Happy happy last day of September!
Anyone else think this month just F-L-E-W by?!
We are celebrating the end of my favorite month with my favorite post…it’s BOOK REVIEW DAY!
This month, I read one realllllllly long book and two normal books.
Three books, all fiction, one review.
Let’s start with…
Book #1:
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
As many of you know, this was our SEPTEMBER BOOK CLUB pick! If you have read this book, please head to THIS POST to discuss. If you haven’t read this book, let me give you a few deets and also encourage you NOT to read the Book Club post as it does contain spoilers.
Curious about By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult? Here is my little summary should you also want to dive in:
This is a fictitious story based on William Shakespeare not being the author of his work.
Yeah. Mic drop moment, right?
The author toggles back and forth between a present day female playwright and a female playwright from the late 1500s. You guys who have yet to read this one, it’s pretty darn fascinating. Some of the characters from the 1500s are loosely based on actual people, but the entire novel is based on a pretty popular theory that Shakespeare didn’t write his own canon.
Whether you buy into this theory or not, I think you’ll find the entire thing fascinating and, like I said in my book review, regardless of its authenticity or lack thereof, this book really pushed my own thoughts and ideas, and it created a stir in me to do more research and learn more on the subject. I personally gave this book FOUR STARS and the only reason it didn’t get a perfect FIVE STARS was the length. It’s a long one, y’all. It’s like reading two books.
Next up…
Book #2:
The Secret Life of an Uncool Mom by Serena Terry
This book is adorable and hysterical. You know how much I ADORE Class Mom, well this is like a 2024 version set in Derry, Northern Ireland (so fun!) about a mom with a teenage daughter. I felt this mother’s story in my very core. It’s funny, it’s charming, it’s filled with laugh out loud moments (especially if you’re living with present day teens), and it’s about how we’re all trying to find ourselves. Our kids are…we are…everyone is just trying to figure out who they are right now.
The only thing I’ll warn you about is the language. This mama in all of her frustrations and annoyances does use some salty language, but other than that, it’s very happy/upbeat/clean.
If you’re just looking for a cute book that will make you laugh and warm your heart (and describe life in Derry!), here you go. It was quick and easy to read which was a relief considering it fell on the heels of the previous mega-sized book.
And finally…
Book #3:
A Great Marriage by Frances Mayes
I’m not sure if I’ve read read any of Mayes’ other books, but this is her newest one and after reading a review online, I thought I would give it a try. Mayes is the author of one of my favorite books turned into a movie, Under the Tuscan Sun (based on her life), so I knew it would check a bunch of my “boxes”.
I think the best way to describe this one is that it has a plot kind of sort of similar to a Mary Kay Andrews’ novel BUUUT much “meatier”. By that I mean, it’s about a family (but mostly one couple) and there is conflict, a charming seaside town, a bit of London, a lot of layers, it’s a tad lengthy, but it wraps up nicely but if you said Mary Kay Andrews’ books are an 8 on the cheesy scale, this one is a 4. It’s not cheesy at all…but it has the elements of a great cheesy book. (Does that make any sense?)
I really liked this one too. It wasn’t super quick and easy to read as the author goes back and forth between characters constantly (so you really have to pay attention). Within one paragraph you could be inside the head of one character and then immediately inside the head of another. Needless to say, you better be on your toes or you’re going to get lost. She has an almost sing-songy way of writing too which took me a minute to get the hang of.
At the root, this is about marriage and what makes a “good” marriage or a “great” marriage or maybe no marriage or maybe it’s all what you put into it…it’s layered about one family and one “almost” wedding between a couple…and I really enjoyed it.
Now don’t forget, if you want to read along with us in October (we would love it!!), please check out this book and be ready for our Book Club meeting on October 22nd…
…we’re reading the suspenseful novel Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker. I hope you join us!!
That wraps up Book Day! I wish I would have read a bigger variety this month, so that’s my goal for October. I’m already almost done with my first book, and it’s a REALLY amazing one.
Recs and suggestions please below!
Happy happy happy last day of September! xx
Jami Romano says
Love your book reviews. I often go back through them to find my next recommendation. ◡̈
Mix and Match Mama says
This just makes me SO happy!!
Melanie says
I do the same! Great resource for good reads. Love book review days!
Thea says
Same here! And I go back to read the comments too
Sue says
Shay have you read the new pumpkin spice series?? Is it any good?
Mix and Match Mama says
What????? Tell me more!
Kristen Thompson says
I feel like I spent most of September reading By Any Other Name too haha! I think I also read The Romcommers and The Next Mrs. Parrish which I think you already read! Looking forward to the October review, I just started Madwomen and it’s interesting so far!
Elspeth says
I love book review days! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
K.K. says
Favorite post day!!!! Yeah!!!
Thanks, Shay!
Laura says
Woohoo! I now have two new ones I’d love to add to my list! I’ve been reading one Class Mom each fall and was so sad to finish #4 this September. So excited to have a new similar one on my list now!
I am finally reading Anne of Green Gables. Apparently I’m the only adult in my friend group who hasn’t. It’s sad, witty, clever, beautiful setting, easy to read- almost halfway and enjoying it so far!
sandi says
I have not read Anne of Green Gables either, we could be friends! Additionally, I have only seen one movie based on a Jane Austen book and that was From Prada to Nada. My three daughters have friends that binge watch these movies once a year and they just don’t understand either.
Tiffany says
Love starting my day w your book review!
Some favorite to suggest this year are…
– We are the Light (silver linings playbook author)
– The Rent Collector (historical fiction in Cambodia)
– The Collected Regrets of Clover (death doula who attempts to right the regrets of the dying)
– Homegoing (follows two family lines from slave trade to present day)
– All the Colors of the Dark (beautiful but looong…so you might not want back to back v long books)
Ashley D says
I read two books this month!
#1: What You Wish For by Katherine Center – Oh my, this book will probably be in my top 5 for the year! It is filled with some humor, some serious, and the author takes a few twists that you don’t see coming. If you are a teacher or have been a teacher, you will appreciate this book!
#2: No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert – This book is a bit more serious and sheds light on some of the real and raw issues in our education system. This book is written by a Christian author, and I think she did a good job of making you think. I rated this a 4.5, because I felt like the ending was a little quick and I was left wanting more.
Leigh says
#1 is my very favorite Catherine Center book. As a teacher, it just made so much sense to me. I read it right when it came out and it makes me so sad that all these years later, a deadly school shooting just occurred in the county next to mine. I’ve read all of hers, but I really love The Bodyguard and What to Save in a Fire.
Katherine says
Looking forward to reading Madwoman for October’s book review! I love suspense-filled books!
Kay says
Liane Moriarty’s “Here for a Moment” was VERY good. It’s one of those books where not a word is wasted. It’s also very thought provoking. Not the lightest read, but I loved it. It was a page turner and I really liked all of the characters!
Edwina Gonzalez says
Just started this one! ☝️
Katie says
I loved “the husbands” by holly gramazio.
Hallye says
I loved the Husbands as well!
LynnW says
I wanted to thank you for your recommendations over the years. I am fixing to (can you tell I am a Texan) go on a long trip and needed some books to read. So my first thought is – check out Shay’s recommendations. You are always spot on and match my tastes pretty much every time! I don’t want to waste my precious reading time with books that I am not sure if I will like. Thank you for this wonderful service for your audience.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh this makes me so happy! I hope you have a wonderful trip!
sandi says
I saw A Great Marriage on the shelf at the library the other day but had too many other books in my hands to grab it.
What I read this month:
Summers at the Saint (loved it and I agree it was so different from her others, but in a good way)
Emily Griffin The One and Only – okay, not my favorite of hers
The Sleep Solution: why your sleep is broken & how to fix it – still reading would rather read something more compelling 🙂
A Man Called Ove – finally read it and really liked it
25 Days to Christmas – a cute little christmas read
A few days ago I started My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by the author who wrote Ove. I’m just over 100 pages in, a little confused and not sure I like it. Rarely do I not finish a book. If anyone has read it and I need to persevere, let me know. Your second book sounds like a great little read! Can’t wait to see what others have read and recommend.
Melanie says
I’d suggest finishing the Grandmother book. Read it years ago and remember thinking it was different but was very glad I read it!
Haley Boone says
I haven’t read this one, but I never regret finishing a Fredrik Backman book! They are always start slow to me but are so well-written.
MelanieL says
My Grandmother was the first book I read in 2023! Fun to see it being mentioned here…it is very interesting but I’m glad I finished it! I spend a lot of time with my grandmother since my grandfather’s passing so it was super endearing to me if not a little strange. 🙂 I saw it listed on a “must read” list somewhere, that’s how I discovered it.
Stacey says
I love that grandmother book! You get to know the characters better throughout the book and it all comes together. I love the imagination of the little girl and that the story is from her perspective. There are sequels from the perspective of other characters. Beartown is another good one by him.
Carly says
I still can’t stop thinking about Bye, Baby. I’ve been in a reading rut since but about to pick up Carola Loverings other novels and hopefully get out of it!
Becky Carl says
Hi Shay,
The Light Through The Leaves
Glenda Vanderah
This is the 2nd book of hers I have read. This one could be the best I’ve ever read and that’s saying a lot. It’s beautiful and full of emotion. I feel like you and I have a very different interest in books but thought I would comment on this one because it deserves it. Maybe you can try it out.
I’ve been with you since 2012 and have thoroughly enjoyed you and your family through the years. I feel like I have lived with y’all and have sat here and laughed, smiled, and cried with you. In fact, I’m 69 yrs old and have received a lot of wisdom from you and bought many things because of you 😉. And the recipes we have made together!!
I especially love that you love Jesus. He is my very best friend too. I have never missed not one of your posts in 12 yrs. You’ve made an impact in a lot of people’s lives and filled mine with joy.
Thank you for all you do for others. You are a beautiful mother, wife, and friend. And those kids, well what can I say. They are all so special in their own way. And Madely pretty much makes me lol everyday!
❤️
Jami Romano says
That was so sweet & I feel the same. This blog is truly the first thing I wake up and read 🙂
Linda B. says
Recommendation: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. I think you would enjoy this one if you haven’t read it already.
Mix and Match Mama says
I read that one and LOVED IT!!
Addy Robinson says
Recently read and recommend:
-Listen for the Lie, Amy Tintera (specifically recommend audio because a podcast is a big part of it, but I know that’s not your jam!)
-The Guncle, Steven Rowley (lighter, currently reading)
-All the Colors of the Dark, Chris Whitaker (whewww!! this is GOOD. It is about a serial killer but is much more about relationships. ‘God of the Woods’ -ish)
Nancy Granger says
Just checked out the audio of Listen for the Lie. Some books are just better to listen to.
Robin says
I really liked A Great Marriage so much ! It checked a lot of boxes for me and the complexities added to the story and kept it from being too Hallmark ish !
Lauren Priddle says
Really recommend “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate!
Kelsee says
Thanks for sharing! Added some to my TBR list! Best book I read this month was Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell. It was cute. Kind of predictable but easy read.
Colleen says
Book Review Day is one of my favorites! I have read a lot of your recommendations, so thank you!
I recently read All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, and oh my word! It’s a little “meatier,” but it was so good. I couldn’t stop talking about it after I read it.
Elizabeth S says
Book review day is one of my favorites!
Andrea says
Just finished The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave. I really liked it! A slight focus on the way grief plays out in your thought process while you are trying to figure out what really happened. And I did not guess the ending!
Cathy Perez says
I really need to read more.
Sheaffer says
I always really enjoy seeing the book covers. 😉
Pam Zercher says
Me TOO Sheaffer! One of these days I’ll read more. It’s all I can get to reading my blogs each day! Blogs and Bible-that’s about it 😎
Sheri says
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.
My favorite book of the year. Her previous one is also great, Long Bright River.
Tammy Calhoun says
I FINALLY finished By Any Other Name yesterday. I usually love all Jodi Picoult books. But, this one was way too long and kind of boring. I loved the concept of the book but it wasn’t one of my favorites.
Jennifer says
Do you think you’ll read the sequel to The secret Life of an Uncool Mom? I just saw there was one called The Sh!te Before Christmas and it looks pretty funny and it’s the season!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think I will because the first one was hysterical!
Olivia Sowders says
Yay! My favorite post of the month! I love your book recommendations and add them to cart immediately 🥰
Kristi McKay says
Finally finished By Any Other Name – yes it was long! Ready to add some books to my library cart ASAP!
Heather says
Your book recommendations are simply the best-I seriously wonder how many of the books you have recommended over the years I have read!
Amy says
Anyone have any good memoir recs?
Jessica Lowery says
What about the Third Gilmore Girl or Ina Garten’s new memoir. I’m going to read both soon!!
Karin Cahill says
I’m a huge biography and memoir fan. I’m wondering if you have read The Happiest Man on Earth about holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku or could review it in an upcoming month?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not even heard of this one. I’m looking it up now!
Courtney Cammarano says
I’ve got some great reads teed up based on the comments here!
I adored the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. The book was also wonderful, but if you’ve only seen the movie the book is quite different. Aside from the house, Bramasole, being the main character the movie is fiction, the book non-fiction. It was surprising to me at first but now I appreciate them differently.