Reading Recap

Demon Copperhead is going down in my top five books of all time.  

"Demon Copperhead is set in the mountains of southern Appalachia. It's the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival."

It was beautiful, it was haunting, it was hard to read at times but I couldn't put it down.  It was riveting and heartbreaking and gave me a lot of insight and perspective into both poverty and addiction that I didn't have before.  It reminded me of "Educated" in that I kept having to remind myself of Demon's age when he was hitchhiking, working in a meth lab, etc. AND remind myself that this was essentially set in the same time period that I grew up in.  Overall I'd call this a MUST read and need some of y'all to read it so we can discuss!

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise was an unexpected favorite this time around.

"An unforgettable pairing of a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law in this story full of tremendous heart, humor, and wit."

I ADORED this book so much more than I thought I would.  I loved both Tanner AND Louise, their antics together were charming and fun and the story kept me guessing AND surprised me at the end.  I found both characters a bit unlikable at the beginning but as the book progressed and their friendships grew I found myself rooting for both of them individually and together.  

While I enjoyed Fourth Wing it was A LOT for me. hahahaha. I get the hype... yes, it was Hunger Games-ish but it felt like a lot to keep up with and if Fantasy isn't your genre of choice I'd probably skip. 

"Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, daughter of the empire's most revered General, who is thrust into an elite war college for dragon riders where the only rule is graduate or perish."

 I kind of felt like every character was the same (SUPER INTENSE) which may be because I listened to it on audible and it is NOT, I repeat, NOT a Young Adult fiction like I first assumed.  There is some steamy romance so be aware before you blindly purchase and hand off to your book-loving kid. hahaha

Will I read the next one?  ABSOLUTELY!

I read mixed reviews of Bad Summer People but I really enjoyed it.  It almost felt satirical in how it portrayed these characters who summered on Fire Island mixed with some mystery and murder.

"Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker rule the town of Salcombe, Fire Island every summer. They hold sway on the beach and the tennis court, and are adept at manipulating people to get what they want. Their husbands, Sam and Jason, have summered together on the island since childhood, despite lifelong grudges and numerous secrets. Their one single friend, Rachel Woolf, is looking to meet her match, whether he’s the tennis pro—or someone else’s husband. But even with plenty to gossip about, this season starts out as quietly as any other.

Until a body is discovered, face down, off the side of the boardwalk."

I felt like it was a fun summer read with some dark and twisty parts.  I seem to always enjoy a "money can't buy happiness" and "you don't really know what's going on in other people's homes" kind of read and thought the setting and twist in this one were great.

Just Haven't Met You Yet was charming and sweet.  A PERFECT little chick-lit rom-com vibe set in England which is always a plus.

"Hopeless romantic and lifestyle reporter Laura’s business trip to the Channel Islands isn’t off to a great start. After an embarrassing encounter with the most attractive man she’s ever seen in real life, she arrives at her hotel and realizes she’s grabbed the wrong suitcase from the airport. Her only consolation is its irresistible contents, each of which intrigues her more and more. The owner of this suitcase is clearly Laura’s dream man. Now, all she has to do is find him."

A little predictable, a little cheesy but all the things you like in these kinds of books.  Overall an easy recommendation for a light, romantic book with a great setting.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers was totally unique and fun.  Vera was completely endearing and overbearing and I loved her SO MUCH!  

"Vera Wong is an elderly woman who knows how to get things done and can't see how the younger generation lets time pass so easily without being productive. So when a man decides to get murdered in her tea house, she takes it upon herself to solve his murder."

This review perfectly sums up my thoughts... This was ABSOLUTELY my cup of tea (no pun intended). What an unalloyed delight, watching the indomitable Vera elbow her way into all these lives in her determination to solve the murder of the no good bum whose corpse appeared in her empty tea room one morning! What a satisfying denouement! This would make thoroughly delightful TV adaptation, and I hope to see it on a screen near me before too very long. (And/or to read sequels detailing Vera’s further adventures.)

I'd love to know what you've read and loved lately!  Leave me a comment and let me know ;)