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Back again with some more recent reads for me. Yes, I have been happily reading more this year towards my Goodreads challenge. Have already read 11 books towards my goal of 60.
That said even though, I actually found one recent read a major disappointment. Also, been reading more YA novels in recent times.
[Tweet “What have you been reading lately?”]
To find out which book didn’t quite cut it for me, as well as the YA books I have been feasting on, you will have to read on now…
1. Looking for Alaska, by John Green
This one was on my list for quite some time. Especially after having enjoyed, The Fault In Our Stars.
I finally got my hands on an available copy through Overdrive and the library with an ebook copy.
This time out, John Green gave us a story about Miles Halter (nicknamed Pudge).
The story begins with Miles leaving home for the first time to attend Culver Creek Boarding School in his junior year of high school.
Since Miles was a nobody in public school, he hopes for all sorts of adventures in boarding school.
He finds this with his new roommate, Chip and other dorm friends in the way of smoking, drinking and pranking. He even finds quasi-love with fellow classmate, Lara. But Miles actually falls hard for Alaska Young (thus the title inclusion of her name).
Finally one night, Alaska gives hope to those feelings. But then something tragic happens leaving Miles life to never quite be the same again.
The second section of the book deals with the fallout of this one dramatic evening.
While I did overall enjoy, I felt parts of this book were slow, dull and even predictable. Definitely would classify the ending this way, as I saw it coming a mile away.
But would I recommend?
Yes, because John Green’s writing makes this one worth giving a try to it. But if you did read The Fault in the Stars, then make no mistake this one won’t hold a candle to that novel.
2. The Grownup, by Gillian Flynn
This was a free book for me as the January BOTM included it for those who selected a book for the month from them.
Because I enjoyed Gone Girl and this book was relatively short at only 60 pages or so, I happily read it in about 30 minutes on a wintry, Saturday afternoon.
What I liked about?
The setup, the beginning and even the middle of this short story were highly enjoyable. Plus, I loved the young con artist, who gets sucked into the world of Susan Burke, who thinks her house is possibly haunted.
All is not as it seems with a few twists and turns even in this brief novella.
What I didn’t enjoy?
The twists, however, seemed a bit over the top and times and the ending truly just left me wanting more.
But would I recommend?
Yes! Because it is a quick read for a rainy spring day.
3. Swimming Lessons, by Claire Fuller
I also had two free book credits to use after the holidays with BOTM and I used one of them on my January selection with Swimming Lessons from the December BOTM, as it is still not available yet to purchase anywhere else and kept reading great things about this one.
That said the story of Ingrid Coleman, the wife to Gil Coleman, who spends the duration of the novel writing letters to her husband was fraught with all sorts of emotions and revelations.
See her letters are her way of communicating how she felt over the years from the time they met through in their early years through the birth of their children and so much more.
Both of these main characters spent a good portion of their married lives never truly being honest with one another. So, it is through these letters that, Claire sheds light on exactly how she felt for most of the more important parts of there joint lives together.
The letters help the reader find out if Claire perished on that fateful day in 1992 when the letters ceased to exist anymore or if she merely moved on and left her husband and two young girls.
Without giving away the conclusion to this novel, I found myself needing to finish it and find out what indeed happened to Claire. I read this book in less than two days time.
However, more was left unsaid with the ending.
Still, what a book and probably up there right now as one of my favorites of this year.
However, the year is definitely young though!
4. Lucky You, by Erika Carter
This was my January BOTM selection and was pretty excited to read after seeing the description for it there.
However after reading Swimming Lessons and throughly enjoying it, this one just fell flat for me.
Essentially this is a story that alternates between the three main characters of Ellie, Rachel and Chloe about their 20 something lives. See they each had their own set of issues at this critical time in their lives. However, as the novel went into further detail, I truly didn’t feel all that invested in any of them. While the writing was OK, something was missing for me.
Plus, this is the first book in awhile that I actually contemplated not even seeing through to the end. While I did end up finishing it, I must admit that I am almost sorry I did.
Why?
Because in the end didn’t enjoy any of these women’s storylines as more than I initially did. Also, Chloe’s story kind of ends abruptly. But the other two women share a bit more about her in their own right. However, not enough to conclude her part of the story. But still would have hoped for some more closure to her part of the story.
So, I would say skip this one and move on to the next one on your list.
5. Paper Towns, by John Green
So I was on a John Green binge, I suppose. But I couldn’t resist reading this one so soon after having read Looking for Alaska.
Once again after The Fault in Our Stars, I truly hold this author in high esteem for writing and more.
So how did it fair compared to The Fault in Our Stars or Looking for Alaska?
The story of Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, his adventures with the illustrious, Margo Roth Spiegelman, as well as the aftermath of their fun and crazy night together, was a fun and entertaining read.
This was just what I needed after being left jaded and hanging by Erika Carter’s, Lucky YouWhile it wasn’t as grand and memorable, as The Fault in Our Stars, it was definitely a better and more entertaining novel than Looking for Alaska. Don’t get me wrong, Looking for Alaska, was worth reading. However, I enjoyed Paper Towns much more as the story unfolded versus Looking for Alaska.
Therefore, would once again recommend for fans of John Green and also YA readers alike.
So, that’s it for this month’s book review’s edition for me.
Stay tuned for next month, when I am sure I will have more books to share here with you.
What have you read lately?
Share with us in the comments…
Kathy Radigan says
Thanks for this because I need a good read and since I’m a big fan of Gillian Flynn I will try this one out! xo
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and this is a nice short, but still fun read by Flynn. So couldn’t recommend more if I tried 😉 xoxo
Meredith Spidel says
Swimming Lessons is high on my list, so I am glad it was a win for you! Now I really want to check it out! And I have been wondering about The Grownups, so good to get your thoughts on this. Love that you are such a reader and thanks for the recommendations, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, I love that you are a reader too, because I always enjoy sharing my favorites with you. Plus love when you share yours, as well!! 🙂
Dara says
I have not read any of these but they all sound like good ones to check out, each in their own way!
Janine says
Happy to share with you, Dara as I also love seeing what you are reading, as well when you share on your blog 🙂
Emily says
Thanks for these reviews Janine – I’m going to read “Paper Towns” and “Swimming Lessons” next based on your writeup. I too read, “Looking for Alaska” previously and since I have two boys in boarding school right now, I have a little bit more of an “insiders” view of what these boarding schools can be like. Believe it or not, some of what he describes is quite typical, although no boarding school nowadays would ever allow a student to have a car at school…which I’m thankful for!
Janine says
Emily, having never gone to boarding school or have had my kids in them up to this point, I appreciate you sharing that much of what was written in Looking for Alaska (minus the car part) was indeed true to form. Also, think you will enjoy both Paper Towns and Swimming Lessons as both were indeed fun and enjoyable reads for me, too 🙂
William Holland says
Forget the NY Time bestselling list. My goal is to make your reading list. LOL Then I’ll know I’ve reached the mountaintop.
Happy Monday, Janine! I hope today is all you want it to be.
Janine says
Thank you, Bill and I seriously have such a long list of books and each time I think I am caught up or done, I find another to add. That said Happy Monday once again to you and hoping also far this week is treating you good, as well now 🙂
Tamara says
Wow Gillian Flynn! I have read none of these, but have been recommended all of them. It’s time to start!
Janine says
Tamara, the Gillian Flynn one was a short, but very satisfying read. So again would totally recommend!! 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I get excited every time I read your book reviews. I cannot wait for the day to come to sit down and read some of these books.
Have a fabulous day!
Diane
Janine says
Aw, hope you can read soon and thanks as always, Diane!. Wishing you a fabulous day, as well!! 🙂
Dani says
Thank you for the recos! I am in need of a new read, and will DEF be checking these out! xoxoxo
Janine says
So glad you are going to be able to check these out and hope you enjoy whichever you do now 🙂
Cynthia says
11 of 60!?! WOWZA!
You go, girl! All those wonderful reads! You’re inspiring! These all also look compelling. I’m not really a fiction reader (shh, don’t tell, haha), but I love it when I DO get into a good fiction read and these look like they could be some great picks!
I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and enjoy those books. Good for you for making the time to do this. I know you’re so busy, so taking a little time to “go into a different time and place” is good for the soul. 🙂
Janine says
Aw, thank you Cyndi and honestly I think you know how much I just love reading. So, really does please me so that I can get some much needed reading time in and then also share here. Hugs right back at you now!!! 🙂
Jen says
I love when you do posts like these. I need to pick up Swimming Lessons and thanks for sharing your pass review. I don’t have a lot of time to read, mostly my mommy “narcolepsy” kicks in the second a book gets in my hand, so advance reviews like this are uber helpful!
Janine says
Happy to do posts like this and thank you so much for the positive feedback, as well as sharing for me, too!! 🙂
Mary says
The last book I read was ‘Dear Mr You ‘by Mary Louise Parker, it was good, so good I’m reading it again. I can’t wait to check out The Grown Up. Thank you for this list Janine 🙂
Janine says
My pleasure Mary and may have to check out Dear Mr You, now 🙂
AnnMarie John says
I have a few books on my Kindle that I need to read that I just haven’t finished. I haven’t been myself lately but maybe getting back into reading might help. The GrownUp sounds like one that I would more likely read.
Janine says
I hope you do get to read a few, especially The Grownup and also get back to reading real soon now 🙂
Allie G smith says
Swimming Lessons sounds great! Thanks for the recommendation.
Janine says
Such a great read indeed and hope you can read soon, Allie 😉
Mother of 3 says
I write a book post each month about the books I’ve read and I’m always looking for new books to read. I loved the Fault In Our Stars so I might have to try a few of these.
Janine says
I will have to check out your books’ post and I also absolutely loved The Fault In Our Stars, too 🙂
Kristi R Campbell says
Thanks Janine! I just added Paper Towns and Swimming Lessons to my audible wish list. I’m almost done with listening to In Twenty Years (I like it) and just finished reading The Ramblers (really liked it). I also really enjoyed Yellow Crocus if you’re looking for more to read!
Janine says
Awesome and so happy you were able to add those two. And going to check out Yellow Crocus now, as well. Thanks Kristi for that!! 🙂
Leslie says
I’ve heard about Swimming Lessons recently, and it’s definitely on my book list for this year. Just waiting for the library to get a digital copy. Thanks for providing your review. I’m always interested in finding more books to read!
Janine says
I hope you get your digital copy from your library soon. I just had three come up at once through my library and honestly love being able to read for free on my iPad this way. But yes, think you will enjoy Swimming Lessons and can’t wait to hear what you think of it when you do read it now 🙂
Nellie says
I didn’t even realize that Gillian Flynn had a new book out!! I can always depend on you to keep me up to date on the most awesome books out right now!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to inform and always even more happy to share with you, Nellie!!! 🙂
catherine gacad says
you are so inspiring with how much you read!!! our current book club book is “a man called ove.”
Janine says
Thanks Catherine and I have heard great things about A Man Called Ove and have it my list, too 🙂
Akaleistar says
I’ve only read The Fault In Our Stars, but I want to read more John Green 🙂
Janine says
I loved The Fault In Our Stars. So, for that alone I totally recommend John Green as an author overall 😉
Christine Carter says
As soon as I saw you had posted another update on books to read I SQUEALED with excitement! I always LOVE these posts and reviews, Janine! I’m so glad you are honest too. THANK YOU for that.
My girl just finished paper towns… I haven’t had a chance to ask her how she liked it.
Sharing and pinning for future use when I get through my current stack!
Janine says
Aw, thank you for your lovely comments, Chris and glad you do enjoy my book updates reviews. Also, loved hearing that Case read Paper Towns, too 🙂
Bev says
Lots of interesting reads here! Can’t say I’ve heard of any of them, so thanks for the recs. I just finished reading The Furies last night for my bookclub, which I highly recommend. I also read Wayferer, which is the sequel to Passenger. (I think there’s one more book left.) I didn’t like it as much as Passenger, but you can’t skip out on it if you read Passenger 😉
Janine says
Thanks Bev for the recommendations, as well and going to have to check out both now, as well! 🙂
Dana says
It’s funny that you have two John Green novels here – An Abundance of Katherines is the Audible daily deal today, and that’s one of his too. I was thinking of getting it – I’ve only read The Fault in Our Stars, but my daughter has read most of his books.
We agreed on Swimming Lessons! I didn’t get a BOTM book this month – too many other ones on my to-read list!
Janine Huldie says
I definitely recommend The Abundance of Katherines as it really was such a fun book to read. Oh and I ended getting two new books from BOTM as I had an extra credit from having reviewed and been dissatisfied with Lucky You from January’s box. But am only beginning the first of the two as I also had a few others on my list before them.
Allison Sunde says
Not surprised BOM gave a credit for the poor review of Erika Carter’s Lucky You. I felt the same way about the book. BOM allows do dissent, apparently. They’ve pulled the book from the discussion list. The ONLY one removed?!? I left my review on amazon and it was also deleted?!? It stands now at a 5. Brilliant, compelling, superbly ended?!? ?Thanks for you HONEST reviews. Picking up Swimming Lessons soon.
Janine says
Wow, I didn’t realize Lucky You was pulled from their discussion boards. Plus very interesting about your review being pulled. I reviewed on Goodreads and need to check that out. Thanks for sharing and just glad to know I wasn’t the only one to not enjoy Lucky You. Oh and I think you will enjoy Swimming Lessons though 😉