Book Review: You by Caroline Kepnes

I first heard about this book on one of my favourite podcasts, For Crying Out Loud, and the hosts raved about it the entire time they were reading it. One host was reading the book and one was listening the audio book, both ladies loved it no matter how they were ‘reading’ it and because I have a couple Audible.com credits burning a hole in my account (I really need to remember to cancel my monthly subscription!!) I decided to download the audio version for some entertainment to and from work. FYI they picked the perfect guy to read it, I got shivers. Also this book was 6+ hours so definitely worth the Audible credit.

I am always nervous about writing book reviews because I don’t want to give too much away but I don’t want to not say anything either. Hopefully I don’t ruin anything for anyone!

There are two main characters in book, Joe and Beck. After a random meeting and subsequent obsession, Joe uses modern technology to stalk and somewhat control Beck’s life. He’s creepy and crazy but somehow also kind and sexy. I went back and forth between disgust and compassion for him, and feeling sorry for and wanting to slap her. It was a roller coaster of emotions and sometimes even though you know what he is doing is so wrong, you kind of root for him. Read (or listen to it!) and you will see.

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The ladies actually had Caroline Kepnes on the show to talk about the book and she said at this point she is planning a trilogy, so we should expect two more books and I for sure will be reading them.

I really enjoyed this book but it was creepy, and I think I would read it again in a couple years but hopefully I don’t have to and can read the new books instead. And now to figure out how my library’s app works for online books because I love listening to them while driving!

What are some favourites you have read lately?

Book Review: The Girl on the Train

Our book club choseThe Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins for our latest pick and it was great for how I planned to read it – poolside with a cocktail in hand. Actually I tend stand in the pool and wander while reading but you know what I mean.

I didn’t have a chance to pick up the book before we left for our vacation so as soon as we got off the plane in Vegas we checked the store in the terminal and I was thrilled to see it in stock (I wasn’t going to chance being bookless by the pool) so I scooped that baby up. And I attracted a lot of attention with it – my first trip down to the pool I picked my spot in the pool right by an older woman who had just finished it. Every time I looked up and she could sense I was taking a brief reading break, she asked me where I was, how I liked it, etc. She loved it btw.

I really enjoyed it as well. I am not always one for thrillers (I actually didn't really like Gone Girl) but this one had me pretty hooked, I kept changing my mind as to what had happened. Pretty sure I drove my husband a little batty because every few chapters I would exclaim, “I was wrong! Oh this (I don’t want to ruin it for you…) must have happened!”

It turns out I did not know what happened ever and the ending totally shocked me; I didn’t see it coming at all.

The characters were brought to life for me, I always like it when I can see them in my head, and the story moved at a good pace. I would totally read this again in a couple years.

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Book Review | Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

I am not sure what drew me to this book but something did and it was my latest pick for book club.  I really enjoyed it but I know a couple people didn't, and in fact didn't even finish the book. It didn't grab them but it's not one of those books... it's not a book that has an exciting story line with lots of ups and downs, it's the story of Zelda's life. I have always loved hearing about people's lives and in history that is what draws me in the most, hearing who people were, how they lived and the relationships they had. The emotions and struggles of every day life and how they survived.  Plus I am convinced I was meant to be born a southern belle.  And Zelda was a southern belle.

 

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

 

 

 

If I were to give this book a rating it would be a B.  I really enjoyed it, I am happy I read it but I probably wouldn't read it again and I understand why other people would not like it.

 

I went to Costco yesterday to find a couple books for our trip but for some reason they had the worst selection... then my sister told me that my mom has her copy of the Rosie Project, another book I have heard is really good. So I am going to borrow that one and then I guess I will just have to take a trip to Target for a new book when that's done.  Yay Target!

 

What books do y'all recommend?

 

 

   

Book Review: Paper Towns

Our latest pick for wine book club was Paper Towns by John Green. When I read the summary on the back cover of my SIL's copy I'm pretty sure I made a 'this sounds lame and I have no desire to read it' scowl but fair is fair and we all get to take turns choosing. And she really wanted to read it. Plus she lent me her copy so I didn't have to buy it... and I really must remember to return it her...
 


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I powered through this sucker while we were on vacation last month and I have to say that after the first few pages I was hooked. It was nothing like I had imagined and I couldn't get enough. And then I got halfway through the book... and it just kind of stopped. It's hard to explain without giving away the book but after such an exciting first half that kept me wanting more, the book seemed to stall. There was no headway and it got to the point where I was reading it just to finish it but nothing was really happening. And then right towards the end it got good again (spoiler alert: it involves a road trip) but then the actual ending felt pretty anticlimactic to me.

All in all I am glad I read it but I wouldn't read it again.  If I had to grade it I would give it a B-.

As some of you may have already realized John Green is also the author of Fault in Our Stars, a book that I purchased a couple months ago and am now wondering if I will ever read it. I did see 3/4 of the movie but we landed with 20 minutes left to go and I let the rental expire before I finished it. I will watch the end but I don't think I'll ever read the book - anyone want to buy a brand-new never cracked book?  Seriously the spine is totally intact!

My pick is next and I chose Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald. I really hope it doesn't suck...

What is the best book you have ever read?