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Saturday, September 16, 2017

Late Summer Reading List: 5 Great "Anytime" Reads!

Hey y'all!

I've been so excited about sharing these books with y'all because these are some of the best books I've read in a long, long time.
Let's jump into it!

This is a psychological thriller that definitely kept me on my toes from page one-and I'm not even joking with you!
You follow along with Laura Blacklock, the journalist, as she goes through a harrowing event (the one on page one!) and then later as the embarks on a work trip on a small, private cruise ship.
There are twists and turns every step along the way, it's a fast-pased book that really draws you in and  keeps you guessing.
I do recommend reading this book, just maybe not before bed each night like I did-it gave me some seriously crazy dreams!

This book is one that's unlike the other four in that it's more of a coffee-table book, in list form. It's a long, alphabetized list of 1,071 Reasons to Never Leave the South (plus, it's blue gingham-no brainer for the Southern coffee table book).
I loved flipping through this book and reading the lists, especially seeing which things I've seen or done (so many of my favorite things and places are in this book).
I finished this book before we left for our Nashville trip and discovered Carnton Plantation through it, so it was very fun to actually go to Carnton after reading about it in this little book!
Some other favorites from this book:
#287 Driving the truck that announces your personality (this is so Southern to me; I know everyone by their truck & I know so many people know me just by seeing my truck!)
#527 Knowing to never wash a cast iron skillet (basically a sin in the South)
#782 Restaurant buffet sign: "Take all you want but don't embarrass your Mama" (Just too funny!)

This is one that I borrowed from my sister, Trystan because I had heard so many people raving about it on their blogs, etc.
This is also a psychological thriller, which follows Rachel, who rides the train each morning and evening.
The major problem that I had with this book is that to me, Rachel wasn't very likable-which ties into the story, so I understand why she wasn't likable...but still it annoyed me.
This is a very twisty book with a shocking end that I really truly didn't expect.
I ended up liking the turn this book took and I felt vindication for Rachel (& for myself!), but I wouldn't recommend reading it before bed, much like The Woman in Cabin 10. 

You've probably heard of this book one of two ways; it was a classic novel that was widely read in the 80's and 90's but now it's also an original series on Hulu.
I found it through Hulu and here's the gist; the story follows Offred, who lives in the Republic of Gilead (set in the future, after the United States has fallen to a religious sect).
In my opinion, though both equally terrifying, the Hulu series is better because they took the book, but then added to it instead of taking away-they also made the show more modern because, duh.
The book is good and really wakes you up to the injustices going on around you and also makes you realize that just because something doesn't affect you directly, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to correct the problem.
The ending leaves you wanting more and luckily there is going to be a second season of The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu so we'll get to see what happened after the book there!

I picked this book up from Sam's & when I bought it, I had no idea that it was actually an old movie and a new movie.
It's a Civil War novel (my favorite! I've forever loved Gone with the Wind) set in a finishing school in the South; there are two teachers and just a handful of students left behind at the school as the war rages on.
The story follows the girls as they nurse a Yankee soldier who they have brought into the house after he was left to die after a battle.
I'll be honest, it took a while for me to get into the story at first but when I was hooked, I was in-even when I started getting quite perturbed by the actions of the girls in the school & the Yankee patient.
As a reader I find it frustrating at times when you get to see the perspective of every character but they aren't communicating with each other. 🙈 #NerdAlert
Anyway, I loved the end and felt like when it was over I could let out an audible sigh because I was on edge throughout the book & didn't even realize it-that's when you know it's a good read!

Let me know below, have you read any of these books?
If not, check out the links on the titles and pick them up because y'all, this was my best roundup yet!
If you're interested in my past two book review posts. . .

Leave me book suggestions down below!

Until next time. . .
xoxo, 

24 comments:

  1. I've read girl on a train and woman in cabin 10, definitely liked them! I really want to read the handmaid's tale, but I think I'll probably end up just watching it instead :)

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  2. I LOVE The Handmaid's Tale (show)! I have the book and want to read but I've been skeptical since I've seen the show already. Sometimes it's tough to switch gears between the actual book and the show!

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  3. I've read a girl on the train and I thought it was so good. Maybe because I take the train every day lol

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  4. I want to read The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Handmaid's Tale!!

    Tori
    www.mooretori.com

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  5. I haven't watched the Hulu show but I did enjoy reading The Handmaid's Tale. I can't read psychological thrillers even though they are total page turners because I get too freaked out. I've heard soo many good things about the two you mentioned though.

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  6. Woman in Cabin 10 was so good! I, too, read it before bed and seriously had some crazy dreams haha.

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  7. My sister just read The Women in Cabin 10 and I've been dying to read it. Adding these to my reading list ASAP!

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  8. Oooh I've read half of these! So I feel smart :) I love a good psychological thriller.

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  9. I haven't read ANY of these! But I'm always looking for a good plane read.

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  10. I actually need to read all of these still haha. The Handmaids tale is next on my list!

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  11. I'm reading The Girl on the Train right now! So good. I would love the read The Women in Cabin 10. I love psychological thrillers!

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  12. I loveee reading suggestions so thanks for sharing!

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  13. A few of these books have been on my list for awhile. I really want to read The Handmaid's Tale!

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  14. I need to find a new book to read so I'm loving these suggestions!

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  15. I enjoyed The Girl on the Train, but agree that Rachel wasn't very likable. I didn't think any of the characters were. I listened to it on audiobook and was so annoyed with one character while listening as I walked into work one day that one of my coworkers was like, "Are you okay? You look angry." 😂

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  16. The Handmaids Tale has been on my list for a while. I hope to get to it soon.

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  17. I really need to jump on the Handmaid's Tale train! I've always wanted to read The Girl on the Train

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  18. I've never read any of these books before, but I've been wanting to read The Girl on the Train! Thanks for the recommendations!

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  19. I loved the Woman in Cabin 10! I'm looking for more great reads like that one.

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  20. As Southern As It Gets sounds like it's right up my alley! The thought of someone actually washing a skillet makes me cringe. Haha. (I have a cornbread stick skillet on my Christmas list!)

    XO, SS || Seersucker Sass

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  21. I still need to get my hand on The Girl on the Train!

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  22. I want to read the girl on the train soon! It looks SO good!

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  23. I have heard so many great things about Girl on the Train! I need to check it otu!

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