This is a bit of a shorter reading
list this month. In last
month's post, there were a lot of books because I was in quarantine – I
didn’t have much else to do! This month, I’ve been working a little more and I’ve
started an online course that I’m loving. I’m just busier now!
I’ve also started to read more books
on a semi-professional basis. I’m part of a couple websites that have
opportunities to get paid for book reviews. It’s something I already do, and I
love reading, so I decided to expand on my work. If you’re an author or you
know an author willing to pay someone for book reviews, give them my email!
The Flat Share – Beth O’Leary – 4
Stars
I
adored this book so much. I’m always hesitant to get on board with trendy
books, but maybe I should do it more often. My reasoning is that most people
don’t know what good writing is (sorry), and my brain can’t just enjoy a badly
written book. This book was so popular in the UK, and I understand why now. The
premise is so interesting, and the writing is fantastic. It’s a rare popular
book that surprised me.
The
storyline is intriguing and funny. Each character is so perfectly imagined and
comes to life. From the eclectic book writer to the possessive ex-boyfriend,
there are complex emotions and events that occur all the time. There are twists
and turns and it’s not the straightforward relationship you would expect in the
main characters. The perspective is from both of the “flat-sharers,” and while
there are crossovers, both are experience their lives in very different ways.
I
think we’re all aware by now that a dual-perspective book is not my favourite.
However, this one was done SO well. Both characters had distinct voices and
writing styles. The writing was also interesting and engaging – not something I
expected from a romance! Overall, this book is a definite 4/5 stars. I loved
it.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean –
Jenny Han – 3 Stars
I
wish I could rate this higher, but I just can’t. I loved the other two books
and tore through them. This one felt rushed and too wrapped up in tying up
loose ends. There were too many streams of storylines in different places, and Lara
Jean became unlikable in some instances.
At
the centre of these books is really the family unit. With a wedding to sort out
and Margot coming home, tensions are built which created interesting dynamics
about family and growing up. I like that we see Lara Jean making big life
decisions and realizing things for herself – it’s something I’ve been pleading
for her to do since the start of the series. I keep having to remind myself
that she’s only 17/18 and knows absolutely nothing about the world (I mean,
same). The character growth makes this a 3 star for me because it redeems what
I think about the structure.
I
found the structure of this book messy. I think it would have been more
beneficial to focus on two aspects of Lara Jean’s life rather than absolutely
everything all at once. There were some random storylines thrown in for drama
that ended up not being dwelled on. While this book doesn’t leave loose ends, I
found myself frustrated for the missed opportunities to explore what it’s like
to be Lara Jean’s age. This is why I give this book 3/5 stars.
Prairie Fires: The American
Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder – Caroline Fraser – 4 Stars
Little
House on the Prairie is a family tradition. My mum and her sisters grew up
reading the books and watching the TV series, so my sister and I did the same.
I remember when I was in the hospital during my study abroad because of a tonsil
issue, and I was comforted when the show came on the TV. I was so excited to
get borrow this eBook from the library because I wanted to know more about
Laura Ingalls Wilder.
This
book takes all the stories we know and love and sets it through the lenses of
the political, geographical, and economic issues that were occurring in
homestead America. It brought a new light and a new understanding to everything
the Ingalls and Wilder families went through. I recognized the family events
and I had the bigger picture about how those events affected America as a
whole. I gained a whole new appreciation for the steadfast, headstrong Laura
Ingalls Wilder as a result of this book. I also learned what the TV show
embellished (which is a lot).
I
think the book was very well written. It easily could have been dry and
factual, but the story of Wilder’s life against the contextual backdrop made
for an interesting read. I can tell you that if Little House on the Prairie
wasn’t part of your life growing up, you probably won’t like this book at all. I
give this a 4/5 for the mix of biography and history but wouldn’t suggest it
for people who have no clue who Laura Ingalls Wilder even is.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
Galaxy – Douglas Adams – 3 Stars
You
know, I’ve heard so much about this book. It’s considered a classic, and I
never understood why. To be honest, I never even understood what the premise
was. The blurb is so appealing and so engaging. It’s a short book but it’s way
out of my comfort zone in terms of material. When a friend lent it to me, I
dove right in. I now know why it is such a beloved book.
Instantly,
the narration captures our imagination as readers. It’s silly and magical and confusing
at times. There are so many plot lines all over the place. The names for space
creatures are hysterical. Our main characters are interesting and imaginative. It
was a good read. I did find myself confused at the timelines and there were too
many random characters for my liking. Those may be threads that are readdressed
in the rest of the series, but I’m not interested in reading those.
The writing is
simplistic. There’s nothing complicated or ground-breaking about the structure.
As you can probably tell, I didn’t love it. I liked the silliness of it, and
I’ll suggest for kids to read at school. It definitely captures your
imagination (I mean, a floating whale? So cool!), but it wasn’t my cup of tea. I
give it 3/5 stars for the imaginative moments.
Book Reviews Posted Elsewhere:
The Hand Bringer – Christopher J.
Penington – 2 Stars
Posted on Online Book Club - https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelves/book.php?id=402842
The Reel Sisters – Michelle
Cummings – 3 Stars
Posted on Online Book Club - https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=151099&p=1454445#p1454445
That’s all for the month! Let me
know what you’ve been reading lately!
-Daniella
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