I published my last list of recent reads right before we went on vacation at the beginning of August. Since then, I’ve read 11 books, not including one I gave up on halfway through. This round includes quite a few love stories, and some very interesting family dynamics. It also features the latest books from several of my favorite authors. Read on for reviews, and let me know what I should read next!
The Designer by Gabriel Marius: Newlywed Copper arrives in Paris in 1944, ready to start her new life. But, things quickly take a turn and she ends up finding an unlikely friend in designer Christian Dior. As a fashion lover, I found this book fascinating. It’s based in truth, although it is a work of fiction, and gives a mesmerizing look inside the world of Paris couture. I never knew much about the designers behind the major fashion houses, so to get a peek at how it all started for Christian Dior was definitely fun (especially the cast of characters he called friends).
A Million Junes by Emily Henry: This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story about young love, loss, and the power of memories in the face of grief. When June falls for the one boy who’s off limits, she also falls deeper into a mystical world which uncovers mysteries from the past. It sounds hokey, but it was incredibly captivating and one of my favorites in this bunch.
Still Me by Jojo Moyes: This is the third book in the Me Before You trilogy, and I enjoyed following main character Louisa on her adventures in New York City. New York chews her up and spits her out, and she struggles. But, she eventually manages to sort out what she wants out of life. These books are cute (although not the deepest), and Moyes definitely has a way with words.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: This book was one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors, and this is a perfect example of why. This story was incredibly powerful, haunting, and at times painful, but also beautiful at times too. It takes a hard look at love in many forms, and what it really means to live life off the grid. You’ll never think of Alaska the same after reading about Leni and her family. Also, the ending will make you feel all the feels.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli: This is the follow-up to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (reviewed here). It focuses on Simon’s best friend Leah as she struggles through her senior year of high school. This book was cute and clever, but not as good as the first book. That said, I could really picture the plot playing out, and I appreciated Leah’s awkward, honest narration.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid: What if we had decided one thing differently? How did that one decision change the course of our lives? These are the questions that Jenkins Reid makes us ponder as we follow main character Hannah in concurrent storylines. It was a fascinating premise and made me think about the roles that chance and fate play in our lives.
Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen: The story takes place on a dead end street in New York City with a proud (and entitled) group of residents. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by Quindlen, so I was looking forward to this one, but I was disappointed. The plot drags and I found the characters annoying. If you’re only going to read one of her books, I preferred Every Last One.
Love and Ruin by Paula McLain: Marty is ambitious and fiercely independent. She’s constantly struggling to balance her career and her tumultuous relationship with the complicated Ernest Hemingway. At times, I wanted to smack her, but I also really admired her drive and determination (especially knowing she was a real person and most of the story is true). This one really made me think about identity and how our relationships affect who we are.
The Towering Sky by Katharine McGee: This was the third book in The Towering Sky trilogy, and I couldn’t wait to read it. Like Grace, I was so sad to see this series end. The first two books were some of my all-time favorites, and this was a fantastic conclusion. I love that it takes place in futuristic New York City, and the storylines of each of the characters are so compelling, and masterfully woven together. I hope she writes more!
The Only Story by Julian Barnes: When Paul comes home to suburban London on a break from university, he meets and falls in love with much older (and married) Susan. They learn a lot from each other, but honestly…their relationship is strange, and I just couldn’t get into the narration. I tried to give it a chance until I was halfway through, but then I had to give up.
Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson: Loved this so much! It’s whimsical and quirky in the best way. The main character Marnie is totally relatable as she struggles through a particularly tough time in her life. She’s forced to reconsider her perspective, and she learns a lot about herself in the process. I found myself smiling a lot as I read this one.
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams: Another one of my favorite authors! I’ve read six of her other books and loved them all. This one was no exception. Miranda Schuyler arrives on Winthrop Island wanting to escape from it all, but she finds herself coming face-to-face with her past. She’s reminded that no one’s life is perfect, even if it looks that way from the outside, and everyone makes mistakes. Like all of Williams’ books, this was incredibly well-written, with a captivating cast of characters. I did think the ending was a little too quick and left some questions unanswered, but otherwise I loved it.
