It’s been a while (about 5 months) since my last “what I’ve been reading lately” post, so it’s high time for a recap!
The Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers
I consistently like reading books and watching movies and tv shows that involve people losing their money. I think it stems from the great fear I have of losing all of my money and want to see how fictional characters respond. In this novel a woman trusts the wrong man and they experience a rise and wealth and a devastating fall together. I gave this one three stars – pretty average, nothing that grabbed me or was especially memorable.
The Vexations by Caitlin Horrocks
This historical fiction novel was wonderful. It’s about a group of siblings and how their lives unfold in La Belle Epoque Paris. The sister of Erik Satie (a famous composure I knew nothing about before this) goes through her own trials and tribulations that are wrapped up in and influenced by the choices of Erik. I don’t want to give too much away, but this got a four star rating from me.
Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd
I. Love. Edward. Rutherfurd. I can’t say this enough. You’ve heard my descriptions before about sweeping novels that cover years in a certain place, with amazing stories that intertwine. Well, this is it. Again. And as good as anything I’ve read of his. Five stars, as always.
Gravity is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty
This was a bit out there. A group of people get sent chapters from a self help book when they’re young and it continues into their adult life. The authors of the book invite them to a seminar and the madness unfolds from there. There’s romance and existential crises and all that. It takes a little while to get into, but I enjoyed it overall. Four stars.
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
I flew through this book in a day. It’s a thriller where there’s a series of kidnappings, all dependent on one another. There’s a big twist, but I did see it coming. Not much to say without giving it away. I give it three stars and it’s good to pick up if you need a pallet cleanser.
After the Flood by Kassandra Montag
This is a climate change fear book. The world is flooded because of melting ice caps (scientifically correct? Who can say) and a mother and daughter fight to survive. There are colonies and terrorists and you’re on the edge of your seat, rooting for them to make it, while reading. This novel gets a four star rating.
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice by Bill Browder
I most likely would not have picked this book up if it wasn’t for Looker’s book club. This book follows Bill during the start of his career as he realizes the investment potential in Russia during the privatization of businesses. From there, things unfold and the Russian authorities are revealed to be a crooked lot, to say the least. Four stars.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
I enjoyed it. I didn’t love it. Though looking back at my review I gave it four stars, so maybe I liked it better than I remember? It’s about a group of people who go to a wellness retreat for a variety of reasons and it turns into a very dark experience. In this one there is a twist that I 100% did not see coming.
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger
A new school for gifted students is opening. Everyone thinks their child is gifted. The community dissolves from there. Another novel with another twist, and I only got it about a chapter before, if that. The writing was solid, the characters were alright, and I gave it a three star rating.
The Capital by Robert Menasse
I really wanted this to be a book that I loved, but alas it didn’t capture me like I thought it would. The story starts out strong and a bit whimsical – then it lulls and doesn’t pick up again until the very end. I love stories that have multiple characters that all intersect without being clearly related, and The Capital gave me exactly what I was looking for there. However, the style of writing can be confusing without the use of parentheses and the connections among characters don’t come together in a satisfying way.
What have you been reading lately? Any recommendations? Come be friends with me on Goodreads here!
-Alyssa J
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