Book Review: Love and Ruin

Love and Ruin by Paula McLain

This is a tricky one to review. Why? Because while love McLain's writing (LOVE IT), I was not a fan of the actual story. However, this is not necessarily a fault of McLain's as it is historical fiction. Allow me to explain.

Love and Ruin is the story of Martha Gellhorn and Ernest Hemingway's whirlwind romance and subsequent divorce. Here's the thing - I am never a fan of love stories that begin as affairs. Again, this is not McLain's doing - it is what happened in real life. However, with a writer as strong as McLain, I actually did find myself rooting for them (or at least for Gellhorn) in the beginning. I was able to see things through her eyes. That's a first for me, so I applaud McLain for it.

But, then again, McLain clearly strives to not only bring Gellhorn to life but also to focus. Gellhorn, a remarkable journalist, feared she would live her life in the shadow of Hemingway. Therefore, the novel covers the time periods surrounding Hemingway by telling what Gellhorn was doing. And, she was doing a lot. Unfortunately, she was doing so much, that the book seemed longer and longer. And, if I'm being honest, I just wasn't as invested in every little career pursuit during this time as I was the story of her and Hemingway - shame on me!

Based on the title (and general knowledge about Hemingway's four wives), I knew that the "Ruin" was coming. And, it was not fun. It is terribly sad. So, there is a lot of build-up, and then a lot of stagnant career stuff, and then a sad ending.

Again, this is not the writer's fault - it is the fault of the story itself. It is hard to read about two extraordinary, ambitious people who both want to burn the brightest and because of this couldn't get things right. To give you a better idea of the writing, here are some of my favorite quotes:

"This is the light of childhood. I was all the ages I had ever been."

"Confident about some things and not at all about others. Like all the men I knew. Like all the people I knew. Like me."

"Anything and anyone could disappear on you, and you could disappear, too, if you didn't have people around who really knew you. Who were there solidly, meeting you exactly where you stood when life grew stormy and terrifying. Who could find you when you were lost and couldn't find yourself, not even in the mirror."

"This is personal, this life, and every time we graze against one another even for a moment, we aren't the same afterward."

"Paradise was always fragile. That was its very nature."

Fans of McLain's The Paris Wife will also enjoy this one, as well fans of history.

***Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to review!

Book Review: Those Other Women

Those Other Women by Nicola Moriarty

Nicola Moriarty’s latest novel, Those Other Women, has arrived just in time for summer (it comes out June 26 for the States). If you are a fan of women’s fiction that delves into the everyday conflicts of women in the middle-to-upper class demographic, then you should add this fun drama-filled book to your beach bag.

And, yes, I did say drama because there is DRAMA.

The title, alone, should clue you in. Throughout the whole book, readers get to see “those other women” from different viewpoints. For example, this book pits mothers against non-mothers from the get go. But, further along, it also pits working moms against stay at home moms. Add in every bit of drama you can think of – affairs with best friends, surprise pregnancies, lost jobs, depression, and even a cult – and it is covered in between these pages.

The basic plot is that the main character, Poppy, is hurt and heartbroken when her husband has an affair with her best friend (and subsequently leaves her and has a baby with the former BFF). Poppy has always known she wants a kid-free life, and this just about breaks her. To find some new friends, she decides to form her own Facebook group, similar to the mom’s groups you see on Facebook. However, this one would specifically be for other women like her who want to live a kid-free life. Along the way, she makes a new best friend, Annalise, and the two of them form this Facebook group that quickly gains attention – and then, notoriety. It is soon discovered that someone in their secret Facebook group is actually a mom and has been passing their complaints about moms and how they think they rule the world to the moms' group in town. D-R-A-M-A! At this point, the two groups (non-moms versus moms) go to war.

***Side Note – As a female and a mom who has been involved in her fair share of moms’ groups and women’s groups, I found this plot to be hilarious. And, sadly, a little truthful. While I am not familiar with any non-mom groups fighting mom groups, I have heard plenty about different moms’ groups competing with one another. Ai-yi-yi.

At some point, it did become a little too much drama for me. For instance, when one of the main character’s secret identity and the background is revealed, it felt so strange that I was a little disappointed. I guess this is because of the other points of drama where things I could relate to or envision, but this was something far out there. Without adding in a whole hidden identity, I would have been fine with all the drama simply going on between the warring women’s groups. It was the right amount of silly, entertaining, and thought-provoking. However, this was my biggest beef with the novel.

Another thing I loved about the novel was that it is told from four different viewpoints – the secret mole, Poppy, Annalise, and Frankie (a mother and co-worker). Personally, I liked Frankie’s character the best and wish she had been in the pages just a bit more. But, I have a feeling that whoever reads the book will relate to someone different for their own personal reasons.

In a time where we are being bombarded with messages to “not tear down other women,” Moriarty’s book reminds readers why we shouldn’t.

Thank you so much for sharing this book with me for review purposes, Penguin Random House UK! To see what other people are saying about Those Other Women, check out the blog tour! 

Book Review: You Think It, I'll Say It

You Think It, I’ll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sittenfeld

I am a big fan of Curtis Sittenfeld and have read everything she has written (Prep, Eligible, American Wife to name some of my favorites). So, naturally, I was thrilled to hear about her new collection of short stories. (I am also a fan of short stories.)

This collection, You Think It, I’ll Say It, is a wonderful collection of short stories that can be read in short bursts of time. Each story stands alone, which is a big plus for those in a hurry. But, this does not mean they are without depth. Each story does what Sittenfeld does best - makes us look hard at the things we feel but don’t want to acknowledge. (Hence the title of this collection.) She’ll make you judge, and then squirm, and then feel judged yourself.

Ultimately, as with all short story collections, there are some stories I liked more than others. For instance, the story I actually liked the least “Gender Studies” was the first story in the collection. I’m glad I pressed forward because it ended up being my least favorite.

I did notice a common theme throughout the stories. In several stories, the main character is confronted by the past – such as seeing old classmates in present time. The characters must come to terms with what they felt in the past and what they feel in the present. Plus, an understanding of how things change and stay the same. The stories cover a wide variety of women – high profile jobs to stay-at-home-moms, which I also appreciated.

Overall, I enjoyed the collection, and I think every fan of her previous novels will as well. The book was released this week, so hurry up and get your hands on it!

**Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy for review!

Book Review: The Elizas

The Elizas by Sara Shephard (aka the author of the Pretty Little Liars series)

On Friday, I chose to read a book instead of work. And, The Elizas by Sara Shephard was the perfect book to help me escape from reality and dive into the pages of this who-done-it thriller. Basically, this is an unreliable narrator, big money, beach read trash. And, every now and then, that is exactly what you need!

This book revolves around Eliza, who wakes up in a hospital after she supposedly tried to commit suicide by plunging into a pool when she can’t swim. The problem: she has done this multiple times before, but this time, she insists that she was pushed.

Making the story even more of a mystery is that the book alternates between Eliza’s life and the chapters of the novel she is getting ready to publish. As the story moves, it becomes apparent that Eliza and her main character have some startling similarities.

Add in a family that seems to make situations work, Eliza’s love of all things dark and strange, and hero who drives a Batmobile, and you have yourself a novel that is silly, completely unrealistic, but very interesting. Even with all the crazy in the novel, I still wanted to know what was going on.

Even better, while I thought I had it all figured out and that the author had left some big holes – I was wrong. Sara Shephard fills in all the appropriate gaps, but still leaves room for questions. For those looking for a fun, summer thriller and are fans of the show Pretty Little Liars, this is the perfect choice for you. 

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this review copy! All opinions are my own. This book releases this Tuesday, so go ahead and pre-order or put your library hold requests in today. 

20 Ways I Have Shown My Undying Love for Libraries

Did you know this week is National Library Week? Whoohoo! Let's give it up for the libraries!

Let's pause for a moment and reflect on the beautiful and perfect combination of Misty Copeland + Library Love.

Anyone who knows me or follows me knows I am a hardcore library fan. Why? Because they are awesome. Duh. But, because libraries are homes to my favorite items on earth (books) and safe places for people from every walk of life to get FREE access to knowledge.

If you think I am exaggerating about my undying love for libraries, I am here to prove you wrong. And, you might realize you are a fan of libraries in a big way too.

YOU MIGHT BE A FAN OF LIBRARIES IF...

1. You get a new library card before you get a new driver's license when moving to a new state.

2. You memorize your library card number but still do not have your children's SSNs memorized.

3. Your library card is falling apart but the idea of getting a new one makes you want to curl up in a corner and cry because you know you'll lose your number.

PS. My shirt says, "This is How We Roll." 

4. Your baby's entire social calendar revolved around the library's storytimes, which you had memorized. And, you visited multiple branches to hit up as many storytimes as possible.

From one of our many (MANY) trips to library storytime

5. You hold an M.Ed Library Media.

6. Your one and only brother is currently in graduate school to earn his MLS.

7. You volunteer at the library or donate to the library.

Taking books to the homebound

8. You have memorized the number of items you can check out at any time and the loan limits and the fees.

9. The most fun job interview you ever had was for a library job where you got to talk about books the entire time.

10. You have your own Little Free Library. 

My favorite Mother's Day gift ever

11. You used your college library as a place for researching, studying, and/or sleeping.

12. You know the library holds system better than you know the grocery store.

13. You felt giddy the first time your kid checked out a library book.

My kids love libraries too

14. You own library gear.

15. You regularly add library events to your calendar.

16. You have attended more library events than you can count.

17. As an adult, you still do the library's summer reading challenge. 

18. You help your friends use the library's online resources like it is your job.

If there ever comes a day when my library account shows zero, call the police. Something is wrong.

19. Your dream piece of furniture is a card catalog. 

20. You, too, believe "that Paradise will be a kind of library.” - Jorge Luis Borges

Surely, I am not the only one who has done these things?! 

But, seriously, if it has been a while since you have visited your local library, I encourage you to make the change today. My local library system is amazing and I brag on it all the time. Spartanburg County Public Libraries offers way more than books - they've even added a Makerspace where library patrons can monogram to their heart's delight or do some 3D printing. 

Book Review: Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton

I wanted to like Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton. The cover is gorgeous, and the title caught my attention. But, alas, this book proves to be one of the “don’t judge a book by its cover” stories for me. Now, don’t get me wrong. This is not a bad book. It just did not live up to my expectations based on those two things. However, I have a feeling that there will be many readers who will love this one. It is clean, and you could even pass it along to your grandma. So, that’s good.

But, the book fell short for me. It moved incredibly slow for my tastes. And, it was neither plot-driven nor character-driven. The story follows two sisters, but not much actually happens. One goes to an art retreat and the other watches her sister’s kids. There is no love story. There is no major conflict (at least not one that kept me engaged). And, I did not feel drawn to either of the two sisters. Even when I reached the end, I was kind of left with the “that’s it?” kind of feeling. 

Basically, it bored me. If I had not signed up to review it, I probably would have stopped reading and passed it along. I just really wanted to like it. And, in the end, I just didn’t. 

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Very Worst Missionary

The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright

Every now and then, you read a book that makes you laugh and makes you think. For me, The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright is just that book. The author gained fame as a blogger while on the mission field in Costa Rica. However, I was not one of her many fans – simply because I had not found her yet. And, now that I have found her, I am going to be telling everybody to READ HER BOOK!

The book, essentially, is Jamie’s story. It covers her personal religious background, which is unique. And, then, her teen pregnancy and marriage to her husband (they’re still together). It was during these trying years as a young mom that she became involved in The Church (capital “C” on purpose) and was wholeheartedly invested in mom’s groups and what have you. After her husband embraced The Church, they became the go-to couple for church service and spent time working with the youth. After serving as youth group leaders, they felt called (or so they thought) to be missionaries. They ended up working as missionaries in Costa Rica for several years.

It was during these years on the mission field where Jamie began to really address some tough faith questions and general concerns about Christian missions as a whole. She came to discover that maybe what she was doing was not so helpful after all, and she began to feel concerned about being a cog in the Christian missions machine.

Aside from the memoir part of the book, Jamie’s reflections on her personal journey, marriage, and the Christian community are at times hilarious and profound. She stays true to her faith, but she raises challenging questions about why the North American Christian community does some of the things it does. But, while she pokes fun at some of the ultra-churchy experiences she had, she also makes fun of herself. And, she treats those who do some of the same things gently acknowledging that those moms’ groups were vital to her.

And, for anyone new to her writing, she does not hold back. She is crass and uses plenty of colorful language. Anyone easily offended by four-letter words should pass on this one – but you will be missing out. Then again, maybe these are the same people who would withdraw financial support because a four-letter word means you can’t serve (such as happened to the author). Or, if you don’t want to find out about how North American missions are often viewed by those who live in foreign countries, you might want to pass.

After they left Costa Rica, her husband took on a church leadership role where he works to advise churches about missions, and Jamie advocates for the changes that need to be made. So, this is not a book about bashing missions. It is a book that tells one couple’s experiences and lessons they learned and what they want to change.

To give you a better idea, here are some of my favorite quotes (I practically highlighted the whole book):

“It’s because our beliefs tend to change over time, so much that in many ways I’m not even the same person I was when I first fell in love with Jesus. I mean, if I met 1998 Christian me, with her gold-cross necklace and her mom bob and her cheap, cheesy platitudes today? I’d probably give her the finger.”

“It was only a theory, as I was still pretty new to this Christianity thing, but I suspected that Jesus might have leaned more toward meeting the felt needs of the poor and the suffering, and less toward providing flavored coffee, comfortable chairs, and acres of accessible parking for throngs of upper-middle-class suburbanites.”

“Costa Rican Christians didn’t need North American Christians to teach them how to follow Jesus, and Costa Rican people didn’t need any more well-intentioned foreigners to come and “help” them. They were just fine before we got there, and they’d be just fine when we left.”

“Our calling is not what we do as much as it is who we are while we do it.”

“When we do what we were designed, equipped, and educated to do best, in the company of a God who continually nudges us in the direction of love, I think that’s when we find ourselves in the most productive, most compassionate, most life-changing spaces.”

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* It was released this week, so go ahead and order it or put it on hold at your local library! For my Spartanburg friends, the audio is available on Hoopla. Hooray!

Book Review: Alternate Side

The Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen

I have only read one other book by Anna Quindlen, Every Last One, which was very well written, but also horrific. So, I don’t know why I signed up to read another. I suppose I was drawn into the synopsis which also mentioned a horrific event and its aftermath and was curious to see what could top the horror of Every Last One. Depending on how you read it, Alternate Side was not nearly as horrific (no murderous rampage) but also quite sad.

However, it was sad to me because of my own beliefs. While the event that divides the book is sad and does divide the neighborhood and marriages on the block, I was sadder about these characters as a whole. For instance, the whole big incident occurs because a handyman blocks the wealthy homeowner’s parking lot and is beaten severely as a result.

The wealthy live so differently, they can’t even imagine the alternate side. For instance, the main character spends quite a bit of time worrying her housekeeper will leave now that the kids are gone. Seriously? Her troubles are not troubles at all. Yet, she is also portrayed as the person with a moral compass who points out right & wrong and leaves her job for ethical reasons. But, all the characters combined just felt petty and icky and boring and sad.

Ultimately, what upset me about the book is the way the marriage of the main character ends – without a fight, without a hope, without anything. The kids left home and they just realized that was it. And, I get it. I know that happens. But, it sure is sad to read about – especially when the characters seem to care less about even trying to fight for their marriage. And, hear me out, if it had sounded like a bad marriage the whole time, I wouldn’t have any qualms. But, the author did not give us that insight. Instead, she compared marriages as balloons that just lose their air over time. Isn’t that depressing?

The author does have a beautiful way with words – I just wish she used them to tell better stories. 

Book Review: The Family Next Door

The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth

Last weekend, I read the soon-to-be-released novel, The Family Next Door, by Sally Hepworth. And, it was just as advertised - perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty.

The novel focuses on a suburban neighborhood in Australia and four different women who live inside it. Sound familiar? ;) This novel focuses centrally on the character, Essie, a mother who becomes quickly entranced with her newest neighbor, the childless Isabelle. However, Essie's previous experience with postpartum depression causes her husband and her mother to be on high alert now that she has a second child. After the birth of her first child, Essie left her daughter alone in a park and had a breakdown. Consequently, her strange obsession with her new neighbor raises red flags.

However, mixed with Essie's story are two other neighborhood women raising their own children and dealing with their own issues - depression, adultery, and lots of secrets. The other women provide clear contrasts to each other. Additionally, while all women are in a similar life season, the novel works well to show that we never truly know what is going on behind closed doors. It raises questions about what it means to be a mother and a wife. And, I like books that allow me to ask what I would do if I were in similar situations - and this book has enough plausible situations to allow room for these questions.

Hepworth does an excellent job of developing characters and keeping readers engaged in the plot. It is a novel you will not want to put down! Plus, there is a major twist that I never saw coming. I was genuinely surprised, which is something since this genre has taken off in recent years (female-driven character family dramas with a surprise twist).

This book will be released March 6, 2018.

Thank you to Netgalley for sharing this book with me so I could write an honest review.

Book Review: How to Be the Perfect Christian

I don’t know the last time a book made me snort-laugh, but How to Be a Perfect Christian by Babylon Bee sure did. Seriously. I really did LOL. And took pictures and sent them to my friends. It is that funny. And, I have a pretty advanced sense of humor (haha).

For background: The Babylon Bee is a satirical Christian website similar to the Onion. They post fake news stories based on Christianity that sometimes can seem eerily truthful. With satire, the key is poking fun at the stupid things we do. We as in Christians.

I’m in my thirties, but I am just now realizing that not everyone has the same understanding of church culture and Christianese as I do. I’ve lived in a bubble for so long that I thought some of the “church stuff” that I know so well, everyone knew. I now know that is far from the truth. However, for those of us who have been thoroughly “churched,” this type of satire is hilarious.

First, you MUST be able to laugh at yourself because they poke fun at everyone. They hit on all the weird parts of Christian culture that anyone remotely involved in a church will recognize. Really – they make fun of everyone.

• Mega Churches 
• Homeschoolers
• Baptists
• Methodists
• Democrats
• Republicans
• Mom Bloggers (Haha)

Second, you MUST understand that it is satire. The whole idea of a book that tells you “how to be a perfect Christian” should be the first clue. There is no such thing. The book, instead, points to all the ways you can “look” like the perfect Christian according to church culture and American culture.

Third, you MUST be familiar with Christian culture to truly appreciate it. They drop joke after joke about Christian culture – the music, the bumper stickers, the movies, etc. They also scored big laughs from me about certifiable sins like listening to secular music.

Fourth, you MUST recognize that they do end the book by pointing the reader to the true message of Christianity – “Instead of faking smiles and completing checklists, the Christian life [should] be about beholding the unspeakable glory of the Creator and living to please Him and make Him known in a dying world.”

If you are already a fan of Babylon Bee, you will love the book. If you are a fan of comedian John Crist who also pokes fun at all the “weird stuff” we do, then you will enjoy this book. If you take yourself and your church a little too serious, this is NOT the book for you.

Thank you, Blogging for Books, for sending me this winner!

• More Info

• Author Bio

Book Review: Surprise Me

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

I enjoy a good fluff read every so often. And, some writers are just better at writing that fluff, you know? Sophie Kinsella has pretty much mastered her own niche – novels that are romantic comedies that involve plots that are slightly ridiculous, but entertaining. Her latest novel, Surprise Me, is no different.

A key difference in this novel compared to many of her previous novels is that it is focused on an already married couple. Particularly, a couple who has been together for ten years and when things begin to get a little bit commonplace.

The novel’s main character, Sylvie, becomes desperate to put surprises back into her marriage after learning that humans are living longer than ever before – meaning she will be “stuck” with her husband for a much longer amount of time than she originally imagined. To deal with the extra years ahead of them, they decided to surprise one another.

In typical Kinsella style, these surprises run the gamut – and leave the reader feeling quite proud of herself for not being as silly (or dumb) as the characters in the novel. And, Sylvie, makes some really REALLY dumb calls. The results of a boudoir photo session are hilarious, but the some of the surprises cause the couple to reevaluate what they think they know about one another.

This novel was standard Kinsella rom-com flair, but it wasn’t my favorite of hers. For me, it took a bit to get off the ground. I wasn’t thoroughly engaged until about halfway through. Also, I picked up on a major plot point very early on and spent most of the time just waiting for Kinsella to finally reveal what seems so obvious. (I’m not just a great reader – it really is that obvious.) But, it must be noted, predictability is part of Kinsella’s charm.

However, any fan of Kinsella will eat this one up, as well as anyone who needs an escape from reality and an opportunity to feel better about herself in comparison with the characters. Plus, Kinsella fans who are married or in long-term relationships will appreciate her take on this situation as compared to the stories about finding love as a single woman.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* It was released today, so go ahead and order it or put it on hold at your local library!

Book Review: The Night Child

The Night Child by Anna Quinn

Yesterday, I read The Night Child by Anna Quinn – with only 200 pages and a book you want to reach the ending of, it was a quick read. But, this one is a very difficult one to review. It is being talked about and recommended on “books to read in 2018” lists. So, I feel like I need to give you a fair warning.

MEGA TRIGGER WARNING

This book deals heavily with child abuse and sexual abuse. As in, it is detailed and explicit. For anyone who has suffered from these forms of abuse may want to avoid reading this one.

SPOILER ALERT

I cannot review this one without spoiling it. Sorry!

This book focuses on a woman who has a psychotic breakdown, which begins as seeing a hallucination. As you read, you learn the reasons behind the breakdown, such as her childhood abuse at the hands of her alcoholic mother. When she breakdowns, she begins to see a child ghost – a ghost/separate self who she apparently invented as a child to deal with childhood trauma.

However, as if the abuse from her mother is not enough, through counseling for PTSD, she learns she was also abused by her father. It is this hidden trauma that has caused the breakdown, as her own child is approaching the age and time when her abuse happened.

Unfortunately, Nora’s revelation breaks her, and she ends up having a complete mental breakdown. While she is in a mental hospital, her marriage comes to an end, and she scares her daughter when she experiences a breakdown in her presence during visiting hours. She then leaves and considers suicide.

MY OPINION

This book is a hard read. Nothing about it is easy. It claims to be about human resilience and hope, but I ended up feeling very unsettled when I finished it. It is a tragic story, and while it happens all the time (ALL THE TIME), I did not leave it feeling any kind of hope.

Also, I can recognize that in the real world, we do not always get all the answers, but in this book, I wanted answers. For example, did her mother know about her father? Was there some connection between her mother’s abuse and her father’s abuse? And, ultimately, will she reenter the real world and live normally?

This is a book that is depicting as a thriller, but I would not call it a thriller. It is more of an intense psychological look into PTSD and sexual abuse. So, unless you are very comfortable reading about these things, pass on this one. 

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: If You Only Knew

If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free by Jamie Ivey

This week I read the book If You Only Knew by the popular podcast host of The Happy Hour, Jamie Ivey. While I was familiar with Jamie from her podcast, this book was different from what I anticipated. It’s no secret that she is a Christian or that she is married to a pastor. However, I was surprised by her vulnerability and openness in sharing her testimony.

And, to that end, that is what this book is essentially. It is her testimony. Readers learn who she was before she began to follow Christ and who she is today. She reveals the secrets and hidden struggles that she was sure “if you only knew,” you would judge her for.

Jamie was highly dependent on admiration from the opposite sex, which led to her making some unwise decisions that hurt her heart. For example, she was sexually promiscuous and became pregnant while attending a Baptist college and miscarried. However, what made it even more difficult over time was the fact that she felt she had to hide this part of her story.

For those who have struggled under the weight of hidden sin or have looked for love in all the wrong ways, you may find Jamie’s testimony healing. She speaks openly and continually offers readers grace and reminds them that no one is perfect.

My one caveat in recommending this book to everyone is that is specifically geared to a Christian audience (as I’m sure it was intended). With this being said, I do not know how much of it would resonate with (or even make sense to) someone who does not go to church or has not read the Bible, as it is full of verses and Christianese. In other words, I wouldn’t necessarily give it to just anyone struggling.

And, there were several times when I highlighted things she said. For example, here are a few quotes I loved:

 “We’re either the church people that others feel too ashamed to be themselves around, or we’re the bottled-up people whose sense of failure or inadequacy makes us want to hide or maybe hate you.”

“Struggling through your faith is not an indication of lack of faith; struggling through your faith is an indication that you are fighting for your faith.”

“When we allow ourselves to be a safe place for women to confess their struggles, we are imitating Jesus.”

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* It releases this Tuesday, so go ahead and order it or put it on hold at your local library!

Book Review: This Love Story Will Self-Destruct

Book Review: This Love Story Will Self-Destruct

Okay, so I really wanted to like this one more, but it just didn’t do it for me. I love a good twisted love story with depth – I even love a good Hallmarkish love story on occasion. But, This Love Story Will Self-Destruct by Leslie Cohen was not one of those.

Instead, it felt like a story I have heard over and over again. Damaged girl meets damaged bad boy = lots of chemistry. Girl comes to her senses. Girl meets a good guy, but because she doesn’t believe in happy endings, she screws it up. I feel like this is something that has been done multiple times before.

I also was not a fan of the lengthy inner monologues. They did not keep me engaged and I found myself skimming each time one appeared.

As far as characters, I was not a big fan of the main characters. The female lead annoyed me – and she did not act like many of the thirty-year-old women I know. (The story does begin in college, but by the time it ends, we are approaching thirty).

The one thing that did set this book apart is the added September 11^th plotline. I did find this part of the story moving – and surprising. And, Cohen’s witty lines did make me laugh more than once such as when a character comments that two English majors should never be together.

I won’t say you should not read it – because it certainly was not one I’d throw into a did not finish pile. I did read the whole book and enjoyed a lot of it. It just won’t say you need to rush out and buy or you have to read it. To be fair, I do think some of my followers would enjoy it.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* It was released today, so go ahead and order it or put it on hold at your local library!

In Celebration of Rockstar Authors

As a complete and total bookworm, authors are my celebrities. Where most people get excited to meet their favorite actor, actress, or reality show star, I am unashamedly gaga over authors. I can hardly believe some of my favorite authors are even real people. Like, if I were to pass JK Rowling in the grocery store, I might just pass out (because I would stop breathing).

Which is why this past year has been one of the most exciting years in this bibliophile’s life. I started blogging about books and getting free books to review. This, alone, was enough excitement to last me for a while. But, then I started meeting and interacting online with authors. You guys. They are actual, real people! They respond to messages and answer your questions at meet and greets. Once I learned this little secret, I dove right in (shaky knees and all).

Every time I heard about an author coming to the Upstate, I headed in that direction. Some were free events; some I gladly paid money for. Okay. I’ll be honest. I would have paid for all of them. Then, I learned that many authors do see when you post about them on Instagram. The joy I feel when an author comments on my page cannot be put into words. I *might* do a little happy dance. Whatever – I’m a grown woman – I can do what I want when I want – in the privacy of my own home.

So, now that you have a solid grasp of my nerd level and my massive affection towards authors of books I love, you should know that when I commented on Robyn Harding’s Instagram page expressing excitement to learn her book, The Party, was a Target Book Club pick and there would be signed copies – and she responded that if my local Target did not have any signed copies, she would send me one – I just about died.

And, y’all, she did! She really did! Thank you, Robyn! (PS. Her book was on two of my booklists this year because it is such a fun binge-read – and perfect for moms and book clubs).

Here are some the authors I saw or met in 2017 (and some funny stories):

• David Sedaris – We waited for a LONG time to speak with him because he took time to have full conversations with everyone who waited in line. Then, he signed my book and drew a nude. He also made some uncomfortable jokes – being a satirist is hard work, y’all. 

• Anne Lamott – It’s probably a good thing I was in the balcony and not close enough to met her because I would have embarrassed myself by crying all over her. 

• Shauna Niequist – I did not get to meet her, which totally bummed me out since I was wearing something I “just knew” would make her want to be friends with me. Ha. 

• Rachel Held Evans – Turned into a total dweeb meeting her and did not contain my cool. 

• Ellen Hopkins – Got a little starstruck and didn’t say much of anything.

• Libba Bray – Same as above

• Pam Stone – I got a chance to meet her at a local book & wine pairing, and oh my word, she is hilarious! She started showing my friend and me pictures of “hot actors” on her cell phone she modeled the main male character after. 

• Denise Kiernan – Just being in the room with her made me feel smarter

• Monica Hesse – I told the author I listened the audiobook and loved it. She surprised me by expressing her excitement over auditioning readers. She was super approachable – and young! She reminded me of what Rory Gilmore would have been like if she had stayed on track. 

So what authors have you met and which ones would you invite to your dinner party? 

Book Review: The Immortalists

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

I started 2018 with a book that I will remember far after this year ends and one everyone is already talking about. The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin is a gut-wrenching and unforgettable novel, which is told with beautiful sorrow. Imagine the film Only You with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr. filled with death and heartbreak rather than romance – and you get The Immortalists.

I realize that sounds depressing. And, it is. But, but, but. I love a well-told depressing novel – especially if it ends hopeful. And, this one does, even when I had given up hope. Now, that I have set this one up, let me tell you the gist.

This novel focuses on the Gold siblings. When they are children, the four siblings visit a fortune teller who tells the children their death dates. These death fortunes change the trajectory of their lives. Their relationships with one another become stranded. And, they begin to make major life choices because of their individual fortunes.

The novel is set up in five different sections. The first section introduces the fortune teller and the young children. Then, each section tells the life story of each sibling told in his/her voice. The author does a brilliant job at crafting unique siblings with separate, but intertwined stories. The whole time, as a reader, I kept wanting to find out if the fortunes were true and hoping they were not. (Not going to spoil it for you.)

My favorite character was the third child who is the magician, which will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone who reads my blog. But, I mourned along with each sibling – and I expect you will too.

With that being said, this book deals heavily with homosexuality, sex, suicide, alcoholism, magic, fortune telling, mental illness, and so on. There were some sex scenes that were much more detailed than things I typically read; however, these scenes purposely develop character and plot. As a mature reader, it was evident that the scenes were not salacious, but they were important for the overall themes of the novel.

Here is one quote to give you a taste (with a character name redacted):

“But [-] has done it. The impossibility of moving beyond loss, faced against the likelihood you will: it’s as absurd, as seemingly miraculous, as survival always is.”

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* It was released today, so go ahead and order it or put it on hold at your local library!

My Favorite 16 Reads of 2017

I read 90 books this year! While a few ended up being disappointing, most were quite enjoyable. But, it is super challenging to narrow down a list of 90 books to a small list of my favorites. Keyword here is "my." There will be plenty of people who disagree with my decisions. However, I created this list by thinking about which books stood out to me and which ones I safely recommend to my friends. Without further ado, here's my list of The Best Books of 2017.

The 16 Best Books of 2017

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A beautiful delightful work of fiction - stick with it even if you think the concept is slow at first. My full review

The Child by Fiona Barton

You will not be able to put down this crime thriller which has plenty of good guys to cheer on.

The Party by Robyn Harding

You will hate the women in this book, but you will love the plot! Juicy and fun fiction. My full review

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Eye-opening nonfiction about the unjustness of the criminal justice system following a case similar to To Kill a Mockingbird in the same setting. My full review

Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

One of my favorite writers - she makes the everyday seem extraordinary. My full review

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

The language of the book will sweep you away in this love story about senior citizens.

American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse

This was my favorite audiobook of the year. I was completely drawn into the chaos and her investigative journalism.

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford

It's got a world's fair, a brothel, and a tragic love story. My full review

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

A political affair told from the viewpoints of the mistress, the mother of the mistress, and the wife.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Thought-provoking, incredible fiction about the choices women make as mothers.

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances by Ruth Emmie Lang

This book was different than anything I've read before featuring a boy raised by literal wolves. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy. My full review

When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

A heartbreaking story for fans of the show Friday Night Lights (or small towns where football rules).

The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

Comic books, biracial relationships, the South, long-held secrets. 

So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

Nonfiction piece about the ways social media and the internet have become the new public stocks where people earn their Scarlet Letters. 

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown

Maybe the most convicting book I have ever read - and the most difficult to apply in real life (but all the more reason to try)

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

He's still got it. My full review

*You can purchase these books from Amazon by clicking the titles. These are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!