My Week in Books {9/2/20}

• August 2020 Reading Wrap-Up
• Last Year I Was Reading…
• My Week in Books {8/26/20}
• T5T: Characters You’d Like To Trade Places With
• Book Flights Vol. 3

Last Week’s Reads:

Luster by Raven Leilani

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I headed into this one – I’d seen very mixed reviews, and to be honest, I was a little nervous that it wouldn’t be for me. But the writing immediately sucked me in and I was hooked! Leilani writes methodically and lyrically…I literally restarted the book with a pen in hand because I wanted to be able to ruminate on individual sentences. Leilani writes with such power and provacation!

I wish the momentum would have carried throughout the book, but the shine started to dull as I continued to read. The story took a bit of a turn for me about halfway through and the second half just wasn’t as compelling for me. Regardless, the writing stayed strong and I was still underlining sentences like crazy, but the overall story lost its effect. I’m still impressed with Leilani’s debut novel and I’m anxious to see what she writes next! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London

As a major fan of The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, I was worried that this one might be a little too cheesy so I initially passed on reading it. But the reviews started coming in and so many were enjoying it that I thought I better give it a chance…and I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed it myself!

Long-time fans of Bachelor Nation have expressed criticism of the show’s lack of diversity or inclusivity. One To Watch takes on some of those challenges and reinvents a season with a plus-sized lead. Even with a premise such as this, the book lacked bringing diversity to this make-believe plot and that was disappointing (there was only one larger male “contestant” 🙄).

However, I found Bea to be a delightful lead – strong-willed and determined, never one to back down from her convictions, and a character that tried to redefine the boundaries. (I wasn’t crazy about her final choice, but let’s be honest, I rarely am on the tv series either. 😉) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Currently Reading:

*** The Regrets by Amy Bonnaffons

I think I’m going to like this one! 🤞🏼 I’m only a few chapters in, but I like the concept and I like the writing – both good signs!

*** Shiner by Amy Jo Burns

Literally just started this one, but I’m getting The Line That Held Us vibes, so I’m here for it!

*** Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College by Jesse Wegman

I figure there’s no better time to pick up an election book than right now!

DNF (aka: Not For Me and/or Skipping For Now):

*** Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh

DNF @ 28%…I feel like I could enjoy the writing style of Moshfegh (this is my first introduction to her work), but I also feel like it could have slipped me into a reading slump if I forced it.

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

DNF @ 29%…I’m a little bit curious why this one wasn’t working for me when it’s gotten a lot of high praise, so I’m shelving it for now. My first impressions: a lot of characters and not a ton of connection and confusing transitions between chapters and character point of views. It doesn’t seem like a book that will take long to read (short chapters) so I probably will give this one more try before abandoning it for good.

(#partner #freebooks: All books noted by asterisks (***) indicate I received the book for free from the publisher, the author, or another promotional company to review. All opinions are my own.)