Monthly Book Review: December 2019 + Year in Review

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Monique is plucked from journalistic obscurity by iconic actress Evelyn Hugo to write her biography. Why? What events transpire to warrant seven marriages? Who was the love of Evelyn's life? Evelyn is obviously heavily inspired by Elizabeth Taylor. The "behind the scenes" look into rivalries, friendships and beards (gay people marrying to appear straight) was interesting. Two twists I never saw coming made this an excellent vacation read. A-

The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams - Like Kate Morton, Williams is all about rich character development and details so her books are long, very long. This tells the stories of German Elfreide and English Wilfred at the beginning of the 20th century alternating with American Lulu in 1944 Bahamas. The intersection is punctuated by an "interesting" storyline about the Windsor's. B-

Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham - It's hard to imagine Lorelai Gilmore being played by anyone other than Graham - like her Gilmore Girls character she is fast talking, witty and quirky. I loved Graham in GG and Parenthood and she describes her experiences on both. No spoilers.

I read 24 books this year - I slid in that last one at only 4.5 hours - plus three in which I made a significant investment (looking at you with major side-eye Circe). I moved and got married this year so priorities, but definitely want to up my game for 2020.

My top 5 favorite books of 2019 in order:

1. The Night Circus
2. The Graveyard Book
3. Little Fires Everywhere
4. Delicious
5. The Dutch House

I liked The Graveyard Book so much that I'm going to go re-read The Ocean at the End of the Lane by the same author. I gave it two thumbs down in September 2016, but admitted then it may have been over my head.

Queue (there was a sale on Audible, hence I loaded up):

• American Royals by Katherine McGee
• The Year of Living Danishly by Hellen Russell
• The Gown by Jennifer Robson
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
• The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter
• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
• Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Monthly Book Review: November 2019

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett - One reviewer hit the nail on the head when calling this "obsessive nostalgia". Maeve and Danny grew up in The Dutch House and the story chronicles their decisions and relationships through the years. I found this to be a love story between siblings. Because who else knows your history, warts and all, better than they? The audio version is read by Tom Hanks which I was excited about but neither loved nor hated. B+

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center is a bit predictable but I found it to be an honest portrayal of the aftermath following a traumatic injury - something I know a bit about being the former wife of a quadriplegic. The characters are extremely likable and the bonus short story gives another perspective. B-

I just could not get into Circe by Madeline Miller, the fabled story of a daughter of the Greek god Helios. I gave up three hours in, lasting only that long due to the melodic voice of the narrator, Perdita Weeks.

Next up:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

American Royals by Katherine McGee
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern