I’m super excited to share everything I read in September! As always I’d love to hear from you — what great books have you read lately? Is there anything you’re super hyped to read this fall? I’m excited about the newest Christina Lauren book In a Holidaze which just came out.
What I Read This Month:
Luster by Raven Leilani
Edie is a young black woman figuring out her life as an artist in Brooklyn. She starts dating Eric, a boring suburban father, and husband. After a strange turn of events, Edie ends up living with Eric, his adopted daughter and his wife Rebecca. It’s one of those books where not a lot happens plot-wise, but a whole lot is revealed.
I read the book as part of a book club I’m in. I’m not sure I loved this book or even liked it at times. It’s a bit too dark and literary for my personal taste. I will say it is an excellent book to discuss. For such a short book it is DENSE and there is a lot to unpack and think about.
As with all books I review, please remember that just because I personally didn’t like a book doesn’t mean that it’s not a great book — it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea.
My Rating: 3/5
✨
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
I LOVE Nora Ephron movies. When Harry Met Sally is one of my all time favorite movies. I’ve been wanting to read Heartburn, a novel that’s based on her own divorce, ever since I saw the HBO documentary on Nora a few years ago. It’s not my favorite book I’ve ever read, but I’m really glad I finally read it.
Rachel is a sort of famous TV chef known for her humor and wit. She’s 7 months pregnant and just found out her husband is cheating on her. This causes her whole world to spiral out of control.
Much of the book is a stream of conscious hilarious monologue from the thoughts of Rachel. It can feel a bit sporadic and all over the place at times but is also chock full of fabulous quotes, some hilarious, some just down right brilliant.
“Why do you feel you have to turn everything into a story?”
So I told her why:
Because if I tell the story,
I control the version,
Because if I tell the story,
I can make you laugh, and I would rather have you laugh at me than feel sorry for me,
Because if I tell the story,
it doesn’t hurt as much.
Because if I tell the story,
I can get on with it.”
My Rating: 3/5
✨
American Royals by Katharine McGee
I’ve never been all that interested in anything related to royalty… until now.
American Royals is based on the premise that George Washington was the first king of the United States instead of the first president. The story takes place in modern times and follows where the Washington family is now.
Beatrice is in her early 20’s and the heir to the throne. She is also the first female who will assume the crown on her own. Since graduating from Harvard, she’s had zero interest in dating which concerns her parents. The king and the queen are determined to find an eligible future husband (and future king of America) for Beatrice and host a massive ball for her to meet these bachelors.
Beatrice’s younger twin siblings, recent high school graduates Samantha (the spare) and Jefferson are absolutley wild and always making headlines with their antics. Both cause there own drama throughout the books when Samantha shows an interest in one of Beatrice’s eligible bachelors and Jefferson’s relationship with a commoner causes a media commotion.
This book is just plain fun and full of complicated love triangles and lots of secrets bubbling to the surface. I absolutely loved this book which brings me to the sequel…
My Rating: 4/5
✨
American Royals II: Majesty by Katharine McGee
I loved the second book in the American Royals series just as much as the first. Without giving any spoilers for either, it picks up right where the first book left off.
I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen in this book — but I could NOT have been more wrong. Even though this book took quite a few twists and turns I didn’t expect, I’m also so happy with how things turned out. If you’re looking for a fun series that feels like an escape from modern politics (cough, cough) I cannot recommend American Royals enough!
My Rating: 4/5
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