Let’s do this!
–Marissa
Bookworm by Robin Yeatman is a shorter novel that’s billed at suspense and darkly comedic. Victoria just wants to read books, instead of deal with her condescending husband, but when she spots a stranger in a coffee shop, she’s convinced they are soul mates, and she begins thinking of ways to extricate herself from her life. I enjoyed this novel enough during reading, but utterly forgot the plot a few days after I was done.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid was a re-read ahead of the new Prime series, but this time, I listened to it, which was a different but still enjoyable experience!
Off the Map by Trish Doller is the third in the “Beck Sisters” series, the previous two I really loved. This time, we have iterant traveler Carla traveling to Ireland for a wedding and roadtripping to the nuptials with strait-laced Eamon. Naturally, obstacles on the road ensue, as does their falling for each other. I enjoyed this, but wasn’t as pulled in by their chemistry and characters as Float Plan or The Suite Spot. Still, I’ll read any romance she writes!
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell is basically the Great British Bake Off meets Agatha Christie at a gothic Vermont estate. We’ve got insider views of the (fictional) tv show, a murder, a wide variety of characters, and easy prose. It wasn’t edge of your seat reading, but a interesting debut.
Maame by Jessica George was an audiobook listen for me, which absolutely added to the experience of this coming-of-age-in-your-20s novel. Maddie is trying to navigate a father’s failing health, relationships, moving out, job woes, a mother gone to Ghana most of the year and new friendships – it’s a LOT for a girl to take. I really loved Maddie and her struggles which felt poignant instead of trite, her inner explorations of herself and her culture, and finding where she belongs. A great listen.
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben was a page-turner for sure! David is serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of his young son, but when his ex-sister-in-law arrives with a bombshell that could turn the case, David has to take matters into his own hands. We’ve got a prison break, twists and turns, unexpected help, and the mystery of what really happened that night. A solid suspense novel!
Feral by Emily Pennington has the subtitle “Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks” is a good summary of this memoir. Emily retrofits a minivan and hits the road with the goal of visiting all 62 National Parks in a year, but of course, things get in the way – a pandemic, a break up, wildfires, and her own safety and sanity. Though I wanted more of a denouement from Emily, I really enjoyed this memoir and her visits to so many parks, and how she managed to much of it solo. I enjoyed it!
stubbornsunshine.com 