Book Review: Roundup 1

I’m so excited to write my first book review roundup!

I’ll be honest–I’m not much of a book reviewer which is probably why it’s taken me so long to get to this post haha. BUT I have read some absolutely incredible books recently, and I’ve been on quite a reading streak, so I really wanted to share them with you!

Someone recently asked how I find the time to read, and what it really comes down to: I spend less time on my phone and I don’t watch T.V (okay, okay so I did binge-watch Emily in Paris…it’s all about moderation ladies haha).

I used to spend my nights on my phone before going to sleep, or watching an hour or two of t.v each night. But now I pick up one of my books. And let me tell you–it is SO much more rewarding reading a good book. I used to read all the time as a kid, and getting transported into another world with your imagination is just so much better than scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix (and probably much better for your mental health!).

So without further ado..my book reviews!

1. BECOMING BY MICHELLE OBAMA

Now let me start by saying…in the past, if I would have seen someone recommend a memoir by someone in politics…I would have said BORING [okay, maybe I wouldn’t have said that out loud but I definitely would have been thinking it]. But let me tell you…this book is incredible. Beautifully and well written. A book that makes you stop…and just think. In her memoir, Michelle Obama shares her deeply personal story of her life before becoming First Lady, and her time as First Lady. You learn so much more about who she is as a strong First Lady, leader, mother, and woman. And you also learn about her strong distaste for politics and what is was like navigating the world of politics.

TLDR: A must-read. Incredible. Beautifully and well written. A book that makes you stop…and just think.

2. WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING BY DELIA OWENS

I picked this novel up at a book store with no idea what is was about. Well, this book blew me away. I stayed up all night reading it I couldn’t put it down. The story follows a young girl Kya, who is forced to fend for herself in the marshes of North Carolina, after her entire family abandons her. It is a well-written and beautifully descriptive thriller/murder mystery/coming-of-age novel. It’s also been on the Amazon top charts for 112 weeks now–so that’s saying something!

TLDR: definitely recommend!

3. LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE BY CELESTE NG

Whenever I learn a novel is being turned into a movie/t.v show, I know it’s going to be a good book. I already had Little Fires Everywhere on my reading list, but as soon as I saw it was being turned into a show it went to the top of my list. This story follows Mia and her daughter Pearl, a creative sort-of nomad pair, as they move into a picture-perfect neighborhood and the two worlds collide. This was another book I stayed up reading all night!

TLDR: definitely recommend!

4. PERSUASION BY JANE AUSTEN

Let me start by saying that Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite novels. I was so excited to finally read Persuasion [only the second novel I’ve read from Jane Austen] but I could not get into it. It was an extremely descriptive novel, and perhaps too descriptive for me. Maybe it was because I didn’t connect with the main character [like I did for Pride & Prejudice] but this was sadly a pass for me [I’m sorry Jane Austen–I still love you!!].

TLDR: a pass for me.

5. GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE BY RACHEL HOLLIS

I’ve been hearing about this book for a long time. It has a lot of hype around. But this has mixed reviews from me. I think it has a great of great messages, and Rachel is a great coach throughout her book. But for me personally, I could only relate to some of things she discussed and skipped over many sections of the book. I think this can be a hit or miss, but it depends on each person. I do feel like there are other books out there that are more relatable and go to a deeper level of advice.

TLDR: has potential for some, but this was a pass for me.

I hope you guys enjoyed this first roundup! I’ll be back soon with my next reviews!