This was a pretty great month for reading! I read three books, and even though they all had female protagonists, they were very different. What I read in February was extra special because I got to read on the beach this month, which is one of my favorite things in the world!
This quote from author Matt Haig popped up on my Instagram Discover page recently. It talks about why reading is important, and as usual, Matt hits the nail on the head. I have Matt’s book “The Comfort Book” on my nightstand, and I pick it up when I need some perspective or reassurance. He shares wisdom from his own mental health journey that are incredibly relatable and (fittingly) comforting.
February Reviews:
Violeta by Isabel Allende: Violeta tells her story in the form of a letter to someone she loves above all others, recounting times of devastating heartbreak and passionate affairs, poverty and wealth, terrible loss and immense joy. Her life is shaped by some of the most important events of history: the fight for women’s rights, the rise and fall of tyrants, and ultimately not one, but two pandemics.
Violeta’s life is complicated and difficult. But, she is a strong woman, determined and driven. I liked that she told her own story, instead of leaving it to people to interpret after she was gone. The relationships were fascinating, and it was interesting to learn about the history and culture. It’s not a light read, and it did feel long at points, but there are plenty of moments that touch your heart.
Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb: Set in the 1950s against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s whirlwind romance and glamorous wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, another unlikely love story is unfolding along the Côte d’Azur.
The main character is a perfumer named Sophie Duval, who followed in her father’s footsteps, but is struggling to keep the family business afloat. I really liked Sophie, and I was rooting for her the whole time. This book was fun, with an undercurrent of historical fiction, and it was the perfect vacation read. I also really liked the role perfume played in the story, and how the authors expertly wove in the perfumer’s inspiration and process. It reminded me a little of the way I learned about beekeeping in Mad Honey.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes: Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes? Protagonists Nisha and Sam have to answer this question when they literally end up with each other’s shoes after a workout. They couldn’t be more different, but they both gain some major perspective on the way to their paths crossing again.
I love Jojo Moyes, and this was my eighth book of hers. It was cute, but it lacked some of the depth of her other stories. There are some great examples of female friendships, and very realistic takes on marriage. But, I found myself kind of annoyed with how things played out at various points.
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