! Please feel free to comment below or on Facebook with suggestions or your favorite books!!