To Read Or Not To Read

Two books that I constantly see on lists recommended if you liked Gone Girl are The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison and Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight. I've read both and was disappointed by both. The Silent Wife felt entirely too predictable right from the beginning. It is certainly a quick read and the basic storyline appeals to readers who enjoyed Gone Girl. However, Harrison's novel doesn't create nearly the same depth and intricacy in her plot as Flynn does. In the end, it was an unsurprising and generally unsatisfying read for me. If you're hopes aren't too high and you're just looking for a quick read about a messed up marriage, this one's for you. 

Reconstructing Amelia isn't meant to be any sort of copycat of Gone Girl by any means. In its own respect, it is a modern mystery that keeps the reader's attention and delivers surprises throughout. Now, I don't know how familiar you are with Gossip Girl, (a guilty Netflix indulgence of mine) but as I got into this book, I couldn't shake the thought from my mind that it felt like I was reading a lengthened episode of Gossip Girl, or maybe just a bad episode of Pretty Little Liars (is there such a thing as a good episode?). Anyway, McCreight sprinkles in different mediums and different narrators throughout the book so maybe the juvenile style of text messages she included in the story really just put me over the edge. If you can look past the mild silliness of it all, then Reconstructing Amelia would be an easy and captivating read. 

One book that I have read recently that achieves the same level of messed up creepiness as Flynn's book, is The Dinner by Herman Koch. It's a bit slow moving to start - the entire novel is literally one dinner - but once you get past the first bit and into the true story-telling of it all, a horrendously weird and f***ed up tale is told. The end of the book left me reeling, confused, and wanting more, as a good book should. 

I suppose my takeaway from this is that not all books are created equal. By definition and by summary, these books should appeal to those who enjoyed Gone Girl. But just because a book seems to fit in the same genre, doesn't mean it'll live up to its expectations.

Dark Places

After a brief hiatus from reading, I've just finished Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. I have to admit, it took me a while to get into the book but, once again, Flynn weaves together a compelling story as Libby Day unravels the truth about what happened on a cold January night twenty-five years ago when her family was murdered. For all these years, her brother Ben has been in jail, convicted as their murderer, but not everyone is convinced of this, and slowly but surely, Libby begins to question it as well. 

Overall, the story is gripping and disturbing. More so than Gone Girl in my opinion. And in true Flynn fashion, the ending leaves you not entirely satisfied - frustrated and wanting to know more. All of this being said, I would definitely recommend Dark Places if you're looking for a creepy read, appropriate
for the time of year, and if you have a strong stomach. 

What's Next

I recently finished This Is Where I Leave You, by Jonathan Tropper which was a great read with an ending leaving the reader wondering what's next for our beloved yet screwed up protagonist.
So the question now is, what do I read next??
What I would absolutely love to get my hands on is The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. Her highly touted new book -- along with her most recent release, Big Little Lies -- promises to be a quick and enjoyable read.

Nonfiction Friday

I love a good fiction novel just as much as the next person but reality truly is stranger, and more spectacular, than fiction. When planning what books I'd like to try to read, I try and challenge myself to pick up different genres and expand my horizons, and I'd like to extend the same challenge to you! Nonfiction is sometimes underrated and looked at as too boring or historical. You don't have to be a history nerd like me to get into a good true story. So, in the broadest sense of the word, I'm recommending a nonfiction book each Friday. First up:

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

 

Really anything by Jeannette Walls is a safe choice but this one is my favorite by her. In the book, Walls tells the story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, whose life is challenging and exciting all at once. Walls creates a compelling narrative of her grandmother's life that is both eye-opening and entertaining. Smith, raised on a horse farm and on her own by fifteen, experienced the western United States during the Great Depression era - one of my favorite time periods to read about.

If you're looking to try nonfiction that reads easy, this one's your book.

What I'm Reading

I recently started in on a new book called This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. Fifty pages in and I've already had to stifle my laughter so I don't look like a crazy person in public. This one is about Judd Foxman who is going through a trying time in his life: His father has just died and he's in the process of a divorce. Tropper never beats around the bush and presents tragedy in a relatable and inappropriately hilarious manner. I have a feeling that this one will be a quick read!

 

And if anyone needs further motivation to read it, the novel is being adapted to the big screen, set to come out this September. Jason Bateman tops off the cast as Judd (perfect!), and other stars such as Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Dax Shepard, and Rose Byrne round it out.

What I'm Reading

So I guess you could say that when it comes to reading, I get a little gluttonous. Typically I have three or four books (at least) in the works at one time, especially during the summertime. I'm currently focusing my efforts however on Little Bee by Chris Cleave. It was recently recommended to me by a friend and I've only heard good things about it so I can't wait to get into it!

greetings and such

Hello all!

My name is Kaitlin and I'm a self-proclaimed wallflower and book geek. I'd love to share my thoughts about books and related topics and to hear from anyone interested in the same stuff!

This is my first time giving blogging a go, so bear with me please :)

Cheers and good reads