I am a huge Greek Mythology nerd, and when I read Circe a couple years ago, I really loved what Madeline Miller did to a very familiar story. I feel the exact same way about The Song of Achilles.
The story is incredibly poignant. The love story told through Patroclus’ point of view makes the Trojan War come to life in ways that I never could have imagined. I absolutely loved the relationship between him and Achilles. The love they shared was beautiful, and I really enjoyed that it didn’t follow any romance tropes. They fell in love, and they stayed in love. I may have cried, a lot.
5 Stars.
The Bad Muslim Discout is a book I probably wouldn’t have found without being a member of Book of the Month Club. It is a little bit out of my comfort zone as far as content and genre, but it’s a book I was really glad I read.
While it was a book that I read slower than any other I’ve read recently, it wasn’t something I had to struggle to get through. I really liked it. The contrasting stories of Safwa and Anvar give you a really good window into what it’s like to be an immigrant to America, and a Muslim one at that.
While it’s a book that is a commentary on living as a Muslim in America, and living life as a Muslim in general, the book doesn’t take itself seriously. Anvar is hilarious, and so is hid dad. (BOTM)
4 stars
I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan, and my goal in 2021 was to read all the books. I discovered in the last year that “classic” books are easier for me to read through the audiobook format. And so I found Fellowship of the Ring on audiobook, and discovered it is a BBC Radio dramatization of the book. And I rejoiced.
This was a really fun read. And quick. At only five hours, they do make some cuts: less walking through the woods, no Tom Bombadill, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. If you like the movies, but the books intimidate you, this is the way to go. The actors are great, and there’s music. It’s like watching a film.
4 Stars
Snow Like Ashes was our book club pick this month. When this book came up on our randomized spinner, I was worried. I didn’t think I was going to like it. And for the first couple chapters I was sure that feeling would be confirmed. However, it turns out, this book wasn’t terrible, and I actually enjoyed it.
Like most YA Fantasy books, it’s pretty predictable, however, even with the predictability, the book is very enjoyable. The plot moves quickly, it holds your interest, and I’m now looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy. Team Mather FTW.
4 Stars
My sisters and I are doing a book club together this year, and our next book to come up on the wheel of chance was Prisoner of Azkaban. This was obviously a re-read for me. The book hasn’t lost anything in the ten years since I read it the first time. This is one of my favorites of the series.
5 Stars
I love me a good romance novel, and Love at First is just that. It’s your cliche romance novel. I read this in two sittings, and really enjoyed the story. The slow burn was a bit too slow for me, but the story was fun. Will’s backstory reminded me a lot of the Willoughby’s, which if you’ve seen it, or read the book, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I think my favorite part was the “fate” aspect of the book.
Heiress Gets a Duke is another typical romance, this time it’s a historical romance. This was a fun book. August and Evan and their banter was just amazing.
When I’m reading a romance novel, I prefer a strong, independent female lead, and this book delivered. It took it one step further with the male lead falling in love with the female lead because of her independence. This led to the two having amazing chemistry. (BOTM)
4 Stars
The Kiss Quotient intrigued me with the concept: a gender swapped Pretty Woman. Add in the fact that it’s an #OwnVoices work written by an Autistic AAPI woman, I was sold.
The book was really fun, and pretty funny. I loved all the characters, and I will probably read the other books in the series. I felt that the relationship between Stella and Michael was very believable and the pacing was good. Michael’s family was probably one of my favorite aspects of the novel.
Warning: This book is STEAMY (BOTM)
4 Stars
The Four Winds gets the honor of being my favorite book I’ve read this month. Set during The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, this novel tells the story of Elsa.
The story is told so very vividly, I had dreams that I was living during that time. I could feel Elsa’s plight as she tried to save her kids from illnesses borne of breathing in the dust that flew during the storms, and from starvation once they made it to California.
This book is about the courage of women who would do anything for their children. You couldn’t help but root for the Martinellis. (BOTM)
5 Stars
Continued with my BBC Radio Lord of the Rings listen with The Two Towers. I learned that the movie wasn’t the whole book. The book included what ended up being the beginning parts of Return of the King. Also, the movies really didn’t take advantage of Treebeard singing. It was probably my favorite part. The book ending with the encounter with the giant spider really makes you want to listen, or read, the next book right away.
5 Stars
If The Four Winds was my favorite book of the month, then The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is my runner up. I was worried this book wouldn’t live up to the hype. I’ve been hearing about how great this book was for months. However, not only did this book live up to the hype, it exceeded my expectations.
Addie’s story was very compelling, and I loved the way Schwab chose to tell it. At first I thought things were moving a bit slowly, but then the book introduced Henry and I couldn’t put it down. The love between the two catapulted the story forward. And the end? I just had to sit there and hold the book for a minute, and soak it all in. Highly recommend. (BOTM)
5 Stars
Do you like superheroes, but wish they were more gay? The Extraordinaries is the book for you then! This was a hilarious tale about a high school boy pining over the local superhero. It is very much a YA book, but even adults can enjoy it. I fell in love with Nick and Seth, and I am counting down the days for the sequel. I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil anything, but please do yourself a favor and go pick this book up today!
5 Stars
Stephanie Caffrey, Author 