Title: The Maid *RRN
Author: Nita Prose
Rating: 4.1/5
Comments: The narrator, Molly “the Maid” is REALLY annoying- but I think if I read it and didn’t listen to it, I would be less annoyed. Beyond that, I really enjoyed the book and was not at all expecting the information revealed in the epilogue. I haven’t been that shocked in a really long time. The characters are really interesting and even Molly herself is a super unique character. We get a glimpse into the mind of a young, autistic woman with OCD who was probably way more sheltered from the real world than she should have been. The whole time I was wondering if there would be an acknowledgment of slight neglect or overprotection from her grandmother. It is a true “whodunnit” mystery and it kept me intrigued the entire time! I am excited to watch the film adaptation which will star Florence Pugh as Molly.
Title: Too Good to be True
Author: Carola Lovering
Rating: 4/5
Comments: I predicted the first twist right away- as soon as we learn people’s ages, I did the math. So that was disappointingly not a shock at all. But there were still other things that were pretty surprising, especially the antagonist. Also the title bothers me because nothing about the story feels too good to be true. It would be one thing if Burke was sweeping Skye off of her feet, but he’s not. He kind of sucks. Everyone in the story kind of sucks. This is definitely not as good as Tell Me Lies but not it’s not the worst book I’ve ever read.
Title: Reckless Girls
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Rating: 3.3/5
Comments: I was kind of confused most of the time because there are interviews, articles, postcards, etc. weaved throughout the story while the story is jumping between two times periods but among three different groups. I also listened to the audiobook which sometimes makes it harder to follow along but I can’t just flip back for clarification. The ending is shocking but not really in a good way. I am disappointed because it feels very extreme and not really necessary. I kind of feel like “Uh okay. All of that for that?” However, there is one quote Hawkins wrote about grief that I really love: “Give it time. Nothing you feel is wrong. There will always be a before and an after, and you have to learn to live in the after.” You have to learn to live in the after. After a relationship ends. After losing a loved one. It’s so simple but I find it really powerful. Anywho- I wouldn’t recommend. The Wife Upstairs is superior.
Title: The Replacement Wife
Author: Darby Kane
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Eh. It’s okay. I’m a little confused but what else is new. I did finish it in four days because I was very curious to learn the truth but then the truth wasn’t that exciting. I think they want you to believe the main character is crazy but I was not convinced. It’s not as well-written as it could be when it comes to trying to throw off the reader. The very very end is sort of relieving but I was kind of like “Wait, why?” I enjoyed Pretty Little Wife by Kane wayyyy more so I would recommend that one instead!
Title: One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Rating: 3.7/5
Comments: As sweet as the story is, it’s not for me. The plot is an impossible one so that’s hard for my realistic brain to get past. However, it is narrated by my girl Lauren Graham. I love love love her. The book mentions both Parenthood and Gilmore Girls so that was kind of weird to hear her talk about them as if she didn’t star in them but whatevs. Her fast-talking soothes my soul and she is the best part of this book. I thought maybe the book would be more relatable because I have lost a parent but I really just could not get past the ‘could literally never happen’ plot.
Title: Turtles All the Way Down
Author: John Green
Rating: 4.3/5
Comments: I think I’m officially too old for Young Adult novels which is what this is. But I do love me some John Green. Although the story is a little too good to be true, there are a lot of situations that people can learn from. Aza, the main character, deals with hardships with her mom, her best friend Daisy, and her love interest Davis in ways where she is completely self-aware while being not self-aware at all. It’s super well-written and I always like when the main character isn’t that likable. I would have loved this more in high school when I could relate to Aza. But what stands out the most and what everyone can learn something from is Aza’s friendship with Daisy and Daisy’s honesty about what she needs from their relationship. I admire her vulnerability.
Title: Live Wire
Author: Kelly Ripa
Rating: 3/5
Comments: I am disappointed. I freakin’ love Kelly Ripa. I love her humor, her transparency, her style, her relationship with her family, everything. But this book does not do what I thought it would do. It is truly exactly as it’s described: “Long-winded short stories.” But the stories did nothing for me. I wanted juice. I wanted tea. I wanted more about the set of Hope and Faith. I wanted more about her Walk of Fame honor. I wanted more about Michael Strahan leaving the show. I don’t care about *SPOILER* that you saved a woman’s life at a dinner with Richard Gere. That’s not spicy. That’s barely mild. I wanted more.
Title: In a Dark, Dark Wood
Author: Ruth Ware
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Better than The Death of Mrs. Westaway but not as good as The Woman in Cabin 10. Sure the plot twist is a little unexpected but I didn’t get the “WOAH” feeling that I crave. I want to be floored. This didn’t floor me. However, I really enjoy Ware’s writing style and I am eager to read One by One and The It Girl.
*RRN: Read Right Now!
Sarcastically Callie 