Another couple months have passed since my last book recap and I’ve checked a few more off my list. I usually like to separate them by 3 categories: skip it, good books and my favorites. The 4 books I’ve read in the last two months were hard to place for me, but I’ll give it my best shot.
Good Books:
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This was suspenseful and interesting, but I hated all of the characters. I used to think if I hated all the characters, I would hate the book, but I thought this one was decent. If you want a little mystery and you are one of the few people that hasn’t already read this popular choice, go for it. I definitely wouldn’t say it’s my favorite, but it kept me interested.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
I’m still trying to figure out what I thought of this book. It took me a long time to read and I was super excited because I know a ton of people that are really into it, but it didn’t grab my full attention until about 100 pages in. I think I’m going to read the second book or maybe watch the TV show to see if that helps sway me one way or another. Did anyone else have indifference about this one? I really started to love some of the characters halfway through the book and they kept me moving forward – I think that’s why I’m interested to hear other’s thoughts on whether or not I should continue.
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
After Outlander, this book was perfect. It was ridiculous and funny and still a “mystery.” My college roommate told me about this author a long time ago and finally I grabbed this at the airport bookstore. I couldn’t put it down. This is a great vacation book and I’ll definitely be checking out some more by him.
My Favorite:
A Good American by Alex George
This story follows a family for a few generations. If someone would have described it to me, I probably would have skipped it. I kept putting it aside for other books until it’s due date back to the library was approaching. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the people in this book and was a fan of the writing style. It’s definitely not suspenseful or over the top exciting, it’s just a good story about a family in the Midwest over a few generations.
Up Next – ??????
So, now I’m excited to see what others are recommending. Make sure to link up with Steph and Jana for their monthly book chat.
I have been trying to get into Outlander but just can't make it a few pages before either falling asleep or zoning out. My friends love it so I am trying to give it a chance.
Recently I really enjoyed The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton!
I totally understand what you mean about Outlander. I read the first 4 books a few years ago, and I loved them, but they are REALLY long and it's kinda easy to lose your train of thought. I haven't seen the show yet, but I feel like it will almost be better…aka shorter 😉
I totally agree with you about hating the characters from The Girl On The Train! I've never dealt with addiction myself, but I just didn't understand why Rachel just didn't do something about her life!
I'm a huge fan of Outlander (and the TV show really does the book justice, which sometimes doesn't happen!), but I totally understand why you didn't know what to think about it. It's a little dark, and during the first couple hundred pages I kept on wondering when this amazing Scottish Highlander was going to turn up!
i LOVED Outlander. It took a bit to grab me, but then I freaking LOVED it. I am still stuck on #2, it's just so loooooooong haha but definitely definitely definitely watch the tv show and then let me know what you think!
I'll check out A Good American.
I've tried with Hiassen. He's just not for me.
If the writing is good, I can hate all the characters and still like the book. As in The Girl on the Train.
Thanks for your recommendations- I'm especially interested now in A Good American!
I felt the same way about The Girl on the Train!
YAY! I SO enjoyed Skinny Dip! I've really enjoyed the 3 books of his that I've read so far. I've discovered that Hiassen's work is sort of like opera or the ballet – you either like it or you don't, plain and simple. So great to run into someone else who likes his books, too! Happy reading!
I know The Girl on the Train had mixed reviews due to the character, but the fact that they were so damaged and despicable made it all the more interesting to me.
I enjoyed The Girl on the Train but I understand completely what you mean about the characters!
I liked and hated the Girl on the Train at the same time. It was well written but it made me cringe! I just picked up The Lake House by Kate Morton and See Me by Nicholas Sparks at the library tonight, plus I am reading Drew Barrymore's new book. Happy reading!
I added The Good American.
I had mixed feelings about The Girl on the Train. On the onehand, I really liked the story. It kept me intrigued. On the otherhand, the characters were so awful and annoying it made it bothersome to read at times.