I had been trying for at least five, maybe even six books in March. I was hoping that I would get a lot of reading done on my flights and on vacation, but since vacation didn’t happen, I fell short of my goal (or that’s what I will blame it on anyway). I did finish four books in March though.
The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman (★★★★☆)
While it was pretty clear to me from the beginning what happened with this family, this was a beautiful family tale of deep bonds, love, jealousy, and secrets. I only had a minor quibble with one of the characters, because I didn’t think hers was developed as well as the other ones in this book, but I really enjoyed this family drama set in post-WWII Brooklyn. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes even the best intentions can lead to huge consequences.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (★★★★★)
Oh my, what the previous book lacked in ‘surprise’ factor, this book made up for it. I didn’t understand what was happening until the very end. The split narration was a little bit hard to follow at times, but it didn’t change my opinion that this was one of the most well-written stories I’ve ever read. I didn’t really know what I was in for. Evelyn doesn’t come off as the most likable person at the beginning but turns out to be this immensely interesting character who truly lived the lives of several people. The way she recounts her seven marriages to a young journalist and her motivations at the end are mind-blowing story-telling. This book is about being true to yourself, but also about the things we do for love and the fact that we really can’t see behind the curtains of other people’s lives unless they let us.
Something like happy by Eva Woods (★★★★☆)
This book tells the story of Polly, terminally-ill, and Annie, miserable and heart-broken by compounding ‘loss’, who meet by accident but become fast friends. This is a story on how your own mindset and attitude can move mountains. The writing fell a little flat for me at times, but I couldn’t help but love the positivity and humor in this otherwise heartbreaking story!
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (★★★☆☆)
This book about a marriage, told from the perspective of the husband, then the wife, started out reeeally slow for me. I know it had some mixed reviews, and in cases like this, I never know what to expect. Which camp will I fall into? Well, to be quite honest, I was kind of ‘meh’ about it at the end. The writing was hard to get used to, there was a lot of ‘reading between the lines’, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but just really tedious at times. The second part (Furies) definitely was more interesting because it ‘explained’ a lot of things that I was wondering about in the first half of the book, but there were also so many questions left and I didn’t really feel a connection to any of the characters, so it was hard for me to keep going. I also didn’t understand the repetitive and constant mention of sex and sexual desire. I mean, yes, it plays part in a marriage and especially in a marriage that began so young for Mathilde and Lotto, but I didn’t really feel that it had a distinct point for the rest of the story.
What was your favorite book last month? Leave a comment, and then add me on Goodreads to keep in touch.
ShootingStarsMag
April 3, 2018 at 7:04 amGreat job on getting four books read last month, and I’m glad to see that you really enjoyed most of them. I’ve heard GREAT things about The Seven Husbands Of…so I really do want to read that at some point. Thanks for all the reviews!
-Lauren
Ana
April 3, 2018 at 7:34 amEvelyn Hugo was amazing! I loved that book.
I am in the minority, I really loved Fates and Furies, especially the second part. This book was one of President Obama’s favorite books of 2016.
Beth
April 3, 2018 at 8:15 amI’m adding Evelyn Hugo to my list. I’m in the middle of Fates and Furies right now and I’m not sure how I feel about it yet. The writing is different and unique, but I’m not loving the characters that much…I have to finish it for book club so I’m sure I will, but I am thinking I’ll be in your camp on this one!
Emily
April 3, 2018 at 8:44 amI have heard great things about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I have to add it to my list of books to read. I may have to also add Fates and Furies to my list as well. It sounds like a good book.
lisa thomson
April 3, 2018 at 8:50 amThese books look interesting. I enjoy your candid and honest reviews, Sandra. You sound like me when I read. If I don’t bond with the character, it can take away from the story and also, too many unanswered questions can be a problem. I know some people like to guess or interpret their own ending to stories but that’s not me. I like it tied up if not in a tidy bow, then a loose knot will do. I’m also a fan of goodreads and will ensure we’re connected there. :)
Kate BK
April 3, 2018 at 11:05 amPeople seem to LOVE “Fates & Furies” but I couldn’t get into it – & this review has me thinking maybe I won’t try again?! I LOVED “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” though!
Shann Eva
April 3, 2018 at 7:30 pmGreat reviews! I’ve only read Fates and Furies, and I didn’t really care for it. I’m definitely adding the first 2 books to my list. I just finished The Woman in Cabin 10. It was a super fast read, and entertaining.
Stephany
April 4, 2018 at 5:01 amI have Fates & Furies on my TBR list, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get around to reading it. I haven’t read too many good reviews of it, and I struggle with literary fiction sometimes. But I just checked out The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo from the library and I’m hoping to get around to it soon.
terra
April 5, 2018 at 8:55 amI just picked up “Fates and Furies” from the library because I really enjoyed “Arcadia,” by the same author and this one was generally well-reviewed. I’m curious to see if the same issues I had with “Arcadia” will present themselves in this book as well, but I’m still excited to read it.
And “Seven Husbands…” – it was SO GOOD! Such a surprising delight!
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
April 6, 2018 at 3:26 pmI need to read Seven Husbands. That was a book of the month club selection and I thought about selecting it but went with another that month. I’ll have to request it from the library! Whenever someone whose tastes are in line with mine gives a book 5 stars, it makes it a must read for me!
I read 3 books in March which I was super pleased with since I wasn’t sure I would read any books the month Paul was born! And I’ve already read 2 in April so I am finding ways to continue to read. My favorite book was “Commonwealth” by Ann Patchett. It’s about a blended family of 2 people who cheat on their spouses with each other and then marry. It was a really well-written character-driven novel.
Mia
April 7, 2018 at 6:22 pmI totally agree about Fates and Furies. It was kind of tiresome and by the end of the book, I just wanted to be done with it all.
Heather
April 10, 2018 at 9:59 amI really enjoyed Seven Husbands but it wasn’t my favourite of hers. I wanted to read Fates and Furies for awhile but I think elements of it would drive me crazy.
kristen
April 10, 2018 at 10:00 amsomething like happy sounds interesting! i’m glad you liked evelyn hugo, i loved it so much.
SMD
April 10, 2018 at 6:06 pmI loved Evelyn Hugo! Fates not so much.
The first one is already on my to read list, glad you found it worthy!
Laura
April 10, 2018 at 6:45 pmI’m on the wait list at the library for Evelyn Hugo – can’t wait to read it!
Jana @ Jana Says
April 11, 2018 at 9:52 amI loved Evelyn. But I love all TJR books.
I felt the same way about Fates and Furies. I didn’t think it was worth the hype at all. Two-Family House was very good.
Alison - puppIes & Pretties
April 12, 2018 at 6:56 pmI’ve been wanting to read 7 Husbands for awhile now and your review makes me want to even more!
Alexandra Consolver
April 13, 2018 at 11:08 amAlright, I have finally been convinced to pick up Evelyn Hugo.. even though I haven’t felt like it was up my alley. Too many rave reviews! :) XO – Alexandra
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