Book reviews of some of my favorite books I’ve recently read to cozy up with this fall.
The photographer in me really doesn’t like the time change… the earlier setting sun means the less time during the day for photography. The book lover in me loves daylight savings time because I feel like the colder weather and darker evenings are an open invitation to cozy up with a good book.
I haven’t read much this year. In fact I’m only half way to meeting my goal of reading 35 books in 2014 and there are only 2 months left in the year! I guess I’d better get busy so I can share more book reviews with you!
I haven’t shared a Connect Through Reading book reviews post since March…not because I haven’t read anything good. Quite the opposite. I’ve read some great books, but just haven’t found the time to share them with you. Of course, if you follow me on Goodreads, you don’t have to wait to see what I’ve been reading and loved lately. Make sure to hop on over there so we can connect that way too.
I’ve read several books between my March book reviews post, but I’m only going to share my top few faves with you today! Read below for my thoughts on the books: Whistling Past the Graveyard, Landline, Love With a Chance of Drowning, and If I Stay.
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall is definitely going to be one of the top books I’ve read this year. Thanks to my friend, Amy’s, recommendation I moved it to the top of my “to be read” list and devoured it. Make sure to read Amy’s interview with the author, here.
Whistling Past the Graveyard is a story set in the 60’s, in the middle of segregation and the civil rights movement in the south. A young, red-headed southern girl runs away from home and seeks shelter with an unlikely African American woman. The two soldier through some tough times together and through it all, end up being more than just friends…they become family. If you enjoyed reading The Help you’ll definitely love this heartwarming story of friendship and survival.
I gave Whistling Past the Graveyard 5 stars on Goodreads. Download Whistling Past the Graveyard on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.
I’m going to preface this review by saying that I absolutely love Rainbow Rowell and her style of writing. She probably couldn’t write a bad book, in my opinion. With that said, Landline, might be a little far fetched for some people. Basically it is the story of a couple (Georgie and Neal) who have reached a point in their marriage where they need to decide whether their marriage is worth fighting for or if they should split up. When they are apart over Christmas, Georgie finds a “magic phone” that lets her talk to Neal in the past. I’ll let you find out what happens for yourself, but this is a sweet, heartwarming, quick read. I’ll give Rainbow Rowell credit… no one at all does chemistry as well as she does! You can practically feel the electricity on the pages, she does it so well!
I gave Landline 4 stars on Goodreads. Download Landline by Rainbow Rowell on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.
Memoirs are probably my favorite genre of book. I especially love memoirs of people who take you on an adventure you know you, yourself, would never experience. Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRouche is exactly that kind of book!
Torre DeRouche met a man, fell in love and then discovered that he had planned on leaving for an around the world sailing adventure for a year…and he wanted Torre to join him. The fact is, Torre was deathly afraid of the water. She decided to choose love over fear and ended up going on an adventure like no other around the world on a tiny sailboat. We read this for our book club and it was a great book to discuss with others.
I gave Love With a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche 4 stars on Goodreads. Download the book on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads here.
I have really been into Young Adult Fiction lately and was intrigued by If I Stay by Gayle Forman after seeing the movie preview at the theatre. I ended up downloading this book, started it and finished it in the same day.
I can’t share a lot about this book without giving away the plot, but the basic premise is when making the choice between life and death, which would you choose? Grab your tissues because this is a tear jerker but a great read! I’m anxious to see the movie when it comes out on DVD.
I gave If I Stay by Gayle Forman 4 stars on Goodreads. You can download the book on your Kindle here, buy the paper copy on Amazon, or add it to your virtual library on Goodreads, here.
I’m currently reading (and loving):
And up next is:
Also, Ella (my 8 year old) and I are currently reading this book and really enjoying it if you are looking for a great kids book:
That’s it for my book reviews for today! Make sure to leave a comment letting me know what you are currently reading!
Click here to see past Connect Through Reading posts.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I read “Love With a Chance of Drowning” and enjoyed it. I did some internet sleuthing, and discovered her blog. I wanted to know what they looked like,in real life, and how they are doing (I listened to this in audible, so no pics). Bit Little Lies was good, as well. I’m currently reading Ken Follet’s “Edge of Eternity” that will take a very long time. Sheesh! I always enjoy your recommendations, because we share similar taste in books (and I do follow you on Good Reads).
I did that too after reading her book… I loved seeing actual photos of the boat they were on and things. So cool! I can’t imagine doing that.
I am going to add Edge of Eternity to my list – I was just looking at it earlier today!
Did you read “The Husband’s Secret”? Reading now cannot stop. I love her character development!
Yes! I also read What Alice Forgot which is by her. She is an amazing author. One of my favorites!
Oh, I am so happy to see you loved Whistling Past the Graveyard as much as I did. It is definitely a top book of 2014 for me and I can’t wait to read her next one. I LOVED Love With a Chance of Drowning (I interviewed her too- she is amazing). I laughed out loud so much in that one. Big Little Lies is hilarious and kept me guessing until the end.
I am definitely going to have to check out If I Stay.
I keep debating if I should read Landline- I love her so much, but it had such mixed reviews. I probably will still read it though 🙂
Always love your picks, friend! xo
I loved ‘Whistling Past the Graveyard’. I read it a few months ago. Have you read, ‘All The Light We Cannot See’? It’s a very good read!
Great timing Kirsten – winter is definitely the time to find some great books and snuggle up with a cup of tea!
I enjoyed Landline, but thought Eleanor & Park and Attachments were better. Just couldn’t get past the magical realism with the phone! 😉
I’m currently reading The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes. I loved Me Before You and am happy to report that this one is turning out to be a winner. I didn’t really care for another I read by her (The Girl You Left Behind), so I’m pleased that this one is holding my interest.
I’m also finishing up 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I love his storytelling and am glad this isn’t one to cause me nightmares!
If you haven’t already read it, give Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See a read. I think it’s my #1 pick for the year.
I really enjoyed Attachments so I think I’m going to be checking out Landline, even if it is a bit far fetched. And I love, love, LOVED What Alice Forgot. Big Little Lies is next on my list! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying it, because I was worried I might be disappointed. Right now, I’m reading Water for Elephants. I’m not far in, but I like it so far. Oh, and if you’re interested in YA books, definitely check out Wonder. A short, quick read but with a lot to say about how we view ourselves and each other.
Great reads to add to my to read list and I sent a friend request on Goodreads. The kids book looks great too. I second everyone’s recommendations on All the Light We Cannot See. Book Thief was another of my top reads this year. I started The Martian but am not getting through it so may give it up and move on to another in my library pile.