It’s so crazy to think that August is already here — where did the year go?! The end of summer is near, and back to (wild) school is around the corner. Before you settle into new routines, take some quiet time for yourself to enjoy a good book… or five! While mysteries and memoirs have always been my jam, I’ve recently discovered love for a new genre: adventure and travel. (Wild — I know! ?) Here are my favorite reads this month.
To get your own physical copy, Audible version or eReader download, click the image(s) of any of the books below. The small change I earn from of your Amazon purchase helps fuel my book fund!
The Cold Vanish: Seeking the Missing in North America’s Wildlands
By Jon Billman
In 2017, 22-year-old Jacob Gray went for a bike ride in Washington State’s Olympic National Park and vanished. His family was devastated — but tenacious in their search to find Jacob, especially his father Randy. Author Jon Billman joined Randy during many of his searches, learning first-hand how far a father will go to discover what happened to his son. The author weaves in the accounts of other missing persons in the wild, and describes the frightening challenges that come with locating them. (For instance, did you know that there isn’t a national database for people who go missing in the wilderness — on public land and national parks?!)
The Cold Vanish is a compassionate, sympathetic, and haunting book that even made me think twice before stepping out into the wilderness alone. ? It is so well-written and completely enthralling — I had the hardest time putting this book down. And when I did, the content stuck with me for days. The Cold Vanish is perfect for adventure-lovers and cold-case mystery fans alike. Easily one of my top books of 2020. Read it now! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
A special thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is How I Lied
By Heather Gudenkauf
Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. While there were a handful of suspects, the case ultimately went cold. Fast-forward to today, where Maggie, now pregnant, is a detective for Grotto PD. With new evidence in hand, Eve’s case is reopened. What ensues is a classic whodunit mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I will always read anything Heather Gudenkauf writes — she’s that good. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest For A Life with No Regret
By Jedidiah Jenkins
On the cusp of turning thirty and petrified of living a life he didn’t choose, Jedidiah Jenkins quit his dream job and spent sixteen months cycling from Oregon to Patagonia. Oh yeah… without any previous cycling experience! In this honest and raw memoir, Jenkins documents his entire journey — the ups, downs, and his own personal history. The narrative of his adventure is hilarious at times, and soul-stirring in others. Much of this book felt like I was reading part of our own Great Big Adventure, especially his “why” for choosing such an epic experience as outlined in the first chapter.
As you encounter the new people and places with Jenkins, it’s really his battle around his identity as a Christian and gay man that give this memoir substance. If you were a fan of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, give this book a shot. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love with Camping
By Dan White
From the Sierras to the Adirondacks and the Everglades, Dan White travels the nation to document firsthand how the American wilderness transformed from the devil’s playground into a source of adventure, relaxation and renewal.
My husband has been encouraging me to read this book for quite some time. I always wanted to, but it’s a pretty thick read that I wanted take my time with. And I’m glad I did! This is part history lesson, part memoir — and all of it is fascinating. I might be biased given that I’m living in a van with my husband, two kids and our dog, but this book is for anyone who has a love for America’s favorite past time. The author has a fantastic way of telling the history of camping, from the very beginning with Thoreau to the evolution of the RV. What makes this so compelling is that White actually goes out and experiences those fundamental camping styles and trips, even to his own detriment. ? It’s a light and hilarious read that is recommend to any nature lover! ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The Wife Who Knew Too Much
By Michelle Campbell
Two women loved Connor Ford. And knew him as only wives can know. But Connor’s first wife, Nina, is found dead — and he’s set to inherit millions. His second wife, Tabitha, has been burned by Connor before. And it appears that might happen yet again. Set in the Hamptons, The Wife Who Knew Too Much is a fast-paced summer thriller about people who will do anything for love and money.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep engaged. For much of this novel, I wasn’t sure who to root for — which makes for an intriguing mystery. If you liked the Dirty John podcast, this book is for you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s safe to say that I’m obsessed with these five recommendations — you won’t be disappointed! What’s on your to-read list this month?
