August 2019 Reading List
WHAT I READ THIS MONTH AND WHAT Iβm diving into next month // WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING, COOKING FROM OR BROWSING THROUGH FOR INSPO?
Where the Crawdads Sing //
I finally got my hands on a copy of this book, and then proceeded to read it in one day because it was that enthralling (but also largely in part because I was sick on the couch). The story of Kya is captivating and enchanting, filled with romance (but not in a cheesy way) and murder (but not in a suspenseful way). Abandoned in the marshes at a young age by every member of her family and outcast and ridiculed by every person in town, Kya is left to her own defenses, using the nature around her as guidance, support and help. Just a few parts of the book get a tad slow (aka I skimmed over them), but majority of the book is filled with emotions, soul, poetry and a few unexpected surprises that will keep you hooked and hopeful for Kya until the very end.
Out East //
Iβm usually a sucker for stories that are memoirs, especially ones that take place in areas that Iβm familiar with (Hello NY + Montauk), but I had a hard time finishing this book. I think the author does a great job writing in a way that makes you feel almost like youβre a part of the story, or youβre hearing the story from a friend. Itβs easy to read. At the same time, the majority of the book is centered on partying or recovering from partying, which basically left me feeling like I was reading a book version of Bravoβs Summer House. Well, that and that Iβve suddenly become much older than I realized. Not all that long ago I myself would have been spending far too much time partyingβ¦.and yet now, reading about one long summer of partying just starts to get a little redundant and dull after a while. And honestly, I think it takes away from what this story is truly about.
More Than Words //
I grabbed this book on a whim and it ended up being an unexpected page turner that had me hooked until the end. Hereβs the thing, you think the main character, Nina, is going to be the typical rich Manhattan socialite type, but, spoiler alert, sheβs not. The story follows her through breaking free from who she is βsupposedβ to be, family secrets, lost love and death, to finding her true self. Are there a few predictable parts? Sure! But there are still a few surprises and itβs a pretty easy read, so if youβre looking for something for the beach, or to get through in a weekend, this is it.
Up Next: Looking forward to picking up The Smart One, Iβve just started One Day in December and Iβm still on the wait-list for City of Girls. Also, Iβm really looking forward to Cannelle et Vanille coming out at the end of Septemberβ¦it looks beautiful and delicious!