Since my last On My Bookshelf post in early July, I've managed to read 6 more books but I'm still not even half way to my Goodreads challenge of 26 books. I don't believe I've made my goals in all the years I've been setting these challenges but I'll continue to do them because setting them helps me read more often. Reading is the best.
Here's what I've picked up since July...
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney: Rating 4/5
I'm drawn to books of this style- each character has alternating chapters and the reader is invited into each character's side/perspective/view etc. of the the plot. I really enjoyed this book and Sweeney's writing is smart and engaging. The Nest follows four adult siblings on the brink of receiving an inheritance they are each counting on for some reason or another until the inheritance is jeopardized by one of the siblings reckless actions. An interesting story of family and how money plays into familial relationships.
The Children's Crusade by Ann Packer: Rating 3/5
This books is also about four adult siblings! Same set up as The Nest in which each character has his/her own chapter. I struggled to get into this book and I'm not sure why. In the end, I did like the story, very American pastoral and while the writing lends itself to such a story, it wasn't my favorite. Packer does do a wonderful job of transporting the reader to a time when Northern California wasn't synonymous with technology conglomerates.
The Identicals by Elin Hildebrand: Rating 3.5/5
The Identicals was my first dive into the world of Elin Hildebrand books, which have a cult following. The Identicals follows the stories of twin sisters, one living on Martha's Vineyard one living on Nantucket. I enjoyed Hildebrand's writing and I loved the descriptions of the each island, as I'd like to visit both Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket one day but the plot is just kind of...ridiculous. An easy beach read, for sure.
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight: Rating 3/5
Reconstructing Amelia is about a mother's quest to find out if her daughter's suicide was really a suicide or a murder. I should note that I'm not really big into mysteries but I enjoy them occasionally and this one will tide me over for awhile. Reconstructing Amelia is pretty run of the mill as far as mysteries go. Save for some racy material, this book could almost be considered young adult. The book has good character development which is a definite plus but the ending is a bit meh.
Mindful Discipline by Shauna L. Shapiro: Rating 4/5
Mindful Discipline is guide to raising emotionally intelligent children by describing the five essential elements: unconditional love, space for children to be themselves, mentorship, healthy boundaries, and mis-takes. Like all parenting books, one should cherry-pick the principles and ideas that speak to them as a parent and leave the rest behind. This books falls into the "respectful parenting" category, which is the style I most ascribe to so while this book may not be for everyone, I think it certainly has lots of useful information for all parents.
The Heirs by Susan Rieger: Rating 4/5
Stylistically, The Heirs follows the same formula as The Nest and The Children's Crusade (told you I like that style, ha) with the alternating chapters. The book tells the story of the five Falkes brothers as well as their mother (whom I thought to be a very well-written character) and a few other characters. Following the death of their father, the Falkes brothers learn their father may have fathered two other children. Each chapter focuses on not only how they are dealing with this knowledge but also gives background to each character. I found the characters likable (though not without flaws) and really enjoyed the writing.
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