Last monthly link-up of the year! And thankfully, the last month has been an awesome reading month.
3 Stars
★★★
This was a similar vein to The Reading Group (see below), but I didn't enjoy it quite as much. It discussed a smaller group of lifelong friends, death and mourning, motherhood, found family, and jealousy. Not a bad read, but not a must read.
Think I found this on the link-up last month. It was...okay. Interesting, but didn't suck me in quite as much as I wanted. May just be over this genre. Basically like reading a Hallmark movie. I didn't really like either of the main female characters...each had moments where they were understandable, and then other moments where they were completely awful. Kind of reminded me of The Marriage Pact- each had a lot of possibility but something about the pace and writing just didn't do it for me. Worth checking out though, if that's your genre.
4 Stars
★★★★
This was a really fun fantasy mystery. It follows a doctor to...monsters? Non-humans? Vampires, ghouls, etc. Basic plot problem- someone, or something, is attacking both humans and the undead. Can't exactly go to the police with additional information like "Hey, they are also specifically targeting undead" because...well, the undead aren't supposed to exist and that would just make things worse. So Greta and her Scooby-Doo like gang are on their own. I feel like they identified the problem almost too easily, but giving a pass because I enjoyed the characters and specifically the way modern medicine and traditional monsters interacted. Definitely checking out the rest of the series.
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
I checked out Caitlin's books after watching her YouTube channel Ask a Mortician. While her second book (From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death) sounds more interesting to me, this one was available right away via audiobook so I downloaded it. It was an interesting sneak peak behind the death industry and worth picking up if you like learning random facts about random things like...the death industry. Caitlin is funny yet respectful and thoughtful.
5 Stars
★★★★★
This was my favorite read of the month...and will probably stand as one of my favorites of 2018. I had been wanting to read more about Greek mythology and this follows one of the witches, Circe, probably most notable for turning Odysseus' men into pigs in The Odyssey. Some have complained that the pace is very slow or boring, but I personally really enjoyed it. It worked with the idea of an immortal being, the almost calm version of time, unconcerned with the hustle and bustle of hurried and short human lives. I loved the background story and development of what could easily be seen as a villain. I loved Circe's quiet power and determination and sight/intuition. The beginning pushed a little too much of the "non-human" aspect, repeatedly talking about her golden eyes/etc. But thankfully that calmed down after the first quarter of the book or so and everything flowed very smoothly.
What have you read this month? Link-up & let us know!
I've had Strange Practice on my TBR for a while now and it's on my kindle! I need to read it! Then I've hard such awesome things about Circe that I know I need to add it to my TBR as well.
ReplyDeleteCirce is on my list, I got it from BOTM but someone told me to read her other book first? I don't know if they are connected though.
ReplyDeleteI am quite curious about Strange Practice - sounds very interesting!
I feel like I would love From Here to Eternity! Its a bit morbid but I love books about morticians and bodies.
ReplyDeleteStrange Practice sounds interesting, and something outside of what I normally read which is always a good injection into a month.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Strange Practice and Circe, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed both of them. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I've heard nothing but good things about Circe but I loathe mythology so I think I'm going to pass on it. My loss, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun mix of books! The Reading Group sounds really good, and I can see how Smoke Gets In Your Eyes would be interesting. I feel like Circe is one of those books I want to read because it always seems to get such good reviews, but like Jana I don't know if it's for me, so I haven't added it to my tbr (for now).
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Strange Practice but it sounds like a book (and series) that I would really enjoy - adding it to my TBR. I've been on the fence about Circe, even though I love Greek mythology. Adding it to my TBR as well.
ReplyDeleteCirce keeps coming up as a recommendation for me on Amazon. Eventually I need to get around to it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteGina || On the Daily Express
Strange Practice sounds so unique!
ReplyDeleteNeed to read Circe! Strange Practice sounds really interesting! Adding to my TBR! Here from SUYB! XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I've heard Circe is so good, but I don't know if I can do the Greek history part. It seems like a lot of work? (reminiscent of the college Greek history class I remember taking lol)
ReplyDeleteOoh I've been wanting to read Circe so I'm glad to see you really enjoyed it! The Reading Group also sounds like a fun one, especially since I am a sucker for books about books :)
ReplyDelete