I always like to reflect on the month’s reading. Both to review what I’ve read and what I thought about each book, but also just to check in with myself to see how my reading habits are going. After using a Kindle for years, I had a bunch of “real” books that I had either purchased or had been gifted to me and so I’ve been working through that stack this summer. I…. forgot how enjoyable it is to hold a real book! It is a little more cumbersome in certain situations– and I think overall a Kindle just makes more sense for me right now– but it’s been a nice little interlude!! I have found myself tapping words to look up definitions, wishing I could switch fonts and make them a little bigger, and my totes are quite a bit heavier as I’m lugging multiple copies around…. but still, it’s nice to hold a real book every now and then!
Here’s what I read last month:
PARK AVENUE by Renée Ahdieh
3/5 Stars
This is billed as Crazy Rich Asians meets Succession… but it sort of fell flat for me. An ambitious up and coming lawyer at a top firm in NYC is given a case that will make or break her career. She’s in charge of helping a family sort out the divorce between the estranged mother and father of one of the most powerful (read: wealthy) families. I wanted to love it, but found myself rooting for no one.
THE ACADEMY by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
5/5 Stars
Elin Hilderbrand’s new novel is coming out next month and it’s good. I got an advanced copy and when I tell you I couldn’t put it down, I could. not. put. it. down. In true Elin fashion, it’s packed with juicy drama between the students, teachers, and even the parents… all unfolding over one unforgettable school year at a storied New England boarding school. The school and students come to life throughout the book and by the end, well, I needed MORE. I think if you’re a fan of Elin’s and love novels set on campuses, you’ll devour this one.
A FAMILY MATTER by Claire Lynch
3.5/5 Stars
If you’re searching for a family drama that leans more heavily on character development than a fast paced plot, try A Family Matter. It’s a pretty short read but has a lot to think about within the pages. Told between two time lines (past and present), it shares the story of a mother who is driven away from her family after falling in love with a woman. It would make an excellent book club choice– there is lots to discuss and think about.
SLEEP by Honor Jones
3/5 Stars
Another character driven book with a slow burn. I actually couldn’t put it down and enjoyed the writing style, but I didn’t love it overall. (Also definitely check content warnings on this– it addresses some heavy topics.) Also told in two timelines, you get the perspective of the main character as a child dealing with complicated relationships with her family and then as an adult when she’s a mother to her own children.
GREAT BLACK HOPE by Rob Franklin
4/5 Stars
I thought Great Black Hope had some of the most beautiful, interesting writing. The plot was a bit of a miss for me overall, but I would recommend reading it for the writing alone! Great Black Hope opens with Smith being arrested for possession of drugs at a party in the Hamptons one summer. The novel is a ride that covers class, race, addiction, and justice. There’s a lot to sink your teeth into.
THE COMPOUND by Aisling Rawle
4.5/5 Stars
Love Island meets The Hunger Games. I’ve never actually watched Love Island but after reading The Compound I want to. This was fast paced, kind of insane, and utterly unputdownable. I thought it was so fascinating and I have been telling all of my girlfriends to read it. This is a great book to pack for a vacation if you want something that you’ll be engrossed in, or if you’re in a reading slump and need something to really pull you in.
