It’s BOOK DAY!!!
Insert me doing a happy dance RIGHT HERE!
I get so excited when we chat about books!!!
Okay, just like last month, typically, I don’t publish comments with spoilers, but for today’s books, in the comment section, you can talk spoilers if you want for the TWO books that were in our book club (not the other books). My review here WILL NOT contain any spoilers for those of you who haven’t read the books yet (just make sure you don’t read the comment section!), but there will be spoilers/discussion in the comment section for everyone who has already read the book(s). I will not be publishing any comments that are hateful/ugly. There are a lot of book clubs if you want to express your thoughts in that way, but mine will not be one of them. You can absolutely say you don’t like a book and list reasons, but we’re going to even keep that in a positive, upbeat way or else it won’t be published for the discussion.
Got it?!
Also, at the bottom of this post, I’ve also included our summer book club picks for AUGUST too!
Ready?
Here we go!
I’m going to start with our two book club books, and then after that, I’ll review the three other books I read independently this month (one fictional and two biographical…all three AMAZING!).
Our book club books for July were…
…okay, I loved one and not the other.
Gasp. 😉
Our first book was The Hate U Give and this one…I loved.
I had no idea what this book was about until I opened it up and started reading. So many of you suggested it to me, and now, I can see why. This is a fictional story that very much mimics the heart and sentiment of today’s America after several incidents involving the black community and some police officers. This book is a work of fiction, but it gave me chills reading it in July 2020 as it appeared to be foreshadowing of real events.
Now, no matter what your opinions are about real life people and real life actions, these are fictional characters, so I’m going to address them and am in no way referring to real events (make sense). I’m focusing on the book, but yes, it very much mimics what we’re seeing on the news right now.
The main character was VERY endearing. She’s a young black teen living in two different worlds. She’s living in a black neighborhood with friends who go to the local schools…some in gangs, some in the wrong crowd and many, just in the wrong place and time. She also attends a private school 45 minutes away where she is the minority. So, one girl…two worlds. I thought the author did a brilliant job of describing both settings and cast of characters in a way that made you think you were there too. I thought it was part poignant, part heartbreaking, part funny, part thought-provoking, part endearing…and all together really well written and very unforgettable. I also loved Starr’s (the main character) parents and older brother. The conversations they had in the book prompted me to have similar ones at home too. I loved their little family unit. Now, many of you recommended this book for my older kids, but I would read it first if I were you. I do think this book is rated R for both language and violence, so I’m not suggesting you just hand it to your kid without previewing it. I cannot wait to have our discussion in the comment section today about this one! Loved it!
And then that leads me to…
…our second book to read for our July Book Club was Big Summer.
I think it might be time for Jennifer Weiner and I to break up.
I think this was the third book in a row I read of hers that I just didn’t love…which stinks because I really loved her first ones so much.
Okay…I cannot wait to discuss this one in the comment section either! Here is my quick run down: This novel is light/set in summer/easy to read/not a deep one/perfect for this season. (Sounds like a Shay book so far, right?!) My problem was that I thought she had too many great book ideas crammed into this one book. It’s like her publisher told her this was her last book to ever write but she had 46 book ideas…so she put them all in one. This book covered everything from a TV series just like The Bachelor to being a plus-size woman in today’s world to being an influencer to having issues with your parents to family lies and betrayals to not being accepted to murder to best friend issues to not wanting to marry the person you’re engaged with (I could keep going). I found the whole thing super disjointed and not organically connected at all. I typically apologize when I don’t love a book, but I’m not this time. Ha! I didn’t like it. I wish she would have picked one or two of these topics and built the whole book on that instead. This book was a little cheesy compared to her other books too. I would also probably give this one an R rating.
Okay, I’m done.
Ha!
One thing to note, Weiner has always been a big Bachelor fan on her social media and even Tweeted about Smith once before when he was little on said something funny about Sean during an episode. So, I LOL and texted my brother when I opened this book and she named the Bachelor character…Stuart Lowe. Sean Lowe thought that was funny 😉 .
Okay, those two books are from our JULY SUMMER BOOK CLUB, these next THREE BOOKS are ones I just read on my own and therefore, no spoilers will be discussed about any of them in the comment section…
I loved The Simple Wild.
I had multiple friends tell me to read this series (this is the first book in the three-book series), and I can see why! This novel was so ME!!! This is a story about a influencer in her late 20s who heads to a tiny town in western Alaska to reconnect with her dad after many, many years. I loved her, I loved her dad, I loved all of the other sub-characters, I loved the setting, I loved the cold, I loved the food references and when they described their cozy homes. I loved it! I would have read all of the books at one time, but since I’m reviewing them for you, I decided to spread them out (for those of you who don’t love chick-lit), but all of your rom-com gals out there, read it! I’m going to give it an R rating for a little language and content, but it’s cuteness factor is what won me over. I just really thought this book was both tender and and emotional while also being sweet and cheery. It was meatier than most of the chick lit I read (very similar to a Elin Hilderbrand novel) and left me with all the happy thoughts.
Whew! Okay, moving right along, the next book I read this month was Nothing to Envy.
And it was INTENSE.
Andrew read this one a few years ago and has been suggesting it ever since then, so I finally cracked it open and jumped in with two feet. Now, you know how I loved The Girl with Seven Names a few years ago? This book was very much like that one…but enough different that it really kept me interested all the way through. Both are books written by/about people who have recently escaped North Korea. Where The Girl with Seven Names is an autobiography, this book was written by an LA Times journalist living in South Korea as she spent years getting to know/love and learn about different people who had escaped North Korea. It’s a compilation of all of their stories and how eerily similar they all were no matter how old the person was/whether they were male or female/their economic status/etc. This book is very eye-opening and even downright shocking at times as they describe life in North Korea. If you are interested in that country or that part of the world, I thought this author did a great job intertwining their stories and delivering a bigger picture about life in that country. This book will stick with you forever.
Okay, the last book I read this month was…
…Open by Andre Agassi.
Random, right?!
Every single time I ask you guys for autobiography recs, I always, always, always hear this one, so I FINALLY decided to read it. I know nothing about tennis. I know nothing about Andre Agassi. I know nothing about any of this…BUT I LOVED IT!! In fact, this was one of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read.
Ever.
He should have quit tennis and been a writer because he’s a great story teller! So many times, I laughed out loud (literally!). I wanted to cry for him. I was wincing. I was cheering. I was a huge fan. I loved how he described his relationships with everyone from his dad to his trainer, Brooke Shields (his ex-wife) to Pete Sampras…loved it! If you are a tennis person, you FOR SURE should read this book. If you’re not? You still should. It made me a huge Andre Agassi fan! Thank you so much for recommending it to me!
Okay, that’s my JULY BOOK REVIEW!
Next month, I picked two more books to finish up our Summer Book Club…
…if you want to read along with us, pick these up and we’ll chat at the end of August!
As always, you can see the other book reviews I’ve done so far in 2020 right HERE along with my TOP THREE books of 2019 and a list of every book I read in 2019 ? .
From here, if you do not want to see any spoilers about the first two books, click off and come back Monday. If you want to read spoilers/participate in our book club discussion, that’s happening below in the comment section. If you want to comment on the last three books, that’s happening too (with no spoilers!).
One last thing, WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? I’d love new ideas please!!!
Happy Book Day!!
I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! xo
Erika Slaughter says
Your Book Review posts always make me wanna lock myself in a closet and read all day!
Jamie says
Did you see that the sequel to The Royal We came out?!? Just ordered it- The Heir Affair!
Jen says
I just finished reading that yesterday. If you liked the first this one won’t disappoint!
Lisa says
I’m reading The Last Time I Saw You, written by the authors of one of my favorites, The Last Mrs. Parrish. I am hooked!
Carrie says
I’m glad to see your review of Big Summer. I downloaded it and have only read 2%, but it just didn’t seem like I was going to enjoy it. It didn’t grab me right away! I hate to abandon a book (as a reading teacher I always tell my kids to give it at least 50 pages??♀️), but this makes me feel justified to delete it from my Kindle??
Kristin Lyngaas says
Open is unbelievable. I will not give any spoilers but holy cow. It will make you look at any professional athlete in a totally different way. Truly God bless Agassi.
Renee says
I loved Big Summer. I found it very entertaining and enjoyable. One of my friends felt like the first half was too different from the second half. I loved how it had so much going on and I found the main character so likable. I loved how she realized that her friend missed out on having a close relationship with her own parents and that when you think someone has it all, they usually don’t. I thought all the different elements tied together for a great story.
Beth Miller says
Me too! I really liked it and thought it was her best one in awhile!
Ellie Markewitz says
Shay- I see what you are saying with there being too many stories in one. My book club also thought this. However, I thought that the story was good enough that I didn’t care about it. Some girls in my book club felt uncomfortable about their weight growing up and they said they teared up while reading because it really tapped into their own experiences. I also really enjoyed that it turned murder mystery because for me it was so unexpected. I haven’t been that surprised in a chick lit in a really long time. Finally, I LOVED the storyline of this girl we think has everything, but then we learn how unhappy she is in her fake relationship, and how happy she is with this guy who seems like a “nobody”.
This book made me feel good at the end :).
Shay thank you so much for all you do !!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I really wish it would have focused more on her and that story line. I totally think that would have made for a very endearing book. The murder was really weird to me though.
Cristal says
Have you read The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See? I thought of your family and girls through the entire book!
Chris says
I liked Big Summer, not loved but liked. I also felt like the first was disjointed from the second half.
Amanda says
Gosh I love reading these posts! I just put Open on my to-read list along with The Simple Wild. Can’t wait!
Just finished Twice in a Blue Blue and Hello, Summer before that. I’m on a pretty good streak of books I’m enjoying!
Did you read The Last Flight? Really enjoyed that one!
Brenna Johnson says
I just added those two to my list too. love and look forward to these book posts each month!
Katie says
Shay, I’m totally with you on Big Summer! There was so much PR done for the book and I think she even released it early because of Covid, so I was thrilled when you added it to the book club! However, it just wasn’t quite like her earlier books. It was fine, and I read the entire thing because I was invested and wanted to know what happened, but after it ended I just felt bummed that it wasn’t quite what I expected. Thanks for including it, though, and I can’t wait to dive into The Simple Wild!
Taylor says
Yes I’m so glad you read the simple wild!! I knew you would love that one. Also, I’ve heard amazing things about The Girl With the Louding Voice. I can’t wait to read along.
Libna says
WARNING: SPOILERS
I thought that Big Summer is a well written and entertaining book about everything and nothing at the same time.
The book talks about friendship, the risks of social media, murder, lies, cheating, secrets and romance. All this being narrated by a plus-size lady who lives on a diet and suffers of low self esteem. There is so much happening that, when I finished the book, I asked myself “What was this book really about??”.
It is entertaining? Of course it is! Who wouldn’t be nosy to learn who the murderer was? Who wouldn’t feel excited to discover all the secrets that were being revealed chapter after chapter?
Yet, with so much happening, the book lost the opportunity of making a serious reflection about any of the covered subjects and lost the connection with the reality in my point of view.
I fully agree on the “too many ideas in one book”
Would I recommend it to someone?…why not?
Am I going to remember this book after some weeks?….I don’t think so
Mix and Match Mama says
Love this. I love, love, love this. I think the story could have really gone somewhere if she had narrowed in on one of the many relevant themes.
Martina says
Well said, totally with you!
Natalie says
Currently reading the heir affair (the second “royal we” book), and I do not want it to end!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I can’t wait to read that one too!!
Natalie says
I never do audible, but i am for this book cause it’s so fun to have it read with the British accent for those characters 🙂
Brenna Jonson says
I just read the first one and LOVED it. It was a bit weird starting and for some reason not exactly what I was thinking it would be. But, I loved the whole premise to the book.
Ashley P says
I can’t wait to start that one!
Sandra says
Also reading The Heir Affair and loving it! I had to reread The Royal We as I had forgot so much. I love how The Heir Affair continues exactly where the first left off ?
Kelly Roll says
I agree .100% on The Big Summer. It was slow, disjointed and took forever to even get to a point where you knew where the book was going. I was left super disappointed.
Eileen says
I really liked Big Summer, but I agree – it was a little all over the place. I did like it better than her last few books though.
I’ve been reading The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin, Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory, The Guest List by Lucy Foley, and The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald. I thought they were all great.
I’m currently reading Fast Girls by Elise Hooper. It’s a novel about the 1936 women’s Olympic Track team. I’m loving it so far!
Jen says
I completely agree with your reviews this month! Here’s what I had posted when I put them on GoodReads as I finished them-
The Hate U Give- I checked this book out years ago when the hype began, but before even trying it, I was put off by the Young Adult characterization. Now, I am SO glad I gave it a real chance. It definitely doesn’t read like a typical YA novel. The perspective is so beautifully laid out and it reiterates and puts a story behind a lot of what is being expressed right now. It makes things real.I loved the family dynamics that focused on a realistic, lovable family with great characterization. There is amazing dialogue and voice, and some funny/witty moments that give more heart to the sadness. I can’t wait for the prequel to this book!
Big Summer- Nooo! I loved this author’s last book (Mrs. Everything) when she tried out historical fiction, so I was anticipating this one, but it fell flat for me and initially held my interest but struggled to keep it! There is a big surprise and genre switch in the middle, and I think that’s where it started to sadly lose me.
Mix and Match Mama says
I think often labeling a book YA really does it a disservice as so many adults don’t read them because they imagine the content is too immature. The Hate U Give is the perfect example!
Bernie says
I always enjoy your reviews! I just finished This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. If you love a story like Where the Crawdads Sing, then you will savor this beautiful story!
Elspeth says
I love love love your book reviews!! I just picked up The Royal We and I’m excited to start. Have you read it yet? As always I’m adding some of your suggestions to my reading list! Thanks for sharing Shay!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
I loved The Royal We!!!! The sequel is just about to come out too!!! You’ll love it!
NancyS says
Jennifer Weiner is one of those authors i’ll always read, but agree with you that my preference is for her earlier books. Also loved The Hate U Give and liked the movie as well. My favorites this month were The Last Flight by Julie Clark and Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel (such an entertaining book)!
Sam says
I also loved the Hate U Give! I agree it was chillingly similar to the George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and so many other cases of Black people murdered by police officers. I appreciated Starr’s perspective and how she grew throughout the book and how she realized her role in speaking out for her community. I would love to see a sequel to see how she grew up and what she evolved into in college and beyond!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wouldn’t a sequel be fantastic?!
Jen says
Apparently there is a prequel coming out that tells more of her dad’s story! I’m actually just finishing “On the Come Up” now which is another book by the same author- similar themes, amazing dialogue and characterization again, and it takes place in the same neighborhood so there are references to/connections to what happens in The Hate U Give. I wouldn’t know ANY of this if it wasn’t for your book club inspiring me to read The Hate U Give!
Jennifer Baker says
Hi! There actually is a sequel of sorts by Angie Thomas it is called On The Come Up, it follows a different set of friends in the same community and it is equally as good in my opinion. I also saw that Angie is writing a prequel that would follow Starr’s father!
Laurie says
I could not get into Big Summer at all. I stopped reading it about halfway through. 🙁 The plot was already starting to not make much sense when I put it down.
My middle school students love The Hate You Give and I enjoyed the book as well when I read it a few years ago.
**28 Summers was the best Elin Hilderbrand novel yet!**
Mix and Match Mama says
I couldn’t agree more!! I loved it too!!!!
Amy says
Agree! I picked up 28 Summers one afternoon and didn’t stop until I finished it the next morning! What is your next fav Hilderbrand book?
Colloni says
I also agree about 28 Summers!! By far, my favorite Hildebrand book yet!! And thanks so much for your book reviews, I look forward every month to talk about my books.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I have been on a chick lit reading binge since the pandemic started (I guess I needed a happy escape from the news!) so the KA Tucker book sounds like something I would enjoy!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Rebecca Wise says
Perfect timing! I took a days leave tomorrow, but with COVID still rife in South Africa, there is not much one can do over a long weekend. I have now stocked up on books and cant wait to spend it reading x
Tracy says
I just finished Feels Like Falling and just started The Island! Loving them both.
Becky Simpson says
I read both The Hate U Give and Big Summer! Here are my thoughts: I loved The Hate U Give. In the middle of the book I checked to see when it was published (2017), and it is like is is taking place right in the middle of 2020. It was very different than my typical books that I read, but very eye-opening. However, as I was reading about the two worlds that Starr lives in, I was thinking that not everyone in real life is lucky enough to go to go to a private school, or to have an uncle like Uncle Carlos. Big Summer was ok, an entertaining read, but not my favorite. “Stuart Lowe” made me think of “Sean Lowe.” I also found Nick to be super creepy.
Mix and Match Mama says
I found Nick to be super creepy!!! I didn’t understand how she could question her best friend after knowing him for one day either. And he was staying in some sort of hidden closet? All so weird.
Lindsey says
Yes!!! Why did the main character and her roommate spend so much time alone with the guy who seemed the most obvious candidate for murderer?! The girls seemed like they would be smarter than that. This aspect of the book drove me nuts! But I really enjoyed the beginning and thought it was interesting reading a plus-size influencer’s perspective. I wish it hadn’t gone 10 other directions.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!! That didn’t make sense to me AT ALL!!!
Heather says
You are going to LOVE The Girl with the Louding Voice! SO good!
Sheila DeSpirito says
I loved loved loved The Girl With The Louding Voice! A great choice for your book club Shay! It’s my very favorite book I read this year
Jaime says
Ooooh I just finished The Simple Wild and loved it! I have a G free life question for you though. When you first started eating g free were your other kids bad or upset that they wouldn’t be able to eat their favorites anymore? If so how did you handle the push back?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh there was some pushback, but for the most part, all the things they “love” have a g-free alternative. It didn’t take long to find great subs for most of our faves!
Katie says
Good morning Shay! My all time favorite fiction book is The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. It’s about two sisters living in Europe during WW2. I read it once a year- it’s that good! Another good WW2 book is White Rose Black Forest by Eoin Dempsey. The main character finds a downed pilot in the woods by her cabin and decides to rescue him. As she nurses him back to health and discovers his true identity she also comes to terms with the way the Nazi regeme has destroyed her past. The last one is more of a non-fiction I guess? The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken is about his travels around the world to help/ research persecuted Christians. The faith that people display in countries where Christianity is illegal is astonishing. And there are so many amazing accounts of just how faithful God is and how persecution actually grows faith. This one will both encourage and challenge you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I read that one a few years ago! I loved it, but have you read her book The Great Alone? It was my second favorite book of 2018!!
Melody says
The great alone ! My favorite Kristin Hannah book!
Michelle says
Katie, if you liked The Nightengale, you MUST read The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer! Those two books have stayed with me soooo long. =)
Mix and Match Mama says
100% agree 🙂
Sarah says
I definitely agree with the review of The Big Summer. I kept reading because I wanted to know “where it was going” but at the end of the book, I just felt “eh”! Sooooo many storylines and plots and they were all independent of each other!
I just finished The Royal Heir and the newest Emily Giffin and they were both fantastic!
CTBoymom says
Yes! You are spot on. I didn’t end up finishing the Jennifer Weiner book on audible this month. I just couldn’t get into it. Going to download the simple wild book now and start reading. Thanks for the book recommendation!
Janette says
I felt exactly the same way about Open! One of my favorite books, period. I had a little more history with tennis, but still feel like it is just a great book. Read it 8-10 years ago and still recommend it today!
Anna says
I know this would be a change from your usual, but All Things New by John Eldredge is the book which single-handedly transformed my faith to be the strongest, most active relationship with Jesus I’ve ever had. I’ve never encountered a book filled with so much hope! It still encompasses great storytelling & is an easy read, but I can guarantee you’ll come away from it feeling lighter & more free than you ever did before!
Paula says
Big Summer, It was eh for me. Lots of topics. However, I think the main topic was being a larger female in society growing up, into adulthood and how they feels. How do you keep your confidence and know your value compared to the “perfect” girl/woman you’re friends/work with. The huge revelation is, does the “perfect” girl/woman really have it all? No….what we put out there or assume isn’t always truth. We all have hurts. I kinda took that as the take away and left the other hodgepodge mess.
Michelle says
Pachinko!
Soooo good.
Sara says
If you haven’t read Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano, I highly highly recommend it! I didn’t want to read it because it seemed too sad (my book club is reading it) but it is so beautifully written and drew me right in. I read it in 24 hours!
Kelley says
Agree!! I loved Dear Edward!
Arlene says
Dear Edward is in my top 5 books so far this year! I thought it would be too sad but it’s really well written and drew me in too. Can’t wait to see more from that author!
sbwthomas says
This! Loved Dear Edward!!! Still think about it.
Susie Harrold says
I agree! It was a story of triumph.
Megan Ferchen says
If you liked The Hate You Give, I highly recommend Ghost Boys and Dear Martin. Both are middle grade novels that my 6th graders read (I’m an English teacher) and are phenomenal.
Joanne says
I really enjoyed Big Summer and did not expect to at all. I liked that there was a lot going on and I was definitely kept guessing on who did it right until nearly the end.
Mary Jean Sullivan says
I liked it also! Trying to figure out who did it kept me turning the pages. I’m a Paula size woman so I really connected with the main character.
Mary Jean Sullivan says
Plus size woman. Sorry!
Tiffany says
I’m so glad you loved The Hate U Give. I read it a couple summers ago and loved it. This month I read another book by the same author- On the Come Up. I just finished All American Boys by Jason Reynolds. Both YA books are great stories highlighting current issues.
I’ve been wanting to read The Girl with the Louding Voice, so will have to read it this month. Currently reading The Book of Lost Names, by Kristin Harmel.
I love your book review posts!
Celeste Ball says
I haven’t read a Jennifer Weiner book in many years & was excited to read this one. I finished Big Summer last night & I absolutely loved it. It starts out light & airy (I actually love chic lit so this was down my alley) & then there’s a twist! It was great timing for the dramatic part of the book. I could not put the book down. She kept me captivated & very intrigued the whole time. I also loved how she had a smattering of pertinent topics that were touched on. I agree that it’s rated R & wish it wasn’t, but I do still recommend it.
Misty says
Before We Were Yours is a great read!!
So was The Great Alone!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES to both!!!
Sheaffer Sims says
Soooooooooooooooooooooo……..any t.v. show recs?
Mix and Match Mama says
All American 😉
Lauren says
You absolutely have to read American Dirt-it’s fiction but eye-opening and will stick with you.
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it in January and LOVED it!!!
Jennifer W says
I just finished American Dirt and it ranks in the top 10 books I’ve ever read. Her writing made me feel like I was on the entire journey with the characters. SOOOOO good.
votemom says
the forgotten garden by kate morton. you will love it.
amlakar says
If you are looking for a good book for your kids, you should get New Kid by Jerry Craft. I teach sixth grade ELA and this is a perfect story to use to start conversations with students on racial stereotypes and relationships. It is written as a graphic novel which makes it easy to read but has a lot of substance for discussion.
Ellen says
I spotted that in a bookstore recently and almost bought it for my son! I’ll go back and get it. 🙂
I enjoyed your review of The Hate You Give, Shay. I agree with you that your kids are just a BIT too young. I’d recommend it for 14 and up, I think. The movie is also excellent.
Susie Harrold says
Shay, please check out Dear Martin. I loved The Hate You Give, but Dear Martin, even more so. You could read it in a day!
Also, The Shelter series for Smith (by Harlan Coben) it’s a young adult series, but there’s no language or sex. If he loves a good mystery and amazing characters, this has it all.
Happy reading! I didn’t love Big Summer at all – I didn’t even finish it. Have you read Little Earthquakes? It’s my favorite by Jennifer.
I’m so glad your floors are in! I’ve been impressed by your attitude during the reno. Take care!
Kelley says
I think it was you that recommended these last month and my son read both based on your rec. He said the shelter series were the best books he’s ever read (and he’s not much of reader!), so thank you for the recs!! Any other recs for a 7th grade boy?
Susie Harrold says
The Ranger’s Apprentice series and The Unwanteds are tops if he likes any fantasy. Restart, by Gordon Korean is FANTASTIC. It’s about a really popular bully who has a head injury and amnesia. The injury changes him and he’s simply not the same. The story is told from the perspective of various people he bullied in the past and, of course, his own perspective. Your son is older and has probably read Hatchet, but if not, it’s one of the best. By Gary Paulson. If he’s into sports, Million Dollar Throw is excellent, by Mike Lupica.
Jennifer Baker says
Yay! Book Club day! Ok so…
The Hate U Give, I had a friend recommend this a while ago and loved it, so this month my husband and I watched the movie and it was great. He could not believe that the book was written a few years ago as it is like you said so similar to what happened this year. I loved their family, the characters and I felt like I learned so much from this book.
Big Summer, I think I need to break up with Jennifer too! I literally would not have finished this book if I was just reading it on my own. I enjoyed the first half and then felt whiplash like I was transported into a totally different “thriller” type book for the second half.
The Simple Wild, my favorite book of 2019 ~ so glad you enjoyed it. The characters are some of my favorites!
Can’t wait for August, thanks Shay!
Mary Lou says
I feel the same was about Open- but I did love Andre before reading the book. I would recommend you read the book he cowrote it with. I think he writes about it in forward…The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer- he contacted the author after loving his book/memoir for help with his. It’s an unbelievable memoir growing up with a bar in the family, single mom etc I almost want to reread Open!
Debbie says
I listened to The Big Summer while driving for 13 hours. I definitely had mixed emotions about the book but it did make my car drive much better. I kept wanting to know “who did it” and had many theories along the way yet never picked the actual person. I agree about it being way too overloaded with ideas but overall I didn’t hate it.
I did not read The Hate You Give but I did see the movie last year. It was a well written and acted movie. The story line was sad and definitely one worth discussing.
Kelsee says
I enjoyed Big Summer, but I would have to agree with you. It felt like a lot of books in one hahaha. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend The Vanishing Half.
Taryn says
I loved the Hate You Give. I read it last summer so it was fun to rethink about it. I liked the perspective of Starr’s uncle. I also love the tie to Tupac’s poetry/lyrics. (It’s a movie too. Like usual not as great as the book but I still enjoyed it.) I so love your book reviews. I am usually behind on books but can actually comment this time 🙂
Julianne says
I just read two books by Abby Jimenez. Loved them both! The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist. Really loved them both!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The Friend Zone is super cute!!
Anne Seiler says
Shay
Can you tell me where your sausage or veggie breakfast muffins recipe is? You said you could make and put in freezer. It was posted about a week ago. I can’t find it on the blog or Pinterest.
Mix and Match Mama says
Was it my recipe or the muffins I heat up from Trader Joe’s? I post their little cauliflower frittatas about a week ago.
Taylor O says
I used The Hate You Give last year with my advanced English class. There are so many themes within the greater theme that I really enjoyed using it as a teaching tool. Her other book, “On The Come Up” wasn’t as good, but I still really enjoyed it. I like that her books read like an autobiography, easy to follow and keeps you guessing. I think her ending could have been so different, and it totally illustrates how one decision could be the difference of path A or path B and sometimes, life or death.
Here’s a few books I’ve read lately and enjoyed
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (R rating)
One To Watch (fictional Bachelor/ Bachelorette story)
The Glass Castle (still mind blown over this true story)
The Blood of Emmett Till (really important read for anyone who is a Mom)
Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls, to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between (I love Lorelei Gilmore and Lauren Graham’s story telling is amazing)
Kim says
The Glass Castle! YESSSSSSSSSSSS! I read it years ago. Still not over it!
This is my favorite day of the month!! Currently reading The Southern Side of Paradise – the 3rd Peachtree series. Next up is 28 Summers! Then…thinking about getting caught up on my John Grisham books!!!
Julie says
Finally, someone who agrees with me about Big Summer! Every review I’ve read , the person has loved it. I was starting to think there was something wrong with me! I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters. It was all so far fetched to me.
I read The Hate u Give a couple of years ago and loved it. It really gives you a different perspective.
Thank you for the new recommendations!
Sarina says
Did your family watch the movie The Hate U Give (HBO) after you read it?
Mix and Match Mama says
No! We need to though!!
Ashley P says
I agree about Big Summer. I loved the beginning, but it was like slamming on the brakes when I got to Part 2. It was too much going on, and I felt like a genre switch right in the middle, and it got hard to follow. Not my favorite, which is a shame, because I loved her early stuff!
Kate says
Perhaps it’s the need to escape but I loved Big Summer and didn’t notice that it was all over the place. I think maybe that’s what made it fun and I couldn’t stop reading!
I’ve been using reading as an escape to all of the stress of the world (and social media) and very much appreciate a fun, light read!
In fact I just started book #39 since March!
This month I loved Two Truths and a Lie, I loved the beach setting, the characters and the twists! I even ended up loving a character I was sure I’d hate.
I will also tell you what I didn’t love – Not Like the Movies. I couldn’t wait for this book to come out after LOVING Waiting for Tom Hanks. Well the follow up did not impress. Couldn’t wait for it to be over, was so frustrated during the entire thing.
Also went back a bit and read a The Forever Summer, I ended up loving this book so much I followed up with two more by this author. The characters really draw you in to their lives!
Thanks for the new recommendations!
Missy McClure says
You need to read The Dream Daughter by Dian Chamberlain. I finished it in 2 days and gave it to my 14 yr old daughter who also loved it.
Susanne Nieman says
The Dream Daughter was one of my favorites this year! I really like Diane Chamberlain.
Aimee says
If it’s not already on your list, Training School for Negro Girls by Camille Acker is a great read. I also just finished Dear Girls by Ali Wong – if you’re a fan of her stand-up specials on Netflix, you’ll love this book! But I also think it’s pretty great because she touches on what it’s like to be an Asian American woman in Hollywood, and as someone who identifies as AAPI, I really connected to it. (Maybe something to keep in mind when Ashby and Madely are older!)
Also, I would encourage you to capitalize Black when referring to Black people, etc. (fictional or not) – it seems like a little thing, but it’s important to also recognize race in language where and when we can! https://cssp.org/2020/03/recognizing-race-in-language-why-we-capitalize-black-and-white/
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for that!! I will moving forward. Thank you!!!
Lindsey says
The second your book review comes out, I pull up my library’s request page, because I know you’ll recommend something GOOD. Thanks Shay!
Also, I totally found Big Summer to be a little chaotic, but overall, I enjoy a protagonist that isn’t your typical rom com girl. And WHAT a plot twist!
Leslee says
I read a lot and my reading list grows longer everyday! Haha So if I wanted to read one book about North Korea which would you recommend? The Girl With Seven Names or Nothing to Envy?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness…I think I would start with The Girl with Seven Names!
Casey F says
You should read We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter!! It was fantastic. A war novel based on the author’s family members! Different than other accounts of WWII! Alternates between perspectives of the family members makes it interesting and riveting! Heartwarming! I wanted to keep reading about their story when the book ended!
Becca says
Not sure if you’ve heard of the Libby app, but you can “check out” books from your local library virtually and have them delivered to your kindle for FREE! You are technically “renting” the book, so your loan is 21 days and you have to return it after that, and sometimes have to put a book on hold if someone else is reading it. But it has been so handy during this pandemic and just thought your other readers might want to know about it in case they hadn’t heard of it! All you need is a library card from your local library and you can get access to the local “virtual” library
Katie says
I’m reading Me and White Supremacy and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m reading it after White Fragility and based on your review of that book, I think this would be a great next read in your anti-racism journey. It’s unique b/c it’s a 28 day journaling exercise and really forces you to dig into the topics that White Fragility introduces and address them head on. The world would be a better place if every white woman who follows you read this book and truly did the work.
MelanieL says
I read The Hate You Give and loved it! I’m currently reading Life Undercover – Coming of Age in the CIA by Amaryllis Fox. Book review day is my favorite!!
Robin says
I read The Hate You Give last year or the year before(?) and really enjoyed it. I listened to Big Summer for about an hour and returned it. Did not like it at all.
Amy Coose says
Love these book posts so much! I just started Mary kay Andrews Hello Summer, it’s starting off a bit slow for me. I really haven’t read a book lately that I LOVE, so I’m hoping that this one will catch my attention soon.
Mix and Match Mama says
Try Elin Hilderbrand’s newest!! 28 Summers!
Martina says
Only read Big Summer this month. Kind of wished I had picked the other book! I totally agree with your review of Big Summer. I think she writes well though and I wish she had just stuck to a couple of the themes.
Also as a crime book (unexpected but I didn’t mind), many of the clues and how they would reach conclusions just didn’t make sense to me: Narrow down the FB friends’s list from over 1000 down to single digits with 2 simple assumptions?? I also reacted on the “living in a closet” in the house, plus he had the closet “fully equipped”… how/when did that happen?
Again, too bad because I thought she had some interesting analysis going about female friendship, social media and the importance of a close knit family…
I really enjoyed to read all the comments!
Ann Hudson says
Just finished The Vanishing Half by Britney Bennett. Great scenario. Page turner!
Ann Hudson says
Brit Bennett
Anna Phillips says
I had to trudge through what felt like very, very heavy, muddy water for miles and miles and miles in order to make it through Big Summer. Whew. It made me tired to read it, and I almost stopped several times. I kept thinking…this HAS to get better! I felt so depressed for the first 100 pages or so. It just felt sooooo “whoa is me” to me. Then the twist happened, and I was like YES! Now it’s going to get GOOD!! But then it just got weird. And I always hate when the murderer ends up being someone very random, and that’s how I felt in this one. The road they had to take us down in order to get to the reveal made me feel all irritated again. Ha! I was just glad when it ended! I can’t remember ever reading a book that I wanted to put down so many times. I read “The Lies That Bind” by Emily Giffin immediately after, and it redeemed my Summer! I loooooooved it!! I looked at reviews AFTER I read it, and I was completely shocked by them. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I suggest everyone read the book WITHOUT reading any reviews first. I would’ve been so disappointed had I known that people felt that way about the book before I read it, because I absolutely loved it! Thank you, as always, Shay! This is always my favorite day of the month!!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! I trudged too!!! Emily’s newest is on my to-do list!!
Claudia says
I didn’t hate The Lies that Bind but I didn’t love it either. It was just ok. It was reminiscent of another book/storyline, but can’t think of the name. I’m now glad I hadn’t bought Big Summer yet! I’ll pass. Lol.
Carly says
I LOVE book review day …but can I be honest? It makes me soooo overwhelmed! So overwhelmed cause my To Read list grows by 100 books everytime, I want to read #allthereads 🙂
Carole George says
I’m so glad you read Open! I tell everyone to read that book. LOL Agassi is my all-time favorite. I also read Big Summer and enjoyed it enough. You are right about it being a lot of different themes though. It was my first Jennifer Weiner book. Which ones of hers do you love? I am current at the beach and reading a lot. Finished You Are Not Alone and Ghosted – wow to both. Now reading The Overdue Life of Amy Byler and am loving it!
Jayne says
I had the same feelings about both books. I read The Hate U Give a couple of years ago – it was very meaningful for me following the Michael Brown shooting and Ferguson. Angie Thomas’ next book, On the Come Up, is also really good as is The Hate U Give movie – I definitely recommend both. I agree that Big Summer was very disjointed – I was like wait a minute now there’s a murder and she’s trying to figure it out and someone tries to kill her? How did we get there? I’m currently reading When We Left Cuba – I can’t remember if that has been on your list in the past or not. It’s about the same family as Next Year in Havana, which I loved. I’m excited to get started on the August books!
sandi says
My oldest daughter (16) and I recently watched The Hate U Give movie version. This has prompted some great conversations in our home. We live in a more urban area with a racial split pretty close to 50/50. The current environment we are living in has prompted local churches to come together in so many peaceful ways. We recently had over 90 churches gather for a prayer walk downtown. Afterwards, we gathered in a park for a time of worship. This movie opened the eyes of our daughter to help her better understand some of what goes on in our very community. I have not read the book, but I would recommend it based on the movie adaptation.
Our libraries have started opening up for pick ups only. I have OPEN and THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE on hold. I am currently reading A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Be the Bridge by LaTasha Morrison.
Chrissy says
I read The Hate U Give a few years ago and loved it–it is so eye-opening. Have you seen the movie? I made the mistake of watching it on a flight and sobbed the entire time. The actress who plays Starr is incredible, and really does the book justice. Highly recommend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wanted to read the book first, but I do need to see the movie now!
Kathy says
You loved Starr in the book and you won’t be disappointed in the movie. Watching it with your older kids might be a good way to provide emotional support for a difficult topic. My favorite reads this month was Untamed, A Good Neighborhood, 28 Summers and In Five Years. Currently reading American Dirt. I always live your book reviews
Leah Claire says
I am loving this little summer book club and have enjoyed the books I have been able to read. Thank you for organizing and sharing with us!
I didn’t know what to expect when I opened The Hate U Give and as I began to read I was hooked immediately. I wasn’t to far into the book before I quickly checked the publication date as it seemed so real to the current times we are living today in America. It was one I have thought about often since reading.
This month one of the books I also read was Before and After by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate. This is the sequel to Lisa’s book, Before We Were Yours, which was historical fiction that portrayed the story about the Tennessee Children’s Home in Memphis. In this sequel, they interviewed the real adoptees/family members and shared their stories. As a West Tennessee native myself, it was crazy to read about what went on in my own region for so many years while my grandparents/parents were growing up. It was beautifully written and will definitely make my top reads list of 2020.
Kelley says
I hadn’t heard of Before and After. I loved Before We Were Yours so much that I’ve already downloaded Before and After. Thanks for the rec!
Tanya says
I completely agree with your Big Summer review…it fell flat for me. My two recent faves are Friends and Strangers and The Love Story of Missy Carmichael. Both 5 star reads for me. My latest book reviews ~
Tanya – The Other Side of the Road
DIANE GLOVER says
I have been reading DOROTHEA BENTON FRANK for years now. Just finished BY INVITATION ONLY……loved it as I do all of her books. She sadly passed Sept 2, 2019. I will forever miss her wonderful work. She was born and raised on Sullivans Island, South Carolina and wrote as the contemporary voice of the South. She was always my summer getaway whether I was on a beach reading from my blanket on the sand or in my home while I sipped my iced tea. Of course she would have her characters sipping sweet tea 🙂 I will be forever missing picking up her newest publication. Rest in peace dear Ms Frank. Your lovely characters will live on forever ! Thank you !
Sarah says
Currently reading the lies we told (thriller), so good so far!!!! My first by this author, Camilla way.
Ashley Rowe says
This review is awesome! Will definitely be getting myself a copy of the Agassi book. Speaking of non-fiction/sports books – have you ever read The Boys in the Boat?! If not, it’s AMAZING. Best non-fiction book I’ve ever read. The ending is on the back cover & still I was holding my breath in certain parts. About so much more than sport.
Kristy Moore says
Have you read Michelle Obama’s book Becoming? I’m not a biography reader, but can’t put this one down! Love the insight into her life and the White House!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!! I read it last fall and loved it!!!
Lisa says
Another autobiography recommendation: You need to read Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett! I am listening to it right now and it is so good. He is the lead singer and songwriter of the band The Airborne Toxic Event and when he was young he grew up in a cult. He has an amazing way of telling his story and when he talks about his life as a child he speaks as if it is a child telling you the story.
Tiennie says
You should definitely read “On the Come Up” by same author as “The Hate U Give” – Angie Thomas. Or better yet, listen to the Audiobook because Bahni Turpin is an amazing reader. Seriously, I love listening to Bahni Turpin. Try listening to her narrating “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Iljeoma Oluo. I really appreciate you branching out from your usual books! Also, I loved Wild at Heart, sequel to The Simple Wild so much more! Hopefully you would love it too. And Girl with the Louding Voice – so so so good! Thanks!
Amy says
I just finished reading The Book of Longing by Sue Monk Kidd (she also wrote The Secret Life of Bees) and I loved it! I’m not sure how you will feel about the topic. It is a historical fiction book written from the point of view of Ana, who is the wife of Jesus. The setting is beautiful and the writing is wonderful. I don’t want to give spoilers but some scenes were incredibly moving and I loved the idea of seeing this time from a female point of view. I thought the author had really researched the time and topic and was very aware that the topic would be sensitive. The Author’s Note is at the end of the book but I would almost read it first to see her thoughts (I think there were minimal spoilers). I’m not personally bothered by fiction stories like this, but obviously I know some might not be interested.
Kathryn says
I felt the exact same way about Big Summer and having WAY too much going on. It was like a bad car wreck I couldn’t look away from and had to keep reading but didn’t really want to…ha. I’ve loved other books she’s written in the past as well and was so excited and kept thinking I would get into it. Then the murder happened and it almost became comical to me. I also got a chuckle of the Stuart Lowe bachelor even without the back story of her loving the show. ? thanks for the best reviews every month, I always get my book selections from you.
Susan says
I agree with you 100% about Big Summer and The Simple Wild. I’ve had Nothing to Envy on my to-read list, and I’m definitely going to read it soon. I’ve read The Girl With the Louding Voice, and I think it’s an excellent choice for book club. It’s one of those books that has stayed with me, and I still think about it. Another great book by an African writer is Behold the Dreamers; if you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend it!
Alexa says
I love book review days!! I read the Spinster series by Becky Monson earlier this month. Anyone else read these? I found the first one, 32 Going on Spinster, as a free book with prime reading. I bought the other two and read all three in three days! They were easy reads, but the author is pretty witty. Predictable, obviously based on the titles, but fun, easy, and clean reads!
Elizabeth says
I just finished The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler and I think you would really like it! It is definitely one of your feel-good chick lit stories. This one made me smile :).
Aparna says
It’s been a good month for me book wise…Read Girls of summer and thought it was a little bit meh. Enjoyed 28 summers. Not too realistic but good read. Also read Ghosted, it’s a nice light romance. Best book of the month for me was Savaged by Mia Sheridan! Loved it! It’s a romance but so much more too! First book from this author but definitely not the last! Currently I’m more than halfway through American dirt and can’t wait to find out what happens to Lydia and her son. It’s really graphic and violent but very gripping. Going to read The girl with the loading voice if I can manage to get my hands on it…and glad you liked The simple wild! I LOVED it too! 🙂
Lissa says
Currently reading Paris is Always a good idea by Jen Mckinlay. Next book on my reading list is The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
Julie says
I love book review day!! I was in the mood for a good suspense/thriller and am 1/4 way through ‘The End of Her’ Shari Lapena. It is SO good! A combo of mom-life and mystery which is good summer reading.
Also, The Hate U Give is an excellent movie! I love reading a book and then seeing it on the screen. My kids are a little older (10, 12, 14) but we all enjoyed watching this together and the discussions that came about after.
‘The Vanishing Half’ by Brit Bennett was also wonderful and I think that’s also being made into a mini series or movie?
Random side, but did you know bum bum cream has a scent that is cocoa? I tried that (blue jar) and love it even more than the orange scent!
Happy reading!
Aparna says
Shari Lapena is becoming one of my favourite suspense authors! Can’t wait to read this one!
Katy says
My recent light favorites were Katherine Center’s new one, What You Wish For, Marian Keyes’ new one, Grown Ups, and Sonali Dev’s new one, Recipe for Persuasion. All were good, happy distractions from life! I also really liked a Good Marriage if you’re looking for a thriller.
Aparna says
I love Sonali dev! 🙂 enjoyed that one too. Have you read The Bollywood bride? Love that one! And Katherine center too! Can’t wait to read her latest. Love this thread as always get such good suggestions here. 🙂
Holly says
I read Nothing to Envy at the beginning of the summer and thought it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Thank you for including it here. I didn’t think it was an easy read at all, but so worth it and important…thank you for including it in your book review!
Have you read All the Light We Cannot See? It is stunning.
Lori says
The Simple Wild is one of my all time favorite books! So glad you read and enjoyed it. I’ve been on a thrillers kick lately. The Last Flight, The Banker’s Wife, and Little Secrets are all excellent, quick reads. I have a suggestion. Can we please talk books every week? LOL Total booknerd here and they bring so much joy to my day during all this craziness.
Danielle says
Looking forward to reading The Girl with the Louding Voice. Just picked it up at the library today! A couple recommendations for you- Woman on the Edge, This Tender Land, and The Love Story of Missy Carmichael.
Jennifer Weiner says
I can’t believe you hated my book!! LOL ok just kidding this is Tamara. ? I read The Hate U Give a while ago and I loved it too. Loved the main character, and her family who were portrayed as having such a strong sense of family. Very impactful book. They made a movie too, which I thought was very well done.
Mix and Match Mama says
Tamara, you made me LOL!!
Kelly says
I haven’t read the book club books yet, so I scrolled down quickly to comment so that I won’t see any spoilers. I wanted to make a suggestion: could you maybe do your book club discussion on a day that’s not the book review day?? I always LOVE to read all the comments on book review day and get so many good book rec’s from the comments, but I’m not doing the book club. I may read those books at some point, but not sure when I’ll do it. So last month and now this month, I have to avoid the comments on what is usually my favorite day to read them. I just thought, maybe book review day could still have the old style, with the comments being recommendations or that sort of thing, and then the book club could be a different day? Just a thought.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great idea!!! I will go back to normal programming after August, but I’ll do that in August!!
Rebecca Jo Vincent says
I am a tennis person so I’m totally checking out that book!!!
Andre Agassi was the MAN when I was growing up
Mix and Match Mama says
READ THE BOOK!!!! You will love it!!!!
Melissa says
I just read the Peachtree Bluff series, based on your rec (last summer maybe?) I loved them! I see the author has a new book out – Feels Like Falling, and hope you read it soon and share your thoughts!
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it earlier this summer!! It was cute!!
Peggy says
Not sure if you know or not but five authors have a public Facebook Friends & Fiction zoom session from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. (East Coast) every Wednesday night. They have a guest author each week. I believe they said Elin Hilderbrand is next week’s guest. Also, I agree with you about Jennifer Weiner.
Linda says
Just finished The Lost Girls of Devon by Barbara O’Neal and prior to that The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. Both were good reads!
Jaime says
Have kensington or smith read a book called “ The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane“ I think they would really like it! I read it in elementary school and It’s still one of my all time favorite books to this day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Kensington has!! That’s a cute one!!
Jeanie says
I was so surprised at your review of Big Summer. In fact my feelings were kind of hurt, like I was the author or something. I’m almost finished with it and have enjoyed it very much. Although I’m a huge Jennifer Weiner fan, I do agree with you about her last couple books.
Amy H. says
I just finished 2 books. The first one is called One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. The other book is What You Wish For by Katherine Center. I loved them both.
I just started Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein this morning.
Liz Kelley says
I’ve had a similar experience with Jennifer Weiner. Goodnight Nobody was the first book I read of hers. It was amazing and I connected with it to a point that I still think about it sometimes. And then I’ve tried to pick up others and felt that I had a hard time following the plot because as you said, there’s a lot happening. I also wanted to tell you that I love your book recommendations. Two of my favorite mystery books of all time, The Last Mrs. Parish and There’s Something in the Water are titles I wouldn’t have known about if it wasn’t for you- so thanks! And I love that you’re fostering conversations with your kids about social justice issues and are encouraging others to do the same. I’m fan girling over here a bit but I’ve followed you for several years now and I was really proud that one of my fave bloggers put White Fragility in their line up. And another random thing- as a stepmom I know how hard it can be to set a calm tone for your kids when life throws a wrench in your plans but the example you’re setting for them on how to navigate plot twists with grace will set them up for success. Anyway, this is getting rather long but I so appreciate you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Liz, you are so sweet!! This really made me smile. Thank you so much. xx
Eunice says
I’m going to have to read “Open” as I love tennis and Pete Sampras is my favorite of all time. I loved their rivalry!! Thanks for recommending! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! You will love it!
Amanda K says
Just finished The Bromance Book Club and LAUGHED SO HARD! It’s for sure Rated R – I’m sure the description will let you know why ? but honestly SO GOOD!
Heather MacHugh Cooper says
Bromance Bookclub!! And the sequel Undercover Bromance are amazing! They got me through some trying weeks during shelter in place!!!
Michelle says
Just started Girl with the Louding voice as an Audio book. It is interesting as the narrator has a Nigerian accent.
Allena says
I just finished The Boyfriend Project and thought it was great! It was a neat surprise that it’s set in Austin (where I live) and mentioned a lot of common landmarks but also randomly the school district I grew up in (Pflugerville) ha. It also touched on race themes a little (which I love constantly learning about) but it wasn’t solely about race – I LOVED both the main characters – they had such drive and were just such GOOD people, it was nice. The Whisper Network was another one I read this month, and it was set in Dallas! Kind of a thriller but also covered sexual harassment – had some twists I didn’t expect and was good. I read The Hate U Give a few years ago and loved it. I also really enjoyed her second book (The Come Up or something like it) and Angie Thomas is writing a 3rd set in the same community – I am looking forward to reading that one too!
Lisa Kasiski says
I was so excited to start The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine as I loved The Last Mrs. Parrish. I didn’t like it at all. Read the reviews before you read it. I read it in like 6 hours and was so incredibly disappointed. The ending was so contrived. I agree with you that Beach Read was just okay for me. The thing I did like about it was the look behind the scenes as authors write books. I think it’s time for an Elin Hilderbrand book….they never disappoint!
Jennifer says
I can’t wait to read August’s Book Club picks! I was also underwhelmed with Big Summer. It was too many stories in one. I liked the first half but then it just started becoming hard to follow. The book I loved from July is a new release – The Last Train to Key West. It’s fantastic – I flew through it!
Lindsey Stromberg says
Hi- a bit off topic but looking for a good new devotional. Any suggestions? If you haven’t done Famous in Heaven & At home by Michelle Myers, check it out. I loved it! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always recommend Beth Moore 🙂 . Her newest one is Chasing Vines!!
Kadie Henderson says
My mom told me about your book review posts and I.Am.Hooked! I’m excited to read along with you in August. I have always LOVED to read but I haven’t in years, so I’m making it a goal for myself to start again. I read Where the Crawdads Sing in July (loved.), just finished 28 Summers (obsessed.), and just started Little Fires Everywhere (can’t wait to watch the tv series.). I’m also going to try some of your recipes! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!! I’m so glad!!
Elizabeth Attaway says
The Indigo Girl is a fantastic book! Thought about it for days.