Spring 2022 Book Review: What I've Been Reading in 2022

 

First Monday of the month, my blog post is a catch up on my life apart from fashion.  This month I am going to share with you what I've been reading.  I love to read but really have to make a conscious effort to build in time to actually sit down to do it.  I try to do 10 minutes a day right after work or supper, and then I enjoy reading for longer stretches of time on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  This year I've challenged myself to explore audiobooks, which I have tried in the past but haven't enjoyed.  I have finally discovered that fiction, more easy listening books are what I get engaged with in audio book form, while if I am reading non-fiction, I have to actually engage with the book and it usually also requires me to have a high lighter and some sticky notes to ponder the themes, ideas and new concepts.

Let's get to the reviews!  

⭐⭐⭐  In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

I needed to see this book through to the end. It grabs you right off the start and you don't know where it's going but you need to. What I didn't love is how in concludes for the three main characters, although I think it was supposed to leave you feeling like a new beginning, I felt a sense of sadness and it didn't leave me with a hopeful feeling that I was hoping for. Overall an interesting read but I wish it had a happier reading. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (audiobook) My first audiobook of the year and I kept wanting to listen to it, like non-stop.  It portrays stories of several independent, confident and supportive young woman who delivered books to people in the countryside on horseback.  These women don't begin the story in this way, but with a purpose and each others support they grow to stand up to their various demons and develop friendship that gives them courage to stand on their own two feet.  It's a beautiful story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐  This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (audiobook) I listened to it on audiobook and loved the reader! The book follows the relationship between Minnie and Quinn over a course of a year.   As you get deeper into the b you also discover how over the years the main characters have seen glimpses of one another, weaving into each others life without  ever really meeting one another. It was a nice story about discovering yourself, your goals, friendships,  and relationships that slowly progress. A nice and easy listen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Open Book by Jessica Simpson

This book surprised me the MOST in the best possible way.  It was much deeper than I expected and I don't mean that to sound like a backhanded compliment. I didn't really know much about Jessica Simpson other than the basics; singer, Newlyweds, clothes that I love. Her story is authentic, real and raw. I admire her so much and also can't imagine how one deals with all of it being constantly ridiculed and watched. We the public buying all the media is just so harmful to these people that we "admire". Worth a read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Greenlights by Matthew McConaghy (audiobook)

My husband and I listened to this book while driving to Banff.  I actually suggest listening to the audiobook read by the man himself.  He is a fantastic storyteller and really draws you into his thoughts, processes and life experiences.  He is extremely down to earth, giving, introspective and passionate about leading a life of passion and goodness.  Although some of his ways of being are different from mine, I truly do respect the way he treats people and is living his life.

⭐⭐⭐ 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

** spoiler alert ** I will start by saying that I kept on turning the pages and hoping for a different ending. I guess I just didn't find it romantic that they kept apart from one another over choosing each other. It really didn't make sense to me for both of them to continue to choose to be unhappy or at best just content, when it was fairly simple to choose happiness and a real go at a relationship. That being said I enjoyed all the characters and o really enjoyed the way the author began each chapter with current events from the year, that was really fun.

⭐⭐⭐⭐  The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton  (audiobook)
A beautiful story exploring Cuba's complex history with the Spanish and the U.S. It also focuses on women's contributions and lives during that time. An easy read or listen with some historical bots of information to make you more curious about Cuba's history.

⭐⭐⭐⭐  Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Had me guessing and second guessing. The only thing I didn't love is how it wrapped up for the characters you learned to love at the end.  ⭐ The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan I can't even remember the last time I choose not to finish a book.   This book was triggering.  It was shaming, it created a very narrow view of good vs. bad mothers, and it focused on unhealthy ways to support parents that may be experiencing difficulties with managing life and parenthood.  Although I strongly believe that removing children from homes that are unsafe, I also believe in giving families the skills, tools and supports to be able to successfully raise their own children.  Out of our entire book club group only two people finished the book, everyone else just couldn't continue reading it. That's it so far in 2022!  Hopefully you found something here to add to your summer reading list.  Have a great week ahead and see you next Monday!