Book Reviews: Summer Reads!

I keep telling myself there is no way that these are ALL the books I have read since January...Sigh, it must be true. Even though it is less than I would have hoped, there are some real gems in here. I also feel like I have uncovered a few secrets to making reading be quick and seamless to help with aforementioned low-book-count-disappointment. It involves starting a new book immediately after finishing one, rotating reading fiction and non and then giving myself permission to read the books I really love and can tear through: mystery.As always, I read almost exclusively on the Scribd app. I have a full review, tips, photos, etc of the app here and you can use this link to read for free for 2 months.The Happiness Project by Gretchen RubinI loved Gretchen's writing style. Very intellectual, great quotes, statistics, research mixed in with personal experience. This has been one of my favorite books in a long time and I truly looked forward to reading it each night. It is about her year-long goal to find a way to be happier in her current life while only making little changes. I appreciated her honesty, was inspired by her goal setting and enjoyed the story.This book is for you if you like personal narratives and goal setting.The Kind Worth Killing by Peter SwansonThis book was recommended for me as similar to The Girl on the Train (which was insane + amazing) so I gave it a chance and was not disappointed. I could not stop thinking about it and finished it in a few quick sittings. It is a murder mystery with so many twists you never seem them coming and you kind of want them to die...as the title suggest. Twisted but illuminating.This book is for you if you like thrillers, a quick read and some grown up themes. Sorry Twilight, we love you, but we need a break from the teenage whine sometimes...The Expats by Chris PavoneWe listened to this on audio together and it was intriguing, but a bit hard to follow on audio. It's an ex CIA agent who has quit and moved abroad with her family but all these 'people' from the past are popping up and she can't figure out who they are really after, her or her plain jane husband. Lots of twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but almost frustratingly. It's a bit long and just needs to get to the point a few times. But intriguing and makes you think about what you would do for your spouse and what you could forgive.This book is for you if you like plot twists, mystery and a little brain work to follow the story line.For The Love by Jen HatmakerThis book may have changed my life. I don't say this lightly. Jen is hilarious, honest and so insightful. She is relatable and real. This book is a mash-up of life stories, thoughts on biblical living and hilarious antidotes. I loved it so much that I made an entire art journal of my favorite quotes. This book is for you if you are a person or know persons. It is not just for people who identify as christian, it is for everyone who is in relationships with others. That is all of us.Disclaimer by Renee KnightA friend recommended this and I was enthralled. It is heartbreaking and scary and overwhelming. It's hard to know who to side with in the book and leaves you a little unsure in the end about the characters final decisions. The storyline is that a book about a woman's terrible past shows up, but no one is supposed to know her secret, and now they do and are trying to, literally, rip her world apart. You follow the characters through present day and then flashback to the past to learn the real truth of the story.This book is for you if you like mystery, women's issues, books that don't end well and force you to choose and put yourself in their shoes.The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by PD VinerThis story is heartbreaking, sad and gripping. A woman is murdered, the cop is totally in love with her, her mother is seeking revenge, the dad is hanging out with her ghost. Another book with many twists and makes you feel for the characters separate anguish and try to figure out which of their responses you would have if this happened to you. A little graphic at times, but enjoyable overall.This book is for you if like emotional thrillers with a bit of ghost activity ;)Essentialism by Gregg McKeownThis book has been talked about non stop in the online world lately and it certainly lives up to the hype. I listened on audio, but feel I need to go back and read the physical book with a highlighter. I have recommended this book to anyone and everyone, especially at work. The author's goal is to help you determine what is most important in your life, to cut out the excess and then to do the important very, very well. Engaging and so very practical and helpful. I feel this would be a useful re-read every year or so.This book is for you if you need to pare down your life, take control of your time and use it effectively. This book requires a bit of heavy lifting in the personal, mental, work department.All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrThis book has been described as beautiful, long and poetic. It really was long and so many of you told me on instagram you couldn't finish it, but the other half of you were obsessed. It is the blending of two stories, a young german soldier and a young, blind girl hiding from the soldiers. The story is a love story between her and her father, her uncle and then the soldier. All who care for her deeply and the profound impact she has on the world around her.This book is for you if you love stories from WWII and beautiful, well penned words.The New Bohemians by Justina BlakeneyThis book is a mix between home design, DIY projects, inspiration, thoughtful text on design and is overflowing with jungalicious vibes. The book is full of beautiful photos and great ideas. I can literally sit and just read and look at homes for hours in this book and can never quite finish the book as it has SO much in it. It is so useful for decorating and design ideas and any kind of inspiration as it is just so so full of beauty!! As much as I love scrolling the Jungalow blog and hashtag, it is just nice to have real physical books to browse and touch with your hands. Worth it.This book is for you if you need some inspiration in making your home more unique, jungalicious and inspiring.