Time for the mid month book review! I have finished 5 books so far this month. That’s not quite as great a start as August but it’s been a busy month with getting married and ready for our trip.
The Inn at Eagle Point by Sherryl Woods
I discovered this series when I borrowed the TV show from my mom. After inhaling the first two seasons I began searching for the books. I was very happy to find the first one at our local used book store. Its a great introduction to the O’Brien family and the town of Chesapeake Shores. It was also fun to pick out the difference between the show and the books – Trace is a graphic designer rather than a musician, but the music scene probably added a lot more to the show. The book was a quick read, I laughed out loud at a few parts, and romantic while not too steamy. I will definitely be continuing to read this series. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.
Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed
I read this collection of quotes by Cheryl Strayed in an evening. I’m a big Cheryl Strayed fan. I loved Wild, a book club read from years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed Tiny Beautiful Things as well, a collection of advice columns she wrote as Dear Sugar. Its probably not a shock I listen to the Dear Sugar podcast too, hosted by Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond. Its wonderful to have her powerful words collected in one place. This is definitely a great book to give as a gift and one to hold onto to refer back to as needed, for inspiration, encouragement, or commiseration. For what it is, its perfect. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Craft Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin
I saw this book on a shelf in the library and checked it out after skimming the blogging information. The book was published in 2010 but most of the information in it still felt relevant. I love the drawings and the little section breaks where Chapin collected advice and interviews with other crafters to include. She is so positive, upbeat, and encouraging walking the reader through the steps. I also found the chapter about craft fairs to be helpful. When I looked into craft fairs years ago, I had a hard time finding information online and knowing where to begin. I was excited to realize I already have another book of hers, Grow Your Handmade Business, in my kindle. My book review is 4 out of 5 stars.
Flowers on Main by Sherryl Woods
This is the second book in Sherryl Woods’ Chesapeake Shores series. I was really excited to read this one because Bree is one of my favorite characters. She’s a playwright who moves back home from Chicago after receiving terrible reviews leading to a crisis of career path. She soon opens a flower shop and has to deal with an ex-boyfriend, Jake, as her flower supplier. Shenanigans ensue and the reader gets a further peak into the O’Brien family and the town they built. I especially love the character of Bree since she’s a writer, an introvert, and dealing with a past love. The book follows Woods pattern of humor, family dynamics, and romance without steamy love scenes. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This is a reread for me and this time I listened to it on audio. I can remember the first time I read it, it captured me so I wound up reading the whole book in a day. This second time, it was still pretty catchy but I didn’t love it. I caught some of the problems people have criticized it for. Park’s ethnicity as half-Korean is brought up a lot and some of Eleanor’s descriptions of him in her thoughts are lacking in sensitivity. I also heard the strangeness in Park’s wondering, “Can you rape a hand?” while holding Eleanor’s hand. The narrator’s voice for Park’s mom bothered me! I vaguely recall sympathizing with Eleanor’s mom the first time I read it and listening to it now, she infuriates me so much! In my first book review I gave it 5 stars but this time around I’m thinking 3.5 out of 5.
Has anyone else reread a book and completely changed their opinion? What books are you reading this month?
