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What I Read In July 2020

What I Read In July 2020

What I Read In July 2020

SHOP THE OUTFIT: Blue & White Dress (fits true to size – $20) | Leather Sandals | Gold Monogram Necklace | Hoop Earrings |

I thoroughly enjoyed what I read in July. I’m about half way done with my summer reading list! Every book was different yet similar. One of the books I read this month was a nonfiction book. It’s been years since I’ve read a nonfiction book and let me tell you, I was surprised. If I didn’t hear other avid readers talk about this book, I honestly would have never ever picked it up. But I am so glad I did!

What I Read In July 2020

Summer Reading RecommendationsWhat I Read In July 2020

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read by Emily HenryJanuary Andrews writes bestselling romance. Augustus Everette writes bestselling thrillers. Both authors are completely opposite. The only thing they have in common is that they both are spending their summer in Michigan broke and having writer’s block. They decided to make a pact. By the end of the summer, Augustus will write a romance book and January will write a thriller/suspense book. Every week they each give one another a lesson on how to write these genres. It requires field trips and interviewing people. But it turns out each of their styles of writing happens to have a more deep-rooted reason behind it. They share tidbits here and there about their past and what ultimately led January to Michigan when it appeared she had it all living in New York City.

This book is just what I needed for a summer reading. It’s also a quick-read. At first I thought this book was just a meet-cute romcom kind of book. Turns out it’s a bit deeper than that. But ultimately it is a meet-cute book. I enjoyed this book more than I thought. There were some laugh out loud moments as I was reading it.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

Open Book by Jessica SimpsonThis is an autobiography / memoir written by Jessica Simpson. She reveals what it is like to grow up in a small town, her faith, and how she got started in the music industry. In addition to her career(s), she talks about her personal life. Especially about her infamous marriage with Nick Lachey and filming the show The Newlyweds. She talks about her struggles and how she handled how the media perceived her (e.g. she’s a dumb blonde and her weight fluctuation) and where she is now in her life.

WOW. I never ever read books written by celebrities about their own life. But several avid book readers read it and recommended it and I trusted their judgement. This book surprised me in a good way. First of all, it was so well-written. It was like reading a novel. Second, she reveals A LOT!! You want the tea, and she spills it. Let’s just say after every chapter, I ended up googling a lot. Things I saw in the media about her, I now see it differently because I know the story behind it. There’s a lot she hid from the media and some things I wish the media focused more on instead of her love life and weight.

Now it got me binge watching on The Newlyweds. 17 years ago, I thought her and Nick Lachey were the perfect couple. After re-watching it, I saw it completely different. I don’t know if it is because I’m married and have a better perspective but wow, it was obvious why they divorced. I can’t help but want to root for her and hope she is now in or is getting in a better place.

What I Read In July 2020

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth AcevedoThis book was from my list of books written by black authors. Ever since Emoni Santiago got pregnant her freshmen year of high school, she’s been dealing with a lot of tough decisions. She’s been caring for her abuela and her daughter while trying to juggle school and work. She’s constantly worrying about money. One place where she can release her stressors is in the kitchen. Emoni adds an extra magic touch to her dishes. She dreams of becoming a chef but unfortunately it seems impossible for her. But every time she starts cooking, her talent comes alive. Can her dreams really come true?

This is a cute book and super easy to read. It’s almost 400 pages, but how the book is written makes it easy to finish each page. I love that this book is based around food and her passion for food. I feel like I can almost relate because food is my life and food is what brings cultures and people together. And that’s how Emoni sees it too. If you are looking for a heartfelt book that just makes you feel good, you’ll enjoy this one. If anything, this book made me feel like I really can do anything.

Summer Of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

Summer Of '69 by Elin HilderbrandSummer in 1969 was the tumultuous summer for the Levin family. Every year the Levin family spends their summer in their wealthy grandmother’s Nantucket home. That summer, the oldest daughter, Blair is pregnant with twins.  The middle sister, Kirby, is a civil rights protester and decides to be in Martha’s Vineyard. Only-son, Tiger, was deployed to the Vietnam War. The youngest, Jessie, had a traumatic experience. And their mother is hiding a troubling secret. Then there’s Ted Kennedy’s car accident, man lands on the moon, and the Levin family’s secrets start to unravel.

This is your classic Elin Hilderbrand book. If you want Summer, Elin does a good job taking you to a summer vacation spot in Nantucket. I found two of the characters to be unlikeable. However, I always love stories based around wealthy families with big secrets. There were some parts in the book that I felt dragged. While this was not my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book, I still enjoyed it. I just think it could be a tad bit shorter.

Summer Reading List

SHOP THE OUTFIT: Blue & White Dress (fits true to size – $20) | Leather Sandals | Gold Monogram Necklace | Hoop Earrings |

 

Do any of these books stand out to you?

xo RD

What I Read In July Summer Reading Book Review

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Comments

  10. Tina says

    I would have never guessed that the Jessica Simpson book was so good. I’m curious to know what tea she spills now!! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  12. Annie says

    I love how thoughtful your book reviews are. The reflection you wrote about Jessica Simpson is so spot on, and her book really highlights how unfairly the media treats women, and how much it objectifies them. Thank you for always sharing such insightful posts!

    Reply

  13. Stephanie says

    I don’t think I realized how long With The Fire On High actually was. I flew through that book when I read it. Elizabeth Acevedo is an excellent author and I highly suggest The Poet X and Clap When You Land as well! Also, never ever been interested in Jessica Simpson, but I’ve been seeing her autobiography everywhere lately! Maybe I’ll need to give it a read after all.

    Reply

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