Much productivity in the "Getting The Books Read" department this month. Here's what I read in July:
(Also related: I am loving my new letter board and letter kit.)
#1
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel
This was a BOTM selection awhile back, but I passed on it for something else even though I thought the synopsis was intriguing. Parts of a giant robot are found all over the world. Who buried them there 6000 years ago and why? It was later on Super Sale for Kindle, so I grabbed it then. I'm not a blanket sci-fi lover, but if there's a good story with likable characters I enjoy it regardless of genre. This is told in transcripts of interviews and reports. Strangely, my favorite character was the interviewer who wasn't really a part of the action for most of the story. I'm pretty sure this is the first in a series. I'll be reading the next one, so that should tell you something right there.
#2
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
After finishing
The Woman in Cabin 10 ( a BOTM selection I did go for), I realized that I'd had another of her books around for months. I liked this one even better than
Cabin 10. I'll also be adding Ware's newest book onto my BOTM selection this month.
#3
Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica
I went on the waiting list for this at the library before it was even published, so I got it pretty quick when it did finally come out this month. I've liked all of Kubica's books, but this one is my favorite so far. I appreciate that she can evoke tension without any fantastical plot twists. You're on the edge of your seat without feeling like she's trying to pull a fast one on you. When you find out all the answers in Kubica thriller, the explanations are very human. I appreciate that more than anything.
#4
Final Girls by Riley Sager
BOTM last month and to wit, I felt like this author (Riley Sager is the pen name of a previously published unnamed author) did pull a fast one on me - a cheap, fast one to be exact. This story had me for a bit, then completely lost me with what I felt was a contrived twist. When it's just for shock value, I feel like I've been conned.
#5
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I will say this deals with the very controversial subject of a racially motivated shooting by the police. Did it make me uncomfortable? Yes. Did I agree with everything in it? No. Did I agree with some of it? Yes.
Did it I think about it when I wasn't reading it and after I was finished with it? Oh, hell yes. And isn't that what great writing is supposed to do? Subject matter aside for a second, this author brought characters to life who jumped off the page for me in a story that grabs you by the lapels and doesn't let go. And the dialogue was the best I've read in some time. She's very talented and has a long promising career ahead of her. Read it.
One last thing - this month we went on vacation in Wisconsin and made a stop at Boswell Book Company. They slipped this bookmark in with my purchase. I love it very much.
