2021 Year End

Goodbye 2021, hello 2022 

2021, I wish I could say that I will miss you but the best I can do is say you were better than the previous year. According to Goodreads, I read 8,679 pages in 2021. My book goal was 30 books. 

My favorite read is the wonderful "The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. Le Guin. A Le Guin book taking the number one spot for me should be no surprise, she was an amazing author that has left behind a treasure trove of works. My least favorite read is "The Maidens" by Alex Michaelides. I'm still mad about this book. The biggest surprise read is "Survive The Night" by Riley Sager. I had little to no expectations going into it. I read the blurb that BotM had on their website, thought it sounded interesting and gave it a go. I'm so happy I did. Is it perfect? No, but it was so enjoyable to read. 

I set my reading goal this year for 50 books. That will be almost one a week giving me a little leeway in case something comes up. I had been planning on writing a review for every book I read last year, which obviously didn't happen, so I'm going to try again this year. I'm going to also work on making my reviews better. How? Hopefully, through practice. 

Another goal I have is to, finally, make a dent in my tbr list. My bookshelves groan under the weight of all the books Tetrised into them. I'm just a sucker for buying books. Anyway, here is wishing everyone a good 2022. 

Razorblade Tears

 Title: Razorblade Tears

Author: S.A. Cosby

What’s it about?

When a beloved young couple gets brutally murdered their fathers decide to take matters into their own hands and hunt down the people responsible for the murder of their sons. 

Did I like it?

I enjoyed Razorblade Tears. I figured out the “mystery” pretty early on but there was enough to the story to still enjoy the characters figuring it out. The revenge plot is second to the character growth the two fathers go through, in my opinion. Ike and Buddy Lee are two ex-cons that struggle to deal with the fact that their sons were gay. Ike and Buddy Lee aren’t just rough around the edges, both men did some pretty nasty things. The one thing that saves the dads, for me, is that I could see they did love their sons and they realized how they acted towards them was terrible. Cosby didn’t shy away from the fact that Ike and Buddy Lee were wrong in how they treated their sons. Instead, Cosby embraces it and forces his characters to see their actions and realize how much they must have hurt their sons. 

Who would I recommend it to?

I think this book would be an excellent choice for a book group. However, there are a few things a reader should know before picking this up. There is lots of violence and strong language. If this were a movie it would sit solidly in the R rating. It deals with LGBTQ issues and racism and doesn’t shy away from how nasty people can get. 

Did I purchase it?

I purchased this through Book of the Month

Rating

4/5

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

 Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

What’s it about?

A low-level writer gets told by her boss her next assignment is to do an interview with Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Confused as to why her, but excited because she sees this as her big chance Monique heads off to Evelyn’s Manhattan apartment. Once there Evelyn surprises Monique by telling her she doesn’t want to do the interview for the magazine, instead, she wants Monique to write her life story. Seeing this as the opportunity of a lifetime Monique accepts the offer. Over the course of the book Evelyn, someone that prized her privacy, tells Monique everything. 

Did I like it?

This is the second book from Reid, the first being Malibu Rising. While Malibu Rising was a fun story that I enjoyed, I loved this book. Evelyn’s life made for an interesting tale but what took this book from enjoyed to loved was the characters. I loved the characters, even the people that were terrible and there was no short supply of those. Evelyn is a character who would do whatever it took to get what she wanted. Was she selfish? Yes, unquestionably, but it was presented in such a human way that I found myself cheering her on. I wanted Evelyn to come out on top and win. The character of Harry nearly stole the show for me. If Reid ever decides to write a book about Harry’s life I would be there at midnight to pick it up. 

All that said, there were a few things I didn’t enjoy. Monique herself was fine and I liked seeing the growth she made over the course of the story, but every time there was a part in her perspective I found myself rushing through it to get back to Evelyn. She wasn’t a bad character but she couldn’t hold a candle to the larger-than-life Evelyn. 

While I thought the capital M mystery surrounding why Monique was picked had a good resolution I found the execution to be somewhat clunky. It seemed like Monique’s parts were just to remind the reader there was more to the story than just hearing about Evelyn’s fantastical life. There was a mystery too. I would have rather Monique and her boss wonder why she was picked but then once Monique got to Evelyn’s place that was dropped until the reveal. It took me out of the story every time I was reminded that there was more to the story of Evelyn Hugo than what she was telling Monique. 

Honestly, this is the very thing that holds this book back from being a 5-star for me. Keeping the entire thing in either Monique’s POV or third person would have made the story flow smoother, in my opinion. I think this would have also justified having Monique’s POV in the first place. As it is, while I do like the character of Monique, I feel like she didn’t get the story she deserved. Maybe Reid will go back to that character in a future book, but I doubt it. 

Who would I recommend it to?

I would recommend this book in a heartbeat. I think a person that enjoys old-school Hollywood would have a great time reading this. There is also a wonderfully heartbreaking LGBT+ love story. There is plenty for a book group to discuss as well. 

Did I purchase it?

Yes, this was an add-on with my Book of the Month subscription.

Rating 4/5

Survive the Night

 Title: Survive The Night

Author: Riley Sager

What’s it about?

All Charlie wanted to do was get away from the nightmare her college life became. Her roommate and best friend was murdered, most likely by a serial killer named the Campus Killer. Cheesy name? Yes, but that’s beside the point. Charlie hasn’t driven since her parents were killed in a car accident so she needs someone to drive her home. In this case, home is where her grandmother lives which is a few states away. Enter Josh. He is heading home to take care of his father that recently had a stroke. He wants someone to share the cost of gas with and have some company for the long ride. At least, that is what he initially told Charlie. Over the course of the drive, things start getting a bit wild with Charlie unable to tell what is real and what isn’t. See, Charlie has a condition where she can’t handle the stress of reality so her mind conjures up delusions to escape into. Set in a time period where everyone doesn’t have a cell phone in their pocket Charlie begins a confusing and dangerous game with her life as the stakes.

Did I like it?

I enjoyed reading this book. In fact, I ended up reading it in one day because I found it so enjoyable. Do I think it is fine literature? Absolutely not. Do I think it was a bit of fun escapism? Absolutely yes. From different reviews I’ve seen I get the impression people either liked the book or didn’t. I can understand why for the most part. Without getting into spoiler territory it’s hard to address specific complaints so I’ll just say some of the main complaints just didn’t bother me. One complaint I will address is people thinking it was dumb Charlie didn’t wait the extra few days so her boyfriend could drive her. I’d like to point out, minor spoilers I guess, that the reason she decided she couldn’t wait was that she was breaking up with him. I can’t blame her for not wanting to get in a car with him for many hours and then dump him when they got there. It would be kind of a jerk move on her part as well. 

Who would I recommend it to?

I’d recommend this book to a variety of different people. The subject matter places it solidly in adult fiction but I think people that normally stick with YA fiction could find it enjoyable. Depending on the teen I could see them enjoying it as well. I’ve heard people say this book is a thriller which I guess is true. I’d go more with psychological thriller if I had to keep it in that category but I think it’s more a mystery with psychological elements. 

Charlie is a movie buff so the book is filled with movie talk and references. I didn’t find it annoying but I could see that being a turn-off for some people. 

I’m not sure it would be a good fit for a book club. I don’t think the plot is strong enough to support an in-depth analysis. Maybe if it is a movie-themed group? There are a lot of references. 

Did I purchase it?

I got this book through the Book of the Month club as an add-on. I do not plan on making it a permanent part of my collection.

Rating 4/5

A Bag Of Marbles

 Title: A Bag Of Marbles

Author: Joseph Joffo, Edward Gauvin, Kris, Vincent Bailly

What’s it about?

This graphic novel serves as a memoir of Joseph Joffo’s journey to live somewhere safe from Nazi control. The story follows Joseph and Maurice as they move farther and farther away from their home in Paris. Their parents and two older brothers are in the memoir as well, but the story belongs to the two youngest. Gauvin’s illustrations beautifully capture the world the Joffo’s had to survive in. 

Did I like it?

I enjoyed this graphic novel. Memoirs from this time period are always difficult for me to get through due to the subject matter, but I found myself able to actually enjoy the story and not just for educational purposes. Since this is a translation I am not sure if the credit goes to the original author or the translator but whichever one it is they are a heck of a storyteller. I feel like it is the work of Joseph Joffo since there is a scene in the beginning that talks about his father being a storyteller. Either way, it was an enjoyable read which surprised me. 

Who would I recommend it to?

I would recommend this book to everyone. Seriously, I think everyone should read it. It is less than 200 pages and coupled with the illustrations makes the tale extremely accessible. I also 

feel that it would be appropriate for children, depending on the child of course. 

Did I purchase it?

No, I borrowed this from my library but I do intend on picking it up if I see it in my local bookstore.

Rating 4.5/5

The Midwife's Tale

 Title: The Midwife’s Tale

Author: Sam Thomas

What’s it about?

Bridget Hodgson is a widowed midwife in 1600’s York. In between guiding new life into the world and surviving a siege on her city, Bridget finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. With the help of her servant Martha Bridget hunts down clues and questions the people of York to try and find a murder.

Did I like it?

This novel is the first of a series called the Midwife Mysteries. I’ve been looking for a new series to get into and after reading the summary I figured I would give it a go. The book was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. Did I love it? No. It wasn’t bad but I didn’t enjoy it enough to keep going with the series. My two main issues are I didn’t like the resolution of the mystery and I didn’t care for Bridget. Without delving into spoiler territory I’ll just say the resolution ended up using a trope I don’t care for and tacked on a bit more that I felt was done just for shock value. 

As for Bridget, she started out alright but by the end of the story, she seemed to be dipping her toes in best at everything water. I think I would have liked it better if the story was focused on Martha instead of Bridget. Bridget is a high-class woman and Martha is a servant. I think Martha would have made for a more engaging main character. At least, I think she would have for me. 

Who would I recommend it to?

If you are someone that enjoys historical fiction, especially in the time and place this is set in, there is a good chance you’d enjoy this. There were quite a few words that I didn’t know the meanings of so I had to look them up. I enjoy learning something and found that to be fun. It wasn’t enough to make following the story impossible, it was more like a little bonus for those that enjoy that sort of thing. 

I think it could be a good book for a book group depending on the tastes of the group. 

If you enjoy mainstream mystery stories and don’t mind the historical fiction aspect I think it would be worth trying. It reminds me of the Stephanie Plum mysteries in a way. Both have a strong female lead with memorable side characters. There wasn’t a romantic interest in this book but there could be in a future one. Just going off the first book I’d say it is more about female friendship than romantic relationships.

Did I purchase it?

No, I borrowed this from my library.

Rating

3.5/5

Not A Happy Family

Title: Not A Happy Family

Author: Shari Lapena

What’s it about?

When a wealthy couple ends up murdered everyone wants to know why and who did it. Suspicion falls on their three adult children, each one in line to receive a large inheritance. The story follows all the different family members and the police as each one tries to figure out who the culprit is. 

Did I like it?

This was my first Shari Lapena novel and I am kicking myself for not reading her books earlier. I enjoyed following all the characters and clues and trying to solve the murder. I found the ending to be very satisfying which is where, imo, mystery authors tend to fail. Lapena did not disappoint and I will be heading to the library to pick up another of her books. 

Who would I recommend it to?

I found this book to be an easy and engaging read so I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a good murder mystery. It would be a perfect pick for a summer vacation read. I think a book club could get some mileage out of it. My copy was 368 pages long. One thing to be aware of is that there are alot of different characters, so if you are someone that has trouble keeping names straight you might want to take notes. I didn’t have any trouble with it but I do think it is worth noting. 

Did I purchase it?

Yes, It was my August 2021 Book of the Month pick.

Rating: 4.5/5