Hola mis amigos. Estoy en Mexico y estoy feliz. 😆 (Translation: I’m in Mexico and I’m happy.)
I needed to recharge my batteries and let me tell you this trip is doing just that for me. My husband and I are sitting around, soaking up the sun, eating and drinking about 8 million calories each day, and, most importantly, talking to one another. WHAT?!? We have an amazing life and I definitely miss my kiddos so much, but it’s been a long time since just the two of us have sat around talking with one another for hours at a time. I actually really like this guy! 🙂
Today I’m just checking in to say hi and give you a quick recap of the books I’ve read this past month and a half. I didn’t do a Four Points Mom & Books post in November because of the giveaway craziness, so I’m going to do some catch up now and hopefully have another post about my books at the end of December.
If you want to catch up on my previous book reviews from the past couple of months, you can find August’s post here, September’s post here, and October’s post here.
This past month of reading was so-so. There were a couple books that I enjoyed but I didn’t love anything until my last book. The first books I read were “blah” but thankfully my last one made up for it all. I read it in a little over two days because it was THAT good.
Okay, let’s get to it!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Okay, first let me tell you that Reese Witherspoon (who happens to be my absolutely favorite actress) just bought the rights to this book. So, she loved it. But this was one of those times when I have to acknowledge that I am not the same person as Reese. I tried to pull off her short haircut from Sweet Home Alabama when I was a sophomore in college and realized realized this then … ten inches too late.
This book reminded me of The Rosie Project in that the main character says and does things that you wish you didn’t have the social awareness to do yourself. I really enjoyed The Rosie Project, but this book just didn’t make me laugh quite as much as I cringed. Does that make sense?
As Time Goes By by Mary Higgins Clark
In high school, Mary Higgins Clark was my favorite author so I have a tender spot for her books. However, this one was a bit too predictable and I just tried to get through it. Sorry, but I didn’t love this one.
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
I know I’m a couple years to the party in reading this book, but it came up as a recommended read and I jumped on it. The movie was nominated for many awards a couple years ago and now I’m excited to watch it as well. The story follows an Irish immigrant in the 1950s who is pressured by her family to move to Brooklyn to support herself and hopefully find a brighter future for herself.
I enjoyed the story but, if I’m honest, the ending really left me thinking “Huh?!” And, like my friend Carrie, I enjoy to have books wrapped up neatly and nicely with a bow on it. 🙂
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
This book made me laugh, smile, cry, and deeply evaluate the situations I might be faced with as a mother in the coming years. Jude Farraday is a mom of twins, one of which is a very shy teenage girl and the other is the most popular boy in their class. Jude does everything she can to protect her kids and be the best mom. Lexi moves to town and becomes a wonderful friend to Jude’s daughter and Jude welcomes her into their family. The three teenagers make a bad decision the week of graduation that changes everyone’s lives forever.
Like I said, my emotions were all over the place when reading Night Road. And it just confirmed how hard this whole parenting thing is!
Kristin Hannah is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Many of you have probably read her infamous The Nightingale, but I really encourage you to also check out her other books. I’ve also read Firefly Lane (so good!), Fly Away, and Home Front.
Alright, you guys. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books or have any recommendations for what should be included in next month’s book review. Check out my Goodreads account to see what all I’ve read if you’re looking for even more suggestions too!
