I started off August still finishing up July’s McKay’s haul. I said plenty about Michael Connelly then, so we will pass over the first two books below.
Fair Warning by Michael Connelly
Blood Work by Michael Connelly
I have my own sharing library in my front yard. Sometimes I pick out used books especially to put there, and I try to keep a few on hand for the kids in the neighborhood. That’s why I picked up the book below. But it sounded so interesting that I had to read it myself! It reminded me of classics like The Borrowers and The Indian in the Cupboard.
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
Sometimes it takes a LONG TIME for the folks at McKay’s to go through all the books I have brought for trade. So I end up aimlessly wandering the aisles and that’s how I happened upon the book below, the story of three English grad students who move in together to help one of them parent her unplanned baby boy. The cavalier attitude of two of the characters toward abortion notwithstanding, this was a life-affirming read about the power of love and friendship, and what it means to be a mother.
The Atlas of Love by Laurie Frankel
The next several books were freebies from Amazon that I read on my phone. The first one had a lot going on–a discord server full of young teens was the framing device. There was also a mystery from the past that intersected with the present, high school drama, small-town corruption, and topical issues of sexual assault.
What Happened to Lucy Vale by Lauren Oliver
This next one is about a woman who has completely reinvented herself to escape her past. She lies constantly and yet ends up being a sympathetic character. Obviously, her past catches up with her, leading to a surprising conclusion.
Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone
Jackie is a little too obsessed with her ex-boyfriend’s new love, but not as obsessed as her ex is with Jackie, although she does not know it. Mind games and murder ensue.
Stories We Never Told by Sonya Yoerg
The next read is about a deeply creepy family dynamic, a serial killer targeting children, and the price of keeping secrets.
Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey
The next one was a fairly disturbing but intriguing apocalyptic novel, good not just because of the interesting story but because of the insights the main character gains into herself and others.
All the Little Children by Jo Furniss
Next up is a book that I had been working my way through for awhile. I actually gave this book to Daddy after he lost his wife, because he told me he was interested in books on grieving. I don’t think he read it, and I don’t think he would have found it helpful after having read it myself. It’s too funny and I don’t think that was where he was at that time. But it’s entertaining and probably helpful some people.
It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny
I have had a harder time with non-fiction lately–I’m looking to escape, I guess. But the book below is an escape of sorts too–the story of an American family of four, who travel to England to search out the settings of all their favorite (mostly) children’s books. The title comes from an Emily Dickinson poem that has been a favorite of mine ever since it appeared in one of my Catholic school cursive workbooks. From memory: “I never saw the moor, nor visited the sea, yet I know how the heather looks and what a wave must be. . . ”
How the Heather Looks by Joan Bodger
And last, the book below is something my baby sister had to read for grad school. She was so excited about it that she wanted me to read it too. And now we found out there is a workbook and we are going to do a book club with our other sister. Because what woman is not burned out and stressed? I don’t know any.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
So that is a total of 12 for August!
