The reading journey continues. I have slowed down but I contin ue to read and listen to books. I am not getting through them as quickly as earlier in the year. Part of it is that I don’t have as much time as before and a few of my recent reads have been hard to get through and as a result took longer to finish.
Also, for the first time in ever, there was one book that I just could not finish. You may be surprised when you find out which one it was!
No more stalling-here is where my reading journey currently stands.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
I was looking for something light weight to read after a couple of heavier reads. This book fit the bill. I had heard good things about this book a few years ago. This book is definitely light weight-it’s funny, a bit outrageous and a little over the top. It was the perfect anecdote. The main character is a annoying and the story is a little slow. I started getting annoyed because bad things kept happening to the main character but the story didn’t move along until much later in the book. Even when the main character is a sad sack type of character, I think they have to have some wins or why some they continue. I also don’t like when characters make assumptions and honor them as truth. I kept reading because one of the other major characters was very witty and clever. By the end, I liked the book enough that I wanted to and read the 2nd book in this series.
3.0 stars
Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
This is the 2nd book in the Finlay Donovan series. There are currently 3 books in the series with a 4th coming in 2024. I actually liked this one a little better than the 1st one. Part of the reason is because it moved along much faster while still maintaining the casual, light story. Even though I liked this one better, I don’t think I will be reading the 3rd one. The characters and the hi jinx are only interesting to a point. But who knows? I might change my mind if I need something light that doesn’t stick with you!
3.5 stars
Happy Place
I have read a few Emily Henry books and this is the first one that I did not finish! I rarely don’t finish a book but try as I might I just could not get through it. I disliked it so much that I didn’t even go the end to see what happened-I just did not care. This book felt like it had no rhythm. There were just characters and scenes but no real cohesion. I loved Book Lovers and Beach Read but this one did not find a way to my “happy place”.
1.5 stars
The Hellfire Club
Jake Tapper is an anchor on CNN. One of my friends recommended his book series to me. I have enjoyed other political thrillers in the past so I thought I give this one a try. This book starts in the 1950’s, the 2nd book in the 1960’s and the 3rd book in the 1970’s. The author mixes historical events and people with his fictional characters.
I enjoyed the story though it moved along slowly at first and then picked up and finished up really strong. Again, I enjoyed this book enough that I plan to read the 2nd one as well.
4.0 stars
Cherish Farrah
This is a book that I read for one of my book clubs. The premise is tricky and I recommend that you read the linked description. However, I don’t think that the description really does this book justice. One of the book club members suggested this book and she said one of the reasons is because she really wanted to talk about it. After experiencing this book, I totally get what she meant. We also discussed what genre this book belongs in because it has some supernatural/horror aspects to it. We saw that this book was talked about as belonging to the “horror” genre though I’m not sure that is completely accurate. It’s hard for me to say that I “liked” this book. It was a tough one with tough topics and there were instances where I had to stop and take a break from this book. It’s definitely an interesting and troubling read.
FYI-I did decide that if this book is indeed in the horror genre, I don’t care for that genre!
3.0 stars
Reading Journey: The journey to 70 books
September-5 books read for a total now of 49. It will take a miracle to get to 70 but let’s see how close I can get! The reading is fun part!!
As always, if you have any recommendations, please put them in the comments.
