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What I Read In July

What I Read In July - Summer Reading Ideas

I can’t believe it has been 2 months in a row that I’ve been reading. I hope I can keep this up. It’s been really fun and rewarding. If you missed last month’s post, here is what I read in June.

What I Read In July 2019

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

This bookThe Bride Test Review wasn’t what I expected. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Maybe I thought the storyline would be similar to the movie Bride Wars. Fun fact, that’s my best friend and I’s favorite movie. Clearly, I didn’t read the synopsis of this book. But I am glad I didn’t. The element of surprise is what got me hooked. The book goes over the poverty that happens in Southeast Asia, Asian culture and expectations, and Autism. If you want a feel good book, this book is for you. The main characters go through life challenges, but they fought for themselves and what they believe in, and in the end they got what they wanted. I love this book because I think the good ending is realistic.

I also was very intrigued by how the author portrayed the autistic character that I decided to learn more about Helen Hoang. It all made sense when I read her biography and learned she was also diagnosed with autism.

The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

ThWoman In Cabin 10 Reviewis book immediately got me hooked by reading the first page. It was thrilling, mysterious, and every page got me to want to know what the heck is going on. A quick summary, this book is about a female journalist that works for a popular travel magazine and she went on a press trip on this new and swanky Scandinavian cruise. During her time there, it turns out that she witnessed a murder. The weird part is that no one is missing according to the list of attendees. So she tries to find out who was that person and starts to question herself if she really saw a murder.

Even though I loved this book, there were certain parts that I felt the author dragged on about. I truly think the book could cut out 100 pages. It has the suspense and I didn’t care for some of the narratives. I also didn’t really like the main character. She was a very frustrating person to listen to. She reminds me of one of those people that you want to just shake and be like “will you just listen to me!” But her personality is the reason why it adds suspense to the storyline. The ending is one of those where I kind of predicted it but at the same time I was surprised.

What the Lady Wants: A Novel of Marshall Field and the Gilded Age by Renee Rosen

What The Lady Wants ReviewSo I came across the this book because I was about to get Park Avenue Summer from the list of book recommendations you all sent me and the same author wrote What the Lady Wants. Immediately I was intrigued because it had to do with Marshall Field and the Gilded Age. I have a fascination with the Gilded Age and anything about Chicago, especially Marshall Field because I grew up going to Marshall Field & Co (I still refuse to accept that the Macy’s on State St is called Macy’s. It is still Marshall Fields to me.)

The main focus of this book is about Delia Spencer and the biggest scandal during the Gilded Age – Marshall Field’s love affair with Delia Spencer. I love this book because it really goes over the history of Chicago, how Chicago was built and the Great Chicago Fire. All the details about how Chicago’s downtown and neighborhoods were created and shaped was so fascinating. Even more interesting that Marshall Field has a lot to do with it. Of course, the story line is really good too! At the end of the book, Renee Rosen (author) shares which details are facts and fictions.

What I Read In July - Summer Book Recommendations.

Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed all 3 books. There wasn’t an obvious frontrunner like last month’s reading. Each book was different and entertaining in its own way. Currently, I got Park Avenue Summer to read next. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this next month!

What have you read this month?

xo RD

 

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What I Read In August 2020What I Read In August 2020
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Comments

  1. Nailil says

    Ok, I really need to pick up a book to read. I have collected so many recommendation but I’m yet to pull the trigger on a buy. I’m adding The Woman in a Cabin to my list.

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

    Reply

  7. Valerie says

    Thanks for sharing these books! I’m always on the lookout for new reads! I just finished The Escape Room by Megan Goldin and the Whisper Network by Chandler Baker, both of which were really interesting! And since I enjoyed The Woman In Cabin 10 too, I’m planning on reading her new book, The Turn Of The Key!

    http://roadesque.com

    Reply

  25. Mica says

    These sound like great books! i’m impressed you read so much too! I’ve been trying to finish a book for a few weeks but it’s hard to find time with the little ones. I did start taking it to work but I am often busy even at lunch time so I haven’t made much progress!

    Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Reply

  31. Jill says

    I really enjoyed reading The Woman in Cabin 10! I’m putting What the Lady Wants on my reading list. I love anything related to Marshall Fields and Chicago too. I’m totally with you on the Macy’s thing. I remember signing a petition years ago to keep the Marshall Field’s name!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    Reply

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