I read these books too long ago to actually review them. So I’m not going to. I also took the picture with these for a roundup so long ago I not only had bangs, long hair, I was also blond, and in a skirt. So enjoy the flashback.
I do remember reading all these books. So I’ll give a brief: here’s what I remember thinking while I read this because my memory is still good enough for that. I’ll thank the gym because that’s why I’m going now that I’m creeping ever closer to decrepitude. Anyways, I have loads more books that will go uncriticized because I was lazy for years and don’t feel like going back. So I’ll work my way back into being a book critic, kind of.
Destination WeddingDiksha Basu I don’t remember loads about this one, but I do remember it being fun and witty. I read it on vacation, and it triggered all my Indian wedding jealousies. I liked this one.
A great pool read.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple LineDeepa Anappara This was heartbreaking as it dives into the endemic problem of the multitudes of missing children in India along with the ever-present and ever-growing wealth disparity in India. A social commentary told with equal parts mysticism and realism. I just want to hug and save all the kids.
God Spare the GirlsKelsey McKinney I hate how authentic this felt. Set in small town Texas, the pastor’s two daughters are faced with life-altering decisions when their father’s secrets are revealed. It’s a story about womanhood and sisterhood and finding one’s truest self in the face of patriarchal society.
Do you not read like this?
Little GodsMeng Jin The plot of this book is an absolute mystery to me even after googling it. I don’t remember anything about this other than it exists on my bookshelf, there are in fact notes in it, so all evidence points to I did read it. So that’s telling.
Men, Women & ChildrenChad Kultgen Written by a Chad, strike one. Though, that might be why it was so cringingly realistic about the horrible way men talk about women and sex and how that affects those men’s sons vernacular, which all affects the women they supposedly love. I just remember hating the men in this one.
Native SonRichard Wight Ooof! It’s a classic for a reason. It is a truly remarkable and gut wrenching story. Layered and nuanced, it’s one of those books that makes you think. There’s a reason it’s taught in curriculums: fantastic discussion piece.
So We Meet AgainSuzanne Park Typically, rom-com books don’t call to me, but every once in awhile, I’ll crack their spine. I love that it’s about two Asians just doing life and falling in love. There really does need to be more inclusion and representation in the books we publish and advertise.
The HeiressMolly Greeley Who doesn’t love a weird Pride & Prejudice spin off. This is done fine. I remember not hating it. It was cute, but I wouldn’t call it a social critique to rival the original.
The Sinful Lives of Trophy WivesKristin Miller There’s murder and jealousy and mystery and wives in expensive clothing. That’s all I remember. I’m sure they figure out who done it at the end; I just don’t remember.
The VegetarianHan Kang Incredibly moving and well written. It also made my skin crawl during a great many moments. I loved it in the I didn’t like it at all kind of way. Beautifully written. Absolutely art. I hated the content, which is exactly the icky feeling it’s supposed to give off.
Transcendent KingdomYaa Gyasi A bit disappointed by Gyasi’s second novel. She wrote one of my favorite books on her first try, and this one fell flat in comparison. A great book, but it’s hard to love when you know what the author is capable of creating.
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Stars ⭐⭐⭐ Length 368 Quick Review Honestly, I was hoping Simons Smythe, the main character and Charleston elite’s sweetheart, was gay. Spoiler: She’s not. There were signs; I would know! But alas.
Gervais Hagerty brings the reader into the upper echelons of historic Charleston society through the eyes of a former debutante and daughter of the prominent Smythe family in her debut novel In Polite Company. Simons is a young woman who loves to surf, go crabbing, and knock back drinks at the local bars. She questions her engagement to the golden boy of Charleston’s elite, her stagnating career as a TV producer, and her secretive, Southern grandmother Laudie. In the midst of her younger sister’s debut, her older sister’s second pregnancy, an ailing grandmother, planning a wedding, and society balls, Simons has to figure out what the hell she really wants.
In Polite Companyis good. It’s not great. I read it on a beach vacation, and that’s exactly where it should be read. Falling short of a searing look at the glamor enclosed behind the doors of Charleston high society, it does capture a watered down essence of what it feels like to be trapped in a life that feels less chosen and more predestined. It all starts with a seemingly innocuous idea, “It was on that ride that I first considered our end might come before our hearts stopped.” So often these thoughts start as nothing more than a musing, but the ultimate question Simons, and most everyone facing them, must answer: Do people in happy relationships ever have these thoughts? The ability society, both men and women, has of telling young women what they want is baffling. Hagerty has no problem depicting this clearly throughout, but when Simon’s fiancé says, “Of course I want you to be happy. But you don’t know what happy is, Simons. Happiness comes from stability.” I wanted to pull out my own hair for this fictional character. Because Simons may be fictional, but so many women, including myself, have heard this refrain time and time again. It’s infuriating, and I’m glad Hagerty didn’t shy away from it.
No one will ever accuse me of being appropriate for polite company.
One of the things Hagerty gets right, though minimally because it could be its own novel, is the hypocrisy and ignorance the elite—particularly Southern—has as to how they got where they are. On the backs of slaves. In Battery Hall, a Charleston club for men, the restrooms feature art depicting pre-Civil War plantation life in “seemingly idyllic scenes,” which is “a visual denial that their babies weren’t oftentimes snatched away and sold to other owners, never to see their mothers again.” I would have had a much harder time reading this book if it did not call into question this obvious disparity in the culture as well as the ability of the privileged to whitewash history, forget, rewrite, and ignore the repercussions on today’s society.
For what it is, this is a solid book. I think it could have been longer, giving Hagerty the time to really dive into the hypocrisy, ignorance, and elitism of high society, and the toll it takes on a woman when she chooses to step away. There were a lot of areas in the novel that Hagerty wraps up difficulties with a bow, which really undercuts just how important and interesting this topic is. It resonated with me because I have stepped away from polite company on more than one occasion, and it’s not so clean. It’s not so easy. Hagerty left out the grit.
In her debut novel, Hagerty creates a moving and captivating piece about the limitations placed on women to stay the course and not make waves. In Polite Companyis all the things one could hope for in a book about existing in the claustrophobic and voyeuristic society of the rich and powerful.
Memorable Quotes “It’s what we’ve been bred to do: hide our disagreements beneath the smiles.” “One random person, at some random time, can make the day better.”
Spring Reading List. Peep Beau relaxing in the background
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.
When the restaurant and your outfit matches the book.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Dog’s Best Friendby 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.”
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…”
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.”
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.”
Greenlights in McConaughey’s Austin, Texas overlooking the Pennybacker Bridge (aka 360 Bridge)
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.”
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!”
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.”
Enjoying some beach time even though the book was subpar.
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.”
Worth A Read Yes Length 320 Quick Review Vivian is dragged on holiday to rural, royal England by her daughter. Not only does she get away, she finds love.
Every December, my reading list becomes inundated with white people doing holiday things because I read Christmas books this time of year. I try to keep my reading list as diverse and mentally stimulating and challenging as possible. Christmas stories are not diverse… in any way; I have been craving more color in my Christmas reading. I finally found it in Jasmine Guillory’s Royal Holiday. Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite rom-commy books I’ve ever read. It’s real and honest and the characters are believable and interesting. I don’t want to punch them.
Vivian is a social worker about to get a huge promotion she’s worked towards her entire career. Her daughter convinces her to take a trip to England to get away for once. Her daughter is a stylist and will be helping a Duchess during the holidays, so Vivian gets to stay with royalty. While she’s enjoying a week in the lap of luxury, she meets Malcolm, the Queen’s personal secretary. Also, they’re both Black.
I love that the main character, Vivian, is a single mom in her fifties with a career, drive, adventure, passion, pizzaz, and healthy boundaries. The rom-com problem for her budding relationship with Malcolm is not only believable but a real problem. So often, the obstacle keeping two people apart is ridiculous. Long distance between two powerful working adults, that’s a real obstacle! Workable but hard.
Royal Holiday is not devoid of clichés, it has them for sure. Guillory leans into the clichés without letting them ruin or run the novel. The main characters are strong and independent. They want love, but they’re also not willing to sacrifice everything for it. Vivian is established and knows herself; there is a confidence to her character that comes from living a full life. Malcom is normal and easy going. He’s a man a woman would want to be with and should want to be with.
The writing isn’t spectacular, but it’s perfectly suited to the book and the storyline. Guillory does well with the dialogue. She doesn’t saturate the narrative with saccharine antics; it’s the right amount of realistic and optimistic.
I truly love how wonderful Vivian is. Rom-coms have a tendency to make the characters overly quirky rather than making them relatable and wonderful. Vivian’s just a normal woman with anxieties and excitement and hopes like the rest of us. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I love it. I respect it. Royal Holiday has an ending that grown women with careers want to watch play out.
I love that this romantic comedy features a strong, independent woman who gave up nothing for love. She chose happiness, her career, her family, and the man of her dreams. She sacrificed nothing and still won. Thank you Jasmine Guillory for giving me a romantic comedy I actually appreciate and the two main characters are Black. Yay!!! We need this kind of diversity in romantic comedies and Christmas novels. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Royal Holiday is my favorite Christmas read of the year.
Memorable Quotes “Vivian couldn’t decide what appealed to her more, hot coffee and fresh scones or that man in the corner who looked like a tall mug of hot chocolate.” “Plus, she was on vacation, for God’s sake—everyone did something a little out of character on vacation, didn’t they?”
bisous und обьятий, RaeAnna
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Worth A Read Yes Length 384 Quick Review Elle and Darcy are complete opposites. After a disaster of a date, they end up faking a relationship to escape the familial judgement accompanying the holidays.
My reading habits trend toward nonfiction and classical literature. As a blogger, I’ve been trying to branch out more. In 2020, I have read more fluff than I’ve ever read in my entire life, and it’s been great. Not because the books are great, but because this year sucks. That being said, I looked forward to reading Written in the Starsby Alexandria Bellefleur because it is a rom-com with two women at the center of the love story.
Elle is the co-owner of an astrology company with her best friend and roommate, Margot. They’re partnering with a popular dating app to create something new and innovative for users. The app’s owner sets Elle up with his sister Darcy, an actuary. Due to being complete opposites, the date is a complete disaster; however Elle and Darcy embark on a fake relationship to get them through the holidays.
If this ruins the story for you, you’ve not read or watched enough rom-coms… meaning this is your first. Elle and Darcy fall in love in the vein of: opposites attract. Woah. Written in the Starsis a cute novel that’s well written. There’s nothing revolutionary or phenomenal about it and hits all the common beats in a rom-com. At its heart, it’s just another love story. I like it more because it’s a rom-com with two women going through the motions of falling in love.
Even though I didn’t hate this book, I really enjoyed the female friendships that both Elle and Darcy have. They’re full of unconditional love and support. I will never get tired of reading about realistic representations of female friendships. There are not enough healthy depictions of women supporting women, and I will always show up for them.
I’m kicking off my Christmas reading with Written in the Stars because it’s my favorite that I’ve read so far of the holiday books. It’s well written with good dialogue. The holidays are a part of the storyline but not the driving factor. I definitely suggest giving it a read the Christmas.
Memorable Quotes “ One too many exclamation points and you’d sound too eager. Whether you chose lol, rofl, or haha said something about you, about the conversation. How you spelled the word okay mattered, each iteration distinct in tone. K, of course, was in a league of its own, and if there was a period behind it? Chanceres were, things were not, in fact, okay.” ““No one is worth feeling like you’re not good enough, that you’re not amazing exactly as you are.””
bisous und обьятий, RaeAnna
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Title: Written in the Stars Author: Alexandria Bellefleur Publisher: Avon Books Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 9780063000803
It’s not a plane, but it’s a form of public transportation! | Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano | Top | Shorts |
Worth A Read Yes Length 352 Quick Review A little boy is the sole survivor of a plane crash and navigates the after when he moves in with his aunt and uncle.
I would really like to give Dear Edwardby Anna Napolitano a glowing review, but I read it a little while ago. It was decent enough. I remember the plot line, but it didn’t make a huge impression on my mind.
Edward was on a plane with his family and older brother when it crashed, killing everyone except for him. He goes to live with his aunt and uncle who are reeling from the new direction their lives have taken as his guardians and working through their own trauma. Edward finds comfort and friendship in the next door neighbor’s daughter.
The plot jumps between present day for Edward and the time on the plane before the accident. During the periods where the story focuses inside the plane, the plot looks into the lives of several passengers and their points-of-view and back stories. I think it’s a beautiful and poignant aspect of the novel because it shows the complexity of life and how each person is going through something quietly on a plane in the midst of a much bigger story. It shows how precious and unique life is up to the very end.
My favorite and most memorable aspect of the novel is the relationship between Edward and Shay. They’re the same age and become best friends. They have a really interesting and intense relationship. I love the acceptance, respect, and love they are able to have for each other even at the age of twelve.
Dear Edwardis a good read. There are a lot of really beautiful parts, but I’m not in love with it. I’m glad I took notes as I read because I would have forgotten most of what was in the book outside of the friendship between Edward and Shay.
Memorable Quotes ““My camp counselor won’t even let me read during lunch. She says it’s because reading is antisocial, but I think it’s because she’s actually Joseph Goebbels.”” “This is the subject that defines women. Having babies. Will you have them? Can you have them? Do you want to have them?” “There is a cycle that normal people ride: They wake up with the light, rub their eyes, get hungry, eat cereal, go about their days, and then with sunset begin to wind down. They eat again, watch TV, yawn, and climb into bed.”
bisous und обьятий, RaeAnna
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Title: Dear Edward Author: Ann Napolitano Publisher: The Dial Press Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 9781984854780
