Bookmarks: September Edition
Reviewing books that made it off the shelf this month.
September pulled me through a web of fiction. From thrillers to cafe romances, September’s landscape was more icy than not.
I get the sense that my fiction tastes offer a wider variety than many other readers I know. It seems that a lot of people have a genre or two that they live in, tucking themselves into the crannies of familiar plot points and letting moss grow over their heads. For better or worse, I can’t live like that. I love a cutesy romance as much as chasing down a serial killer. I love literary and decidedly not literary. Each book takes a different shape and space in my mind.
I have been leaning towards literary lately, just because my mind is going into hibernation. I’m doing a lot of that meditative work, and literary pushes me into myself.
This month’s flavors offer a variety of experiences, but the best of the month was split between The Snow Child and Apples Never Fall.
And on that note… my reviews.
Fiction
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty hires quality narrators. I’ve never read her books with my eyes, but listening to her novels is an absolute pleasure. Her specialty is setting up a mystery, to unravel it through a spiral of secrets within a community or family unit. Her character development is unmatched. She creates such elaborate back stories, connections, and quirks that the characters truly become people. Reading her work is a deep dive in the inner workings of a family eco-system. Brilliantly done.
Plus, there’s a show on Peacock. The jury is still out on whether or not the show can compare to the book…but… So far it’s looking good.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
The brilliance of this novel is tucked in the details. Set in Alaska in the 1920’s, a childless, homesteading couple set out to survive the winter. In an elusive moment of joy, they build a child out of the snow. The next day, the snow child has been destroyed and in its place is a living, mysterious child of the winter.
This novel is devastating, joyful, mysterious, and masterfully written. I would highly recommend this book.
Never Lie by Frida McFadden
If you’ve read Verity, you’ve basically already read this book. A lot less smutty than Verity, this book throws a couple into an abandoned house during a snowstorm. Enter: Missing Mental Health Counselor, a bunch of illegally taped therapy sessions, and a suspicious new husband.
Was this book thrilling? Surprising? …eh… For fans of domestic thrillers, lengthy internal dialogue, and convenient narrative choices, this book will be a delight. If you like the characters to work for the plot, this one maybe isn’t for you.
Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
If you’re going to read this adorable seasonal romance, you’ll first want to pull on your sweaty Uggs from 2010, wrap yourself in that tattered infinity scarf reeking of ancient Victoria’s Secret perfume, and, of course, sip a Pumpkin Spice latte. This novel is Hallmark meets Gilmore Girls. It’s cute, it’s quick, it’s light. Great for an afternoon relieving the glory days. My only complaint: This author has CLEARLY never been to New England. I’m personally offended.
Thanks for reading my September Reviews! I hope this list left you curious, inspired, and snooping around your own bookshelf for passed-over treasures. Open one. You won’t regret it.
See you next month!
Sarina