August turned out to be one great reading month for me! It’s been a while since I managed to squeeze 4 books into one month and yet here we are. To celebrate my small success, I thought I’d go old-school “Sarah Eliza” with a Recently Read - a short review of each of the books I’ve read this last month!
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
If you haven’t seen this book popping up over the internet, it details the lives of 12 different characters. This was a real thought-provoking book that explored different perspectives of people across the UK mostly women, black and British - many perspectives I hadn’t read books before. Such highs and lows to each of their stories that felt so real and personal as we gained a look into them, their families and their relationships with others. It did take me a while to get through this book but I still really enjoyed it and felt I took something away from it, which doesn’t happen all the time when reading. It’s one I will definitely be recommending to others and is a great book club pick, for sure!
The Truants by Kate Weinberg
I picked this one up on a whim after seeing it advertised on Waterstones and it had been a while since I picked up a mystery, suspenseful read. We follow Jess who heads off to university, who falls in love with Alec - a journalist studying at the university - and Lorna - her charismatic literature professor. As Jess navigates through the year, there are twists and turns that she faces that lead to a death.
I flew through this book but, nevertheless, it wasn’t what I was expecting from the synopsis nor did it really pack the mystery I was expecting to read. It was a good story that had me hooked but parts were lacking clarity for me - rushing the plot where they shouldn’t and drawing out moments I didn’t care for. I loved the university setting of the book and the landscape the story built but, it was lacking something. Still a good read but not one I wouldn't rush out and buy.
3/5 ★
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews is a bestselling romance writer and Augustus Everett is a literary fiction author. When they end up as neighbours at their beach houses, both struck with writer’s block, they strike a deal - January will write a literary novel and Augustus will try his hand at romance writing. They spend their summer, researching and writing while, in turn, learning more and more about each other.
This was the romantic-comedy I really needed! A simple yet lovely plot to get lost in and devour. This let my mind wander in all the good ways while still being gripped by the characters. It had me smiling from ear to ear and close to laughing out loud in parts. I love the sarcastic nature of Augustus’ character especially which really helped the plot develop into something great! Unfortunately, the ending did let it down slightly and it became somewhat unmemorable but, I thoroughly enjoyed Beach Read and recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read!
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
I feel I may be one of the last people to pick this up but I thought I would share my thoughts anyway. Columnist and writer Dolly Alderton shares her memoir surrounding the highs and lows of falling in love; navigating your twenties and becoming an adult. She shares anecdotes of bad dates, stories of friendship and a truthful recap of her twenties. She doesn’t sugar coat anything in this book and I liked that. While I found some parts to be drawn out and, dare I say, a little pretentious, I did enjoy this read. It was almost like hearing relationship advice from a much older, wiser sister. I definitely took some key points from this book and it became a great discussion topic among me and my friends - just like any good book does!
3.5/5 ★
Let me know if you enjoy these monthly reading wrap-ups and I might try and do more in the future. What have you been reading recently? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Hope you’re doing great,
Sarah x
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