Last year, I read a couple of pages of a book in the fantasy genre and I just couldn't continue. I struggle with fantasy. It has to be written just right or it's very difficult for me to get into. I dropped that book and last month, I dropped The Fifth Season, also in the fantasy category. It's a shame because The Fifth Season has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, but it's the first book of a trilogy and I couldn't invest my time when I was just not feeling it at all.
After I put that book down, I picked up The Vacationers. I know - so 2015. I read about 25 pages one night before bed and I don't think I've ever felt so uninvested in a book. With the 3 books I described above, I didn't stop reading because of this feeling. That was something different. Honestly, I kept reading this one because it was a quick read, but, yeah, for the entire book, I was completely uninvested. So much so that if it had, poof, disappeared from my kindle and I couldn't easily figure out how to get it back on, I would have moved on to another book and forgotten about it.
This novel takes place over two weeks during a family vacation, where we, the readers, learn of the characters' secrets. These characters were so boring and the author did such a poor job with character development that there really is nothing for the reader to connect with. I didn't care for any of the people in the book and it wasn't because they were bad people; it's because the author failed to bring them to life. The only saving grace was the speed with which this book could be consumed. Meh and bleh.
------
Alice and Jake, newlyweds, are invited to join a private club, which focuses on strengthening marriages. Members are required to purchase thoughtful gifts for their spouses every month and embark on special trips at least once a quarter, along with a slew of other "requirements." Who wouldn't want to make their marriage stronger? When one of the rules is broken, Jake and Alice learn how serious the consequences can be . . .
This is one where you have to sort of just go along with it. You'll want to believe that this can't happen in real life and every time I had that thought, I also thought about cults. This is a fairly fast-paced read and definitely suspenseful. If you're into those type of books, check it out.
------
A senior takes an inappropriate photo with his phone of a younger student and, by the end of the night, the photo has spread to what appears to be the entire population of the school. What are the consequences? Who should be punished and how? While I thought this book focused on subject matter that is very real in society today (smart phones and social media) and issues that are not new (teen drinking), I wasn't a fan for many different reasons. I didn't like all the stereotypes used by the author. Of course a rich boy took the photo and the girl in the photo attends the school on a scholarship. Of course all the rich kids drive expensive SUVs. And then there's the mom (main character) who is rich but soooo different from all the other rich moms. Of course.
Near the conclusion of the book, the author brought up much more serious issues than the ones being presented as the theme of the book and then just rushed through the ending. It seems to me that the author threw these more serious concerns in at the end for a dramatic effect. It's a shame because I feel that she failed to do what could have been done with this book.
------
Okay, so this was my favorite book from November. Warning: You will feel incompetent and question your life's accomplishments when reading this because of all the author has done but it's such a good read.
Bill Browder, hedge fund manager turned human rights activist, made a fortune as one of the first investors in Russia. Unfortunately, his life was endangered after he persisted in exposing corrupt practices. One of his attorneys was jailed for his participation and eventually died at the hand of Russian authorities. I've always been fascinated with Russia so I found that part of the book incredibly interesting. There is also quite a bit of discussion surrounding stocks and investing. Because I have a business background and have worked for two investment management firms, I enjoyed the investment discussions. I thought the book was written in a way that any reader would easily be able to follow along. Unlike some intellectuals, the author didn't feel the need to use big words for the sake of using big words. Definitely 5 stars!!
To see the books I've read so far this year, click HERE.
To see what I read in 2017, 2016 and 2015, click HERE.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. TGUH is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program LLC, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
1 comment:
ugh, I feel this way sometimes too. I always keep reading a book because I feel I must finish it. Even super boring ones! I was reading a book about the Salem Witch Trials back in October, trying to keep with the spirit of Halloween. It was just so blah. I ended up getting into some personal development books and finally put the witch book down. But not without first marking the page I had gotten to so I could come back to it later *big eye roll*
Post a Comment