WHAT TO READ THIS MONTH, BOOKS I’VE PICKED UP RECENTLY AND MY THOUGHTS ON THEM + WHAT I’M DIVING INTO NEXT// WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING, COOKING FROM OR BROWSING THROUGH FOR INSPO?

THE HOPEFULS //

As someone who is not normally an overly political person, I’m not sure what compelled me to grab this book. However, I’m glad I did, because I really enjoyed it. While it is fiction, I really appreciate how the story does such a good job portraying politics and DC from the perspective of those actually working in it. It also helps you understand what it’s like to be young, hopeful and coming to DC, eager to work for change and what that actually looks like-- the long hours, hard work, gossiping, back stabbing, jealously, connections, money and what it can give but what it can also take away. There were a few predictable moments, but overall I really enjoyed this book, and, even though the topic is politics, it’s a fairly easy read.

THE THIRD HOTEL //

I was really intrigued by the description of this book, the fact that it was set in Cuba, the mystery and intrigue of the story. But after reading through a third of the book, the only thing that was a mystery to me is how this book had such incredible reviews. I felt like the story was hard to follow, confusing, jumpy and honestly, very repetitive and boring. Reading and re-reading parts had me questioning my sanity almost as much as the main character questioned hers.Needless to say, I couldn't even be bothered to finish the book.

Up Next: Looking forward to picking up Where the Crawdads Sing, Out East and Elizabeth Gilbert’s newest book, City of Girls. Also, Recipes from an Italian Summer sounds like the perfect book to cook from in July.