The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

"There’s something about death that makes people want to live. We wanted to live that day, and I don’t blame us for it. Not anymore."

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo 

You guys - unpopular opinion time.

I have been known to cry over books. Books with sad endings, books with infuriating endings, books with very happy endings. I get emotional. It's weird, I know. So I thoroughly expected to be wrecked by this book - all of the reviews said so, even Reese Witherspoon said so! 

Here's the thing about this book - I think if I had gone into it with different expectations maybe I would have different thoughts on it. Jill Santopolo sets out to write an epic love story about a first love that spans over a decade. And at times she does an outstanding job, but ultimately I found this novel to be predictable, trite and at times clichéd. I expected to have my heart ripped out - this story could after all - only end one way. But what I didn't expect was to feel so underwhelmed by the narrative and ending of this book.

The concept of this book is nothing new - a look into the past, wondering what could have been if timing had been different. What if the decisions that had been made had lead down different paths? It's a familiar concept that people like - I personally, don't mind ill fated romances as long as the story has the right sort of emotional quality. I just feel that there are other books that have done it better.

The writing isn't bad, it's fine, but I think that this novel would have been more effective if it had been narrated a little differently. The book is narrated entirely by Lucy in past tense. She's recalling memories, as if she's telling a story to someone. Unfortunately this mechanism is a dead give away to any adept reader about the condition of the person she's narrating to which made this very predictable. I know of other stories that are like this, Nicholas Sparks' The Choice or even The Best of Me. There were times I even thought of Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife, which I know is entirely different, but has similar themes of waiting on someone who isn't there. The difference between this novel and those being that the latter packed an emotional punch (as Sparks is apt to do) that this novel was missing. I believe that's mostly due to lack of shock factor and had the author taken a different stylistic approach the outcome may have been different. Overall the end of this novel left me feeling - meh.

I really wanted to like this more, but I believe that this novel was over-hyped and for readers who enjoy this type of book - there are other stories out there more worth the time.

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

“Grief was what you owed the dead for the necessary crime of living on without them.”

Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire is a slow building masterpiece that explores sibling love and sacrifice.

I loved everything about this book, the more I process it - the more I love it. It's beautifully written, evocative and painful. This type of novel takes a special talent - the craft alone here is meticulous. 

The story centers around three siblings - Isma is the oldest, who has spent the majority of her teenage years looking after her twin siblings, Aneeka and Parvaiz. The twins have reached the age of 18 and Isma now has the ability to move forward with her life - beginning with an opportunity to travel to America to further her education. Her story opens the novel, a chapter in which she's stopped by airport security and interrogated about her clothing, her life, and basically her motive for leaving England. 

You see, her father was a famous Jihadist. 

Aneeka and Parvaiz remain in London, each doing their own thing but remaining firmly intertwined in each other's lives. But then Isma and Aneeka find their world ripped out from beneath them when their brother disappears to follow in his father's footsteps and joins ISIS. 

This novel is political, that goes without saying. But examines humanity, social class, moral values, and familial ties. It's searing. 

I loved this though, if you're the type of reader that needs a hook right off the bat or quickly loses interest - this probably isn't for you. But if you're the kind of reader who appreciates a novel written with a quiet precision that builds to an outstanding ending - you will probably enjoy this novel like I did.

Long-listed for the Man Booker, Home Fire offers a modern spin on the Sophocles tragedy, Antigone. The parallels are easy to spot if you're familiar with the source material and if you aren't, I would check that out before picking this up to appreciate the full extent of Shamsie's work here.

Overall very well done and very thought provoking - though I wouldn't recommend to the casual reader, and reserve this for readers who enjoy work by authors who I feel have a similar quiet literary prowess and slow build in their work ie: Lauren Groff ( Fates & Furies ) or Mohsin Hamid's Exit West .

Buy It

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“People have so closely followed the most intricate details of the fake story of my life.”  

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was sent to me by Booksparks as part of their summer reading challenge. It was one of my most anticipated books of the summer (I’m a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid – I really enjoyed One True Loves – see my review here) and it is probably one of my favorite books this year.

Hollywood legend, Evelyn Hugo, recounts her seven marriages for her memoir. The memoir is to be published posthumously – and having the rights to publish it would be any aspiring writer’s dream. When Monique Grant, an inexperienced journalist with big dreams, is given the incredible opportunity to write Evelyn Hugo’s memoir, she can’t believe it.

Told in chronological order of her marriages - beginning with husband number one and moving through husband number seven, Evelyn recounts her journey from humble beginnings in Hells Kitchen to Oscar gold. She’s unabashedly unapologetic and opportunistic in her endeavors –exchanging her virginity for a ride to Hollywood, a string of strategic marriages prompted by Hollywood executives, hiding her Cuban roots by bleaching her hair blonde and using her body as a means to move up the Hollywood ladder – every facet of Evelyn’s life is rife with triumph and tragedy.

New Release Tuesday: Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan #SRC2017

Hello, fellow Book Friends and Happy New Release Tuesday!

Today you're finally able to get your paws on Kevin Kwan's newest novel in his Crazy Rich Asians series - Rich People Problems! I was sent an early copy of the book as part of BookSparks  summer reading challenge and read it last week before the release date. Let me tell you, it's just as funny as the other two books!

A few years ago I read Crazy Rich Asians - and found it to be a perfect weekend read. I found it to be hilarious, well paced and just plan crazy! Reading about feuding families, old money v. new money, tech start ups and billion dollar shopping sprees made for a very entertaining novel.

Kwan's second novel in the series, China Rich Girlfriend also made it to my reading list and like the first book, I found it similarly paced and just as funny as the first. Obviously I had the same expectations going into Rich People Problems - the latest in the series.

I read this book during my lunch breaks at work and found it hysterical! I was actually laughing out loud in spots, garnering some interesting looks from my co-workers in our lunchroom. This book is very similar to the other two - same crazy families, same crazy rich people problems! These characters are absolutely fascinating to me! I love the witty dialogue, the meddling mothers, scheming social climbers and just the whole Singaporean vibe of this book! If you enjoyed the other two, I believe you'll enjoy this one as well. If you haven't read this series, go check it out - it's perfect poolside reading fare!

Believe me, the drama never stops and it's one wild private jet ride at a time with these books!
If you're looking for something light and fun for the weekend or to carry you through the work week, check this one out!

Buy It:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound | Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOKSPARKS SUMMER CHALLENGE 2017 #SRC2017

If you're on the look out for some new reading material - you can participate in the BookSparks summer reading challenge! All summer long we will be reading books from amazing authors like Kevin Kwan and sharing our #topsecretmission posts over on Instagram! Check out the lineup over here and read along all summer long! The challenge runs from May through August, you can read on your electronic devices - the team has joined forces with iBooks - or head down to your local library or local bookseller to purchase the books!

If you're reading along, I would love to know what you're thinking of these books so far!

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

Some books we read for entertainment, others we read for enlightenment. Some books are fast paced, entertaining chapter churning fun. Others are relevant, important and thought provoking.

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid is enlightening, relevant, and thought provoking. This book will not be for everyone – those who read solely for entertainment value will not enjoy this novel as much as readers who quietly contemplate the larger meaning of the text before them. Exit West examines the plight of the displaced and it is heart breaking and hopeful but most importantly, incredibly relevant.

It is the type of book everyone should read – but probably won’t.

 Set in an unnamed city at the edge of Civil War, Saeed and Nadia first meet in an evening class on Corporate Identity and Branding. They meet, he asks her to coffee, thus beginning a relationship both similar and dissimilar to any other budding courtship. They listen to music, send text messages, dream about traveling, explore each other and discuss the future. Yet their relationship is different from many, as their city falls into war and eventually they choose to leave – a part of a mass migration of people; displaced by man’s hunger for power and control.

The doors they pass through lead them to Greece, England and eventually the United States. They face opposition, loss, fear and hope as they journey from their homeland to one new land after another in hope of finding a place in the world where they may have safety and opportunity to begin afresh. The reader sees their relationship as it begins and as it shifts with time and experience. Their experience and growth beautifully captured with passages such as this:

”Every time a couple moves they begin, if their attention is still drawn to one another, to see each other differently, for personalities are not a single immutable color, like white or blue, but rather illuminated screens, and the shades we reflect depend much on what is around us.”

This is not a plot novel; its importance is not in the actual movement of the characters or development of their relationship, but rather the general themes and questions their movement evokes. It displays a unique literary structure – an omniscient narrator who keeps the reader at arm’s length and magical realism that straddles the line between fantasy and science fiction. Exit West does so much more than offer glimpses into the relationship between two people in a refugee camp who flee the war torn remnants of their homeland. It begs the reader to examine his or her own attitudes about immigration, colonialism, war, and human migration and the lens with which we view such people and institutions. My favorite chapter is about a woman, who having lived in the same house all her life, observes the coming and going of new people and despite her own stationary physical location realizes, “We are all migrants through time.”

This novel is a dazzling depiction of a modern dystopia that is alarmingly similar to a world we currently live in. It is a beautiful, yet ugly, frightening, yet hopeful, assessment of a world that could be not far into our future.

Buy it

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Anticipated New Release: The Hollywood Daughter by Kate Alcott

Thank you Netgalley and Doubleday Books for providing me with an advanced copy of the ebook of Kate Alcott's newest novel, The Hollywood Daughter, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and do not reflect the views of anyone affiliated with the publishing of this book.

Kate Alcott is a master story teller. She has the ability to choose a place in time, hone in on it and develop the most beautiful stories. One of my favorite historical fiction novels is her book, The Dressmaker, which follows a young woman through the tragic sinking of the Titanic and to New York in pursuit of becoming a dressmaker. It's a wonderful book - so I had high expectations for her latest novel, The Hollywood Daughter. I was not disappointed and I enjoyed this book as much as Alcott's prior work.

 

The Hollywood Daughter is a dazzling and emotional coming of age tale about Jessica Malloy, a young girl who is caught between the glamorous allure of the Hollywood stars and movies her father works with and the morality and rigid rules dictated by her catholic upbringing. Caught between two worlds whose morals and values seem to be ever at odds with each other, she is forced to search for her own truth during the McCarthy era in the United States.

 

The main character, Jesse, is the daughter of a well known Hollywood publicist and a devout Catholic mother, who from an early age develops an intense fandom for Ingrid Bergman, her father's most high profile client. For many years Jesse continues to view Ingrid Bergman's career from afar, picturing her as the pious, upright woman that she appears to be in her films. When news of Bergman's scandalous affair with Italian director Roberto Rossellini reaches Jesse and her family, it serves as a catalyst for Jesse to question everything she ever thought was true about life, love and her family. Caught in the midst of such a scandal she begins to see the fault lines in her own parent's marriage and the faith she was raised to stand on, causing her to question her own values and beliefs.

 

I enjoyed this book immensely and loved the story of a young girl who must come to terms with her own views on morality, values and faith in the midst of an intense political environment in the United States. The novel has a steady pace, is highly readable and fun in the sense that it gives the reader a small glimpse into the glittery world of old Hollywood and its famous icons. The political and religious themes throughout the book offer great material for discussion - I believe this would be a solid book club choice. If you're looking for a great new read for Spring, check this one out!  

The Hollywood Daughter is available to pre-order and released on March 7, 2017

 

Buy it on

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book Club: July's Pick is The One That Got Away by Leigh Himes

Who’s ready for the Book Gawker’s July book club pick?

This month we’ll be reading The One that Got Away by Leigh Himes!

For those of you who haven’t heard of Leigh Himes’ debut novel, here’s the synopsis from Amazon:

“Meet Abbey Lahey . . .

Overworked mom. Underappreciated publicist. Frazzled wife of an out-of-work landscaper. A woman desperately in need of a vacation from life--and who is about to get one, thanks to an unexpected tumble down a Nordstrom escalator.

Meet Abbey van Holt . . .

The woman whose life Abbey suddenly finds herself inhabiting when she wakes up. Married to handsome congressional candidate Alex van Holt. Living in a lavish penthouse. Wearing ball gowns and being feted by the crème of Philadelphia society. Luxuriating in the kind of fourteen-karat lifestyle she's only read about in the pages of Town & Country. The woman Abbey might have been . . . if she had said yes to a date with Alex van Holt all those years ago.

In the tradition of the romantic comedy Sliding Doors and Lionel Shriver's The Post-Birthday World, Leigh Himes's irresistible debut novel tells the funny and touching story of an ordinary woman offered an extraordinary opportunity to reboot her life, explore the road not taken, and ultimately, find her true self--whoever that may be.”

I’ve heard good things about this book – it appears to be light hearted and fun, which is always a plus when it comes to choosing an entertaining summer read. Hailed as a witty love story about the choices that shape the lives we lead, I’m excited to read this charming debut novel and I hope you are too.

Join the discussion of The One That Got Away on July 29th, here on the blog, Facebook and Instagram! I'm excited to know your thoughts!

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at Barnes & Noble
Visit Village Books in Lynden or Fairhaven

A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Author Leigh Himes has spent fourteen years working in the public relations field. Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, she now lives just outside of Philadelphia with her husband and their two children. This is her first book.
Visit her website at: www.leighhimes.com

Book Review: Euphoria, Lily King

Title Euphoria, Lily King

Print Length: 273 pages

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press

Publication Date: June 3, 2014

Rating: 5/5 Stars

S Y N O P S I S

Part Romeo and Juliet, part anthropological essay, Lily King's Euphoria tells the story of three anthropologists studying native tribes in New Guinea during the 1930s. Nell Stone, a controversial and famous anthropologist, and her husband Fen are fleeing a cannibalistic tribe when they run into Andrew Bankston, a British anthropologist studying river tribes on his own. Lonely and suicidal, Bankston clings to the intelligent Nell and charismatic Fen, helping them to find a new tribe for their research. Nell and Fen are introduced to the Tam - a female driven, artistic river tribe. Here Nell studies the customs and values of the Tam while Fen, desperate to emerge from beneath the shadow of his famous wife, is focused more on antiquities than anthropological research. Tensions rise between the three anthropologists as Bankston and Nell draw closer to each other and Fen plots to commit an unforgivable crime with deadly consequences. Taut, sensual and beautifully written, this critically acclaimed novel is worthy of all the praise it received.

M Y  T A K E

Lily King's novel, Euphoria, is sensual, riveting and brilliant. It was named book of the year by the New York Times, Vogue, Time and many other publications. This book truly is a stand out - but please allow me to warn you, it's not for everyone. What made this novel work for me was the beautiful language and descriptions of the native people by Nell and Bankston. Together they make the story beautiful, emotional and sensuous. Because this book is so beautifully and hypnotically written I rated it five stars - it is wonderful. Some readers may find this book slow to start, I believe that this is good. It allows for a gradual build up to the climax of the story and gives the reader a better sense of the characters. Fen is brooding and jealous, Bankston hopelessly romantic and Nell pragmatic and methodical. Euphoria is a masterfully crafted story about love, jealousy, science and the beauty that comes with understanding someone other than oneself. I found it to be uncomfortable - an emotion that I feel great literature should evoke from its reader - beautifully written and tragic. This novel isn't for the faint of heart - it is not a beach read or airplane book but it is a wonderful example of modern literature.

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at Barnes & Noble

A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Lily King grew up in Massachusetts and received her B.A. in English Literature from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her M.A. in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. She has taught English and Creative Writing at several universities and high schools in this country and abroad.

Lily’s first novel, The Pleasing Hour (1999) won the Barnes and Noble Discover Award and was a New York Times Notable Book and an alternate for the PEN/Hemingway Award. Her second, The English Teacher, was a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Book of the Year, a Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year, and the winner of the Maine Fiction Award. Her third novel, Father of the Rain (2010), was a New York Times Editors Choice, a Publishers Weekly Best Novel of the Year and winner of both the New England Book Award for Fiction and the Maine Fiction Award. Lily's new novel, Euphoria, was released in June 2014. It has drawn significant acclaim so far, being named an Amazon Book of the Month, on the Indie Next List, and hitting numerous summer reading lists from The Boston Globe to O Magazine and USA Today. Reviewed on the cover of The New York Times, Emily Eakin called Euphoria, “a taut, witty, fiercely intelligent tale of competing egos and desires in a landscape of exotic menace.”

Lily is the recipient of a MacDowell Fellowship and a Whiting Writer's Award. Her short fiction has appeared in literary magazines including Ploughshares and Glimmer Train, as well as in several anthologies.

New Release Tuesday: First Comes Love, Emily Giffin

Title: First Comes Love, Emily Giffin

Print Length: 401 pages

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: June 28, 2016

S Y N O P S I S

Emily Giffin is a master at writing stories about matters of the heart, they’re often times messy (did you read The One and Only?), honest and emotional – First Comes Love is no different. Ms. Giffin’s newest novel tackles the complexity of sibling relationships and family dynamics in a way that is heartfelt and relatable. Josie and Meredith are two very different sisters, they have difficulty finding common ground even in their adolescent years and especially in adulthood. In the aftermath of a devastating family tragedy, the two women find their relationship strained, their only common thread being the brother they lost. As each woman matures she finds herself struggling to come to terms with past decisions, happiness and future plans. Single Josie is in her late thirties and desperately wants a family of her own, while Meredith struggles to connect with her husband and live up to the illusion of marital bliss that she’s created. As the 15th anniversary of their brother’s death looms ahead, it forces each woman to acknowledge her own heart and where her past and present lie.

First Comes Love is a story about self-love, the choices we make and how healing, grace and forgiveness first come from loving and accepting oneself.

M Y  T A K E

Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read all of her novels and loved each. First Comes Love ranks as one of my favorites that she’s written. She has a way of writing about family and friends that draws the reader into her stories. Her characters are highly identifiable, flawed and heartfelt – I find reading her books similar to a coffee date with an old friend; familiar and relatable. I felt as if I could be a friend of each woman, listening to her problems and watching on as she worked them out for herself. Is it strange that I find that I could possibly be a supporting character, sitting silently off the side, in all of her books?! I think that’s why I like them so much!

Character development aside, First Comes Love, is very well written and fast paced. I flew through this book in less than two days (as is often the case with work by this author) and really enjoyed the outcome. Giffin’s writing style is approachable and easily read, which makes this book suitable to a vast audience. I was satisfied with the ending and the paths each character took in her life. The only downside to finishing the book was that it ended!

You’ll most definitely want to pick this up for your summer reading enjoyment, and I highly recommend that you do!

First Comes Love is available today, June 28!

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it at Barnes & Noble

A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Emily Giffin is the author of seven internationally bestselling novels: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, Love the One You’re With, Heart of the Matter, Where We Belong, and The One & Only. A graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law, she lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.


*I was provided an advanced copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

Book Club: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub

Welcome to the first ever Book Gawker Book Club Meeting!

I am thrilled that you've joined me in reading this month's book club pick, Modern Lovers by Emma Straub and I'm dying to know what you thought!

M Y   T A K E

I absolutely loved this novel. I'm not saying this because I chose the book for my first book club post and I didn't want it to be a dud. I hope you all enjoyed it as well - and I typically don't talk up books just for the sake of a good recommendation. I can honestly tell you - I LOVED this novel. Emma Straub is magical. Her storytelling and character development is bar none and this is one of my favorite books this year.

W H A T  I  L O V E D

I felt that this story with its zany characters and quirkiness was witty and entertaining. I loved the juxtaposition of the young lovers' story with that of the older lovers in the story. The older couples each navigating their way through marital challenges and their children falling into what can only be described as a teenage whirlwind romance that is (let's face it) doomed from the start. Each character had his or her own unique struggle - and I thought that Emma Straub pulled their differences and uniqueness together beautifully in the end.
This book really was about friendship, self discovery, and love at all stages of life - whether it be during teenage or middle age years.

Emma Straub is incredibly witty. Her characters are razor sharp, smart and sassy - I loved that about this book. The only person I just wanted to give a good lecture to was Andrew (obviously) - but then it was apparent he was in definite need of some directional guidance so I'm going to throw him a bone there. One thing that I loved about this book was that it is incredibly smart but not overwritten. The prose was easy to read and enjoyable. I wasn't getting hung up on superfluous language or passages that were over my head. I found it to be to the point and funny.

W H A T  D I D N 'T  W O R K

Iggy Pop's return seemed downplayed a little to me. I mean, Elizabeth spent all that time making and hanging posters around the neighborhood, and I felt that his return was overshadowed by Ruby's cover up for Dust. I just would have liked a little more of a party for Iggy's return. What can I say, I'm an animal person.

Andrew - I'm not trying to make him out to be a bum, but he kind of was a bum! His character worked for the story and he came around in the end, but I would have liked to have seen a little more depth to him. I think behind the lost little boy looking for acceptance/distraction there were some other issues that made him more complex than he initially appeared throughout the book.

D I S C U S S I O N

Feel free to discuss in the comments, on Instagram or over at the Book Gawker's Facebook page! You're also more than welcome to link to your own post about Modern Lovers in the comments! I'm excited to know what everyone thought of this novel!
Also, I'm taking requests for July's Book Club pick - let me know what you would like to read!

July's book will be announced on June 30 - so be sure to check back!!

What did you think of Modern Lovers? Did you enjoy this novel?

• Loved it!

What worked for you, what didn't?

• Writing style, character development, storyline were all wonderful!
• I just wish that there had been some additional details added.

Who were your favorite characters?

• Mine was Ruby. I just loved her waywardness. She pretends to be a badass but she's really just a confused girl trying to figure it all out. Her ending was one of my favorite moments in the book. Naomi was another favorite - I thought she was funny and terrible all at once.

Did the book end the way you thought it would?

• I was actually really happy with the ending of this book. I felt that everyone found what they had been looking for which made me happy. I was a little surprised though because I feel that I'm getting used to bittersweet endings, so I fully expected a tragedy in end.

What would you ask the author about Modern Lovers?

• What was your writing process for this book and how did it differ from your previous work? What did you want to do differently with this novel?

Would you recommend this book? Why? Why not?

• Absolutely! This has been one of my favorite books this year.

If you haven't finished the book - are you planning to?

Book Review: The Unexpected Everything, Morgan Matson

Title: The Unexpected Everything, Morgan Matson

Print Length: 528 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Rating: 4/5 stars

S Y N O P S I S

Andie Walker’s life is exactly how she wants it.

She’s a top notch student with her sights set on Med School, she has the three best friends a girl could hope for and as far as relationships go – nothing serious or longer than three weeks is necessary.

Always the planner, she has her perfect summer vacation laid out – attending a highly competitive Summer Medical program that will look amazing on her college applications, finding a summer crush (nothing serious of course), avoiding her dad, and enjoying some downtime with her girlfriends. But when a political scandal involving her Congressman father costs Andie her summer internship she finds herself stuck at home for the summer. Worst of all she’s stuck sharing the house with her dad – whom she hasn’t spent a whole lot of time with over the past five years.

With her summer plans completely askew, Andie finds herself doing things she never thought she would - a job as a dog walker? Never would have dreamed of it. Actually enjoying spending time with her dad? Nope, didn’t see that one coming. Cute crush that could actually last longer than three weeks?! You’re kidding right?

As the summer progresses Andie begins to find that maybe life is less about the perfect plan and more about embracing the unexpected – but can she really stop trying to control everything?

M Y  T A K E

Morgan Matson’s book about a teenager who seems to have it all together was entertaining and sweet. Sometimes after you’ve spent quite a bit of time reading darker material you need some light in your book life. This YA novel about a girl and her friends the summer before their senior year in high school was exactly what I needed. Andie and her friends were a relatable group – I enjoyed their group text message chains and the interaction between them, I could see my youngest sister interacting with her friends in the same manner. While tight knit, they weren’t without a little bit of the drama that naturally occurs between friends and I found them overall to be a fun group.

One of my favorite character relationships in this book was the one between Andie and her Dad. From the beginning of the novel, the two of them are not close. Andie has been living as she pleases without much, if any, parental supervision – her dad’s near constant attention to his job as a member of Congress taking away from any relationship they may have. As they begin to spend more time together they’re able to work through some of their issues and ultimately start healing some of the hurt they’ve both experienced.

But probably one of my favorite things about this book is how Andie matures. She learns to be flexible with life – one of the hardest life lessons to learn especially when you strive to control your surroundings. As the novel progresses Andie find that doing what she actually likes is better than what other people would expect from her. There’s a self-exploration element to the story – which I think young adult readers will like. Plus if you like a little romance with your novels – this one has a really cute romantic relationship too.

If you’re looking for a really cute summer read that’s quick and not fantasy – you’ll probably like this.

Buy it on Amazon

Buy it at Barnes & Noble

A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Hi! I'm Morgan. (I've always found the third-person biography thing pretty weird.)

I write YA novels, usually about a girl, a summer, a boy, sometimes a dog, and always lots of coffee and ice cream. I love road trips and traveling, old black & white movies filled with repartee, summers, Starbucks, and fountain diet coke.

I'm originally from the East Coast, but I now live in Los Angeles with my dog Murphy, in a house I wish was closer to the beach

New Release Tuesday: 3 Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List

Happy Tuesday!

One of the best things about Tuesday is that it's a popular day of the week for new books to be released - and today is no exception. This Tuesday is especially fantastic because there are some really great books being released today. You'll be hearing about these books all summer long - now's your chance to get a jump on that poolside, park side reading list and read them before everyone else!

1. The Girls, Emma Cline

Emma Cline's novel, The Girls, is one of the most anticipated novels of the summer. Its generating a ton of buzz in the print world as well as the interwebs. You're not going to want to miss this Manson Family inspired coming of age novel.

I scored it a 4 out of 5 stars - you can see my review here.

2. Here's to Us, Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand is back and she's bringing us one of summer's best beach reads. This novel about three different women who all share the same ex-husband. When his sudden death brings them together in honor of his final wish - chaos ensues. Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer beach read - so I'm super excited to pick this one up.

*Also, if you're a fan of Elin Hilderbrand and you live in the Whatcom County area, Village Books is hosting her on June 22 at 7:00pm at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden. You're not going to want to miss this opportunity to see Elin live and have your book signed! Believe me when I say, I'll be there! More details here.

3. Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty, Ramona Ausubel

Hailed as "One of the most anticipated books of 2016" by The Millions and "Aggressively Imaginative" by the New York Times, Ramona Ausubel's story of a wealthy family who in the midst of lavish summer holidays and party planning realizes that their fortune has run out is sure to be one of the summer's most talked about reads. I'm excited to pick this one up.

If you've read any of these - I'd love to know what you thought! I'll be sharing my thoughts on 2 & 3 as soon as I've read them.

Happy reading everyone!

SRC2016 Blog Tour: Book Review: Saving Abby by Steena Holmes

I'm participating in #SRC2016 #bestsummerever presented by Book Sparks

Book Sparks Summer Reading Challenge - Learn about it Here

Title: Saving Abby, Steena Holmes

Print Length: 274 pages

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publication Date: May 31, 2016

Rating: 3/5 Stars

S Y N O P S I S

Claire Turner has always wanted to be a mother. Together with her husband, they make up a children's book author/illustrator duo - so after all they'd make the perfect parents. Except that Claire can't seem to get pregnant. Plagued by the regret of putting her first born up for adoption when she was a teenager, Claire now feels that she'll never have the opportunity to have the one thing she's always wanted - a child of her own.

When a miracle pregnancy occurs, Claire and Josh are overjoyed. Until Claire's health begins to deteriorate and they're faced with the heartbreaking dilemma of saving Claire's life or saving their unborn child's.

M Y  T A K E

Steena Holmes' heartbreaking story of a mother who will do anything to save her unborn child is sweet and touching. If you've ever been a parent, you know the lengths you'll go to protect your children from harm. For Claire, that meant enduring incredible pain to protect her unborn baby and the effects of her choice on her husband, family and friends. I think this is a book that many women could relate to and Claire is the type of character that is easily empathized with.

The supporting cast is a somewhat typical display of small town citizens, which lends to the charm of this book. It's not heavy literary fiction - and although it tackles some moral issues, it wouldn't really be classified as anything other than your average run of the mill general fiction. But despite its predictability I found Saving Abby to be a charming little book. It's a quick read, so perfect for a leisurely afternoon or weekend.

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A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

After writing her first novel while working as a receptionist, Steena Holmes made her dream of being a full-time writer a reality. She won the National Indie Excellence Book Award in 2012 for her bestselling novel Finding Emma. Now both a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Steena continues to write stories that touch every parent’s heart in one way or another. To find out more about her books and her love for traveling, you can visit her website at www.steenaholmes.com or follow her journeys over on Instagram @steenaholmes.

Book Review: The Assistants, Camille Perri

Title: The Assistants, Camille Perri

Print Length: 283 pages

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Rating: 4/5 Stars

S Y N O P S I S

What do you do when you're drowning in student loan debt, working your a$$ off for a communications billionaire whose lunch expenses account for the sum of your annual salary?
You redistribute his wealth, obviously.

Tina Fontana has an NYU degree, a job as the personal assistant to Titan Corporation's CEO billionaire Robert Barlow, measly apartment that she can barley afford and is drowning in student loan debt. Obviously she's living the American dream. But when an accounting error produces a check in an amount that would pay off her student loan debt in full - she is faced with the moral dilemma of a lifetime; pay off her student loans and start living her life, or do the right thing and return the check?

So what does she do? She cashes it.

M Y  T A K E

Ya'll - this book is fun! For anyone out there who went to college with dreams of financial and social success only to find that not all college degrees equal champagne brunches and summers yachting through the south of France - this is for you! Robin Hood meets The Devil Wears Prada in this hilarious novel about a rag tag group of women who "redistribute" their boss's wealth in order to make the world of the average working class female just a little bit better.

I loved this novel - it was quick, sharp and chock full of pop culture references. What's not to love? Camille Perri's debut novel is hilarious. I thought her characters were well developed and her writing light and fun. In my opinion, it's everything that I would want in a beach read. If you're a fan of chicklit or just looking for a fun book after you've slogged your way through The Vegetarian then this one's for you.

A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Camille Perri is the author of The Assistants. She has worked as a books editor for Cosmopolitan and Esquire. She has also been a ghostwriter of young-adult novels and a reference librarian. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from New York University and a master of library science degree from Queens College. Perri wrote the first draft of The Assistants while working as the assistant to the editor-in-chief of Esquire.

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Book Review: Don't You Cry, Mary Kubica

Title: Don't You Cry, Mary Kubica

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: MIRA

Publication Date: May 17, 2016

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

S Y N O P S I S

Quinn's roommate Esther is missing. Rudely roused from sleep on a Sunday morning by her roommate's errant alarm clock - Quinn stumbles into Esther's room to find that she's not there. Window flung wide open and cold air striking her into wakefulness she thinks perhaps Esther just left the window open and forgot her alarm. But when Sunday turns to Monday and still Esther hasn't returned she begins to worry - where has Esther gone? Is she coming back?

Miles away from Chicago in a small depressed Michigan town, Alex Gallo is at the diner where he works as a dishwasher when he encounters a mysterious young woman. Drawn by her good looks and mysterious origin he attempts to befriend the nameless girl - whom he affectionately dubs Pearl.

While Quinn attempts to locate her roommate she begins to wonder how well she knew the girl she was living with and Alex, miles away, finds himself befriending a stranger who may be more dangerous than he can imagine.

M Y  T A K E

In her latest novel, Don't You Cry, Mary Kubica showcases exactly the type of storyteller she is. Methodical and detailed, Kubica creates dynamic characters and intricate storylines that keep the reader engaged and engrossed throughout. Truly a page turner, Don't you Cry will keep you guessing all the way to its conclusion.

I'm typically critical of the suspense/psychological thriller genre (it's not my favorite) but Mary Kubica is my go to author when I need a good mystery (The Good Girl was one of my favorites last year - that ending?! #OMG #didntseethatcoming). Like her other novels, there is varying point of view which serves to enhance the storyline and give life to the details that are critical to the plot. I like this type of narrative and really found myself drawn to Alex's experience as he befriends the new girl in town, trying to figure her out. Kubica's characters are usually relatable - and the characters in this book are no exception. Quinn is flawed and insecure with herself, Alex is frustrated with his small town life and bleak opportunities. I imagine that there are many readers who could identify with both narrators. My one criticism is that the ending of the book felt a little rushed to me. There was a lot of plot build up throughout the beginning and middle of the book - so much that as I neared the end I was wondering if the story could actually be wrapped up in forty pages. So while the ending did answer my questions - I wish there had been a little more "umph" to it.

Overall I found the book to be well written and suitable for any type of reader. I enjoyed it and believe that other fans of Mary Kubica will enjoy this as well as her other novels.
It's a fast paced, fun read for anyone's summer book list.



A B O U T  T H E  A U T H O R

Mary Kubica is the New York Times bestselling author of THE GOOD GIRL and PRETTY BABY. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in History and American Literature. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and two children and enjoys photography, gardening and caring for the animals at a local shelter. Her third novel, DON'T YOU CRY, was released in May of 2016.

Visit Mary at http://www.marykubica.com/



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I'm Starting a Monthly Book Club! And You Can Join Too!

I've had the idea of starting a book club for a while now. The thing is, I'm really bad at organizing people and the thought of picking a book for a whole group to read is kind of intimidating to me. So I think I've found a solution - I'm going to start a monthly online book club where discussion can be held right here on the blog and The Book Gawker Facebook Page.

The great thing about this format is that participation is totally optional. If you want, you can read the book chosen for the month and participate in discussion, you can opt out, you can read and not discuss, whatever you want. You do you. Just know, I'll be right here ready to talk about the month's book.

Interested? Great!

Here's how it will work:

My book club review will be posted on the last Friday of each month with discussion questions and my own answers. So the first book club discussion will be June 24, 2016.

Here's how to participate:

Feel free to comment with your own answers to the discussion questions in the comments part of the blog. Or if you have your own blog, you can create your own book club review and discussion and link to it in the comments! You don't need to go off of my discussion questions, feel free to have your own!

So what are we reading?

For June's book, I've chosen the recently released Modern Lovers by Emma Straub.
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Synopsis from Amazon:

Friends and former college bandmates Elizabeth and Andrew and Zoe have watched one another marry, buy real estate, and start businesses and families, all while trying to hold on to the identities of their youth. But nothing ages them like having to suddenly pass the torch (of sexuality, independence, and the ineffable alchemy of cool) to their own offspring.

Back in the band's heyday, Elizabeth put on a snarl over her Midwestern smile, Andrew let his unwashed hair grow past his chin, and Zoe was the lesbian all the straight women wanted to sleep with. Now nearing fifty, they all live within shouting distance in the same neighborhood deep in gentrified Brooklyn, and the trappings of the adult world seem to have arrived with ease. But the summer that their children reach maturity (and start sleeping together), the fabric of the adult lives suddenly begins to unravel, and the secrets and revelations that are finally let loose—about themselves, and about the famous fourth band member who soared and fell without them—can never be reclaimed.

Straub packs wisdom and insight and humor together in a satisfying book about neighbors and nosiness, ambition and pleasure, the excitement of youth, the shock of middle age, and the fact that our passions—be they food, or friendship, or music—never go away, they just evolve and grow along with us.

A B O U T  T H E   A U T H O R

Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of Modern Lovers, The Vacationers, Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures, and Other People We Married. Her fiction and non-fiction have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and Elle. Her work has been published in fifteen countries.                
Visit her website: http://www.emmastraub.net




I'm excited read along with whoever out there wants to join in! If you have ideas for July's book please feel free to let me know!

P.S. I will announce the upcoming book club title on the last day of each month, so if you do have requests get them in before that.

Happy reading!
-Whit

Four Psychological Thrillers Whose Female Characters Have Few Redeemable Qualities (if any)

Is it so wrong for me, as a reader, want to root for my characters? How about genuinely care about their well-being? I find that the more concerned, interested and invested I am in a character, the more I enjoy their story, and the more likely I am to continue reading.

Lately, I’ve found this very difficult in the Psychological Thriller/Suspense genre. To me, the main characters in these books have been so totally without any positive qualities that I almost quit reading, tossing the book on the top of my DNF pile. While I did, in the end, finish these books, it was not because I was invested in the success of the main character. Rather, it was out of sheer curiosity and a need for closure.

I would like to discuss four very popular, well written, complex, NY Times best-selling novels, a few of which have been optioned for block buster movies, in the thriller/suspense genre whose characters have absolutely no redeemable qualities – and sadly they’re all women.

Spoilers ahead, proceed at your own risk

Seven Reasons to Love Gabriel Oak

For some reason when it comes to classic literature there seems to be no man more coveted or admired than Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Women worldwide swoon over him and I'll admit I was one. That is, until I read Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd and was introduced to Gabriel Oak. While there are similarities between the two, ie: rejected first time marriage proposals, an attraction to strong willed women, and a strong/silent disposition, Gabriel Oak stole my heart and will forever (in my opinion) be superior to Mr. Darcy and here's why:

1. He's Calm and Steadfast.

Gabriel Oak is the most steady character in the book. His strength never waivers and he never veers away from doing the right thing. He's counted on for his knowledge, advice and is the only person Bathsheba can truly trust. Even when things aren't going his way - he remains calm and collected.

2. He Takes Rejection Well.

When we are first introduced to Gabriel Oak, he's a bachelor making a meager living as a farmer. While not making buckets of money, he has a business plan and goals for his future - which he details in his first proposal to Bathsheba. She refuses him. Instead of getting all broken up about it, he graciously leaves her alone - and though their paths cross in the future he never bothers her about it again. Thank goodness he's not a needy, whiner.

Book Review: Kitchens of the Great Midwest, J Ryan Stradal

Kitchens of the Great Midwest, J Ryan Stradal
Print Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publication Date: July 28, 2015
Rating: 4/5 stars


I love books that have multiple narrators whose stories combine in the end to create one rich, multidimensional story that leaves me completely satisfied as a reader.

While sometimes this type of narrative doesn’t always keep my attention (I want to know more about the main character usually and I get tired of jumping around between characters), when done well I find that my favorite books are structured this way. Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a prime example of one person whose life is shaped through the various stories of others. The novel centers on Eva Thorvald, who as a young child has a culinary palate mature beyond her years, and becomes the master mind of a pop up dinner club where reservations are $5000 a plate and the waiting list for a spot at the table is two years long. Kitchens is the story of Eva’s life from infancy through her early thirties told in a series of stories, each from a different character – but whom are all related in some way or another.

Five Romances that Will make you Cry (and I love them all)

If you're anything like me, you love a good romance novel every once in a while (or all the time). While I definitely prefer my characters to all end up happily coupled off and living blissfully ever after, that is not always realistic or the best way to end a story. Sometimes the best stories have the saddest endings or not the ending you wanted for the characters. Below are five of my favorite romance novels that are beautiful love stories even though they didn't end up the way I wanted them to. Curl up, grab your tissues and maybe warn anyone in the house that it is very likely you're going to ugly cry - and it's best they leave you alone. Or lock the door so no one can take incriminating photos. Because I probably would.