Well this came up fast, didn't it? Or only me? Happy SUYB day and happy National Library Week! In my life, every week is national library week. I have loved public libraries since I was a little girl. It’s an always have, always will for me.
I had a few heartbreaking reads this month (first three in the first category) but they were so worth it. What the world has done to some races, cultures, and women, lord. There is enough there to write a trillion books, and when an author can weave that into fiction I love it. Lots of good ones for me this month outside of those too.
There There by Tommy Orange - I put this on hold at the library in early December and it was completely worth the wait. Timely and insightful. You should read it. As an aside, the title was found throughout and I freaking love coming upon the title of the book while reading it so when it happens more than once it's awesome. Philly library hardback
She Would Be King by Wayetu Moore - This book blew me out of the water. I didn't know anything about it going in and that's my favorite way to go into a book - I have very little expectations that way and when it turns out like this I'm quite pleased. It felt like a journey. Philly library hardcover
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See - This is hard to explain, but there's a scene in this book that is so WTF and it's not glossed over in any sense but it is written so we know as readers that life is moving on even as it's happening. I had to pause and think of how amazing it is what people survive. This is not a feel good, light story, but it is a good one. I loved the haenyeo and their matri-focal society. What a tremendous story and exceptional strength in these women. They felt so real to me and that is the mark of a very good book. Philly library hardcover
Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle - This kept me solidly interested. Great story even after the actual story reveals itself...I hate to use the word "twist" because it seems overused and people base their entire experience on if they liked the twist or figured out the twist. So much more to a book than a twist, even when it's a delicious one. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Book comes out June 25
We Were Killers Once (Brigid Quinn #4) by Becky Masterman - A solid entry in the Brigid Quinn series. It's been quite a while since I read In Cold Blood but I liked how Masterman set these stories on top of one another. A greater look into Carlos also, which we rarely get. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Book comes out June 4
Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus - I waited a long time for this one from the library too and it also did not disappoint. I liked this better than One of Us is Lying and I hope McManus is writing a Three For Us. Philly library hardcover
Run Away by Harlan Coben - I've read all of Harlan Coben's books and usually prefer the Myron Bolitar series over his stand alones but I freaking loved this. Layers upon layers and a great pace. Am I the only one who always writes Harlen Coban first? Philly library hardcover
Man of the Year by Caroline Louise Walker - I didn't see a lot of this coming, and that makes it fun, doesn't it? Some of it was a slog though, so just fine and not engrossing. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Going Under by S. Walden - This book was tough - very raw. I am not a typically a trigger warner but this book has an intense rape scene. Like I was shaken by it and I have no personal experience there. It was gritty but there was also healing. Paperback, own, passed along via mail
A Twist of the Knife (Brigid Quinn #3) by Becky Masterman - I like when we get more background on a main character after we know them pretty well. That was the case with this book. Philly library hardcover
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson - This was wild, how it all went down. Peter Swanson always keeps it interesting and this book was no exception. Not my favorite of his but I enjoyed it. Philly library hardcover
Cape May by Chip Creek - Being familiar with the Jersey shore in the off-season, I was looking forward to this but had to continually adjust to the era, for some reason I wasn't anchored there. Lots of sex and a lot of repetition and a constant threat of darkness behind it, just a twinge. It made me think a lot about marriage and knowing someone. This would be a good beach read. Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Book comes out April 30
Bull Mountain (Bull Mountain #1) by Brian Panowich - I do love an Appalachia story and this certainly delivered. I got the second one on Netgalley and was dismayed to find there was one before it, so I requested this from the library. Here it was already on my To Read list and has been for a few years. Insert shoulder shrug. It was worth it and I'm looking forward to reading the next. Philly library hardcover
Not Worth It
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes - I have had this on my shelf for an eternity. I read it for a few days and felt no movement. Thank you, next. Hardcover, own
What have you been reading?
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