Even though I feel like I have barely picked up a book recently, I also realize that I haven’t recapped recent reads in a while. I’m heading to the library with my new library card today and I’m pumped to click around and find some to add to my list.
Here is a run down of the last four books I’ve read:
Girl Last Seen by Nina Laurin (Amazon on sale/Goodreads) – I picked this up at Target on a whim while we were traveling and I think I finished it in three days. It was a good suspense, but not too scary. I also like reading suspenseful books this time of year when the days are getting shorter and Halloween is around the corner and this one fit that description. It’s the story of two missing girls 13 years apart and how their stories could possibly be connected. I felt like the set up of the story was great and then the action went really fast and seemed rushed, but I would recommend it to anyone that likes this genre.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Amazon/Goodreads) – When I started this book, I didn’t think I’d finish it. It didn’t seem like something I was interested in. I can’t remember at what point I changed my mind, but I did a complete 180. I ended up really liking this story. It follows a young journalist capturing the life story of a movie star that had seven marriages in her lifetime. You find out who her true love was and the outcome of their relationship. And I really loved the ending, but I bet there’s definitely people that disagree.
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins (Amazon/Goodreads) – I didn’t like this story as much as Girl on the Train, but it was entertaining enough. My biggest issue with it was the amount of story lines I had to keep up with. There were a lot of characters and it jumped around a lot. I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it.
And my favorite of this round up:
Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye by Rachel Joyce (Amazon/Goodreads) – This is the story of a man taking a journey that is so unusual for him. It talks about his life and some of the sadness he has faced and the struggles in his marriage. I couldn’t put it down because I had so much love for this character and I felt like I needed to walk with him. It touches on the realness of human nature. It gave me similar feelings to reading A Man Called Ove, so if you liked that, I would give this book a chance.
If you are like me and making a library trip soon, make sure to click around the best book lover’s link-up on the internet. Plus, Steph is giving away prizes. Click here.
Have you read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? Did you love the ending or hate it? I’m intrigued (but don’t give it away in the comments.)
I loved Seven Husbands!
I'm waiting on Girl Last Seen from the library. I'm glad you enjoyed it! That's my sweet spot genre.
I loved both Evelyn and Into the Water. I liked Into the Water more than Girl on the Train, which I really enjoyed as well.
I thought the end of Evelyn fit the book. It is rare for me to take exception with an author's chosen ending.
i had super low expectations for evelyn hugo based on the synopsis but still held out hope because i'd enjoyed her other books, and i am so glad i ended up loving it more than i thought. it didn't sound like anything i'd enjoy but man, TJR can write. i loved the ending, but you're right there will always be people who disagree or hate it.
I had similar feelings about Into the Water– so much going on! I definitely want to check out the Unlikely Pilgrimage.
I've heard good things about Seven Husbands but no, I have not read it. I'm glad you had a mostly good reading month. I didn't really love Girl on the Train, so I can't say Into the Water intrigues me.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I loved Evelyn Hugo and had no problem with the ending. My only real, minor quibble was the connection (twist) between her and the journalist didn't illicit any real response for me because I didn't know enough or care about the journalist to feel shock or outrage or whatever. But the actual ending, fit Evelyn to a T. Girl Last Seen sounds interesting, adding it to my TBR!
just finished into the water so it'll be on my linkup next month, but yes, totally agree with your thoughts!
I just got the seven husbands because I really want to read it!
I want to read everything on your list!
I didn't like Into the Water but enjoyed The Girl on the Train. I liked The Seven Husbands but was surprised at how different it was than her other books. I added the Unlikely Pilgrimage to my to read list since I just read A Man Called Ove and enjoyed it.
Evelyn Hugo is without a doubt TJR's best book.
I've only just now heard about Evelyn Hugo – I'll definitely check that one out. Also want to read Into the Water and Girl Last Seen.
I'm not sure if I will like Evelyn Hugo or not. It doesn't seem like my thing. Good to know about Harold Fry. I had it on my TBR, but you make it sound great! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I have heard so many great things about Evelyn Hugo and the writer – I just haven't jumped on that train yet! I also thought the same thing about Into the Water – so much to follow, it just got complicated at one point.