Reading has been one of my favorite "hobbies" for years now. I read about 5-10 books a month depending on the time, books I pick up, and my schedule but it helps to keep my mind clear and to keep me off my phone lol. For so many years I didn't talk about the books I read because it was majority fantasy novels, romance, and pure kindle unlimited smut (if you know you know). But after Tik Tok let me in that every female feels the same, I said hey let's do this. For about 1 year now, I have been sharing my recommendations on my personal instagram every month and wanted to bring it here for more in depth analysis of the books I choose, my reviews, and why sometimes I think the NYT and pulitzer prize list are absolute bullshit. I also take pride in turning friends who "never read" into avid readers and I'm wholly convinced that people who "don't like to read a lot" only read the books they THINK they are supposed to read. If you have never read a book outside of your high school literature list, I promise it's not that bad out there. My books are similar to binge watching a new netflix series, but I digress.
Can't wait to have you follow along, and I will share my 2021 recommendations soon!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Rating: 8/10
FICTION
This story follows four famous siblings who throw an end of the summer celebration which ends with their lives changed forever. TJR takes us back in time throughout the novel to highlight the siblings stories and how they came to end up in this mansion on the night of the party. The main characters are four surfer siblings, beautiful, charismatic, and known for being not only talented but children of a famous singer. TJR highlights how every choice we make and every choice our parents make can impact our lives forever. She has a way of captivating you for even the most mundane of stories and packs lessons and life altering advice into every book. Her other stories including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and The Six are some of my favorite novels and this one does not disappoint. A great story for anyone who doesn't love romance but still wants a good novel.
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Rating: 9/10
MYSTERY/THRILLER/FICTION
A young fifteen year old girl disappears without a trace. Ten years later, her mother continues to search for her while simultaneously to trying move on with her life. She meets a man who quickly sweeps her off her feet and brings her a happiness she hasn't felt in 10 years. She meets his young daughter who seems to fill a piece of her heart that has been missing for so long. This young girl brings back the memories of her daughter but leads her to more questions than answers. This child is the key to leading this mother back to her daughter and the answers to her disappearance. This book was just so good. From beginning to end, the author captivates you with her detailed accounts of whats happening in the main characters life and how everyone around her seems to be reacting to both her and the events that occur. The character development plays a key role to the story and the ending, while alluded to throughout, is still a complete shock. A perfect vacation read!
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Rating: 2/10 (DNF - did not finish)
Somehow... this won a Pulitzer Prize and I honestly do not understand. Really the only reason I gave it a 2/10 instead of a 1/10 is because of that. I think at this point I just need to give up on the "literary fiction" genre because it always leaves me depressed, bored, and with so many questions as to who is making these decisions. I actually only got 80% through this book and it took me two weeks.... which is unheard of. This story follows a young man after losing his mother to a tragic bombing in a museum at age 13. During this tragedy he keeps a small piece of art that he found in the rubble. This art seems to guide him through the rest of his life, the choices he makes, and the people he meets. Theoretically, the story should be beautiful and moving but in reality, it is depressing, boring, and very slow. The characters are all unlikable, there is no positivity, and the pace of the novel is all over the place. An event that takes 2 hours can take 75 pages while 5 months of time will pass in 3 pages. All in all, not recommended and if anyone can truly explain to me why this novel was good please do so.
ACOTAR BOOKS 1&2
A Court of Thorns and Roses + A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
ACOTAR is one of my favorite series. I ended up picking it back up after hitting a huge reading slump after trying to get through The Goldfinch and I am so glad I did. The second of the series is my favorite but I want to wait until next month to review them all at once. Overall, a 10/10 fantasy series that is a perfect introduction back into reading !
"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.” - Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses