Nine weeks. With the Safe-at-Home order in effect, a teenager not in school and the ability to work from home, I’ve been home for that many weeks. In all these weeks there has been soooooo much extra time. Time that used-to be spent going to restaurants, shopping or on a vacation.
You’d think in all of that time I would have read a ton of books. Not so much. Because Tiger King. And Ozark. However, I did manage to read four books, none of which I hated and two I really liked. Here’s what I’ve been reading lately.
The Scent Keeper
This read was actually one for my book club. We often read a lot of the selections from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine book club or something from Book of the Month. To be honest, I was not looking forward to reading this book; but that’s one of the reasons I love my book club. It pushes me to read titles I wouldn’t typically pick out. Anyway, in this book you follow the story of a small girl as she grows into young adulthood, learning about her parents, who she is, and the power of scents. I felt like the beginning of the book was a little slow, and it felt a little unbelievable at first. As the book continues, the pace picks up and the story is more believable and easier to follow. This book isn’t my favorite that I’ve read recently, but it is a book I’d recommend.
Dearly Beloved
This book is truly unlike any book I’ve read before. I chose it based on a recommendation from one of my favorite authors and podcasters, Sophie Hudson. Dearly Beloved tells the story of two couples from very different backgrounds who come together when the men of each couple co-pastor a church. Growing up with a grandfather as a minister, I had a certain idea of how this book would flow. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The author provides the reader with a window into marriage and the compromise it takes, and your belief system, regardless of your position within the church. The sweet friendships developed between these couples despite everything is a beautiful picture of true companionship.
The Guest List
This book was my favorite read of the past two months. I love a good suspense novel and The Guest List is the first book to keep me up to read and turning pages in a long time! Too many times a suspense read can become predictable, but not The Guest List. Set on a remote Irish island, a celebratory power couple is embarking on what should be a wedding weekend to remember. In a short two days, a number of secrets are exposed and everyone realizes no one is really who they think they are. This book kept me guessing to the end on a number of different plot points and had really well-developed characters. You won’t want to put it down!
Know My Name
Non-fiction is not a genre I tend to pick. Life has so many complications and wild rides, I choose fluffy fiction often as a distraction and escape. However, knowing the story of Chanel Miller, there was no way I wasn’t going to read this book. Know My Name is the telling of a strong woman’s sexual attack and how it unfolded, all while she was remained anonymous and unknown to most people around here. Taking strength from those who rescued her and supported her, Chanel chose boldly to openly share her name and her story with everyone in an attempt to prevent a horrendous situation like this from happening to another person. If you have experience with a sexual attack, this could be a trigger. Even if you don’t read the book, I encourage you to watch Chanel read her entire victim impact statement. It’s eye-opening, convicting, and empowering.
When this month started, I wasn’t really in the mood to read anything. I had several books on my list and two library loans available. But watching Netflix was more appealing. That said, I am reading two personal development books and I just started a new suspense novel today that looks promising. Stay tuned for my May book review.
What should I read in June?