Good Morning Monster
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Format: Audiobook
In this book, a therapist recounts working with five different patients who had a huge impact on her life. I really like reading books like this because this is an area of interest for me, but stories of trauma and adversity aren't for everyone.
Don't Let Him In
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Format: Audiobook
I've enjoyed many books by Lisa Jewell, so I'm always willing to give them a try. This one is about a conman and some of the identities and relationships he forms to commit his crimes. I listened to the audiobook, and one of the narrators is Richard Armitage, whom I refer to as "the best looking of the dwarves" (i.e. Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit) (I've also made mention of the "best kiss" from North & South). So I love me some Richard Armitage, but he always narrates the most skeezy characters in audiobooks! So you just know that when the guy is voiced by my buddy, Richard, he's going to be a total scumbag.
Four stars for this one, but I wouldn't let my grandma read it due to sex and language.
More or Less Maddy
Genre: Contemporary, Mental health, Family fiction
Format: Audiobook
I've read some of Lisa Genova's books (Still Alice and Every Note Played) and found them touching and informative. She is a neuroscientist and tries to write stories that help bring awareness to various neurological conditions. This particular story is about Maddy, a young adult with biploar disorder. I think Genova did a great job depicting some of the internal battle that comes with treating symptoms - medication can be so helpful, but there is so much to still be studied, and there is always a wrestle with balancing wellness and side effects. I enjoyed this book immensely and think it has an important message, but I found it crass at times (particularly in Maddy's stand-up comedy). I wouldn't let my grandma read it.
Inside the O'Briens
Genre: Mental Health, Family Fiction
Format: Audiobook
After I finished More or Less Maddy, I found another book by Lisa Genova in my Audible line-up that I hadn't yet listened to. Inside the O'Briens is about Joe O'Brien, a middle-aged police officer, who finds out he has Huntington's Disease. Being a lethal, genetic degenerative disease, his family members have to make the choice for themselves whether to be tested for the genetic mutation. Joe must choose how to live with his disease. One of the most poignant parts of the story, for me, is when his daughter points out that he will set the example and teach them how to live with Huntington's. And that changes everything.
I struggled with Joe's character a little bit, but I wonder if that's because of how the narrator voiced him. I wonder how I would have viewed him if I'd read the book in my own voice. Too late now! Other than that, it was a great book. I wouldn't feel good about letting my grandma read it, however. Language, as usual.
When the World Fell Silent
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: E-Book
This story takes place during the Halifax explosion of 1917. Guess what! I didn't know anything about the explosion prior to reading this book. Now that I've read it, I still don't know anything about the explosion. So that would be my one big critique of the novel - it didn't help me learn much about the historical tragedy. Instead, it's the alternating story of two women - Nora and Charlotte - and their personal experiences after the explosion.
The good news is, I would let my grandma read this. It does contain pre-marital relations resulting in a pregnancy, but it's not descriptive.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Genre: Coming of Age, Family Fiction
Format: Audible
I've had this book on my to-read list for years. It took a while because my library doesn't have it, so I eventually used an Audible credit for it.
Sam was born with a condition that gave him red eyes. Throughout his life he is bullied and mistreated. This book is the story of his life, and well, let's just say I'm happy I don't summarize books for a living because this is what you get from me.
I wouldn't let my grandma read this. There were a couple of things that I wouldn't want her to read in here.
The Life She Was Given
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: E-Book
This book started out very intriguing - I couldn't put it down. As it went on, I felt like the plot started getting sloppy. By the end, I only gave it three of five stars. It was entertaining, but you kind of have to overlook some flaws in the writing. I don't typically like circuses as a setting, and I tried really hard to not let that affect my opinion of the book, but I remain firm in my dislike for circuses (you may be thinking, "But Britt, you loved The Greatest Showman!" You're right, I did. I put up with a circus for Hugh Jackman).
Oh, but what's this book about?
In the 1930's Lilly has albinism, and her parents have kept her hidden from the world. Then one day, her yucky mom sells her to the circus, and then all the circus-y things happen.
Would I let my grandma read this? I might. There is some sexual abuse and mild immoral behavior I would caution her about first. This is the kind of book that, even though I didn't love it, I want someone I know to read it because I want to know what they think.
No comments:
Post a Comment