1. The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry: I read this for the Literary Ladies Book Club, and I'm so glad I did. It was a completely unexpected read, but I really enjoyed it. Full review here.
2. Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan: An enjoyable listen on audio (much like listening to his standup). I'm a big fan of Gaffigan's work and this book did not disappoint. I think the things he talks about are hilarious and oh so relatable, especially if you have kids.
3. The Hero's Walk by Anita Rau Badami: I first read this book almost 16 years ago and decided to re-read it for one of my book clubs back in May. I have to admit, it didn't have the same impact as it did when I first read it. It's a bit of a bleak story, about an Sripathi, an older man living in India who has to travel to Canada to bring his 7 year old granddaughter back to India after her parents die in a car accident. I was hoping for more between the relationship between Sripathi and his granddaughter, but the story focused more on Sripathi and his struggles.
4. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy: I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority with this one when I say I didn't love this book. I just found it boring. I listened to it on audio, and I found I wasn't eager to get back to the story in-between each listening. I wasn't moved or touched by any of the characters. It just didn't affect me like I know it did a lot of other people.
5. Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt: This was May's book for my online book club and it hooked me from the get-go. Our main character, Estelle, wakes up one morning in the hospital, only to find out that her 7-month old daughter, Mia is missing. Estelle can't recall any of the events leading up to her daughter's disappearance or how she ended up in the hospital. I enjoyed the twists in the book and didn't see any of them coming. Full review here.
6. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield: I loved this book. It was so different than anything I've read in a really long time. A beautifully written, gothic tale about secrets, twins, and the ghosts that haunt our souls.
7. Exposure to a Billionaire by Ann Menke*: Another Literary Ladies Book Club book pick. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a bust. The premise was interesting (a young woman lands the flight attendant job of a lifetime, working for a billionaire and flying all over the world on his private jet), and I was intrigued by the "life of the rich and fabulous", but the execution just wasn't there. The writing was too choppy and read more like a play by play of events rather than a novel.
8. The Tumbling Turner Sisters by Juliette Fay**: This was a really cute and entertaining story about 4 sisters who embark on a journey in Vaudeville in attempts to provide for their family. I knew nothing about Vaudeville - what it was or what it all entailed - and this book provided a fascinating look into that era. I found it difficult at first to differentiate between the two narrators (two of the sisters), but eventually they all found their voice. While there were moments of anticipation in the story, it was definitely a more light-hearted historical fiction novel.
9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Oh my word, this book ripped out my heart and touched my soul. I have never, in my life, ugly cried like I did with this book. I was an emotional wreck for two days after reading this book. But it was so, so worth it. If you love historical fiction about WW2, then you need to read this book.
10. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn: Dark and twisted, I can't say I loved this book, but I couldn't put it down. It was an uncomfortable read at times, and so much rawer than Gone Girl. It's dark, gritty, and intense, but it's a well-written story about Camille, a reporter who goes back to her small hometown to try and uncover the true story behind the murders of two young girls. Everyone in the town has secrets, including Camille.
11. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: Something compelled me to re-read this book last month (it had been a few years since I first read it), and I'm so glad I did. I loved it just as much, if not more, this time around.
Phew! Well there you have it. Eleven books in the last two months - not too shabby if I do say so myself. Now I have to crack down and start working through my list for Erin's book challenge!
Also, if you'd like to participate in my online book club for this month, come back tomorrow for when I announce which book we are reading! If you want more info, check out this post.
What have you been reading lately?
Do you like to re-read books?
Linking up with Steph & Jana for Show Us Your Books!
*I received a copy of Exposure to a Billionaire from the Morgan James Publishing. All opinions are my own.
**I received an advanced copy of The Tumbling Turner Sisters from Simon & Schuster Canada. All opinions are my own.
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