Let’s face it — we all have different ways to pass the time as we shelter at home for the foreseeable future. For me, I can only binge watch so many shows before I start to feel bogged down, so diving into a good book has been a fantastic way to throw in some balance to all of this social distancing.
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
By Brené Brown
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Since starting our own adventure — braving the wilderness, our way — I’ve struggled with the concept of connection and what it means. I recognize now more than ever how important it is, and why it’s also valuable to seek connection not just with loved ones, but strangers too. There are so many excellent takeaways from this book that I will carry with me on my journey. If you’re needing a wake-up call, or just striving to be a better human, pick this one up. It’s filled with practical wisdom and powerful, memorable stories. It’s easy to say that I’m now a big fan of Brené Brown!
Side note: I highly recommend the audible version! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
You Are Not Alone
by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are back with another stunner, You Are Not Alone. Shay Miller is in a funk — her job is at dead end, her roommate/crush is in love with someone else, and she’s never been lonelier. And then one day on the subway, she witnesses a horrific suicide that rocks her to her core. Shay becomes curious about the woman who jumped — and soon finds herself immersed with the woman’s friends, who have an agenda of their own.
It’s damn near impossible to write much more about the plot without giving it all away! It’s a twisted and dark read, filled with different perspectives.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this advanced copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Into the Wild
by Jon Krakauer
I watched this movie with my husband years ago, and always thought of it whenever I heard Eddie Vedder’s deep voice come through our speakers. (It’s one of the only two albums my husband has downloaded on his phone.) So when I saw a used copy in a tiny bookstore in Loreto, Baja California, I thought, “this would be a great book for Steven to read.” Little did I know, that as I opened the first page to just peruse, I would obsessively devour this story in less than 24 hours!
Into the Wild is a cautionary tale of Christopher McCandless, a young man from a well-to-do family who hitchhiked to Alaska to invent a new life for himself. Krakauer originally covered the story for Outside magazine after McCandless’ body was found in the Alaskan bush, and found himself diving deeper to understand just exactly what had happened out there.
Being that Steven and I are now on our own (albeit safe) journey with our two sons, the story of McCandless’ Alaskan odyssey speaks to the depth of my being. As McCandless writes in his own words, “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” This is an eloquent and tragic book that left an incredible impression. A must-read for all adventurers and nomads! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Pretty Things
by Janelle Brown
This psychological thriller is EASILY poised to be one of the best books of 2020! What lengths would you go to to save a life — and settle the score of past transgressions? Janelle Brown offers up a juicy, twisted tale about revenge and redemption, with flawed, complex characters who couldn’t be more opposite of each other: an elite Instagram influencer and a high-stakes scam artist. Nina once bought into the idea that her fancy liberal arts degree would lead to a fulfilling career. When that dream crashed, she turned to stealing from rich kids in L.A. alongside her wily Irish boyfriend, Lachlan. Nina learned from the best: Her mother was the original con artist, hustling to give her daughter a decent childhood despite their wayward life. But when her mom gets sick, Nina puts everything on the line to help her, even if it means running her most audacious, dangerous scam yet.
You definitely need to add this book to your must-read list!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
The Last Wife
by Nicola Marsh
This book is deliciously good! I could hardly put it down. All Ria ever wanted was a family. Growing up alone in foster care, she imagined just how it would be. So when she fell in love with Grayson and had their daughter Shelley, she was determined to make his family love her too. She knew she’d never fit in with her glamorous sisters-in-law, or at the exclusive picture-perfect Chicago parties her mother-in-law threw, but with Grayson’s arm around her waist she tried her best to be a Parker. But everything changed when Grayson disappeared.
The family dynamics in this salacious drama feel like the best reality show mixed with a soap opera. Most of the characters are obnoxious and egotistical with a LOT of secrets to hide, which translates to a fun and fast read. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good whodunnit! Thank you to NetGalley and bookouture for this advanced copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Little Secrets
by Jennifer Hillier
You know those books that just suck you in, and won’t let you go? Jennifer Hillier’s Little Secrets is that book. Centered around a successful mother whose devastated after her young son goes missing, this sharp domestic thriller also tackles infidelity — and the aftermath.
Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They’re admired in their community and are a loving family. Up until the day Sebastian is taken.
Hillier is a master at storytelling, and this book falls right in line with her others. A must read in 2020!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
The Other Mrs.
by Mary Kubica
YOU GUYS. This book is another home run from the talented Mary Kubica! Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from bustling Chicago to small-town Maine when their neighbor Morgan Baines is found dead in her home. The murder rocks their tiny coastal island, but no one is more shaken than Sadie. But it’s not just Morgan’s death that has Sadie on edge. And as the eyes of suspicion turn toward the new family in town, Sadie is drawn deeper into the mystery of what really happened that dark and deadly night. But Sadie must be careful, for the more she discovers about Mrs. Baines, the more she begins to realize just how much she has to lose if the truth ever comes to light.
Twisty, creepy and complex, this is one domestic thriller you don’t want to miss. I flew through this book in just a day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
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Have you read anything good lately? Please share your favorite books with me in the comments below!
