June was… not a good month in terms of books. I only finished two! I blame it on Evelyn Hardcastle, which took me forever to get through. Anyway, here are the whopping two books I finished in June!
📊 Reading Stats
Books Read: 2
Genres:
Fiction (1): Mystery
Nonfiction (1): Memoir
Formats: eBook (2)
Sources: Library (2)
Average Rating: 3 stars
📖 Book Reviews
📘 The Rural Diaries
Author: Hilarie Burton Morgan
Genre: Nonfiction ◦ Memoir
Publication: 2020
Format & Source: eBook ◦ Library (Libby)
Dates Read: May 25 – June 3, 2020
Rating: ★★★☆☆
My biggest life goal over the last few years has been for us to sell our house and move to a farmhouse out in the country. This is a lofty goal, so I realize it might be awhile for us to actually realize this dream, but I am very determined. Once we can figure out the logistics, fix up our house, save up money, and can find a place that wouldn’t make our work commutes too ridiculous… we’re outta here!
All that said, I love reading memoirs about farm and rural living, so I jumped at this one when my coworker mentioned it. Hilarie and her husband are both actors who decide that they, too, want to escape to a rural homestead, instead of racing in their fast paced LA lifestyle. Kind of on a whim, they purchase a working farm in New York, while still traveling for their acting gigs. They also buy a candy shop in town that is at risk of closing down.
I absolutely fell in love with their town and newly found rural lifestyle. Also, a candy shop?! How perfectly sweet and small town! That’s what I’m after in our next move… small town, know your neighbors, farm animals in the yard, that kind of thing. I loved reading about how they adjusted to farm life, and I could really envision their home, neighbors, and town.
I do have some complaints about this book though, which is that most people are not wealthy and famous enough to be able to buy a farmhouse on a whim… or a candy shop, for that matter. In that regard, this book was hard to relate to. I found myself envious of the fact that they were able to basically live out my dream life with so much ease because they’re rich. Meanwhile, we’ll have to plan, save, and scrimp for years in order to be able to eventually do this. More relatable aspects in this story though were the couple’s journey to conceive, relationship struggles, and child-rearing.
All in all, I liked this book because it gave me an inside view of the same type of life I’d like us to have in the future. However, I did get a bit frustrated at times because they could essentially do what they wanted and money was basically not a concern. Not realistic for me and my lifestyle!
📘 The 7.5 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Genre: Fiction ◦ Mystery
Publication: 2020
Format & Source: eBook ◦ Library (Hoopla)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Wow, what a doozy this one was!
To start with, the entire story is very convoluted and puzzling. The most basic premise is that a man must discover who killed Evelyn Hardcastle at a party full of socialites and guests. He has eight days to figure it out, but each day, he wakes up in the body of a new party guest. He will relive the day again and again, each time in a new body, until he can solve the mystery.
If that all sounds confusing… it’s because it is. There were so many characters and timelines all converging that it was difficult to keep everything straight. I was constantly having to go back and forth to re-read passages and try to remember everything. That made it feel a bit like a chore, and made for a slow and challenging read at times.
On the other hand, it was all so compelling! This was by far one of the most unique books I have ever read. The way that everything was entwined together and had to be teased out was simply astounding. I give lots and lots of props to the author for his cleverness.
All in all, I enjoyed it, but felt that it was too confusing at times. I couldn’t keep all the characters and stories straight, so it bogged me down and made for a slow read. I know of many people who absolutely love this book though, so I’d say it’s hit or miss!
Note: this was the pick for my mystery book club I run at work.
That’s a wrap on this month’s reads — here’s to another great chapter! 📚
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