Hey there, Tuesday!
It’s my AUGUST BOOK REVIEW!
This month was a little different. I read four books…and two were non-fiction.
Whether you need a novel or a bit of motivation, I have that for you today!
I also have a little recap of a cruise! Make sure you check out THAT POST too!
Alrighty, here we go…
Book #1:
The View From Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani
This was our AUGUST BOOK CLUB read. If you have already read it/don’t care about “spoilers”/want to read our thoughts and opinions of it from the book club, click HERE.
Here is my “spoiler-free” review:
I really really liked this book! This was my first time to read a novel by this author, and after our book club discussion, I now feel like I should read her others as well. So many of you ladies are apparently a fan of Trigiani, but this was my first time to pick up one of her books.
If you are looking for a chick lit novel that has a little “meat” set in a beautiful Italian location, then you’re in luck. This is about a woman who has decided the life she’s living in Lake Como, NJ just isn’t meeting her needs any longer. After a divorce and a death, and uncertainty about her career, she leaves her hometown (and all of the emotional baggage) for Italy.
This novel had Under the Tuscan Sun and Eat, Pray, Love vibes. It’s about family and pursuing your passions while also holding tightly to traditions without giving up who you are as a person.
This was an excellent read!
Next up, I read a book by one of my most favorite authors…
Book #2:
Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams
You know that I ADORE Beatriz Williams.
Let’s recap, in 2016, I named her book A Hundred Summers my 3rd Favorite Book of the Year (out of 62).
In 2017, I named her book The Secret Life of Violet Grant my 3rd Favorite Book of the Year (out of 62).
And in 2021, I named her book Our Woman in Moscow my FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR (out of 59). And in between all of those, I’ve read just about (if not all) of her books and…for some crazy reason, her last two have been without a doubt, the “least Beatriz Williams Beatriz Williams” books she’s ever written. Beatriz, what happened? Why did you stop writing “the other books” and start writing these instead? It’s maddening to me. I read and reviewed last year’s novel, Husbands and Lovers, and well, let’s just say it didn’t get glowing remarks either.
I mean, was this novel terrible? No. It was a little too lengthy for the lack of great content. The historical fiction and present days overlaps were a bit too far-fetched and honestly, both a little boring. There were way too many characters. The “meatiest” part of the novel wasn’t “meaty” enough. It was just flat and bland and vanilla and goodness, Beatriz Williams writes AMAZING stories that you never want to finish. How have I disliked two of her books in a row?
I’m flabbergasted.
Someone tell me I’m not alone.
I beg you.
The sad part was that this book was so long and so dull that I didn’t even pick up another work of fiction all month because this one dominated all of my time.
Sigh.
I did pick up this piece of non-fiction though…
Book #3:
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
I enjoyed this book so much that I wrote an entire post about it. Make sure you read THIS POST for my review of this book. This is one of those books that will leave you feeling motivated. My biggest takeaway is how we are so easily distracted in today’s culture. Mentally, physically, emotionally…we are just a very distracted bunch of people now. Read the post to get all of the deets!
And finally…
Book #4:
Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
At the beginning of August, I shared 10 THINGS I’M LETTING GO and one of them was that I’m letting go of being easily offended by people I love. I shared how it’s one of Madeley’s best qualities. She is just never offended by her siblings, parents or friends. It’s a wonderful quality. Well, the comment section was FILLED with recommendations for this book, so I immediately purchased it.
Um, honestly, every single human should read it.
The author takes the approach of being “unoffended” from a Biblical standpoint, but regardless of your theology, I thought it was pretty darn brilliant.
Everyone should read it. It’s hard to have peace and contentment in your life when you’re constantly being offended.
Great suggestion, friends! Loved it!
And that’s our AUGUST BOOK REVIEW!
Don’t forget…
To see the complete list of books I read in 2015 (all 63 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2016 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2017 (all 62 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2018 (all 61 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2019 (all 54 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2020 (all 54 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2021 (all 59 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2022 (all 60 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2023 (all 51 of them), click here.
To see the complete list of books I read in 2024 (all 58 of them), click here.
If you want to stay current on all of the books I’m reading in 2025, THIS PAGE HERE is where I keep the books, authors and reviews each month.
Also, we would love, love to have you join us in September for our BOOK CLUB!
Next month, we are reading…
…Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.
Don’t forget, I’m sharing an extra fun TRAVEL TUESDAY post today too spotlighting my team member’s latest vacation. You’re going to want to check that out HERE.
Have the best Tuesday, friends! Let’s chat books below. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I have the comfort crisis on my to be read list! Thanks for the rec!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jessica says
Love book review day! This month I read The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh, The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, and Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict. The first two were cute, romantic rom-coms that I really enjoyed, just easy reads. Carnegie’s Maid was an interesting and engaging historical fiction. I had to look up the family and history when I was finished.
Jessica says
I just started Under the Stars yesterday and I’m already feeling it won’t be my favorite. Then I wake up and read your review…. looks like I’m not wrong. I’ll keep plowing through but I’m already underwhelmed.
Carrie says
I ordered Broken Country and it’s arriving today. I’m excited to read it along with everyone!
sandi says
Broken Country, Unoffendable, and Comfort Crisis have all been on my hold list at the library for a while. Looking forward to reading all three.
What I did read was really good:
Crying in H Mart (did not realize it was true until a few chapters in)
The One-in-a-Million Boy (adorable read about a boy scout and his relationship with a 104 year old woman – trigger child death)
Young Jane Young (two stars no bad not great)
Summer Hours at the Robbers Library
Daughters on the Bamboo Grove (all sorts of triggers in this one but fascinating read)
Karah Stracener says
Book Review day is always my favorite day on your blog!! I am so excited that Broken Country will be next months Book Club pick. It has been on my TBR for quite some time so now I have to read it. I just finished These Summer Storms by Sarah Maclean and I loved it. Its about a daughter who has been estranged from her family for 5 years and returns for her fathers funeral. There is a lot of family dynamics and their relationships, and even a little romance. I think you would enjoy it.
Sheila DeSpirito says
I read Broken Country several months ago. I loved the storyline, but reader beware, there were several times in the book that had to me explicit sex scenes in it. Speaking of offended, I was offended and thought it shouldn’t have it in there. Maybe it was just me. I’ll be interested to find out what others thought of it. As I mentioned above I loved the storyline. This book should be rated R for content.
Lorrie Taylor says
Sheila, I agree with you. Honestly, I wasn’t that much of a fan of the book. I thought it would be so good and I think it is over rated. Plus, you are right about the sex scenes.
Jess says
I look forward to Book Review Day all month! I rarely comment but I need you to add The Bright Years to your list. It is the author’s debut novel and I was blown away. I can’t stop thinking about it and it’s set in Ft. Worth which was a bonus! It is a little heavier – so you may want space after Broken Country as it is heavier too – but I think you will really be glad you read it! I’ve read 36 books this year and it is my favorite to date.
Haley says
I second The Bright Years! One of my favorites from the summer.
Katrina Goodman says
I have had Under a Stars for a week now but am barely getting through. I love Williams!!! I may have to quit this one though.
Lori K says
I loved The Comfort Crisis. The author was a guest on the Holderness Family Podcast a while back -an interesting listen! I read Theo of Golden after it was recommended in multiple comments last month and LOVED IT!! I’m so grateful I saw the title mentioned multiple times. I will be thinking about Theo and the people he touched for quite some time. I Just finished The Correspondent – listened to that one – and it was wonderful! Now I want to write letters. Anyone want to be penpals?? Lol!
Love book review day!
Kristen says
I am loving Theo of Golden and declared early on that it may end of being one of my handful of favorite books of all time. I had heard of it and so when we were at the beach this past week and visited the lovely local bookstore I saw Theo of Golden and knew immediately it was going to be my purchase. It has not disappointed and I’m lingering over the last few chapters not wanting it to end. 🙂
Debbie Hibbert says
LOVE book review day! I just finished “Gracie Harris Is Under Construction” by Kate Hash. I highly recommend this book. I absolutely couldn’t put it down.
Kim says
I loved Broken Country! Can’t wait to read your review!
Jeanne says
Broken Country is one of the best books I’ve read this year! Wild Dark Shore is very good, too! Different from anything I’ve read before which I appreciate!
Karah Stracener says
I loved Wild Dark Shore!! I thought it was so interesting and different. I didn’t want to put it down.
Becky Carl says
Try Amanda Skenandore books.
The Secret Life of Mirelle West
Medicine Woman of Galveston
Lauren Palomo says
So happy September book club is Broken country! You will love it and it’s the perfect read for a book club. Still my top book of the year. Enjoy!
Alison says
Oh wow, I just finished Broken Country and loved it!!
Not long ago, I read a book that you might like, Far and Away by Amy Poeppel. It’s pretty light-hearted but still a great story-line that includes travel/house-swapping between Dallas and Germany and teenagers/family-life. Highly recommend!
Brenda says
We have Unoffendable on audio and listen to it once a year. My husband and I need the reminder to not let others offend us.
Also, my husband’s bible study group is going through it for the second time! Great book!