#MCREADSBOOKS Update

If you’ve been around here for any length of time or especially if you are one of my Instagram followers, then you know that I am an avid reader. I usually read in the late afternoons after my work day ends. I read as the kids do their homework, while I’m cooking dinner, and while the kids are taking showers. And I usually read about a book per work trip I take. Reading is one of my favorite stress beaters and mind relaxers.

I thought I’d share a few of my most recent reads, in case you were looking for something new…

Rush by Lisa Patton – This one is a fun, quick read about a sorority in Southern Alabama during Rush week. It’s told from one of the mother’s perspectives, so that helped keep my interest. It didn’t knock my socks off or anything, but it was a cute book if you’re looking for a beach read.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult – I can only take one Jodi Picoult book about once or twice a year because they are so heavy, and this one is no exception. One of my favorite things about her is that she shows no bias in her writing, even though she writes about very divisive topics. This one is about a shooter who takes hostages in an abortion clinic and no matter what side of the argument you are on, it will make you THINK.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart – This one is technically a YA novel, but, honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that the main characters are teens, you wouldn’t know, so don’t let that turn you away. This is told is such an interesting way. Such unique storytelling. And I didn’t see the ending coming at all! It’s a small, quick book, but stays with you for a while and leaves you gasping at the end.

The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher – I very seldom give a five-star rating for a book, and this was the first five-star rating I gave this year. It was such a great book! It’s historical fiction telling the story of Kathleen Kennedy during WW2. It is fascinating to learn about the Kennedy family, but even more fascinating to learn about London and New York society. If you like royalty or the WW2 era, this is your book!

The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey – I read this one back-to-back with The Kennedy Debutante and I’m so glad that I did. Both books take place during the same time period, but in drastically different classes so it was neat to see things from a different perspective. This novel is about a story of a small Irish town during WW2 that was occupied by American soldiers. It will make you laugh, make you cheer, make you cry, and make you angry. I loved this one!

Palisades Park by Alan Brennert – This caught my eye at the library strictly because of the cover art, but I’m so glad that it did! I loved this book! It truly is an epic, as it spans the time between a family who owns a French fry stand at the historic Palisades Park from the 1930’s all the way up to the 60’s. The husband and wife are such dynamic characters and their lives take so many twists and turns. It even goes on to follow their daughter’s life as she becomes a high-diving circus performer. Don’t be swayed by the circus front, though. This book is deep and profound and pays such homage to the complexities of family life. One of my favorites this year!

He by John Connolly – This one I picked up knowing nothing about it and I devoured it! I will tell you that it isn’t for everyone. The writing style is complicated and difficult to follow, but once I got the hang of it, it became a little easier. Still, it took me a while to get through it. It’s the story of Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy. I really didn’t know very much about them at all before I read this. It tells the story from Laurel’s perspective, but you learn so much about movie stars and movie studios from the days of silent pictures and black and white movies. Pretty interesting, if you like avant garde style writing.

Where the Crawdad’s Sing by Delia Owens – If you haven’t heard about this book yet, then you’ve been living under a literary rock. It has been all the rage for the past few months. When I read it, I understood why it got so much attention. It has such an unusual story! It’s about a basically wild girl who lives in the marshes of North Carolina. She has such a fascinating life! I will say, though, that I didn’t think it lived up to ALLLLLL the hype. Was it a good book? Yes. Do I recommend it? Absolutely. But I’ve read better…

Transcription by Kate Atkinson – Have you read “Life After Life?” It’s one of my favorites by the same author. I’ll read anything she writes! And Transcription was no exception. It’s the story of a young woman during WW2 who finds herself an unlikely spy. She’s caught up between what is real and what is not and who to trust and, as the reader, she takes you right along with her. Such a great book! I couldn’t put it down!

That Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron – In keeping with my 1940’s theme lately, my next book was about the mother of Winston Churchill, Jennie Jerome. Her life was really remarkable and her position in society was a roller coaster. I loved reading about such a strong woman during such an uncertain time in history. This one has been one of my favorites this spring.

How to Start a Fire by Lisa Lutz – I can’t remember how I found this one, but it has been on my “to read” list for a while. It’s the story of three women who form a lifelong friendship in college. Their lives are tangled together for better or worse and they come together to help each other get through some of their toughest times as adults. I liked the storyline of this, but had trouble keeping the character straight and following some parts. It jumped around a lot and it took some effort to read. Worth it, though, if you don’t mind the struggle.

A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler – This one was very similar to “That Churchill Woman.” Because the main character in this book ran in the same social circles as Jennie Jerome, you even see a lot of the same people appear in each. This story, though, takes place in New York society and is the story of Alva Smith marrying into the Vanderbilt family. It is fascinating and I recognized so much of New York architecture and history! I loved this one!

Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell – It took me a little bit to get into this one, but once I was in, I was hooked. It’s the story of a suburban family outside London during a summer heatwave in the 70’s. The husband just disappears one day and the children are summoned home to help find him. In the process, they uncover all kinds of secrets about each other and their family. I really liked this one! A great summer book!