It's time for my monthly book round up - which has kind of morphed into a post about podcasts, shows and music too. I usually post at the end of the month about what books I've read recently but lately I've started to throw in a few shows or podcasts that I am digging and you all have seemed to enjoy that as well. I have to be honest, besides books, I don't generally consume a lot of media (wait, does social media count!?!) so I am by no means a media expert here. Just a few little things that have caught my attention.
I am also switching up the review format including inserting the book blurb from the publisher because I feel like I am terrible describing a book - even the ones I love. Then I will give my personal review of the book including a score from 1-10 and then finally suggest other books you may like that are similar. I hope this new format is easy to connect with and instantly will help you know if this book is a good fit for your reading life!
My summer reading is definitely off to a good start - I finished TWO books over Memorial Day weekend and I have a hearty "holds" list going on at the library right now that should tide my reading over for a few months! This is definitely my favorite time of year to read - there are SO many new releases and I love sitting on the porch or at the beach/pool getting lost in a good book.
Here's what I read this month...
Book Blurb: Cate Albion is a gifted young artist at a crossroads in her life. Looking to escape New York for the summer, she takes a job in her aunt's London auction house and is soon sent on assignment to the English countryside to value the contents of Endsleigh House, the once gracious but now crumbling estate of a former Jazz Age socialite. There, hidden in the back of a dusty bookshelf, Cate discovers an old shoebox, and inside, a peculiar assortment of objects, including an exquisite pair of 1930s dancing shoes; a faded photograph of a handsome young sailor, and a rare Tiffany pearl and emerald bracelet.
Intrigued, Cate sets out to learn more about the box and its contents, and becomes immersed in the mystery of its owner, Diana “Baby” Blythe, the younger of the infamous, glamorous Blythe sisters. Bright, beautiful, and reckless, Baby was the most famous debutante of her generation . . . until she suddenly disappeared entirely from view.
As a shocking tale of love and betrayal begins to unravel, Cate finds herself being drawn deeper into Baby's tragic life story—one that will force Cate to confront some dark truths about her own choices.
My review: While historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, the genre as a whole often overly depends on "coincidences in history" to tell a story. For this book there seemed to be maybe a few too many coincidences but that is often to be expected. Putting that aside this is a quick read with likable characters and an interesting plot. I always love when an old house is involved a story line (because aren't old houses just so INTERESTING?). I would rate this book a 7/10. I also loved this authors previous book The Perfume Collector so think about picking that one up as well.
~~~
Book Blurb: After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie--or Mrs. Onassis, as she's known in the office--has fallen in love with James's candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book's forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can't bring himself to finish the manuscript.
Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page...
My review: This book was incredibly delightful and heartwarming. The characters were so easy to love and who knew Jackie O worked in publishing? You learn something new each day! I also love a book that is about books - so extra points there. I highly recommend this touch book about books, writing, family and friendship. I would rate this book a 9/10. If you want more Jackie O I highly recommend Mrs Kennedy and Me or if you want more Kennedy's in general and a good summer book than The Summer I Met Jack is a great read.
~~~
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Book Blurb: Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis...if anyone would listen to her. A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece.
My review: I will start by saying I really wanted to like this book, but the plot fell a little flat for me. This story had so much potential but the storyline was jolting at times - focusing way too much on some details, leaving other details out and jumping forward in time dramatically. I would have loved more in depth characters and nuance in the writing. But all that to say that with this story being based on a true story it is quite fascinating. I would rate this book a 5/10. If you want more WWII historical fiction with strong female leads I would suggest: Women in the Castle, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
~~~
The Price of Paradise by Susana Lopez Rubio
Book Blurb: Havana, Cuba, 1947. Young Patricio flees impoverished Spain and steps into the sultry island paradise of Havana with only the clothes on his back and half-baked dreams of a better life. Blessed with good looks and natural charm, he lands a job as a runner at El Encanto—one of the most luxurious department stores in the world. Famous for its exquisite offerings from French haute couture to Arabian silks, El Encanto indulges the senses in opulent extravagance. It caters to visiting Hollywood stars, rising politicos, and prerevolutionary Cuba’s wealthiest power players, including the notorious mobster César Valdés. Falling in love with the mobster’s young wife, Gloria, is suicide. But Patricio is irresistibly drawn to the beautiful girl with sad eyes, a razor-sharp intellect, and a penchant for both Christian Dior’s clothes and Einstein’s theories. Within the walls of El Encanto, anything seems possible, even a love that promises to heal them and a desire that thrums with the mambo beat of the city itself. In a reckless love affair that spans half a century, Patricio’s and Gloria’s lives entwine time and again, challenged by every twist of fate—for in a world of murder, betrayal, and revolution, those who dare to reach for paradise seldom survive unscathed.
My review: If you are an Amazon Prime member you get access to ONE free Prime First book each month. This was my selection this month. I love a free book, who doesn't?!? So I had limited expectations for this book but it blew me away. I really, really enjoyed it! The book was beautiful and heartbreaking with a few spots being difficult to read (some violence). The country of Cuba plays a role just as strong as the characters and I found myself immensely missing this story after I was done reading it. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you want another book about Cuba I highly recommend Next Year in Havana.
~~~
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Book Blurb: The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her. That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
My review: In the past year or so I have been obsessed with all things Romanov - so any time I see a new book pop up in this genre I jump at it. I don't usually read Sci-Fi but when it comes to the Romanov family I will read ANYTHING (or at least close to anything) I can get my hands on. This was a really quick YA read that I really enjoyed. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you are also interested in the Romanov family I highly suggest I Was Anastasia and The Romanov Empresss. If you want an epic love story set in Russia I loved The Bronze Horseman as well.
~~~
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
Book Blurb: Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess. Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game―and his heart―to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone. Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
My review: This is the perfect feel good summer read! I found this story to be so sweet and the main characters to be SO lovable. I devoured this entire book in less than 24 hours over the holiday weekend. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you want other books with quirky female leads I suggest Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Where'd You Go Bernadette.
~~~
I've also been working on two non-fiction books this month which I tend to read slower and pick up and put down. So technically I haven't finished them yet but they are worth mentioning...
Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Gordon Nuefeld and Dr. Gabor Mate
Book Blurb: International authority on child development Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D., joins forces with bestselling author Gabor Maté, M.D., to tackle one of the most disturbing trends of our time: Children today looking to their peers for direction—their values, identity, and codes of behavior. This “peer orientation” undermines family cohesion, interferes with healthy development, and fosters a hostile and sexualized youth culture. Children end up becoming overly conformist, desensitized, and alienated, and being “cool” matters more to them than anything else. Hold On to Your Kids explains the causes of this crucial breakdown of parental influence—and demonstrates ways to “reattach” to sons and daughters, establish the proper hierarchy in the home, make kids feel safe and understood, and earn back your children’s loyalty and love. This updated edition also specifically addresses the unprecedented parenting challenges posed by the rise of digital devices and social media. By helping to reawaken instincts innate to us all, Neufeld and Maté will empower parents to be what nature intended: a true source of contact, security, and warmth for their children.
My review: This is a fascinating read about parenting in modern age. I don't read a lot of parenting books - I've actually only read a few - but this is well worth the read. Especially with tweens/teens in the house it's a solid reminder that keeping kids "innocent and young" doesn't hurt them. They have their entire lives to be "grown up" and is a good reminder that even though my kids have started to act so independently lately, they still need/want their parents for guidance. It's difficult to rate non-fiction so I will just say... it's worth reading.
~~~
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Book Blurb: You are not doomed by your genes and hardwired to be a certain way for the rest of your life. A new science is emerging that empowers all human beings to create the reality they choose. In Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, renowned author, speaker, researcher, and chiropractor Dr. Joe Dispenza combines the fields of quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology, and genetics to show you what is truly possible. Not only will you be given the necessary knowledge to change any aspect of yourself, but you will be taught the step-by-step tools to apply what you learn in order to make measurable changes in any area of your life. Dr. Joe demystifies ancient understandings and bridges the gap between science and spirituality. Through his powerful workshops and lectures, thousands of people in 24 different countries have used these principles to change from the inside out. Once you break the habit of being yourself and truly change your mind, your life will never be the same!
My review: I will admit that the title of this book is a little cheesy. But I am really loving it. So much so that I checked it out from the library but quickly realized I wanted to buy it and own it. I often find myself stuck in the same (often negative) self talk patterns and love the insight this book brings to the issue of negative self talk but also just reprograming your brain for success and happiness. I am really enjoying this!
My review: This book was incredibly delightful and heartwarming. The characters were so easy to love and who knew Jackie O worked in publishing? You learn something new each day! I also love a book that is about books - so extra points there. I highly recommend this touch book about books, writing, family and friendship. I would rate this book a 9/10. If you want more Jackie O I highly recommend Mrs Kennedy and Me or if you want more Kennedy's in general and a good summer book than The Summer I Met Jack is a great read.
~~~
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Book Blurb: Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis...if anyone would listen to her. A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece.
My review: I will start by saying I really wanted to like this book, but the plot fell a little flat for me. This story had so much potential but the storyline was jolting at times - focusing way too much on some details, leaving other details out and jumping forward in time dramatically. I would have loved more in depth characters and nuance in the writing. But all that to say that with this story being based on a true story it is quite fascinating. I would rate this book a 5/10. If you want more WWII historical fiction with strong female leads I would suggest: Women in the Castle, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
~~~
The Price of Paradise by Susana Lopez Rubio
Book Blurb: Havana, Cuba, 1947. Young Patricio flees impoverished Spain and steps into the sultry island paradise of Havana with only the clothes on his back and half-baked dreams of a better life. Blessed with good looks and natural charm, he lands a job as a runner at El Encanto—one of the most luxurious department stores in the world. Famous for its exquisite offerings from French haute couture to Arabian silks, El Encanto indulges the senses in opulent extravagance. It caters to visiting Hollywood stars, rising politicos, and prerevolutionary Cuba’s wealthiest power players, including the notorious mobster César Valdés. Falling in love with the mobster’s young wife, Gloria, is suicide. But Patricio is irresistibly drawn to the beautiful girl with sad eyes, a razor-sharp intellect, and a penchant for both Christian Dior’s clothes and Einstein’s theories. Within the walls of El Encanto, anything seems possible, even a love that promises to heal them and a desire that thrums with the mambo beat of the city itself. In a reckless love affair that spans half a century, Patricio’s and Gloria’s lives entwine time and again, challenged by every twist of fate—for in a world of murder, betrayal, and revolution, those who dare to reach for paradise seldom survive unscathed.
My review: If you are an Amazon Prime member you get access to ONE free Prime First book each month. This was my selection this month. I love a free book, who doesn't?!? So I had limited expectations for this book but it blew me away. I really, really enjoyed it! The book was beautiful and heartbreaking with a few spots being difficult to read (some violence). The country of Cuba plays a role just as strong as the characters and I found myself immensely missing this story after I was done reading it. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you want another book about Cuba I highly recommend Next Year in Havana.
~~~
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Book Blurb: The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he’s hunted Romanov before. Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her. That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.
My review: In the past year or so I have been obsessed with all things Romanov - so any time I see a new book pop up in this genre I jump at it. I don't usually read Sci-Fi but when it comes to the Romanov family I will read ANYTHING (or at least close to anything) I can get my hands on. This was a really quick YA read that I really enjoyed. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you are also interested in the Romanov family I highly suggest I Was Anastasia and The Romanov Empresss. If you want an epic love story set in Russia I loved The Bronze Horseman as well.
~~~
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
Book Blurb: Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess. Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game―and his heart―to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone. Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
My review: This is the perfect feel good summer read! I found this story to be so sweet and the main characters to be SO lovable. I devoured this entire book in less than 24 hours over the holiday weekend. I would rate this book a 8/10. If you want other books with quirky female leads I suggest Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Where'd You Go Bernadette.
~~~
I've also been working on two non-fiction books this month which I tend to read slower and pick up and put down. So technically I haven't finished them yet but they are worth mentioning...
Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Gordon Nuefeld and Dr. Gabor Mate
Book Blurb: International authority on child development Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D., joins forces with bestselling author Gabor Maté, M.D., to tackle one of the most disturbing trends of our time: Children today looking to their peers for direction—their values, identity, and codes of behavior. This “peer orientation” undermines family cohesion, interferes with healthy development, and fosters a hostile and sexualized youth culture. Children end up becoming overly conformist, desensitized, and alienated, and being “cool” matters more to them than anything else. Hold On to Your Kids explains the causes of this crucial breakdown of parental influence—and demonstrates ways to “reattach” to sons and daughters, establish the proper hierarchy in the home, make kids feel safe and understood, and earn back your children’s loyalty and love. This updated edition also specifically addresses the unprecedented parenting challenges posed by the rise of digital devices and social media. By helping to reawaken instincts innate to us all, Neufeld and Maté will empower parents to be what nature intended: a true source of contact, security, and warmth for their children.
My review: This is a fascinating read about parenting in modern age. I don't read a lot of parenting books - I've actually only read a few - but this is well worth the read. Especially with tweens/teens in the house it's a solid reminder that keeping kids "innocent and young" doesn't hurt them. They have their entire lives to be "grown up" and is a good reminder that even though my kids have started to act so independently lately, they still need/want their parents for guidance. It's difficult to rate non-fiction so I will just say... it's worth reading.
~~~
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Book Blurb: You are not doomed by your genes and hardwired to be a certain way for the rest of your life. A new science is emerging that empowers all human beings to create the reality they choose. In Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, renowned author, speaker, researcher, and chiropractor Dr. Joe Dispenza combines the fields of quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology, and genetics to show you what is truly possible. Not only will you be given the necessary knowledge to change any aspect of yourself, but you will be taught the step-by-step tools to apply what you learn in order to make measurable changes in any area of your life. Dr. Joe demystifies ancient understandings and bridges the gap between science and spirituality. Through his powerful workshops and lectures, thousands of people in 24 different countries have used these principles to change from the inside out. Once you break the habit of being yourself and truly change your mind, your life will never be the same!
My review: I will admit that the title of this book is a little cheesy. But I am really loving it. So much so that I checked it out from the library but quickly realized I wanted to buy it and own it. I often find myself stuck in the same (often negative) self talk patterns and love the insight this book brings to the issue of negative self talk but also just reprograming your brain for success and happiness. I am really enjoying this!
Here's what I am listening to this month...
I am really loving the GOOP podcast lately... not every episode is for me, but so many of them are incredibly inspiring. Three of my recent favorite are: The Levers That Keep Us Well (about wellness and health), How Does Childhood Stress Manifest into Adulthood (with the author of "Hold On To Your Kids" I mentioned above) and How to Become Your Future Self (with the author of "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" also mentioned above)
I've recently gotten tons of summer reading ideas from the What Should I Read Next podcast as well. So if you are looking for summer reading inspiration I highly recommend that!
Here's what I am watching this month...
I don't watch a lot of television but when I find something I like I am definitely known to binge it. My husband and I recently discovered Boise Boys on HGTV. I can't recommend it enough. It's hilarious and has a unique aspect to it where I feel like so much of HGTV is so vanilla lately. Every time I watch it there is something I want to recreate in my own home - even though we have sworn off renovations... at least for a bit!
I have been a LONG time Bachelor/Bachelorette fan and to be honest I wasn't super pumped about Hannh B as the new Bachelorette. But turns out I am really enjoying this season! I love her fun but no-nonsense attitude. Are you watching?
