Just like last month, the reading continues but is going very slowly. I don’t know if it’s the books or me. I continue to enjoy the books I’m listening to and am getting through those more quickly. However, I am not reading as much at the normal times when I would normally read such as when I eat. The good news though is that I do continue my literary pursuits which is the ultimate goal. I also realized that this month I have read a number of sequels. Clearly, I enjoyed the 1st book and wanted more.
This month I only have 4 books to share. This gets me closer to my annual goal of reading 70 books but not by much.
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
This is the sequel to The Henna Artist which I read and loved. There is also a 3rd book in this series which I will likely read as well. Even though this 2nd book wasn’t as intriguing as the first one, it was still quite good and I recommend it. Meeting characters for the first time is different from getting to know them better which isn’t necessarily as interesting. Still, I appreciate the growth of these characters and the expansion of their stories.
(4.0 stars)
The Devil May Dance
Another sequel which is a good thing. It means the first book was good enough to make me interested in reading the 2nd book. This is the sequel to The Hellfire Club which is in the political thriller genre. The author is an anchor on CNN and politics are in his blood. The first book takes place in the 1950’s and deals with intrigue in Washinton, D. C. This 2nd book takes place in the 1960’s and deals with intrigue mostly in Hollywood but for Washington reasons! Once again, actual famous people make up the other main characters in this book (The Rat Pack) . There are also some other interesting made up characters that keep the action moving. As with the first book, there is a lot of detail and moves a bit slow and then starts to really pick up as we get toward the end. I’m not crazy about this type of story telling; I tend to prefer being given clues that may or may not be vital to the outcome. There is a 3rd book in this series that is fairly new. I may read it at some point.
(4 stars)
Rogue Justice
This is my 3rd sequel this month and another that I really liked. Again, it’s in the political thriller vein and it is the sequel to While Justice Sleeps. I really loved the 1st book and waited a good long while on the library waitlist to get this book. And I was not disappointed. The characters are interesting and the story continued with many of the same folks.
(4 stars)
The Great Alone
I have read or listened to many books by Kristin Hannah. Julia Whelan is the narrator and makes this difficult story easy to listen to. There are difficult topics in this book but also a very interesting setting in Alaska. Listening to a story where people live very differently than we’re used to was intriguing. You find yourself rooting for people that you might not normally root for. I also felt like I learned something (even though the story is fiction).
(4 stars)
Something that is quite clear from this list is that I listened to some really good books. These are all 4 star reads for me. I was trudging through reading other books while listening to these really good ones.
Reading Journey: The Journey to 70 books
October: 4 books read for a total of 53. I’ll still try and get as close to 70 as possible!
If you have any must reads on your list, share in the comments.
