This year, I set a goal to read 35 books. So far, I am at 28, nine of which were read this quarter. I am going to talk about those nine books and give my rating, the dates read, and a brief description of what I liked about the book. I tried my best to give a spoiler warning for any descriptions I felt really gave parts of the book away. I have added some paid Amazon links to all of these books if you are interested in getting any yourself. Let me know if you have read any of these or want to discuss more! You can always add me on GoodReads too at @c.pathofgrace .
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Dates read: June 25 – July 5, 2023
Stars: 5
I really feel that this book lived up to its hype. Once I started it, I could not put it down. The twist at the end really helps all the puzzle pieces fall into place. It was such a beautiful story of who the greatest love of Evelyn’s life was, and Taylor Jenkins Reid did a fantastic job of transporting you back to old Hollywood. I am interested to see how the screen adaptation does. It definitely had my jaw dropped and tears flowing by the end.
Bones and All by Camille De Angelis
Dates read: July 4 – 28, 2023
Stars: 4
Incredible on theme, but I just love a book that has a movie adaptation. I had been searching for this book for a while, since my library doesn’t carry it and I struggled to find a copy in stores. It had been on my list since September ‘22, so I was glad I finally got to read it. I read this pretty quickly, and was, again, unable to put it down. I have yet to watch the movie, but I already noticed some artistic differences.
Needless to say, I think I am going to prefer the book better. It was for sure a little gorey, and the content is pretty dark, but the overall themes I really enjoyed. It was nice to follow the story, and I was really invested in seeing where it was going!
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
Dates read: July 7 – 12, 2023
Stars: 3
This book felt so Hallmark-y to me. For some, I am sure that is a good thing, but not for me. I felt like this book was really overhyped, and I was not a fan of the SA themes. I can understand why people criticize Colleen Hoover for romanticizing those themes, and it was definitely present here. I do still plan on reading more of her books, but this just felt too fictitious for me. I had a really hard time seeing myself in Lily Bloom’s shoes, so it was hard for me to enjoy reading it. I was ultimately happy with the ending, but don’t find it necessary to read the sequel/prequel.
Survive the Night by Riley Sager
Dates read: July 12 – 16, 2023
Stars: 5
When I saw this didn’t have the best reviews, I was a little worried. However, this book really kept my attention through to the end. I loved how it was so unpredictable! I loved Charlie’s love for film and movies that she shared with her grandmother. I was able to relate to this, and so I felt that much more invested in Charlie’s wellbeing. We’ve all seen movies and shows of girls being abducted and thought “what would I do?” and I thought that it was really smartly written and spot on for a situation like that. I look forward to more Riley Sager books!
Black Cake by Jermaine Wilkerson
Dates read: July 18 – 24, 2023
Stars: 4
This was such a great read. It actually pleasantly surprised me. This was recommended to me by a friend, and I honestly had a little bit of a slow start. The different perspective narratives were a bit challenging for me to get comfortable with, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down until I knew the truth. This was such a brilliant story of family secrets, and reforming sibling bonds into adulthood. Not my typical genre, I would definitely recommend this!
The First Husband by Laura Dave
Dates read: July 25 – August 8, 2023
Stars: 3
I was actually pretty disappointed in how little I liked this one. Once again, it felt very Hallmark-y. The constant back and forth nature of Annie was really annoying to me. I usually like to put myself into the main character’s shoes, but it felt about as realistic as the Twilight love triangle of Bella,Edward, and Jacob. I guess what I mean is that it felt so juvenile, so I was underwhelmed. Good for a quick beach/pool read though.
The Divorce Party by Laura Dave
Dates read: August 8 – 11, 2023
Stars: 4
I was nervous to read two Laura Dave books back to back, but I loved The Last Thing He Told Me, so I was ready to give it another go. I loved how this instantly made me feel connected, since I spent many summers growing up in the Hamptons. I enjoyed going back and forth between Maggie’s potential new marriage and Gwyn’s divorce. I felt like the timeline was a bit too quick and felt like too many bombshells were being dropped, however I ultimately liked how it ended and how it made me feel. On the cusp of being, again, too Hallmark-y for me, but I think I would still watch this movie.
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
Dates read: August 21 – 31, 2023
Stars: 4
As a lover of Harry Styles, I was quite excited to read this book, and subsequently watch the movie. My library did not have a copy, so I now proudly own this book, and will probably read again. It was such a wonderfully sad story, and I actually found myself to feel sorrier for Marion. While I understand that the love between Patric and Tom is deeply tragic, I really felt for Marion’s perspective, in that she loved a man who could never love her back in the same way. I preferred the book to the movie for many reasons, but the book was so well written and made me feel so many emotions. Absolutely loved it.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Dates read: August 28 – September 13, 2023
Stars: 5
I finally got to reading this book and am so mad it took me so long. I was worried at first it was going to be lengthy, since I was not sure of the pacing or timeline.
However, I think the timeline worked so well and was able to show so much of the relationship between Sam and Sadie, both as friends and creative partners. All of Marx’s Shakesperian references kept reminding me of Neil from Dead Poets Society, which also made me sad. I have never read a book like this about video games, but it made me wish that I could play some of the games that they designed. You could feel every emotion that both characters were feeling and wishing that they were able to communicate. It was such an emotionally rich story, beautifully told. One of my favorites of the year for sure.
Up Next…
I have 9 more books to read before the end of the year. I am trying to read the following: What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo (read in October), The House Across the Lake by RIley Sager (read in October), Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (currently reading), The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui, and Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
This should get me to my book goal of 35 books this year! Wish me luck!
Caroline's Path of Grace 
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