Welcome to the monthly book review! At the end of each month, I review the books I’ve read. Enjoy!
The Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Category: Classic children’s fiction
In Three Words: Old South Adventure
Biggest Takeaway: I read this long ago, and decided to re-read because Mark Twain is going to make a featured appearance in my next historical novel. I’d forgotten how wonderful he is; how he reaches off the page to give you his light and humorous, yet sage, advice. I wish his style of writing was popular in modern times. And was there ever a more lovable boy character than Tom?
The Book: After You by JoJo Moyes (sequel to Me Before You)
The Category: Novel
In Three Words: Life after loss
Biggest Takeaway: I have serious respect for JoJo Moyes’ sequal-ing powers. It’s hard to take a book that’s as beloved as Me Before You and move the characters past a jaw-dropping first ending toward a completely different second ending. (No spoilers, I promise.) I thought she stayed true to all the characters, especially Lou and her parents, and I enjoyed the new characters she introduced. Some parts were a little farfetched, plot-wise; but I went with it, because Lou went with it.
The Book: Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
The Category: Women’s fiction
In Three Words: Christmas family affairs
Biggest Takeaway: Like all of Hilderbrand’s books, this one had quirky characters, a beautiful setting, and lots of drama. I didn’t like the abrupt ending (I didn’t realize that there are/will be sequels) and found most of the characters relatively forgettable after I put the book down. Not one of my favorite Hilderbrand books, but she’s an author I’ll always make time to read.
The Book: The Red Book by Deborah Copaken Cogen
The Category: Novel
In Three Words: Harvard reunion drama
Biggest Takeaway: I usually don’t enjoy omniscient points of view (where the author drops into different character’s heads, willy-nilly) but Kogan does this very, very well. She handled every one of the many characters beautifully, and gave them each what they were missing by the end of the book. I love when my personal style preferences get broken down in the face of great writing.
The Book: The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
The Category: Historical fiction
In Three Words: Polygamous murder mystery
Biggest Takeaway: Oh, oh, oh. This is the longest book I read this month (507 pages) but it was worth every page. Interestingly, I picked this up years ago when it was first a bestseller, and couldn’t get into it. I guess the timing wasn’t right, because this time I dove right in. I loved learning about the Mormon schism, the salacious details of polygamous living and its emotional impact on past and (sadly) current families. Must-read if you enjoyed the HBO series Big Love, or if you want an example of amazing historical fiction that’s as accurate as can be, given the sources (just read the afterword if you want proof of the author’s research).
Side note: I hope this is the kind of historical fiction I’m capable of writing someday (maybe in twenty years, if I work very hard).
Very short books read: The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven; A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
Abandoned books: I have NONE this month! I’m not sure whether this is because I vetted my books better, or if I just got lucky, but I had a very rich reading life this month. It’s ongoing; I’m still working on a few nonfiction books, and two wonderful novels on Audible, that will appear in the March book review.
What are you reading this month? Any recommendations for me? Share in the comment section!
I’m currently reading “The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto” by Mitch Albom. I like how the voice of Music narrates the tale and it was interesting to ponder the ending of chapter 1 – “Everyone joins a band in life but only some of them play music” Can’t wait to see how this story evolves.
Lucille, that sounds fantastic! I’m hooked just on that one quote. I haven’t read any Mitch Albom in years, not since The Five People You Meet In Heaven came out. I just added this to my Goodreads list.
Nice variety, Leanne. I finished a long book this month, too: Lark Rise to Candleford. Much different from The 19th Wife, and a bit of a struggle to get through, but I’m glad I read it. Actually, Lark Rise to Candleford is a trilogy of shorter works, but I didn’t want to return it to the library and have to check it out again before I read all three!