The pandemic has allowed me to read many more books than I normally would’ve. Here’s what I read in August.
Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
This is book 2 of 3 in the series. Fix Her Up was the first and the third, Tools of Engagement is due to be out 9/22/20. This is your typical rom-com type book. This doesn’t make it bad but it is rather predictable. Instead of looking for love, this is about a married couple who have lost their way. Finding their way back to one another is really never in question-you know that they will. There are of course lots of fits and starts before they get there. This couple appears in the first book, Fix Her Up. I enjoy book series where several characters appear in all of the books. This is an easy read and a decent distraction. Not sure that I will read the third book though I rather like the character this book focuses on.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This book took a bit to get into but ultimately I really enjoyed it. Tom Hanks was the narrator for this audio book and he was very good. This book is like many other Ann Patchett books in that it deals with families and all of their secrets and dysfunctions. Even though it was initially slow going, I found myself caring about the two main characters and what happens to them. It’s nice that we get to spend time with them from childhood through old age.
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
This book was so good. It’s one of those where you think you know what will happen but you don’t. The book follows a plus size Instagram influencer and it examines what is real and what is not. Love, female friendships, the “reality” of the internet, etc..all feature prominently. It is definitely a fun summer read though it does deal with some serious issues.
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating
I have been on a run of reading books that might be considered light reading. Sometimes these books also blend serious topics (see Big Summer). This one does not. It does though follow a trend that I am noticing in newer rom-com/chick lit books and that is that the female protagonist is generally not whiny, is sexually liberated and kind of messy-relationship wise. Marriage is not the ultimate goal but finding a man and having a positive partnership is. Even though the books tend to be predictable in many ways, I like that the lead female doesn’t have the idea that something is wrong with her.
This book is wild and crazy and fun. You expect that ultimately Hazel and Josh will end up together. Hazel is a hoot and would definitely be a fun friend. I listened to this book and did not enjoy the male voice but really liked the female one. I have a couple of other books by this author on my wish list which I’ll likely delve into when I want something light and fun.
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
This book is so sweet and charming even while dealing with some very serious issues-death, divorce, war, refugees. This is by the same author who wrote A Man Called Ove which I have not read but was very popular several years ago. If all of his books are like this, I may have to dive into more of them. I do plan to read others but I haven’t chosen yet. I’m considering Ove, Beartown, and Britt-Marie Was Here who is a character in this book.
There are several stories to follow in this book and I love how they all unfold. Things are not what they seem and people are not who you think they are. I listened to this book and loved the narration.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This book was released this year to a ton of fanfare and I see why. This is the story of twin girls who are African-American but VERY light skinned. Through a series of events, the twins leave home and ultimately go their separate ways. One twin decides to “pass” meaning live her life as a white woman. I loved this book so much that I finished it in 3 days and I didn’t want it to end. It deals with so many issues; some you see coming but others you don’t. I have her first book, The Mothers, on my list to be read. Right now, it’s on hold and I am anxiously waiting my turn to read it.
What do you think? Do any of these titles sound good to you? Share in the comments.
thanks for the book recommendations. i have been listening to more books as well.