(linking up with Jana and Steph for SUYB)
The Last Flight- Julie Clark // Two women on the run have a chance meeting in an airport and a way out of their situations. This book was a little difficult to get into, but halfway through, the story started to gain some traction. It was a back and forth telling of the story between the two women – and you only truly find out what happened once you get to the epilogue. I really really liked this one.
The Wife Upstairs – Rachel Hawkins // Apparently it was a re-telling of Jane Eyre, but real talk, I’m not super big on reading the classics, so I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea who to trust, or what was going to happen, and I love books like that. Especially since it was set in Alabama, in a town that is close to where I live. I loved all the references to the neighborhoods that I’m familiar with. It made it just that much more fun to read.
Such a Fun Age – Kiley Reid // Another book Nadine told me to stick with, and I’m glad I listened to her once again. This one took me a minute to get into, but once I did, it was a pretty quick and easy read. A little bit of race relations in this one, as well as trying to figure out your path in life. Definitely liked it, and really really loved Emira.
Punching the Air – Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam // Written in collaboration with Yusef, one of the exonerated five, it pulled from Salaam’s experience. The book is written in verse, and goes through Amal’s experience about being in the wrong place at the wrong time – and being sent to a juvenile detention center. The verse is incredibly effective as you get that more personal feel to the book. This takes no time to read, but is definitely an important read.
The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett // The characters in this book are ones you will fall in love with immediately. I don’t even have the words to say how much I really enjoyed it. It was a slow burn for me – I have picked it up about three times, but when I was finally able to sink into it, I’m mad for waiting so long. An absolutely beautiful story written by someone who writes even more beautifully.
I have The Vanishing Half on my list, I have The Mother’s in my possession too, but haven’t gotten to read it yet. I felt the same way you did about Wife Upstairs, and I am glad you enjoyed Such a Fun Age. It had such mixed reviews. The Last Flight sounds good but I don’t know if I can do a plane book haha. I need to try.
i keep seeing the wife upstairs, had no idea it was jane eyre-ish (i’ve not read, but have seen the movie lol)
totally agree with your review on the vanishing half. i couldn’t articulate why, but i loved it and the characters.
I’m going to request Punching the Air from the library now.
I’ve gone back and forth on The Last Flight.
Loved The Vanishing Half , and enjoyed The Wife Upstairs (as a huge Jane Eyre fan) and Such a Fun Age
Such a Fun Age and The Vanishing Half were two of my favorites of last year. I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Agreed – Such A Fun Age was one of my faves last year too!
I also read Punching The Air this month and thought it was a great read. You had a great reading month – I’ve read most of the books here and enjoyed them. I’m waiting for The Wife Upstairs from the library.
Nice reading month! I really want to read Such a Fun Age, Punching the Air, and The Last Flight.
Yess, Punching the Air was quick but not easy at the same time. I need to try Such a Fun Age– I think I’m always thrown because for some reason the cover does not match the book, so I feel like I expect something else… even though I know what it’s about. Which I realize makes no sense, lol.
Sounds like a really good reading month 🙂 I hadn’t heard of The Last Flight before, but you made is sound really intriguing. Thanks for sharing!