Friends, readers, people I have never met. Welcome back! This was certainly no record month of reads for me with all kinds of crazy things around us grabbing for my attention, but there were definitely some great books in this small mix.
So here you are, my honest opinion of my May 2020 Reads.
As always- thanks for reading with me!
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
4.5/5 stars
And my Jodi Picoult obsession continues. This book had so many unique story lines, and they all fascinated me. Even more fascinating is the way she linked this book, this story, to true facts about elephants.
As much as the central story intrigued me, I kept finding myself wanting her to go even deeper into the studies and facts about elephants.
All in all, this was a solid read, with interesting twists, conflicting ethics, admirable characters, and all of the other fantastic aspects that I am continuing to find in her books.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
4.5/5 Stars
“That day, I tell myself that even if I am not getting anything in this life, I will go to school. I will finish my primary and secondary and university schooling and become teacher because I don’t just want to be having any kind voice… I want a louding voice.”
My book reviews are not a place where I like to offer opinions on life, but one (of the many) valuable lessons that I learned in this book is not to take for granted the opportunity to receive an education.
This book was powerful. It was a coming of age story like no other. It was such an honor to grow with this character, to watch her finally find worth in herself, as she becomes educated, poured into, loved.
This book had so many important lessons- and it was such a interesting view into the many social and economic statuses of Nigeria.
I learned so much in these 384 pages.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
4/5 stars
There was a lot of controversy over this book, and over whether or not this author was qualified to write it. I am in no place to share my thoughts on that- so note that this simply a commentary of how I found the writing.
To be honest, I was less than impressed at times, and incredibly encapsulated at others. This writing style shined in the scenes of action and conflict- including the opening scene- wow.
I finished that opening scene thinking that I definitely had a 5-star book coming my way. Unfortunately, I was let down a lot after that, and I found myself zoning out through most chapters.
I learned a lot with this book about a topic I did not know much about, but in my opinion, it was not quite all that it was cracked up to be. Between you and me- celebrity picks rarely are.
The Paris Hours by Alex George
4/5 Stars
Man, do I romanticize the idea of Paris in the 1920’s. The art, culture, literature- I am just smitten with it.
If anyone else is the same way, then this is a quick little book to get lost in.
It all takes place in a single day, while touching on many unique lives. It was sweet, and artsy, and everything you could ever want out of a little novel based in France from pompous culture, to Hemingway’s drunk affairs.
Lilly and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
4.5/5 stars
Here’s one for my fellow dog lovers- and like with all of the good dog loving books, keep your tissues close by.
This book deals with some complex issues in an interesting, engaging, and devastating way. It touches on love, and grief, and most importantly the companionship that we have in our four-legged friends.
I am always hesitant to read these books because at times the thought of losing my pups is too much to handle, but I always find that I leave these types of stories eternally thankful to live in a world where dogs can be our best friends.
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