Welcome to Quick Lit where I share books that I chose for my own reading enjoyment in a mini-review format. There are not books I received for review, but books that I’ve been wanting to read or that have caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link-up. Be sure to head over to see others share their Quick Lit posts. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read more about that.
My current reads are OUR LITTLE WORLD, MUSTIQUE ISLAND, and THE PUZZLER.
Some of my recent reviews include a middle-grade novel, THE BUTTON BOX.
I’ve also been sharing a lot of excellent children’s books lately, See them all, HERE.
As I have mentioned, I am trying to read more books off of my shelves, but it’s hard to do that when review books come in the mail and new books are constantly being released. So, I added some of the books from my shelves to my Libby audio holds. Then I can read faster by dual reading…reading the physical copy and listening to it on audio. I’ve now read fifteen books from my shelves and moved them out of the house. Here are 3 books I read and listened to in the last month.
A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME
How I Found the Calm After the Storm
By: Ginger Zee
Published: January 11, 2022
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Memoir
Format: Audiobook through the library
I have really admired Ginger Zee from watching her on “Good Morning America” as well as how she handles the trolls on social media. I’m shocked at what people will say to her (on social media) and about her, but she always, ALWAYS handles disrespect and vitriol with grace and a bit of sass.
Her memoir, her second, chronicles her years of dealing with anorexia and depression as well as the repercussions of choices in her life due to alcohol. Her story includes sexual assault and suicide attempts so if that is a trigger for you, be aware.
Zee narrates the audio version which is why I chose to listen. Her narration was authentic and her story is one for many to learn from and know that no one fights these battles alone. Her memoir only made me more impressed with her and how she chooses to live life. Choose this if you’d like a memoir that leaves you hopeful with a life-affirming message for those who need them. Ginger is a positive role model for teens and young women reminding them you are not your mistakes. You can overcome anything!
NOT LIKE THE MOVIES
Waiting for Tom Hanks (Book 2)
By: Kerry Winfrey
Published: July 7, 2020
Publisher: Berkley
Romance
Format: Audiobook through the library
After reading WAITING FOR TOM HANKS at the beginning of the year, I was anxious to get to the sequel. I listened to 80% of it on audio and then finished it via my eBook copy. This one continues the story from the first book with an upcoming wedding as well as a movie premiere. I don’t want to spoil the first book for anyone so I’ll just say it focuses mostly on Chloe, Annie’s best friend from the first book. This book is Chloe’s love story and even though it is a bit predictable, the story was fun along the way.
If you are a Rom-Com fan, I recommend both of these books. Perfect summer reading especially for a small-town Midwest girl like me.
BEFORE SHE WAS FOUND
By: Heather Gudenkauf
Published: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Park Row
Mystery
Format: Paperback
Heather Gudenkauf is an Iowa writer that lives near me and sets all her novels in Iowa. Even though she usually gives the towns new names, being local, I usually have a pretty good idea of where the story is set. I have enjoyed some of her previous books and still have several on her backlist to read. This was our book club choice for the month and I have to admit that it wasn’t my favorite of hers and my book club friends agreed. It starts with a tween girl being brutally attacked during a sleepover. Then the novel takes you through the text messages, online chats, police interviews, medical counseling, and the girl’s journal entries that all relate to what led up to and after the traumatic event.
As a mom, I have to admit that the story made me nauseous and feel a bit icky with the online chat content. There is quite a twist towards the end that I didn’t expect. But, I also felt the ending was a tad rushed and left some questions unanswered. Overall, the story held my attention and the twists were surprising. But, the revealed mystery left me a bit underwhelmed.
What good things have you been reading? I’ve also read books that I reviewed for publishers. Check them out, HERE.
You can see all my other Quick Lit posts by clicking, HERE.
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Posted Under audiobook, Book Review, fiction, Ginger Zee, Heather Gudenkauf, Kerry Winfrey, memoir, mystery, non-fiction, Quick Lit, romance