Category: Reading Lists

One of the things I posted about in my 11… Ways I’m Forgiving Myself post was all the books I’d read and never reviewed. There are a whole lot. So I’m dividing them up into four different posts. Here is the first one. After this, hopefully—big hopefully—I will be much better about not getting behind on the book reviews. One or two is understandable, but I’m 48 books behind on the reviewing.

Oh well, it happens. I’ve forgiven myself. Now, I’m rounding them up. Here are some books that I read. Some are really good. Some are really not. Some are in between. Some I took pictures with. Some I did not. Pictures are included when necessary. Otherwise, you’ve got a brief review of each! Yay. I was productive today.

Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey
Worth A Read Eh || Length 368

Quick Review When Wes gains custody of his niece he has to grow up, but Bethany is already a grown up, trying to prove something to her family. There’s an age difference, a personality difference, and a lifestyle difference, but none of that stops these two from lusting after each other and falling in love. The writing is not great, but there are some fun quippy moments. It’s definitely a good summer, beach read. No thought necessary for this formulaic romance.  
Memorable Quote
“When it came to being annoying, drunk men were right up there with telemarketers and thirty-second advertisements in the middle of an internet video.”

Buy on Amazon | Buy on Book Depository

No Offense by Meg Cabot
Worth A Read Eh || Length 352

Quick Review Molly is a librarian in a small Florida Keys town, who attracts the attention of the native Sheriff. I found Molly irritating and John, the Sheriff, unbelievable stupid. There’s a mystery. There’s love. I was bored. I really did not love this book, but then again, I’m a hard critic when it comes to boring romances. 
Memorable Quote
“…the three words she most loved hearing in all the world—the three words she was pretty certain every librarian, or at least lover of knowledge, adored more than any other in the human language: You were right.”

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Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Worth A Read Yes || Length 256

Quick Review She’s an incredible beauty and an even bigger talent. Having taken India by storm, she managed to conquer prime time American television in a way no other Southeast Asian had before. I have a great love for Bollywood movies and knew of her long before she came to the U.S. I have been thrilled to watch her career as she paves new roads for diversity. Her undeniable spirit, vivacity, and talent comes through on every page as she opens up about her personal struggles, successes, and things in between.
Memorable Quote
“My parents had taught me that confidence is not a permanent state of being, a piece of wisdom I still believe.”

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Dog’s Best Friend by Simon Garfield
Worth A Read Yes || Length 320

Quick Review An incredibly sweet look at the relationship humans have forged with dogs over the centuries. From art and science to breeding and connection, dogs have played a pivotal role in human history. Today, they play a pivotal role in many of our lives. (I know they have in mine.) Well researched and movingly written, I highly suggest it for anyone who has a dog or has loved a dog. Also the footnotes are incredible. 
Memorable Quote
“A dog binds us to the world like nothing else: to a history of all the dogs that have gone before, to a wider community that welcomes their presence and demands our selfless attention. This too is their purpose, why they are here with us and us with them.”

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Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Worth A Read Yes || Length 352

Quick Review An elderly Miss Benson heads to the other side of the world with a ditsy assistant to find an undiscovered beetle. With twists, turns, intrigue, and a lot of oopsies, these two make memories and find adventures. This turned out to be a really sweet book about two women fighting for and finding a place in the world.  
Memorable Quote 
“Hunger is the ultimate expression of hope…”

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A Dog Named Beautiful by Rob Kugler
Worth A Read Yes || Length 304

Quick Review Like many people, Kugler turned to a puppy when life was tough. For him, it was returning from war. A Marine, he worked hard to find his place in the world, but his dog, Bella, brought meaning into his life. When she was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he wanted to give life back to her, and they took to the road. It’s a moving story told without much nuance, but when you’re telling the story of a cute dog… who needs nuance. 
Memorable Quote
“This moment matters, and it’s a moment I will not let slip by.”

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The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons
Worth A Read Yes || Length 384 

Quick Review An exploration of connection, age, and living in the moment through the eyes of a crotchety old woman with a literal death wish. It’s a sweet book. Really a wonderful book to distract and engage during quarantine. Equal parts frustrating and exhilarating. Annie Lyons creates connection and joy between two lost humans as far apart in age as possible. 
Memorable Quote
“Death is an inevitable preoccupation for a woman of Eudoras years, but she can’t recall a time when it wasn’t lurking in the background.”

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Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Worth A Read Yes || Length 304

Quick Review He’s one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, and he’s here to tell his story in his words. A beautiful look at his life littered with his writings and tidbits of wisdom. Born and raised in Texas, he tells it how it is in a charming southern way. His distinctive voice comes through on every page. 
Memorable Quote
“When we know what we want to do, knowing when to do it is the hard part.”

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It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan
Worth A Read Yes || Length 355

Quick Review I think the world needs more novels about women enjoying life after thirty-five. It’s a love story but not the romantic kind. McMillan highlights the importance of leaning into female relationships, putting oneself first, and living through grief. I love it.
Memorable Quote
“I still love him more than my Twizzlers!”

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Fin & Lady by Cathleen Schine
Worth A Read Yes || Length 277

Quick Review As an older sister, I love reading books about sibling relationships; though mine bears no resemblance to that of Fin and Lady’s. It’s a great story about family, responsibility, growing up, understanding, and life. The dialogue is amazingly quippy. Perfect book to take on vacation. 
Memorable Quote
“…and secrets, he already understood, were generally associated with shame.”

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The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
Worth A Read No || Length 352

Quick Review Diving into the ties and traumas that bind a family together. It’s an attempt to explore mother-daughter and sibling relationships but falls very short. It does an even worse job examining trauma and sexual assault. I was a big not fan. What looks like a light, beach read by the cover is a bummer. 
Memorable Quote
“You couldn’t be naked with another person and remain perfectly together.”

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bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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