I may be one of the few people who love summer in Arizona. I relax at the pool before work (on my giant pineapple float) and read, read, read. I have read quite a bit this month and thought I would share. I love a good book recommendation.
The Girls- Emma Cline
Rating: ***
I was expecting to be riveted by the fictional "Girls" that were loosely based on the Charles Manson murders. I mean, come on, who would not love to try and get in the twisted minds of those girls?!?! Instead, the story was based on an insecure 14 year old (Evie) who was drawn to a couple of free spirited girls and sort of joined a cult but not really. There is no build up or anticipation for the upcoming events that you know are going to take place. Once it does it's like an after thought with zero emotion. I so wanted to love this book but it fell flat for me.
To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Rating: *****
I know, I am extremely late to the game with this one. I am sure I had to read this book in school many years ago. But, for the life of me, I did not remember it. (I must have used the cliff notes) I can't say enough great things about this book and it's easy to see why it's such a classic. You are instantly invested in each character. Love, love, love. If you have not read this one in a while or simply do not remember reading it (like myself) I highly recommend picking it up again.
Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk- Kathleen Rooney
Rating: ****
"I am old and all I have left is time. I don't mean time to live; I mean free time. Time to fill. Time to kill until time kills me."
It's New Years Eve in 1984 and Lillian Boxfish takes a walk down memory lane in her beloved New York City. This beautifully written novel is like sitting down with your grandmother telling stories about decades of her life. Ambitious career women, published poet, falling in love, becoming a mother, trouble with addictions, depression, and infidelity are all stories that lead up to the women she is today; independent, witty, vulnerable, and one tough cookie.
What She Knew- Gilly Macmillan
Rating: ****
Every parents worst nightmare comes true for Rachel Jenner. Her son ends up missing while allowing him to wonder ahead of her during a walk through the woods. Her endless search for her son makes you wonder how well you really know the people around you. Secrets, lies, twists and turns keep you engaged all the way to the end.
