Besides travel tips, I am constantly being asked for book recommendations. So, I decided each month I will round up the books I read and do a little book review of them! Reading is one of my favorite past times and passions, so I typically strive for 4 books a month (one a week). But by no means do you have to read all four of them with me. Feel free to pick a number you are comfortable with and join in on the fun!
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Book 1: Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
Did you like How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days? Then you’ll enjoy this read! No really, the book is basically that exact movie. Jack Nolan is a journalist for a media company covering how-to pieces instead of politics. He convinces his boss to let him write a piece on “How To Lose a Girl.” Enter Hannah Mayfield. Hannah is working toward her next promotion as an event planner and needs to prove to her boss that she can have feelings toward a man. Essentially both Jack and Hannah are using one another without them knowing it. Sound familiar?
I won’t ruin the ending but I will say it was pretty predictable. Definitely a quick read (you’ll fly through the pages). Overall I would give it a 4/5 stars!
Book 2: Faking It: The Lies Women Tell about Sex — And the Truths They Reveal, by Lux Alptraum
“We lie because it makes our day-to-day lives easier; we lie to keep ourselves safe; we lie because no one believes us when we tell the truth. But most of all, we lie because the world expects us to live up to an impossible standard – and frequently, lying is the only way to get through life with our sanity intact. The question isn’t whether women are trustworthy. The question is why women lie – and what those lies are trying to tell us.”
I was wary about reading this book. After reading it, I still struggled with whether or not I wanted to recommend it to others. I go back and forth because, as a female, I think the issues she talks about in her book (made up boyfriends, female pleasure, virginity, etc.) are extremely important. She clearly did her research before writing this book and includes all types of diverse humans in her studies.
However, some of the chapters were a bit unsettling to read and, at times, it felt like she was attacking the male species. And I know for a fact not all males are horrible human beings! If you’re into gender studies, feminism, and learning more about why women feel the need to lie, you’ll enjoy this book! I honestly would recommend men to read this book to understand the struggles we go through growing up in a male-dominated world. It was definitely a quick read, one that is taboo in today’s society, and makes you think. The content can be triggering to certain audiences. 4/5 stars.
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Book 3: The Flatshare, by Beth O’Leary
After being broken up with, Tiffy, our female character, needs a new place to live. And she needs it ASAP. After searching all throughout London, she just can’t seem to find a place within her budget. Until she comes across Leon’s ad. Leon, our male character, owns a flat and is in need of some cash. He works nights so he only needs a place to sleep during the day. To Tiffy, this is perfect as she will have the apartment to herself in the evenings and weekends.
They make an arrangement and agree to try it out. There’s a plot twist though: due to their opposite schedules they never once meet each other in person! The book is written back and forth in Leon and Tiffy’s point of views. What started as a lighthearted note left for Leon to close the toilet seat turns into a friendship of swapping notes. Even though they’ve never met face-to-face, their friendship quickly turns into something more. This book is so cute and unique. You can’t help but read it in one sitting! If you like reading books about finding love in unexpected ways, you will eat this book right up! 5/5 stars.
Book 4: The Last Romantics, by Tara Conklin
A book about love in all forms – that is how I would sum up The Last Romantics. Tara Conklin is an outstanding author covering all the different characters’ feelings in each passing chapter. The book is about the Skinners, an American family that had to deal with loss, addiction, depression, and other issues that ultimately ties families together or tears them apart. Fiona Skinner, the youngest daughter, is a famous poet who was merely asked about what inspired her poetry while in an auditorium one day in 2079. What transpires is her telling the audience her life story about her family and all the secrets they kept.
While the book covers trials and tribulations over the years, the story truly begins with Fiona’s mother battling depression for several years after their father’s passing. Fiona’s siblings Renee, Caroline and Joe create a bond like no other, powering through as best as they can during those difficult years. The book spans over decades, unfolding their childhoods and adult life with each passing chapter. You’ll feel like you are reading a script of This Is Us, because each family member is so complex and life is inevitably hard.
If this book teaches us anything, it’s that love prevails. Sibling love is a different kind of love in itself. It’s an emotional read and you’ll fall in love with each character and the choices that he/she makes over the course of their lifetimes. 5/5 stars.
Have you all been reading in 2020? Share your favorite books in the comments below! I’m always looking to add to my Goodreads “Want to Read” list. I am sharing my February list on my Instagram highlights (see the Book Club tab!) so you can join in on the conversation there as well. Excited to continue reading with you all!
UPDATE: BELOW IS THE FEBRUARY 2020 BOOK LIST! Make sure you purchase them or check them out at your local library before we officially enter the next month.
