Looking back on my summer reading list, I didn't read a single book I didn't enjoy. I thought it would be a fun task to rank them all from my favourite to least favourite. The problem is I practically loved them all. I also only read books from my preferred genres, fiction, romance, and thrillers. Therefore, this task was significantly more challenging than I anticipated. Never the less, I have finally settled on my favourite. Keep reading for an overview of the seven books I dug into this season, and see how they all measured up.
7) Happy People Read and Drink Coffee by Agnes Martin Lugand.
This book stood out the least in my summer reading list, which was a deciding factor for it making its way down to spot number seven. It was an emotion-packed story, but it was also too short. There was not enough material to dig into as a reader and become emotionally invested in the story. What I did love was the setting. I couldn't get enough of the cliched cottage on the water, and the self-transformation story arc. I gave this book a rating of 3-stars.
6) Nine Women One Dress by Jane L. Rosen.
I would describe this book as innocent and sweet. There was a sizeable group of characters that took turns telling their share of the story. Each character was a piece of the puzzle, all impacted by one magnificent dress. Reading this story was like watching the movie Valentines Day or New Year's Eve, popping in and out of different storylines. I gave this book a rating of 3-stars.
5) Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Red, White, and Royal Blue is joyful. I think it is worth mentioning that I read this book in under 24 hours. This story is about the son of the President of the United States and the Prince of England, falling in love. It is messy, loveable, and most of all, a remarkably entertaining and steamy read. I gave this book a rating of 4-stars.
4) The One by John Marrs.
This is the type of book that starts a conversation. The story centers around a thought-provoking concept, being able to find your perfect partner through your DNA. Five individuals have been given their match and are about find out how not-so-perfect soulmates can be. I could not stop talking about The One with my friends and family. The story had an incredible amount of twists and turns. What I enjoyed most was that it got me asking questions about the concept of love, soulmates, and destiny. I gave this book a rating of 4-stars.
3) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This book was all glitz, glamour, and grit. The story follows superstar Evelyn Hugo's life, as she dictates it to writer Monique Grant. The women in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo are badass, complex characters. This book also did an incredible job of highlighting the contrast between public perception and the truth. It hit the mark on the media, writing women, and being vulnerable. It was brilliant and definitely in the running for number 1 on this list. I gave it a rating of 4.5-stars.
2) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
This book was a welcome surprise and escape. It has a little bit of everything, from history to romance, adventure, and fantasy. I loved the attention to detail, the complexity of the writing and plot, plus I am a sucker for a juicy love story. This book truly transported me to another time and place while I was reading. I can see why this series is so popular. Diana Gabaldon knows what she is doing. If you have been debating about picking this book up, I highly recommend it. I gave Outlander a rating of 5-stars.
1) It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. This novel was incredible.
I would describe this book as a literary mic drop. Please see my full review for this book because one paragraph cannot do it justice. It Ends With Us tackles the topics of abuse, trauma, and love with both delicacy, and courage. Hoover's characters were incredibly compelling and given such exciting storylines. I cannot recommend this book enough! It deserves the number 1 spot on my summer reading list and will likely make it to the top of my 2019 favourites as well. It should go without saying I gave this book a rating of 5-stars.
So that's my list! Leave me a comment if you read any of the same books as me this summer, I would love to hear your thoughts. I officially have 18 books left to read this year to reach my goal of 50. Wish me luck.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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