Younger by Pamela Redmon Satran

 This is the book that inspired the TV series, Younger but it falls short. I loved the series and am addicted to it so when I was given an opportunity to listen to it on audible for free, I jumped at it and boy was I disappointed.

This is one of those super rare instances in which the TV show is better than the book. The characters are quite different and as a result of that so are the arcs.  I didn't really care for any of the characters in the book but this could possibly be because the TV series has been done such a good job that I can't imagine the characters any other way!  

 If you aren't familiar with this story, it's about a 40+ year old woman who re-enters the work force after having left it to raise her daughter.  She presents herself as a young 20 something to get  a job in publishing. She also gets involved in a relationship with a 20 something man named, Josh who doesn't know her real age.  This leaves,  Alice juggling a lot of balls in the air and it's only a matter of time before the fall.

Zack Morris Lied 329 Times!: Reassessing every ridiculous episode of "Saved by the Bell" ... with stats by Matt Pais

 

Saved by the Bell was a pivotal part of my childhood. I lived for Saturday Mornings and watching Zack and the Gang.  Zack to the Future podcast let me to this book. If you aren't aware of the podcast or the reboot, you need to catch up! The podcast can be found HERE

Zack Morris Lied 329 Times, revisits all of the Saved by the Bell episodes, with the exception of Good Morning Miss Bliss.  It's a fun look at the past and a trip down memory lane.  I learned a few new things and was reminded of others I had forgotten.

There are interviews with cast members which add to the enjoyment of reading this book. This is a must read for all SBTB fans. I am so EXCITED and you will be too!

The End of October Novel by Lawrence Wright

Lawrence Wright has done his research. He not only understands virus's but he gets them. The way they play out and the way society reacts to them.  He wrote this before the Covid-19 pandemic hit and it's chilling how spot on he is but not terribly surprising if you know how the 1918 Pandemic played out. With all that being said - I don't think this book would have such a punch to it if we were not in the midst of a pandemic. 

The book starts off rather strong but then loses steam however that doesn't mean that you aren't wrapped up in the virus. The characters aren't likable and there is a lot going on but that doesn't mean you shouldn't read it. Just don't go in expecting too much.

Welcome to the United States of Anxiety - by Jen Lancaster

 What did I just read? What happened to Jen Lancaster? I feel that reading her books these days are a hit and miss. This one is is a mixed bag of peanuts.

Jen is still clever but something is amiss. I can't quite figure it out either. She's still snarky (which I love), she still 'her"but for lack of a better word, she rambles on and on and on and ...  

I have to ask if she just writing for the sake of writing? 

Her use of Maslow’s Hierarchy is rather interesting and her footnotes reflect the research put into it the book. They are rather educating and interesting but I miss the "old" Jen. 

Reputation by Sara Shepard

 Aldrich University has been hacked (along with other Universities but that's not all that important to the story). The hacker has released everyone's emails and dumped them into an easy search database. By everyone, I mean, staff, students, alumni and faculty. 

Imagine for a moment everything you use your email address for, everything you write to others or photos you send now - all of that can be easily read and found by ANYONE. Sounds terrible right? It is.

Rumors circulate and secrets are spilled things are heated but then they explode when Dr. Greg Strasser is found murdered in his home and his wife Kit Manning has no memory of getting home. Kit's sister an investigative reporter returns to her hometown determined to find out the truth about Greg because something doesn't sit right with her.

The story is told in many different point of views. There are many twists and turns and as the tangled weaved web is unraveled the pages turn themselves in an effort to the the resolution. 

Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by Helena Dea Bala

Are you a fan of Postsecret.com? Do you rush to see the new secrets post at midnight every Sunday? Do you own the books? If you answered yes to any of these questions this book is for you! If you don't know about Post Secret were have you been? Go visit it NOW.

Helena Dea Bala hates her job as a lobbyist . She feels unfulfilled but this is about to change after a visit with a homeless man who tells her, his story. This starts her on the path of meeting with strangers from Craigslist and hearing their stories, their secrets and who doesn't love secrets?

The secrets are short and make for a quick read. There is some emotional punch to them but it also gave me perspective on my life and it will probably do the same to you. 

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

The Cabin at the End of the World starts of strong and the premise is intriguing. It was initially right up my alley  but then .... it kinda feel apart. It became too wordy and it felt as though Tremblay was trying to hard to fill space. The story itself could be cut in half and make a phenomenal novella! 

This book starts off with cute little Wren playing with grasshoppers, then turns into a horror show in which, Wren and her two fathers, Andrew and Eric are being held hostage by four people who are "the four horsemen of the apocalypse".

Sounds, phenomenal right? It was but then .... then pacing and the word fluff was offsetting. I was expecting to be frightened, as we are in the midst of a a pandemic but instead I found myself pushing through the novel to get to the end. The end left me wanting to pound my head into the wall. 

I understand the purpose of the end and why Tremblay chose to end it in that matter but I didn't like it.  Oddly enough I can see this book working as a movie and it would be one of those rare cases in which the movie is better than the book. 

Don't discount this read because the idea behind it is great, just prepare yourself for some lag and frustration and some heartbreak.

The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes: A Novel by Elissa R Sloan

 Are you or have you ever been addicted to celebrity drama? Do you visit celebrity blogs or google your favorite celebrity to read up on what they are doing or to get your dose of gossip? If you do this book is for you! 

Our four characters are Cassidy, Merry, Yumi, and Rose and this is their story and what happens when the rise and fall of fame consumes them and how it impacts them differently. The story is told in four different narratives and details before Gloss made headlines, during their rise of fame and then ---- then the suicide of Cassidy Holmes, fifteen years after she walked out on the band.

Expect a lot of 2000's nostalgia and to be entertained for hours! This is one of my favorite reads this year! 

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Do you ever read a book because you feel obligated to? Ever read a book because it's part of a series and you feel that you HAVE to? If you  haven't, where have you been hiding and teach me your secrets. Midnight Sun is an "obligation" book for me. The read wasn't as terrible as I  expected but it also took me way too long to finish this book to completion. 

This book is Edwards version of, Twilight.  Edward is crazier and stalkier than I thought. He is insufferable and creepier. I have second hand embarrassment for him. He is 100 plus years old and you'd think he would have grown some but nope, he is stuck in teen angst.

 I feel that if Edward was human, he'd be behind bars for stalking, Bella.

The narration is overwritten and I feel like I am being tortured but in an entertaining way. Edward is obsessive and anxiety ridden. 

Their are some good and interesting bits. Stuff that readers didn't know about before and background information on Edward's past and a few insights into the other Vampires in particular Rosalie (which left me wanting to know more about her) , how Alice was create and Emmet is oddly lovable! A few scenes are expanded upon and we learn a tiny bit more about Charlie, who is my favorite character. 

Just know that this is the exact same book just from Edwards mind. Read if if you want some giggles. Also? What is up with the cover. It grosses me out. 

My Daddy is a Hero: How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer by Lena Derhally

I've always been interested in the Chris Watts case. I felt that everywhere I looked their just wasn't enough information or that the information was all over the place. I wanted to know more and when I was given the opportunity to listen to the Audio Version of My Daddy is a Hero, I was hesitant, I have never been a huge fan of audio books as I tend to get distracted while listening to a book or the reader doesn't capture my attention. I decided to give it a try .... and I am thankful that I did.

I had to rewind a few times and sometimes the reader's lisp on certain words was distracting but I was able to push through it all and complete the book and I am thankful that I am.

So far this is the most comprehensive work I have found on the Chris Watt's case. Derhally recreated the the night Watts murdered his family. She details the investigation using various sources and examines the relationships in his life. She also analyzes him and uses her knowledge as a psychotherapist to profile him. 

There are many times the passages in the book are emotionally drenching because it deals with two precious little girls who became the victim of  a person who should have treasured and protected them over all others. This is an excellent read (or listen) for other crime junkies like me. 

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks (Author), Sarah Pekkanen (Author)

I read, “You Are Not Alone” months ago but somehow forgot to blog about it! This is surprising as I usually forget to blog about books that I find mediocre at best, which is not the case with this book.

I have been on a bit of thriller kick lately. Our heroine, Shay, along with insights from other characters tell the story I real time and via flashbacks.

Shay witnesses at suicide and inserts herself into the lives on the victim’s friends. She attends the memorial, invents a fictitious connect to the victim and quickly finds herself with a new group of friends. Her trusting character and lonely lifestyle make her vulnerable. You find an urge to protect her, even when she makes you squeamish because you just know something is amiss and when it comes down to it Shay will have to rely on herself.

This is an odd thriller with lots of unlikable and savory characters. Super fast read that will keep you entertained.