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Hooray for summer! The last week of school was crazy, fun and very busy, but now it’s over and it’s time for crazy, busy in other forms. I have a few short trips planned and loads of tasks I’d like to get accomplished this summer. However, for this week I’m just enjoying the extra time and having NO set schedule. With some of that extra time I’ve been looking back at all the books I read in the first half of 2018. That included 57 books I finished, and quite a few I didn’t. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing My Favorite Books of 2018 (so far). Stop on by and take a look!
Last Week’s Reads
I absolutely adored The Book of Essie by debut author Meghan MacLean Weir. You’ll probably be sick of hearing me talk about this book over the next couple of weeks because Essie will be making several appearances here, including a full review next week. I liked the historical side of Eagle & Crane by Suzanne Rindell quite a lot, but the mystery aspects were a little weaker for me. It’s more a reflection of mysteries in general being tricky for me than it is a flaw in the story. I hope to also squeeze a full review of Eagle & Crane in next week.
Currently Reading
After finishing the audio version of The Book of Essie I wanted another to get completely absorbed in so decided to give The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang a try. The Goodreads and Audible ratings are both very high, plus it was a Book-of-the-Month Club selection. I really tried to like it, putting in over four hours, but with seven more to go I just couldn’t do it. Everything about this over-the-top romance was just too much for me. (And, had it been written by a man he would be roasted over hot coals!) After that, I turned to How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson. Catherine at The Gilmore Guide to Books recommended this one, and though I’ve barely started it, I can already tell it’s going to be a perfect light summer listen. I’m reading my fist Megan Abbott book, Give Me Your Hand, and can happily say that it’s a perfect change of pace for me. I don’t read a lot of suspense, but summer seems like just the right time for some thrills.
Likely to Read Next
I’d like to read Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams next, but it’s another historical fiction and I’m not sure I’ll be ready for another so soon. I’ve heard good things about William’s latest novel and want to be in the right frame of mind when reading it. I thought my ARC request for Eden by Andrea Kleine was lost in limbo, but it finally came in last week. This dark story of a childhood abduction, adult sisters, and survival sounds right up my alley, so maybe it will be my next read. Mood will definitely dictate my reading this week!
I hope you have a great week in books!
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Oooh – Eden sounds kind of interesting!! And so glad you loved Book of Essie and are loving the Megan Abbott! I’m planning to read How Hard Can it Be sometime soon too!
Finished the Megan Abbott today. i don’t have anything to compare it to, but I liked it. How Hard Can It Be? is so funny. A great light read.
The Summer Wives is one I’m looking forward to. I love Beatriz Williams. I’ve been hearing lots of good things about The Book of Essie so I can’t wait for your review!
Started Summer Wives this afternoon and so far, I’m really liking it. It’s classic Williams.
I’ve added The Book of Essie to my list… look forward to hearing more about it!
Thanks, JoAnn.
Enjoy your summer break! I’ll be looking forward to your thoughts on The Book of Essie. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I can’t wait to read The Book of Essie. It’s just a matter of finding the time to work it in…
You will love The Book of Essie, Ann Marie. If you’re looking for an audiobook, it was excellent listening.
I really liked Give Me Your Hand, so hope you continue to enjoy. I don’t know why I keep putting off Eagle & Crane.
There seems to be quite a bit of historical fiction out right now and I guess I’d say Eagle & Crane is just a little better than okay for the genre.
I’m looking forward to The Summer Wives as well, but I’ve gotten behind on reading and have had to keep pushing it back in my library holds! Hopefully I’ll get to it soon.
Looking forward to your list of favorites so far in 2018–mine is coming next week 🙂
It’s always fun to see people’s favorites. I find that there are always books I’ve missed and can add to my TBR list.
Eden looks interesting. My weekly updates
I’ve added The Book of Essie to the TBR, sounds fantastic. And I didn’t enjoy my first Megan Abbot years ago, but maybe it’s time to change? haha