Too Old for This by Samantha Downing. I forgot how this book got on my radar but I’m so glad it did. I absolutely love Lottie and the chapter cliffhangers were just intriguing enough without giving me an anxiety attack like some thrillers try to do. That also means the resolution to this book felt right and realistic, instead of being a letdown like a lot of current thrillers end up. Definitely reading more by Downing ASAP.
Green by Melissa Fite Johnson. My poetry book for the month. I’m biased because I’ve gotten to know Melissa as a friend, but this collection is so emotional and powerful. The little moments give way to deeper thoughts and feelings that have me thinking about my daily life and interactions in more poetic ways, wishing I could put them into words as beautifully as Melissa has done in this collection.
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh. I liked this one - the twists were ones I didn’t really see coming, mostly because the writing was so strong that I was propelled along, page after page, without feeling the need to stop and dissect what was happening to try and figure out what comes next. I like how it all wrapped up and will read more by this author.
Mystery in the Mansion by Lauren Magaziner. I read this aloud with my son because we love mysteries and choose your own adventures. I previously read this on my own.
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing. This book was interesting but I’m glad it wasn’t the first of Downing’s I read, because it didn’t make me want to read more. (Too Old for This was the first I read and I HIGHLY recommend it.) This one felt stale to me because the trope of the educated man who is level-headed and doesn’t use contractions secretly being a psychopath feels overdone. I feel like I’ve heard this voice too many times before. I also hated all of the characters so I didn’t care if it all went up in flames. Characters don’t have to be likeable but if I don’t care at all, I’m not going to enjoy the book.
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing. I like Downing’s writing style a lot but this story just wasn’t it for me. It’s the third book I’ve read of hers, and the second where I really didn’t like any of the characters. The storyline wasn’t that compelling either - I wanted more, to have it really ramped up, but it almost read like a season of a CW show to me.
Delicious Strangeness by Stephanie Barbé Hammer. My writing book for the month. Just reading this really helped me understand what I love about magical realism and how I can pull it into my own writing more. The prompts kickstarted my imagination and I’m going to re-read this immediately, slowly, giving myself time for each prompt to see what I can create.
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing. This one gave me twisted Tom Perrotta vibes, which I liked! I thought it was interesting without being overly suspenseful. It’s the fourth Downing book I’ve read, and the second one I really liked. I still recommend Too Old For This first, but this one is also worth a read.
Carver Country: The World of Raymond Carver by Raymond Carver. Beautiful coffee-table type book of Carver’s writings and letters with photographs of him, his desk/office, and the land where he lived and set many stories. The selections of his stories and poems went well with the photographs, but the letters and introduction by Tess Gallagher were my favorite parts because they were so eye-opening.
Out There by Kate Folk. I loved Sky Daddy but I am IN LOVE with these short stories. And Folk’s brain. These stories were fascinating and weird and many had wonderful twists at the end. “The Turkey Rumble” was especially a favorite that I didn’t think I’d like much at all when I started it, but the ending made it all worth it. I love that she’s not afraid to have narrators die in the end.
Stolen from the Studio by Lauren Magaziner. The second book in the Case Closed choose your own adventure mystery series. A re-read for me, but I’m reading it aloud with my kid this time. We take turns both reading aloud and making the choices.
He Started It by Samantha Downing. Downing’s books are so hit or miss for me. I’ve read 5 now and loved one, liked one, and trudged through the others. I love road trip books and this one had a lot of potential for suspense but it felt so lacking to me. Reading it was like wading through mud. I only finished thinking that the ending had to be worth it but… womp womp. Just a big no for me.
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