The Pleasures of a Great Book

What to Read and Why by Francine Prose
Publication Date - July 3, 2018
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I have discovered that no other writer displays an inextinguishable passion for reading and books like Francine Prose.  The level of close reading she undertakes in order to really absorb a work of literature is inspiring and a joy itself to read.  As she explains in her introduction, this collection is a mix of book reviews, introductions to classics and various relevant essays.  Many authors were familiar but many more were added to my ever expanding list of books to read in the future.  My recommendation is to read them slowly, not only to discover "what to read and why" but to also learn how to read in order to become fully immersed in a story.  I kindly received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Power Struggles

The Power by Naomi Alderman
3.5 stars



I decided to wait to read this book until all of the hype died down and I am glad that I did, however, I still have very mixed opinions on it.  On the one hand, I thought the overall ideas about power and how it is passed down, taught and corrupted were fascinating.  This is a well written book and one that I assume would uncover new concepts with each additional read.  That is if I even wanted to reread this book and to be honest, I probably wouldn't because the actual plot itself was kind of a slog to get through.  It is such a strange incongruity that a book I didn't really enjoy very much will be one I think about for some time to come.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Early American Mystery

The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke
by Andrew Lawler
4 stars



Like the author, I grew up vacationing every summer in the Outer Banks and every summer my family attended the outdoor performance of the Lost Colony play.  This may be why I was so invested and fascinated by this book.  Beginning with the actual history of the settlers, courtiers, and monarchs involved it then delves into the incredible history since their disappearance which includes some incredibly quirky individuals who became obsessed with the mystery.  The author, with caveats, takes a stab at solving the mystery himself and his theory feels like the most common sense of the bunch.  This is a really interesting look at early American colonial history and what its lingering interest says about the formation of our society.  I received a digital ARC of this book through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

Contemporary Review

Her Super-Secret Rebound Boyfriend by Kerri Carpenter
3.5 stars



While attempting to recover from a bad relationship, Lola crashes another school's high school reunion and meets Luke.  Luke is not interested in a relationship but somehow convinces Lola to pretend to be his girlfriend at a family event.  The entire premise is a bit outlandish but as they get to know each other, the relationship itself is entirely believable.  I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gorgeous Manual for More Experienced Artists

The Painted Art Journal: 24 Projects for Creating Your Visual Narrative
by Jeanne Oliver
4.5 stars




I am really not at all artistic but my daughter is, so I was hoping this would be a good guide for creating a beautiful journal.  While it is a bit advanced for her at this point, it does have gorgeous photographs and I can imagine it would help the more experienced artist create a magnificent journal.  I spent a long time just looking at each photo which were honestly works of art on their own.  I would definitely recommend this book to those who are serious journalists or love to work with different artistic mediums.  I received a complimentary copy of this book through the BookishFirst program in exchange for an honest review. 

Vacation Reads

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
4 stars



What I love about this author is the feeling of utter unease while reading her novels.  The plot of this ended up being a bit unbelievable but the way she crafts the inner thoughts of her characters is just as creepy as can be and this ended up being the perfect vacation beach read.  I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 



Burntown by Jennifer McMahon
4 stars




This book is incredibly well written and I enjoyed how the backstory is slowly unraveled.  Following a family with murderess enemy in a fictional Vermont factory town, this is definitely a great book to take on vacation.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Last Pre-Vacay Review

Scotland or Bust by Kira Archer
Publication Date - June 11, 2018
3.5 stars



Nikki sits down next to wealthy Harrison while flying to Scotland, following her dreams of travel.  After sparks fly on the flight, Nikki ends up as Harrison's assistant as he run his Outlander tour operation.  I liked these characters and they had witty dialogue and chemistry that comes through the pages.  It is a short book so the relationship ship moves a lot faster than I enjoy but overall this is a fun summer romance.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Superheroes for the Ages

Rise of the Superheroes: Greatest Silver Age Comic Books and Characters
By David W. Tosh
4 stars

My interest in superheroes is probably pretty superficial to most hardcore fans, but I do enjoy a good Marvel story and really looked forward to reading this book following comic book history from inception through the early 1970’s.  More of a coffee table book, it has beautiful graphics of classic comic book covers and lots of interesting side tables with pop culture current events.  The actual written information is basically just an overview, it is not a comprehensive history but I think most people would want this book for the images.  I know that my entire family thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I received a complimentary copy through BookishFirst in exchange for an honest review.  

Everlasting Summer

The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall
Publication Date - June 19, 2018
4 stars

Tallulah James lives in a small Mississippi town during the tumultuous sixties.  Her parents are behaving scandalously, her grandmother is rooted in the past and her beloved older brother seems to be gong off the rails.  One night her entire life erupts and she if forced to make a fateful decision.  Now several years in the future, she must leave her quiet California life to confront the past she though she left behind.  Alternating between two different time periods, this book recreates a realistic atmosphere of claustrophobic southern small town life.  There are heartbreaking family scenes but also redemption and forgiveness.  This is the perfect summer read.  Not too light but an engrossing family drama.  I received an ARC of this book through Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.

Under Water

The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World
By Jeff Goodell
4.5 stars

The only thing I can really say is that it should be required reading.  Chapter by chapter, Goodell explores different regions that are in real danger from drowning under rising seas.  The evidence is there, I am not sure how it can keep being denied.  Well written and with clear cut yet terrifying information, this book is definitely one that I recommend everyone read.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Summer Worthy Thriller

The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

3.5 stars

A group of successful business women are the basis of a popular reality show where the only competition is who will be on the show the next season.  I actually do not watch reality television but I can only imagine how authentic the back fighting and alliances are portrayed in this book.  It is an extremely slow-moving thriller but one that kept me continuously surprised.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.