What I read in May
June 7, 2023Note; My book rating system is explained here!
The Measure – 4 Stars. I cannot stop thinking and talking about this book. Imagine waking up one morning to a box outside your door. On the lid is an inscription that reads “The measure of your life lies within.” If you choose to open it, there is a string, that is all. Soon the news cycle is filled with lids all over the world. Every single person 21 or older receives this mysterious box. What does it mean? How does it change the world? Do you dare to open your box?
Romantic Comedy – 4 Stars. While The Measure wasn’t a particularly difficult read, I was craving something a little light and fluffy after contemplating the uncertainty of life. Enter: Romantic Comedy. Imagine a rom-com set in the backstage of SNL. The writing is excellent. The story is fun. And the peak behind the curtain at SNL (known as TNO in the book) has me wanting to deep dive into what it would really be like to be a writer for the show. And if you want something fun but don’t tend to prefer steamy reads, then this is perfect for you.
A Court of Wing & Ruin – 4 Stars. I’m slowly making my way through this series and this was my favorite book yet. Is the writing great? No. But the story is. I’ve been listening to these on audiobook which I think makes me all the more aware of repetitive dialogue (please, we get it, Faera makes a lot of ‘rude gestures’) but it also makes my long walks and editing sessions fly by. There are a lot of open-door scenes so if reading about sexy time makes you blush, either prepare to blush a lot or skip these.
A Court of Frost & Starlight – 2 Stars. You cannot convince me this was not written by a ghostwriter. That is all.
The Marriage Portrait – 4 Stars. (Note; It is abnormal for me to give so many 4 stars in a month, but this was a great month of reading). Historical Fiction was what got me back into reading a handful of years ago, but I’ve been reaching more for lighter novels in recent months. This book reminded me why I loved this genre so much. It is set in Renaissance Italy and tells the somewhat true story of Lucrezia di Cosimo de’Medici – a 15-year-old who is forced to marry the Duke of Ferrara and merge their two dynasties. And it is fascinating. I feel like most books have seasons, and this reads more like an October or November book to me. But if you’re itching for a great historical fiction read, and one set in a time not written about nearly enough, then I think you’ll love this.
This Time Tomorrow – 3 Stars. To be quite honest I thought I would enjoy this more than I did. It was fine. The premise is interesting enough. The characters are ok. The writing is never distracting. If you enjoy science fiction you may enjoy it more than I did. It has received a ton of buzz so I’m a bit embarrassed by not loving it as much as most ‘book people’, but it isn’t one I’ll pick up again or be quick to pass along to friends.
Everyone in my family has killed someone – 3 Stars (Maybe 4? I’m undecided). I have never read something like this before. It’s a wild ride and I enjoyed it thoroughly when I wasn’t confused. The reliable narrator who isn’t telling you everything made it extra fun and twisty as you near the end. But I found there to be a lot of characters and details to keep track of. If I were reading it again, I’d jot down a few notes about who is related to the narrator and how. If you’re in the mood for something fast, fun, and mystery-ish then you’ll love this.
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