Last month I didn’t participate in the SUYB link-up because GASP … I didn’t read anything in June. And to be completely honest, I didn’t read anything in July either. But I managed to read 1.5 books this past weekend so … yay Tanya! You go, girl! Get your read on! Seriously, I was a little worried that maybe a non-reader alien had possessed me, which is just rude. I mean if you’re going to possess me — be a reader, please! But I’m back, baby!
Well, sort of. Let’s not go crazy or anything. 1.5 books ain’t that impressive. 😀
The Book I Liked
And there was one. Thank goodness.
California Summer by Anita Hughes
Book Description: After her boyfriend cheats on her, Rosie retreats to Montecito and starts building a new life for herself.
Book Review: This is a decent beach read if you’re looking for something fluffy to enjoy and don’t care if you can’t remember it two minutes after you finish it. And I don’t mean that as a slam. Some books you enjoy then go on with your life afterwards, happy as a clam. Some books linger and this ain’t one of them. In fact, I wish the book had a bit more depth because while I enjoyed it, the main characters, in particular, felt bland and generic. I like rooting for memorable characters, especially in a romance. On the other hand, she sold Montecito as a place you’d really want to live and I definitely plan to try her recipe for fish tacos.
To Read or Not to Read: Dealer’s choice. It’s a pretty standard romance that passes the time just fine while you chill with a fruity drink next to the pool or beach.
Note: I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. California Summer is now available.
Bleech! The DNF Book
Hey, it happens. And it happened to me.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Book Review: Keiko is (I assume) autistic, which wasn’t the problem. But the secondary character, Shiraha, was the deal-breaker. I can only take so much entitled male — Japanese, Caucasian, pink, blue or purple — before my head explodes. He was the kind of troll who stalks and harasses at women because they don’t want to date him. I get that Murata was likely using him as a foil to help Keiko learn to accept herself but sweet baby jesus. Anyone who equates dealing with societal pressure around traditional male roles to being raped deserves a punch to the face. Repeatedly.
To Read or Not To Read: Nope. Unless you’re a masochist. Then proceed.
Note: I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Convenience Store Woman is now available.
TL;DR — My Recommendations to You
Well, huh. For romance fans looking for something fluffy, California Dreams fits the bill. Otherwise, for non-romance fans, sorry; I got nothing this month. I went with books against my norm since I was in a grumpy mood and murder and mayhem didn’t appeal to me. Sadly, the results weren’t stellar.
To More Great Books
While I have some NetGalley books that I ought to read, I’m going to pass on them for now. Lately, I’ve noticed that I select NetGalley books that I want to read in the moment but when it comes to actually reading them, I’m suddenly meh about them. So this month I’m going to read strictly off my TBR and whatever interests me as I’m standing in the middle of the library shouting (okay, whispering) Marco and seeing which books respond.
This is how I feel about the Show Us Your Books Link-Up and it’s fabulous participants. Hosted by Jana and Steph, it’s a great place to connect with fellow book lovers and get fabulous recommendations. And I can’t wait to see what everyone read last month!
What book wowed you last month? Tell me, I wanna know!
Tanya
Sorry you’ve been in such a reading slump. Light, fluffy reads are perfect for summer though and California Dreams seems to fit the bill!
Entitle males are not my favorite characters.
Reading dips happen. Hope you find the reading mojo back eventually.
Funny story, I didn’t really read in June or July either. I try really hard to read a few books a month, but sometimes I just can’t do that. Congrats on such a great reading weekend though! 1.5 books is such a treat!
It’s hard to find a good book while on a reading slump! It will come back… just give it time. In July I re-read books that I loved, then got stuck on Harry Potter.
if you’re going to possess me, be a reader hahahaha. love it. but seriously.
i love a good fluffy book so i’ll check that one out. hope your non-reading alien is gone for good 🙂
That’s a “no” on the entitled male for me.
Reading slumps suck 🙁
I’ve heard The Convenience Store woman recommended multiple times by the higher-ups in the book world. It’s nice to hear your perspective.
First, your title blog cracked me up. Then, your opening paragraph cracked me up again. “You go girl, get your read on..” LOL! I’m in the same boat as you given that I read a whopping 2 books in July and one of those took me a week into August to complete. Ah, well… life happens. Here’s wishing you a much better August!
Reading slumps are the absolute worst. I’ve kind of been in one for most of this year (because, let’s face it, I haven’t been reading nearly as much or as quickly as I normally do), so I feel your pain. I hope you’re able to get over it soon!
Convenience Store Woman has the kind of cover that would make me think, “Hmmm … Maybe I’d want to read this.” Thanks for warning me before I wasted my time on it!
Yay for getting back into reading, but sorry it hasn’t been anything too WOW at the moment. I hope you find the perfect book soon. 🙂
-Lauren
I tend to do that with a lot of books – totally forget what they were about after I read them. haha. I actually got nearly 60% through a book one time & THEN realized I had read it before. Maybe I need to see someone about that.
Oh bummer about the DNF! But I can understand. Fluffy reads are good for anyone from time to time! 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Sometimes when I’m in a book rut I have to read a book totally outside my wheelhouse to get back on the train. And sometimes I have to read a genre that I know and love dearly. It definitely depends on what kind of rut I’m in 😉 Lol!
I read lots of books last month, but I’ve had almost all DNF’s this month. Hope to pick back up soon.
LOL, you are such a good writer. Maybe you’re in a reading slump because you need to be writing your own book. 🙂 I do find that if I get a mediocre book or two my pace slows down because I’m just not that into but I usually want to finish anyway so I can have an Official Opinion. Hope you have more luck in August!
Gina || On the Daily Express
SUYB really motivates me to try to read at least one book a month, but sometimes it doesn’t happen! glad you are back on track 🙂
Hope your reading mojo comes back soon! I love the idea of whispering Marco in the library 😉 haha
Yay for at least one likable book! It’s the worst when you hit a rut. That was me last year and this year I’m burning through books – go figure. Annnnd, dumb question…. what is TL; DR?