A few weeks ago I went a bit ham on a few books. I had a few recommendations of must read titles I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. My mom lent me one and the other two I bought off Facebook market place for 2 dollars. I was shocked at the price the seller was asking and had to confirm, yes they were for $2 and not a penny more.
I’ve always considered myself a book worm. Whether it be for a quick escape or to further educate myself- no matter the reason I have always had a trusty book at my side. Today is no different. As I attempt to navigate this new form of normalcy during our quarantine time, while my job and my running has been put to the side for now, a good book is one thing that hasn’t faltered.
Last week I read three different books in three different days. I just couldn’t stop. It may have been because I was neglecting other tasks but truly it was because the stories took hold of me and I didn’t attempt to loosen their grasps rather I went along for the ride.
“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet”.
Jumpa Lahiri
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate
My mom had lent me this book saying it was a must read. Maybe it was the book cover or just the title but it didn’t organically catch my interest. A specific case of don’t judge a book by its cover because when I finally picked it up one evening, its narrative instantly taking hold until 2am when I finished it. It was a fascinating book about a woman who sets about to bring to life a long buried manuscript that mysteriously shows up on her desk. In doing so, she returns to the very area she escaped when she was young, and the cult her family is still a part of in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within the mysteries in the book are two story lines that are captivating, the author intertwined them beautifully and created a real page turner.
The author, Lisa Wingate, not only captivated me with the story but included some historical fiction in this book that was eye-opening. I look forward to seeing what tidbits I can learn from her other books.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
“My friend Erin says we all have demons inside us, voices that whisper we're no good, that if we don't make this promotion or ace that exam we'll reveal to the world exactly what kind of worthless sacks of skin and sinew we really are Maybe that's true. Maybe mine just have louder voices.”
― Ruth Ware, The Woman in Cabin 10
I’m woman enough to admit it: I picked up this book solely because of the hype, but with zero expectations- considering it only cost me $2. I put it on my giant to be read pile and considered holding off for a while.
In the beginning I didn’t think I would like it considering the main character, Lo, was annoying but she grew on me. I found that I was rooting for her, and by the end of the book I liked her more than I thought I would.
Ruth Ware did a great job keeping me at the edge of my seat with this thriller. While, at times, the characters seemed frustrating, not just Lo, I'd say they all kept me guessing right until the end. The author makes you question everyone in the story, including Lo herself. If you're looking for an addictive mystery, I would definitely recommend this one. Thrillers are not normally my jam, with that said, I didn’t have high expectations when picking this book up and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. It truly was a little escape from reality. I can't wait to see what other books the author has written.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I saved this book for last considering all the hype around it lately. It’s been on everyone’s instagram and book clubs to read for the last few weeks. I immediately wanted to read it when it first came out but was dissuaded by my mom who gave it a poor review. Naturally I listened to her, but after weeks of positive feedback from others, I had to give this book a chance.
From the very first paragraph to the very last word I was completely immersed in the plot, characters, and the motifs. The author’s lyric voice sings clearly in the words of the main character, Kya. Both heart and gut wrenching, I am profoundly affected by this novel and was so happy I gave it the chance it greatly deserved.
Themes in the story include belonging, abandonment, survival, trust, coming of age, family, and caring for others- how could one not relate in some way or other. There’s a great deal to reflect on or to discuss as the story unfolds. As a bonus, the author’s background as a wildlife scientist enables her to include many fascinating scientific facts and details about the marsh, something I haven’t really experienced. A do have to confess my frustration with the main character, Kya during some events. It could simply be because I would personally have done things differently, I found myself remembering that it isn’t my story to write. Despite the frustrations, it was a story I know that will stay with me. I have and will continue to recommend this novel to my friends, family, and anyone else who loves to read.
Have you read these books?
What were your thoughts?
Any other book recommendations?
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”