What’s your absolute favorite book that is NOT romance? Maybe it even surprised you that you loved it so much – because it’s not your usual genre?
women's fiction
Book Review – Mists of The Serengeti by Leylah Attar
This was one of the most beautifully written, vibrant, touching and perfectly detailed stories I’ve ever read. I WAS THERE, you guys. I could see it. I could feel it. I could smell it. I could taste it. I was living it. And I never wanted to leave. In fact, this book had me sobbing, wholeheartedly, and that’s when I knew, I was connected, heart and soul, to these characters, and to this land. To their plight. To their roots.
Maryse: Okay I just want to announce that many of you (including me) will likely LOVE “Mists of the Serengeti” by Leylah Attar. I’m reading the ARC, it’ll be out in just a few days, and HOLY MOLY it’s exquisitely written and vibrant. And it starts off with a GASP!!!! I’m still only in the first quarter but yeah… this is one of ours. Like… I’d say it’s for those of us that love those Suanne Laqueur, Emma Scott, Renee Carlino type of epic stories. you know the type of book. Deep, and a grand journey of life and love for sure.
Book Review – The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard
The Good Daughters: A Novel
This one caught my eye a week or two ago when it went on super-sale, and even if it wasn’t on my TBR list, and wasn’t even on my radar, once I read that blurb (let alone that intriguing cover and title), I had to jump in asap!
And for the most part, it was an interesting, and often captivating. I found it beautifully written, with just enough detail and compelling internal dialogue to have me relating to, and understanding, the plight of these women. These two daughters. In fact, at times parts of the story were so intense, and gasp-worthy, that I couldn’t put it down. My eyes bugging out of my head with emotional dread and OMG-this-is-crazy glee, when I put two and two together and realized a certain truth.
Book Review – Play for Me by Celine Keating
Play for Me: A Novel
Okay so I squirreled, but ONLY temporarily!!! I’m going right back to what I was reading, and boy, after this one? I’m ready for it. Yikes! LOL!!
Why did I squirrel? Well… because there was something about this one that was calling me, from that blurb. Claudia found it (she had been waiting for it to go on sale) and she and I often love the same books (often more serious, deep stories of marital and adulthood angst) so I was especially happy when she pointed it out.
Book Review – Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Maybe in Another Life: A Novel
Another home-run hit with this unique and emotionally eye-opening, heartfelt story. I absolutely had to read it now… I just couldn’t wait any longer. Longer you ask? Yes, because I’m SO sorry that this one is only on pre-order right now and can’t be devoured just yet. BUT OMG is it worth it! What a unique exploration of love and life. A unique perspective on fate. On destiny.
Gahhhh!!! I love this author. I’ve read three books and have loved each and every one of them. Why? She’s a phenomenal writer, of course, but what I love so much about her stories is that she explores real life drama and tragedy (or even “the lighter side” of personal trouble) with an undeniable, yet totally relatable honesty. One that makes me think. Makes me feel… but not necessarily the things I always want to feel, you know? She often has me facing my own thoughts, my own doubts, my own shame… my own needs. I’ve felt embarrassed (for the heroine, and even for myself for agreeing at times). I’ve felt indignant. I’ve felt ashamed. I’ve felt hurt, devastated, hopeless… and so hopeful.