Monthly Reads: July/August

July and August were filled with intensely emotional reads. I was unaware of the fact that all of the books I purchased would leave me feeling mentally drained, but even with that I savored each read and delighted in the surprises that they all held. 

 The Girls by Emma Cline

This book was the "it" book of the Summer. The Girls appeared on every Summer must read list that appeared in my Facebook feed which made me totally give into the pressure and I purchased the book during a browsing session at Powell's. It is atypical for me to buy books when they are still in hardcover, but I broke my rule for this one, and it was worth it! This story takes place in the 60's and follows a teenage girl that falls into the clutches of a cult. The writing made me feel like I was right there with her in my flowing floral hippie dress, un-showered, and living a communal life. There were moments that almost idealized this way of living, and then there were moments that snapped you out of it and made you realize how horribly manipulative it would have actually been. I was slightly surprised by the ending, but pleased with how it all turned out. 

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl On The Train is another book that has been on many "must read" lists this Summer, mainly due to the fact that the movie adaptation is coming out this Fall. This book was my book club's September read and we had some mixed opinions about it. Overall I thought the book was entertaining. I liked the mystery (even though I figured out 'who done it' before I reached the end) and I found the plot to be different than anything I have read before. I did find the main character slightly frustrating, but that was a major part of the story and it wouldn't have worked if she hadn't been. I will be curious to see how the movie follows the book and if it plays out the same way the book played out in my mind. 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I am pretty sure that everyone has heard of this book since the movie came out this past year. I still have not seen the movie and I am glad that I hadn't before reading this. Me Before You was such a lovely read. I was immediately drawn to the relationship between the two main characters and became seriously invested in them. I will say that the ending was sobering. I was so effected and surprised by the way this story ended and it took me some time to come to grips with it. 

It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

I picked up this book in the YA section of Powell's and after reading the foreword I did some more research on the author. Ned Vizzini had a very sad story. He was touted as one of the best young authors and he put out quite a few books for his age. He suffered from depression and this book was inspired by his time in a mental ward in a New York hospital. Sadly Ned Vizzini's depression overtook him and he eventually committed suicide at the age of 32. This story was a realistic look into teenage depression and the struggle of balancing school, family, friends, life. The characters in the mental ward are eclectic and you quickly grow to love them as the main character, Craig, gets to know them. The ending of this book warmed my heart and I felt peaceful as I came to the final page. 

What have been your favorite books this Summer? 

What are you looking forward to reading this Fall?