Here are my May 2021 Reads!
Have you read any of these? I’d love to hear what you thought!
The Girl Who Reads on the Metro
(Christine Féret-Fleury)
This was very different from the types of books I typically read. I found that I had to pay close attention and often go back and re-read a page to avoid getting super confused. Initially, the story is fairly ordinary – we meet Juliette who while on her commute to work imagines what lives her fellow commuters lead based on the books they’re reading. On a detour to her office one day, she comes across a little girl, Zaide, whose father, Soliman, has a wide, extensive collection of books. Piles of these books are given to “passeurs” who then, using their intuition, match them with people. There are philosophical conversations, twists and turns, and at the heart of it all, a deep, unwavering love for books and a recognition of the power they hold within their pages.
I Was Told It Would Get Easier
(Abbi Waxman)
This is the third title I’ve read by Abbi and her voice is just as sincere, genuine, and hilarious throughout each page! I Was Told It Would Get Easier tells Jessica and Emily’s story, a mother and daughter whose relationship is progressing through the teenage years. Together they go on a college campus tour across the Eastern US and as the miles accumulate, so do hilarious and poignant moments between the two of them. While Jessica deals with complications at work and Emily worries about a situation she left behind at school, they both learn a lot about each other and themselves.
New Girl in Little Cove
(Damhnait Monaghan)
I really, really enjoyed this novel! It takes place in Newfoundland in 1985 and provides a comprehensive look into the culture and lifestyle of a small town in the east. Seeking an escape from her life back in Toronto, Rachel accepts a position as a French teacher in Little Cove. She initially boards with a woman in town, whom she develops a close bond with. The plot line seamlessly navigates controversial topics, love, trauma, and the power of friendship and connection.
All About Us
(Tom Ellen)
One of my favourite books this month! I love the fact that this story is told from the male perspective! It has a very Christmas Carol vibe, where Ben goes through the past, present, and future to different variations of his life. He’s able to see how his decisions and attitude affect not only himself, but those around him, from his mother, to his best friend Harvey, and especially his wife Daphne. There’s romance and whimsy, heartache, and a whole rollercoaster of emotions as Ben goes through each experience. It was beautifully written and captivating!
The Bounty
(Janet Evanovich, Steve Hamilton)
I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I requested it from the library! Having said that, I didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything that would have been crucial before reading this book other than the development of relationships between the characters. Special Agent Kate O’Hare and international con man, Nick Fox, together with a somewhat misfit crew, set about to locate $30B of lost gold. It was a fast-paced novel with bursts of mystery, adrenaline-filled chases, and humour.
Everything After
(Jill Santopolo)
This ended up being very different from what I expected, but was a good read nonetheless! After a tragedy, Emily considers what her life would have been like had she pursued a different dream and then actually goes for it! There are repercussions felt by her husband, Ezra, as well as friends from the present and past, but Emily goes forward with her journey, while attempting to shape her future into something that truly brings her contentment and fulfillment, and addresses the what ifs she clearly still held on to.
Things You Save in a Fire
(Katherine Center)
I really liked this novel! Cassie transfers to a firehouse in Boston, where not only is she the sole female in the unit, but the very first as well. She makes the move after an incident in her previous unit as well as to help her ailing mother, who she has been somewhat estranged from. Elements of mystery, love, friendship, and family dynamics are seamlessly weaved throughout the story. Cassie’s strength and growth throughout each chapter is undeniable and inspiring!
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