Spotify premium having audiobooks?! Game-fucking-changer (until my listening hours get limited).
Title: The Sun Down Motel
Author: Simone St. James
Rating: 3.9/5
Comments: This would have gotten a higher rating if there weren’t ghosts. Ghosts people can see and smell are just a little too much for me. But, the story is really interesting. It’s about a woman who worked the overnight shift at The Sun Down in the 70s and goes missing. Fast forward to 2017, her niece takes a job at the same motel in an attempt to find out more about her missing aunt and get some answers.
Title: I’m Glad My Mom Died
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Rating: 4.8/5
Comments: Wow. First of all, Jennette is an incredible writer. I am so glad I listened to the audiobook to hear her story, in her words, from her mouth. Second of all, her story is insane. It’s crazy to think about what Sam from iCarly was going through it in real life. Her relationship with her mom is truly heartbreaking. Moms are supposed to guide you, support you, advise you, cheer you on, and have your best interest. I am sure Jennette’s mom believed she was doing all of these things but damn, she was messed up. Jennette’s vulnerability is so admirable and inspiring. So many celeb memoirs fail to go as deep as the reader wants them to but Jennette gives us everything and more. Highly, highly recommend.
Title: The Unhoneymooners
Author: Christina Lauren
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Cute, easy, fun predictable. It was a must-read since I started with the sequel, The Honeymoon Crashers, by accident. Olive and Ethan are easy to like and easy to root for. A large part of their story is Olive having these ideas about how Ethan perceives her that she kind of just made up in her head. I feel like everyone can relate to creating a false narrative that doesn’t mirror the other person’s experience or view- which is why it is important to communicate! These two books are light, easy reads if you’re looking for something quick and enjoyable.
Title: Tell Me Everything
Author: Minka Kelly
Rating: 4.8/5
Comments: Wow. I loved it. What a life Minka has had. I laughed, I cried, I was shocked. This one really takes you through all of the emotions just like Jennette’s. I have always really enjoyed Minka, especially as a huge Friday Night Lights fan, but after reading this I love her even more. I love getting a glimpse into celebrity’s lives in ways we normally wouldn’t.
Title: Meet Me at the Lake
Author: Carley Fortune
Rating: 3.1/5
Comments: Every Summer After > Meet Me at the Lake. I am kind of surprised at how hyped up this one has been. It’s not a bad book but it’s pretty blah and basic and the hype is confusing. Fern’s story is definitely interesting but I kept waiting for Will’s story to be interesting. I kept waiting for a giant plot twist that was going to explain some things but really all we get is confirmation that he’s a coward. I love a good lake life setting but if I was to recommend a lake life book, it’s absolutely Every Summer After, one of my Read Right Now Recommendations.
Title: Last Girls Alive (Detective Katie Scott #4)
Author: Jennifer Chase
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: I feel weird continuing to rate these since it’s a series. But I am still enjoying it a lot!
Title: Survive the Night
Author: Riley Sager
Rating: 3.5/5
Comments: Ehhh. I mean the main lesson is: Do not get in the car with a stranger. But we all knew that already. The second lesson is: You never really know someone/trust no one. I found myself rooting for Charlie- She is strong and smart and not as crazy as she thinks she is. The twists are unexpected but not that exciting. I waited a really long time for this to become available on Libby and it was not really worth the wait. I think I am over Sager…
Title: Dark Places
Author: Gillian Flynn
Rating: 2.5/5
Comments: Dumb. Too long. Not interesting. The characters aren’t even likable. If I was reading this and not listening to it, I would have given up. I was hoping for a Gone Girl-esque thriller but this is not that. The ending is not even satisfying. Do not waste your time.
Title: Run, Rose, Run
Authors: Dolly Parton and James Patterson
Rating: 4/5
Comments: Honestly, I just picked this one off Libby because it was available and it’s James Patterson. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would even though it’s pretty cheesy. I was cheering for AnnieLee, an aspiring country artist, the entire time. Her wit and sarcasm make her really easy to like. As much as I dislike musicals, I do kind of wish they sung the songs in the audiobook and not just recite the lyrics. The book is considered a thriller but I wouldn’t call it that. There is a little suspense and mystery but there is nothing thrilling about it.
Title: Someone We Know
Author: Shari Lapena
Rating: 4.5/5
Comments: LOVED. It’s very Big Little Lies-esque. It’s about one neighborhood’s drama and the secrets among coworkers, friends, and family members. A woman is murdered and it’s your typical whodunit. I had an inkling right away about whodunit so that it was a little disappointing when I was right. Even though I had an inkling, the plot really does keep you guessing about who the killer is which is my favorite kind of book. Definitely add this to your list.
Title: The Fragile Ones (Detective Katie Scott #5)
Author: Jennifer Chase
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Love the twist in this one! I was not expecting it at all. Still loving the series and I am looking forward to #6.
Title: Don’t Let Her Stay
Author: Nicola Sanders
Rating: 3.7/5
Comments: Didn’t love it as much as I thought I would per @girlwithnojob’s recommendation. I appreciate Sanders trying to throw the reader off (multiple times) but I just didn’t feel as satisfied with the ending as I’d normally be because of the back and forth. The story is about a mother, daughter, and young baby who are joined by the father’s 21 year old daughter. It does make you question who the crazy one is but I did not find myself caring that much because of the back and forth.
Title: The Good Girl
Author: Mary Kubica
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Very long but pretty interesting. The story goes back and forth the entire novel which is SO annoying. I think the plot would have been more impactful if it was written chronologically. It switches from past to present with several different people and it is not necessary. It’s about a judge’s daughter getting kidnapped and being held captive in a secluded cabin. You get the perspective of the kidnapper which is interesting because in a weird twisted way, I ended up kind of liking him. The ending is shockingly satisfying! This is way better than Pretty Baby but not as good as Local Woman Missing.
Title: None of This Is True *RRN
Author: Lisa Jewell
Rating: 4.5/5
Comments: I really enjoyed listening to this book. Spotify cut off my listening hours halfway through and I was so annoyed because I was so into it. It’s about two women who share the same exact birthday but have two totally different lives. Alex is a podcast host and begins interviewing her birthday twin Josie for the next season of her show. There are so many points where you are questioning what is true and what is fake which kept me hooked the entire time. After finishing the book, I listened to my first episode of The Redheads, a book club podcast where they discuss their book of the month. They read this book for January and it was nice to hear their thoughts and feelings. Margo, one of the podcasters, said she was annoyed at the title of the book because it made her believe nothing and I totally agree- the whole time I was thinking “Well, this must not be true.” There are so many questions left unanswered and I still have no idea what is real and what isn’t. Highly, highly recommend!
*RRN – Read Right Now!
Sarcastically Callie 
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