I’m trying to read more books that I choose for my own reading enjoyment. Not for review, but because I’ve been wanting to read them or they caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link-up. Be sure to head over to see others link up their Quick Lit posts.
FAITHFUL
By: Alice Hoffman
Published: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Fiction
Format: Hardcover from the library
My book club read this for our October choice. It had been on my to-read list already, but I had forgotten about it. Our book club enjoyed it, but I think of the three of us, I liked it the most. Several years ago I read another book by Alice Hoffman, HERE ON EARTH, which I also loved.
This book made me feel all sorts of emotions. I shed plenty of tears during this one, but it did take me a bit to like Shelby. She is recovering from a tragic accident in high school that changed her life and her best friend’s lives forever. Shelby’s despair overwhelmed me until she finally moved to New York City. Then the story picked up the pace and I started to like some of the changes happening in Shelby’s personality.
Hoffman has a beautiful way of writing and describing feelings that make you say, yes….exactly. As a parent, I ached for Shelby’s mom and the pain she was going through watching her daughter hurt. But, as Shelby slowly came out of her shell and started to allow herself to be loved again, I didn’t want the book to end. A really lovely story of a young girl growing up after tragedy and realizing her mistakes don’t have to define her for the rest of her life.
DAISY JONES & THE SIX
By: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Narrated by: Jennifer Beals, Benjamin Bratt, Judy Greer, Pablo Schreiber, and a full cast.
Published: March 5, 2019
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Fiction
Format: Audiobook through the library
First of all, I highly recommend listening to this one on audio. I was a bit worried at first with all the different characters, but the all-star cast pulled it off and I had no trouble keeping everyone straight. I do want to go check out the physical copy and see if I missed anything with the audio version.
I had to keep reminding myself this was a fictional story because it seemed so realistic. The life of a band member in the ’70s was full of drugs and alcohol and it’s a wonder any of them could create the amazing music we all love from the era.
I absolutely believe Taylor Jenkins Reid is a rare talent and need to read all of her books now. So far I’ve loved every single one that has crossed my path.
I don’t think I can add any more to all the thousands of other rave reviews. It’s a quick read (or listen). It’s character-focused and with the interview format, it keeps the story moving along quickly. If you are late to the party like I was, don’t delay any longer.
THE CADAVER KING AND THE COUNTRY DENTIST
A True Story of Injustice in the American South
By: Radley Balko and Tucker Carrington
Narrated by: Robert Fass
Published: February 27, 2018
Publisher: PublicAffairs
Non-Fiction
Format: Audiobook through the library
I don’t remember where I first heard about this book that made me want to read it. But, I admittedly wanted to quit this one early on because the content made me sick to my stomach. Since I listened on audio and I listen while I get ready in the morning, it was a depressing and angering way to start my day. So I took a break for a bit and listened at other times.
What happened in Mississippi to innocent men, their families and numerous victim’s families is a travesty of great measure. The fact that it went on for 20+ years is an embarrassment to the judicial system of Mississippi.
I appreciate learning about these issues related to forensics and the time and effort the author put into the research to expose this story. If you like true crime podcasts and stories, this book would be one to add to your list.
You can see all my other Quick Lit posts by clicking, HERE.