Books This Week

Praise God for multiple ways to take in content!  4 books, y'all!  Woohoo!
Here's the intel: 
1) The Silent Dolls by Rita Herron (Kindle)
A mystery set on the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia introduces the fascinating character of Detective Ellie Reeves. Ellie is called in to investigate the disappearance of a little girl. Eventually, with the help of a very handsome FBI agent, she realizes this is not an isolated incident. This one is not for the faint of heart. It's a thriller that gets into the heads of the protagonist and antagonist. Here are my 5 things:

• The AT is the perfect place for a mystery.
• Ellie Reeves is a likable character, while still believable. 
• It's a page-turner; I was up until the wee hours of the morning.
• Rita Herron is an experienced writer who weaves a plot and all its nuances fluidly.
• This book contains language and sex. If that is a deal-breaker for you, then pass. 

2) Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Audible and Paperback)
I've heard a lot about this book before reading it, but I didn't really know what it was about. I love how Celeste Ng begins with fire, tells the story, and ends in the same place, guaranteeing that I will go back and re-read the beginning. There is a television show based on this book, but I have not watched it yet. 5 things: 

• It's layered. Little fires everywhere have a literal and figurative meaning that will keep you thinking about the story long after you've finished the book.
• The characters are three dimensional. You know these people. I empathized with those I couldn't stand and call my favorites out for bad behavior.
• The writing is stellar, painting pictures that make you want to savor each word. 
• If you are an artist, you'll be drawn in by the character of Mia Warren.
• It will make you want to know all sides of a story before casting judgment. (Hello 2020)
• Bonus: Again, language and some references to sex. 

3) Beach Read by Emily Henry (Paperback)
Oh, this book is so dang smart! It's absolutely delightful situational irony from beginning to end. Two authors, complete opposites, live next door to one another on a beach while trying to write a novel. It's fresh and unexpected! If you like any of the romcoms, you'll LOVE this book. (There is language, and there is sex. Proceed with caution.) 5 things: 

• The SETTING
• It's a novel about writer's block. How. About. That?!
• You will root for these very flawed, adorable characters.
• Favorite quote: "Your mother has been a lot of people in the twenty years I've known her, and I've had a chance to fall in love with every single one of them, Janie. That's the key to marriage. You have to keep falling in love with every new version of each other, and it's the best feeling in the whole world."
• This was a green light on @thepopcast with Knox and Jamie.

4) Twilight (Kindle)
I'm only over a decade late on this one. I get it. But when I binge-watched the entire series with my daughter during the never-ending quarantine, I decided I had to take the plunge. Ok, so I've always said 95% of the time the book is better. Y'all. The book is better. No offense to the movie peeps, but I understand so much more about America's favorite vampire family. Ironically, this is the only book this week that really doesn't involve sex or language. Go figure;) 5 things:

• No stereotypical vampires allowed.
• The Pacific NorthWest
• A new twist on "Vegetarian."
• Forget Jacob and Edward. It's CARLISLE! 
• Honest to goodness, klutzes have never been so popular!