More & More Reviews

We’ve got a grab bag this time around, let’s go!

–Marissa

Drowning by TJ Newman was quite simply, unputdownable! A plane crashed into the Pacific, a scramble for survival, a dozen passengers trapped in the plane under the ocean, and time running out. This was intense, thrilling, felt realistic despite the premise, filled with likable characters, heartbreaking and fast-paced. I was worried to read it (since I do fly quite a bit), but man, it drew me in immediately and kept me ratcheted to my seat!

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister was an audiobook listen and was like her past novels – quietly and heartbreakingly written, filled with compelling and flawed characters, and just… gentle and sad and warm and hopeful all at once. This novel ties together nine characters – often by a thread – who have been affected by one novel. To say anymore would ruin the effect of this quiet novel. Her writing is lovely.

The Wager by David Grann was a must-read, as I’ve enjoyed his other nonfiction works. This time he takes on the sailing, shipwreck, mutiny and eventual return of the crew of the Wager, a British vessel that sailed in 1742. This was a fascinating story, but I did find myself getting bogged down at times. I know it was so, so researched, but I wanted it to move more like a story than a research paper. Fascinating, though!

My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin was an audiobook listen, and is ostensibly a coming-of-age novel but one that involves non-consensual sex, an affair with a professor, family rifts, bad decisions and growing up. I wasn’t left wrecked by this story, it felt like it just meandered along – almost like a stream of consciousness story from a friend – until it just ended. It was… fine, but ultimately not memorable.

The Fun Habit by Mike Rucker was… fine, but I didn’t glean any earth-shattering gems from it. I didn’t have more fun after reading it. LOL