I’ve never read as many books in one month as I read in October!!! As I neared the end of my “sabbatical” and didn’t need to look for a job anymore, I took advantage of the extra time and read 13 books this month!!!!
Since I have so many books to cover, let’s get into the reviews!
Tell Me Everything: Cambria Brockman
Protagonist Malin meets a group of interesting people in her very first week at Hawthorne College - Gemma, a theater major from London; John, a handsome wealthy jock from New England; his quiet cousin Max, pre-med and an artist; Khaled, possibly royal, from Abu Dhabi and Ruby, a beautiful art history major.
The book flips back and forth between Malin’s present day, and her past, and oh, there’s a murder.
I really enjoyed this book because the group of friends reminded me in parts of my friends in college (hey Clawson friends), without the murdery bits of course. I flew through this.
Overall grade: A-
The Husband Hunters: Anne de Courcy (audiobook)
Non-fiction isn’t typically my genre at all, but I’m a bit of a cultural history nerd, so this look at American Heiresses and their infiltration into British society was such a fascinating look at a moment in history.
Downton Abbey lovers - this is pretty much how Cora became a Crawley! I didn’t realize the degree of freedom and education that American women experienced compared to their British counterparts, and the degree to which a very small contingent of women controlled American society.
If you’re a fan of period movies or TV shows, you will find this book very interesting.
Overall grade: A-
Three Women: Lisa Taddeo
Remember how I said non-fiction isn’t really my genre? Well, I ended up reading two in a row on accident. But it was such a happy accident because this is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
Lisa Taddeo criss crossed across the country several times over eight years to tell a very specific story about women and desire, through the lens of three women. There’s Lina, in suburban Indiana, in a sexless marriage, who starts an affair with a high school crush. There’s Maggie, a high school student, who has a deep emotional relationship with her teacher. And then there’s Sloane - a beautiful young restaurant owner who sleeps with other men at her husband’s request.
It is such a interesting story told by a truly gifted storyteller, and reads more like fiction than non-fiction. Each chapter follows one of these three women, so you can either read the in order, or binge on one particular woman like my friend Jackie did.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Overall grade: A++
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters: Balli Kaur Jaswal (audiobook)
Three British Punjabi sisters are forced to travel to India together to carry out their mother’s last wishes. There’s Type A Rajni, struggling actress and rebel Jezmeen, and the good sister Shirina - they didn’t grow up close, and this forced trip has all the makings for disaster.
This is the story of female dynamics and the relationships between sisters, with India as the backdrop.
Overall, it was fine, but definitely not in the top books I read this month.
Overall grade: B
Ayesha at Last: Uznam Jalaluddin
This book is described as a modern day Muslim Pride and Prejudice, but I really don’t think it’s anything like P&P, except that the two central characters are headstrong and there’s an income disparity. That said, it is a look at modern day Islam and the rage of the Muslim experience.
Ayesha Shamsi is a teacher in Canada who doesn’t want an arranged marriage. Her cousin Hafsa, in the mean while, is rejecting her 100th suitor. In a case of mistaken identity, Ayesha meet smart, handsome, highly conservative and judgemental Khalid. And Ayesha finds herself irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her life choices.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Being Muslim is portrayed in a certain way here, but I grew up with Muslim friends who absolutely do not fit the stereotypes portrayed in the media, so it was refreshing to see representation in a nuanced way. Also, it’s a sweet love story, even if it is inconsistent at times.
Overall grade: B+/A-
Until Forever: MV Kasi
Every month I end up picking one bad book, and this was it. This is like a terribly written Bollywood film - please don’t waste your time reading this. I only finished because I couldn’t believe how bad it was - I couldn’t look away from this dumpster fire.
Overall grade: D
Thin Air: Lisa Gray
Jessica Shaw is a private investigator. When she receives an anonymous tip with a photo of a 3-year old kidnapped from Los Angeles, she is shocked to recognize the little girl as herself! Jessica finds out that her biological mom was murdered the night she was kidnapped, putting everything she’s known about her family in question. Jessica now has a new client - herself!
I love a good PI story, and this one didn’t disappoint. Quick pacing, easy to read, I’m already looking forward to book 2 in the series!
Overall grade: B+/A-
Two Can Keep a Secret: Karen M. McManus (audiobook):
Ellery and Ezra are twins who move back to their mother’s home town when she enters rehab. Echo Ridge is small town New England, except that young women keep disappearing, including Ellery and Ezra’s aunt who disappeared when she was seventeen. And then the homecoming queen died 5 years ago. And now there’s a sign it might all happen again.
True crime lover Ellery is trying to solve the mystery of these disappearance, while balancing her grandmother’s rules and keeping herself alive.
This book was so much fun, and I didn’t guess the killer until they were revealed. Very fun!
Overall grade: B+/A-
Ask Again, Yes: Mary Beth Keane
Brian and Francis are rookie cops in NYC, eventually moving to different roles, but living next door to each other in the suburbs. Both families have children, and Brian’s son Peter and Francis’ daughter Kate are best friends. As the kids grown into teenagers, their relationship grows, until one day, there’s a tragedy that impacts both families and Brian’s family moves away. Years later, Peter and Kate reunite and have a chance at redemption.
If you like big family sagas, you will enjoy this book. Even though the story type isn’t usually my favorite, this book was well written and well paced.
Overall grade: A-
We Came Here to Forget: Andrea Dunlop
Katie Cleary is a champion skier, living and training with her two best friends, Luke and Blair. As she soars in her career, her sister’s secret comes to light, shattering Katie’s entire world. She escapes to Buenos Aires and reinvents herself as Liz Sullivan, embedding herself into the expat community.
The book alternates between Katie and Liz, until both past and present collide. I don’t want to give you any hints, but you will not be surprised with the sister’s secret, when it arrives. However, this doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this book. I’m now very tempted to go to Buenos Aires.
Overall grade: A-
The Flatshare: Beth O’Leary
Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey are flatmates, with a twist. They’ve never ever actually met each other. Leon works as a nighttime healthcare aide, and uses the flat during the day, spending the weekend with his girlfriend. Tiffy is an underpaid editor getting out of a long-term relationship. Their relationship grows through a series of post-it notes, and well, this is a romance, so you can guess what happens.
This book is a like a sunny blast of sunshine and ice cream - if you’re in the mood for some escapism, this is a must-read.
Overall grade: A
Things You Save in a Fire: Katherine Center
Cassie Hanwell is one of the only female firefighters in Austin, Texas thriving in her career. Her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston to take care of her for one year. Cassie takes her career to the Boston area, but her new firehouse is an old-school boys club, except for the very handsome rookie, who is genuinely happy to have her around.
This one is another lovely, gooey romance - perfect for a rainy, cold fall day. Enjoy!
Overall grade: A-
On the Island: Tracey Garvis Graves
This is my second Tracey Garvis Graves book this year - I read The Girl He Used to Know in July, although this book was written several years before The Girl.
Thirty year old teacher Anna accepts a job teaching teen (16 year old) cancer survivor TJ on a tropical island near the Maldives. On their way to the island to meet up with TJ’s parents, their plane crashes, and TJ and Anna are stranded on an island, presumed dead.
This is a LOST x reverse age difference romance (they’re usually older man, younger woman) type book, my second one this year. The first being my favorite book I read this year - The Idea of You by Robinne Lee. While I loved The Idea of You more, I think it’s mostly because Idea is all luxe glamour, and Island is pretty much my worst nightmare - hardcore camping with no end in sight.
That said, I really enjoyed this book.
Overall grade: A
Since I’m back at work full time now, it’s safe to say I will not be reading 13 books in a month anytime soon, but I’m still reading daily before bed, so expect this series to continue, albeit at a much, much slower pace!