Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I received a copy of Penelope in Retrograde from Amazon First Reads in exchange for my honest review.
It's been a busy month for me, as I shared in my Weekly Rundown, but I always find time to read! I read an interesting variety of books, but my hands-down favorite was Shark Heart. I think this would be such a good book club book--the story is unusual and there's a lot to think about. I also loved Mile Marker Zero--having visited Key West in the 1980s before big money and tourism changed the island vibe-- and it kind of made me sad to see it lose its free-spirited feeling.
Another recommendation from my sister, Trail of the Lost is a meticulously told tale of the search for 3 young men who disappeared while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Being a fan of trails, having stepped foot on the PCT, and having a brother-in-law who has hiked the PCT, I was immediately drawn to the premise. It reads like a true crime story but at times, for me, gets bogged down in the most minute details. Aside from that, I really enjoyed learning more about this trail which spans from the Canadian to the Mexican border. I also was fascinated by the hiker the author met on the trail and the culture of that world. There were so many good people who helped with her search, but there were also others who scammed and lied, which really troubled me. Overall, a truly fascinating read!
Don't let the premise of this beautiful book stop you from reading it. Shark Heart is the story of a young couple, starting life together, when the husband notices changes to his body. He receives a rare diagnosis, learning that he will turn into a great white shark. As the couple tries to forge ahead while his disease progresses, they realize how impossible this will be. The book then transitions to the story of the wife's mother, which initially threw me off until the connection to the original story was made. The narrative flows and meanders, as the author weaves in poetry, and at times, the narrative is laid out as a play. It all works and for this reader, was just a joy to read. My heart broke for the main characters, but there were also moments of humor. I could not put this one down.
All This Could Be Different is a coming-of-age story about a 20-something who is struggling to figure out who she is. What she knows: she is a first-generation South Asian immigrant whose parents had to return to India when her father was deported. This is something she is ashamed of; she doesn't want her friends to know. She also knows that she is attracted to women. This is something she doesn't want her parents to know. Suffering from low self-confidence, she allows herself to be taken advantage of by her boss and her landlord, who is a racist bully. This all might sound depressing, but it's also funny as the main character finds her way. I think the author perfectly captured what it's like to be 20-something in today's world. My only criticism of this really good story is that it drags at times. At one point, I wanted to give it up. I'm glad I didn't. The writing is just so good. I just wish the editor had recommended tightening up the story a bit.
Penelope is a free spirit, a romance writer who returns home to reunite with her family for Thanksgiving. Her plan is to approach her father about financial help with a business venture--she wants to open a romance bookstore. But as things go in a romance novel, she encounters her ex-husband in a ride share car. Let the shenanigans begin! Penelope in Retrograde was a fun page-turner with some laugh-out-loud moments, as well as the near tragic moment that brings everyone together. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that is predictable yet keeps you interested--the author does a great job with this one.
I dug into the backlist for Red At the Bone and was not disappointed. This short novel starts with a young woman's 16th birthday celebration, wearing the dress that her mother never wore because she was pregnant. While the author weaves the stories of previous generations throughout the narrative, I found the story of the young woman's mother and father the most compelling and surprising. This is a coming-of-age story, about expectations, and a story about chasing dreams. There are also references to history, class, and racism. It is so beautiful and I can't believe what the author was able to do in such a small book. in fact, when I finished, I asked myself; 'what did I just read?!' I will have to go back and read it again.
What books have you read lately? Have you read any of these? What's your favorite genre? Do you have any recommendations for me"
I like the historical books with particular attention to the etruscan era, the medieval history and the period since 1920 to the current years.
ReplyDeleteI suggest an interesting book: Werner Keller - The Etruscans
Definitely a niche book! Thank you for the recommendation!
DeleteBig Hugs
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of these and they ALL sound good.
ReplyDeleteJust finished Soulmate by Hepworth and read a few Taylor Jenkins Reid books.
I think I've read just about all of TJR's books. Which one is your favorite?
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Deletethat was a good one!
DeleteNo, i have not read (or heard of) any of these! You always read the most interesting books. The premise of Shark Heart sounds... preposterous, but now I'm intrigued! Mile Marker Zero also sounds really good- I should read it and then take a trip to Key West.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you include me in the trip!
DeleteI have not read any of these. Penelope sounds fun. I am very excited to read the new John Grisham book that is a sequel to the Firm coming out soon!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since i've read one of his books, but they have always been enjoyable!
DeleteYou read the most interesting books! "Shark Heart" sounds weird, but if you say it's good, it must be!
ReplyDeleteI'm re-reading a non-fiction book, "Grain Brain" by David Perlmutter. It's from 2015 and all about the effect of wheat, cars and sugar on the brain. I still like bread, though!
Ooooh....sounds interesting. Me, I'm worried about the effects of all the plastics on our brains and our childrens' brains.
DeleteThanks for the reviews! I haven't read any books recently, but a few Peloton instructors have recently come out with books that I am planning on reading this Fall.
ReplyDeleteInteresting!
DeleteI'm currently reading Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See. It is historical fiction from 1400s China. A bit slow, but the historical details are pretty fascinating especially the role of women (think: concubines, feet binding). I always love your reviews and am amazed how much you read!
ReplyDeleteI love Lisa See's books and have been eyeing that one.
DeleteThese all sound interesting to read. Shark Heart? The story does sound weird but if you liked it then mostly likely I will too.
ReplyDeleteI just loved Shark Heart--it was such an interesting take on love and grief.
DeleteI always appreciate your book reviews - such an ecclectic mix! Thanks for sharing!
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