I’m being optimistic with this March graphic as Michigan is mired in low temperatures right now. Earlier we had 70 degrees, but that was a tease from Mother Nature. Now, the sunshine (and reading) are best enjoyed from inside. A circumstance I’m happy to use as an excuse to curl up on the couch!
Dear William: A Father's Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss by David Magee
Published by Matt Holt
Publication date: November 2, 2021
Your Local Book Store, Amazon
Dear William supposed to be a memoir about his son’s death from a drug overdose but the bulk of the book is author Dave Magee’s own story. While the basics of his life are compelling, one of two children adopted by a religious couple with their own issues, his story left me cold. A lot of rationalizing and resentment towards everyone that still exists and comes through in his writing. The son’s problems felt like an afterthought. Actually, everyone’s problems were secondary to his.
Dilettante by Dana Brown: Fabulous memoir by the deputy editor of Vanity Fair. My review
The Heights by Louise Candlish: Well-done psychological suspense. My review
Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies by Laura Thompson
Published by St. Martin's Press
Publication date: February 1, 2022
Your Local Book Store, Amazon
The Heiresses is written in a chatty tone with modern jargon that doesn’t mesh well with the overabundance of facts unrelated to the subject the author is currently describing. It creates confusion as the thread of each narrative is lost amongst too many arcane historical facts. I also didn’t realize it was going to begin with heiresses going all the way back to the 1600s meaning there is no firsthand commentary from the heiresses themselves. I got bogged down by the 1800s and gave up.
The Honeybee Emeralds by Amy Tector: Review to follow
Happy at Any Cost by Kirsten Grind: Biography of Tony Hseih, founder of Zappos. Fact that reads like fiction. My review
Fake by Erica Katz
Published by Harper
Publication date: February 22, 2022
Your Local Book Store, Amazon
If you love classic poor-girl-gets-to-live-amongst-the-rich stories then Fake is a yummy smorgasbord of Russian oligarchs, yachts, world travel, designer clothes, and priceless art. All experienced by a naive young artist who makes a legitimate living painting forgeries of masterpieces to be displayed by wealthy owners and museums, while the originals are safely stored in vaults. Except there’s always a price to pay and Fake is no different. This is a fun fast novel of suspense and while the outcome is inevitable the journey is entertaining.
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan: Sequel to A Visit from the Good Squad. Review to follow
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard: Lockdown suspense novel. My review
That’s all I’ve got for March! How was your month and your reading?
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*I received a free copy of The Heiresses from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.*
Your March reading was much better than mine. I ended up reading just 5 books, and I had one that I did not finish. I feel like I am in a reading slump. Of the books that I finished all were 4 stars. The book that I chose for my monthly favorite was “The Golden Couple”. Wether it will stick with me is debatable only time will tell.
I am hoping to have a more enjoyable reading month in April. Any advice to get out of my reading slump?
Reading slumps are hard! If it’s really bad, I turn away from books and read magazines and/or watch TV. Otherwise, I either try rereading a favorite or going with a genre that’s heavy on plot, less on writing- like thrillers or chick-lit.
I’m so with you on Dear William. Well said!
Seemed as if he had way more issues to resolve.
March was long and personally stressful so I’m glad to see it go away! Had some good reading, though.
I’m sorry to hear. I hope April is better!