It’s been a few months since I did my last On the Bookshelf round up, so I figured I’d give you a glimpse into what I’ve been reading this summer. Getting rid of cable has been the number one reason that my reading has increased this year and I’m so happy about it.

Skip it:

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

I saw a comparison to Gone Girl written all over the internet. I was looking for another book that instantly had a grip on me. This wasn’t really it. The story was OK and I read the whole book, but not really one I would recommend to others. I will probably see the movie though, so I guess that says something.

Good Books:

Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill

Ever since I had my first real life meeting with a Scientologist (full story here), I’ve been interested in the craziness behind this Sci-Fi religion. I haven’t seen the Going Clear documentary, but it’s on my list. This was the real life story of the niece of the current leader of the religion. It is a horribly sad story. The writing isn’t great, but knowing that the ending was happier than the rest of the story made it a little easier to get through. If you have any interest in learning more about this group of people. it’s a good read.

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Samson

This is a sequel to a book that I absolutely loved when reading it last year. I was so excited to see what was next for Don & Rosie. I was not disappointed. If you are a fan of Big Bang Theory, I really feel like Don has a lot in common with Sheldon (although a little more lovable because of Rosie.)

MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search For A New Best Friend by Rachel Bertsche

The reviews on this one are mixed, but I loved it. If you’ve ever found yourself in your twenties or thirties in a new city looking for friends, I think you’ll be nodding along just like I did. It was so helpful to know that I’m not crazy or alone. It was a good, easy read.

My Favorites:


All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I loved this book. I loved the different characters. The book jumps back and forth between the characters pretty quickly, which I thought might be confusing, but it helps keep you very engaged with everyone. It moves quite slowly, but in a way that makes you feel like you are experiencing the story in a more realistic way. This was originally from the library, but I couldn’t finish it before the due date so I ended up buying it. I just couldn’t wait to see what happens, plus I wanted to be able to share it.

The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Meyes

Another war story with two central characters, but very different from All The Light We Cannot See. JoJo Meyes might be one of my new favorite authors. This story pulls together two different time periods and two different woman by one similar possession. I loved it. Lots of people liked one story much more than the other, but I think they needed each other to make this book great.

**Up Next: The Outlander and Good American

Tell me what you’ve been reading lately or better yet, go link up with Steph like me and share with everyone. Happy Tuesday!