Monthly rundown vol. 29
precocious kids, romance, magic, and murder
Hello, hello! The end of May snuck up on me, so reviews may be even more “short and sweet” than usual. By the time you read this, the last day of school will be in the rearview mirror, and I will be looking forward to not setting my alarm most days and drinking morning cups of coffee on the back porch. I’m also looking forward to a local author fair on June 21 (Tomball Author Fest at the Lonestar College-Tomball Community Library), some afternoons at the pool, and of course reading!
One small-but-not-really announcement: this summer I will be a paid subscription option for this newsletter! The free subscription will be just what you get now: monthly book reviews, and either periodic author interviews or the new One Book series. The paid subscription will include the free stuff plus one monthly bonus email that’s either a book deep dive, a read-alike booklist, or a personal essay. ALSO, paid subscribers will have an option to get personalized book recommendations once a quarter. Think of me as your personal librarian/book guide/story curator. So, be on the lookout!
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glasser. A charming middle grade novel about five siblings whose landlord has told the family that the lease on their Harlem brownstone apartment won’t be renewed. The children hatch a series of plans to win over their reclusive and grumpy landlord. It’s funny, sweet, and I may have even cried a little (yes, I definitely cried).
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. A workplace comedy with more drama than comedy, but also an engaging premise, endearing characters, and a happy ending.
Rules of Civility, Amor Towles. I LOVED this book (And yes, I realize I’m not alone. Rules of Civility was very popular when it came out a decade ago). The writing is vivid and evocative, with a strong sense of place. It felt like the author had lived in 1930s New York City himself. And I loved the story about friendship, connection, and about what it means to be content and ambitious in a world just barely coming out of The Great Depression.
A Darker Shade of Magic byV.E. Schwab. Strong world-building, gray edges, and characters in pursuit–of adventure, survival, purpose. It’s the first of a series, and I am eagerly waiting for my hold on the second novel to become available.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. A slow-burn thriller, a story-within-a story, and an unsettling ending.
Swept Away and Beth O’Leary. It’s no surprise that I flew through this rom-com with a smile on my face the whole time. A one-night stand that ends up with two strangers adrift at sea. It’s funny and thoughtful with just the right amount of swoon.
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lentz. Memoir isn’t normally a genre I reach for, but I’d heard a lot of good things about this one. It’s the story of how actress Bethany Joy Lentz ended up in a cult as a young woman, how she was manipulate, taken advantage of, and swindled. It was a fascinating, fast-paced read that made me want to punch someone.
Thanks, as always, for reading!