I give in, summer is over. But I did manage to read several books over the past few months that I’d like to tell you about.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time because my daughter is named Rosie. Even though she’s not much like her namesake character, The Rosie Project was a good pick. Don, a super intelligent college professor, likes organization, schedules, and lists, and he has developed a questionnaire to help him find a wife. A very detailed questionnaire. Enter Rosie, a spirited red-head who is about to disrupt Don’s structured life.
This novel works well because Simsion never slips out of Don’s distinct and hilarious voice. At times, because Don’s view of the world is so peculiar, he becomes a somewhat unreliable narrator, leaving the reader to make inferences about what is actually going on. Very fun, with a few thoughtful insights on human behavior. Fans of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory should definitely read this book.
Me Before You by Jo Jo Moyes
The writing style and main character of Me Before You are so fun and easy, you start off the novel thinking it will be a whimsical read. You’d be wrong. In Me Before You, Moyes explores a difficult subject- assisted suicide- with a delicate balance of thoughtfulness and humor. Her characters feel real, imperfect, and compelling. Louisa, the main character, deals difficult family members, a self-absorbed boyfriend, and a job that ultimately challenges her moral beliefs.
Moyes adeptly describes the life of a quadriplegic spinal cord patient. I also admire how she covers the various arguments for and against assisted suicide without ever falling down on one side – she is simply making the reader more aware of a complicated issue. I cried a little, but it’s worth your time.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
This novel blends historical fiction and mystery with a dash of fairy tale. When Cassandra’s grandmother dies, Cassandra inherits a mysterious sea-side cottage her grandmother never mentioned owning. Cassandra’s investigation into the history of the cottage sends her deep into her grandmother’s past, unveiling multiple family secrets and tragedies.
Morten’s writing is lovely, and she beautifully weaves a complicated story line using characters in multiple places and times. Many people say The Forgotten Garden is their favorite book. I enjoyed it, but it’s not my favorite of the year. It got long, and sometimes, I couldn’t connect with the actions and emotions of the main characters.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
I listened to the audiobook of The Girl on the Train, and I’m gonna boldly say that I’m the only person on the Internet who did not like it. The narrative alternates point of view between three women but spends the most time with Rachel, a fumbling alcoholic who is struggling to get over her ex-husband and remember exactly what she did on a hot night in August when she came home with a cut on her scalp.
The Girl on the Train has all the makings of a good thriller- a disappearance, missing information, suspicious men- but I didn’t like any of the characters, especially the pathetic Rachel, who dominates the story. The writing was okay,and at times the plot dragged (I got tired of hearing about Rachel screwing up, yet again). I’m not much for thrillers, but I liked Gone Girl better, even with its ridiculous last third of impossible twists. Actually, the thriller I recommend is the YA novel We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. The writing is superb and the twist completely unexpected, although it did leave me feeling a bit cheated.
What did you read over the summer? Can you add any recommendations to this list?
For more reading suggestions, visit my Book Reviews page.
Thanks for stopping by!
All of my reading happens on my laptop, and I know that’s not the same. I think it’s probably like working out – you have to make time in your day to read.
How do you choose what books to read?
Eli, I definitely think you have to plan time to read – like all other “good stuff”, you’ve got to work it into the schedule, or it just won’t happen.
I find books to read via other people’s blogs, Goodreads, and recommendations from friends. How about you?
Julia, I enjoyed hearing your take on these. I just read Rosie Project, also, as our group at Writers Unboxed is analyzing whether it fits “breakout novel” status this week. It was an light surprise, and it was interesting to read how its evolution from a screenplay was part of the process that probably led to its bestseller status.
I hadn’t read the other 3, but you’re not alone on Girl on the Train. I gave it to my mom for her birthday, planning to borrow it after her. When I asked, she sheepishly shared that it hit all the expected marks for a thriller, but not that remarkably… and she had promptly donated it. Not the highest praise in our family. 😉
I enjoyed your post and look forward to more suggestions in the future.
Thanks for stopping by, Elissa. It would be interesting to learn how a screenplay writing approach would affect the pacing and characterization of The Rosie Project. I wish I had time for the Writer’s Unboxed group – it sounds like a worthwhile endeavor.
Glad to know I’m actually NOT the only one who is less than enthused about The Girl on the Train. Thanks!
I’ve read all four of these, and while I liked The Girl on the Train, I didn’t LOVE it like most people did. I agree with you that none of the characters were likable. It was the first fiction audiobook I ever listened to, so I think the novelty helped.
I remember your review of We Were Liars…I haven’t read it yet, though. I don’t like reading a book only to hate the ending, and I’m afraid I will.
Thanks for the recs! I started Girl on the Train and skipped ahead to the end. I’m not as patient with some adult reads these days for some reason. Maybe I’m so used to reading kidlit that too much mention of adult concerns/situations is now a turn-off for me.
Funny you say that, I’m getting that way too. I’m currently reading All the Light We Cannot See and love it, but the two main characters are kids/teens, so it’s essentially YA for now. 😉
I also found most of the characters in The Girl on the Train to be whiny and self-absorbed, which didn’t help my opinion of the novel in general. Maybe some more critical adult concerns would entice us more?