56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 305 pages
Published: August 2021

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard is one of the few books that has already taken on the COVID-19 pandemic. The book is set in Ireland where protagonists Ciara and Oliver meet just before the world shut down in March of 2020. There's an instant connection, and when their town goes on strict lockdown (This is not like the U.S. lockdown.), the two decide to move in together to get to continue to see each other and get to know one another while staying within the guidelines of the pandemic quarantine. 

As the title suggest, fifty-six days later one of them is dead. The bulk of the book goes back in forth in time slowly building the story and providing clues as to who is dead, why and who is responsible for the death. I enjoyed reading this story. We are just far enough past the lockdown for it to be entertaining and relevant to the reader. Howard is an excellent suspense writer. She crafted a story just over 300 pages that provided a lot of detail for well-rounded character development. I felt like I could really picture the scenes and scenarios that she illustrated through her writing. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a great build, but if I am completely honest I was a little disappointed in the final twist. I think she could have left it one step/twist before the final twist. Maybe that's just me wanting believe in the goodness of people. Anyhow, I won't give too much away. You'll have to pick up a copy for yourself! 

Recommendation: If you're looking for a realistic escape from reality, I would strongly recommend this mystery thriller set in the not too distant past. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Survive the Night by Riley Sager

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 324 pages
Published: June 2021

Survive the Night by thriller author, Riley Sager, which is a pseudonym, was a highly anticipated novel by mystery/thriller readers and Book of the Month members alike. The book is set back in the early 90s on a small college campus where student Charlie is looking for a ride home and meets up with Josh, who is looking to ride-share. Charlie is in the midst of the grieving process as her close friend and roommate was recently the victim of a supposed serial killer near the college campus. As a result, she suffers from cinematic delusions. 

The premise of the book was definitely intriguing to me.  Because it is set in the early 90s where instant communication was not readily available, it created tension and suspense. However, it did seem a little far fetched. I was just a little younger than Charlie during this time frame, and I can not see myself basically hitchhiking with a total stranger when there had been criminal activity abound. The other plot element of Charlie being a bit off her rocker because of past trauma and the grief process was awkward. I understand it was added to create confusion for the reader as they attempt to figure out the antagonist of the book. But again, it seemed a little far fetched to me. My final criticism was the ending. I think we had no choice but to guess who the serial killer was because Sager had elemented literally very other character introduced, but it just didn't make sense to me.

I've only read one other Sager book, and I had a lukewarm response to it as well. Maybe I am just not a fan. But I did give it a college try and completed both books! 

Recommendation: If you're a fan, you probably already have a copy of this book. If you're into mystery/thrillers, this could be right up your alley. I'd say borrow a copy from a friend of the library before investing too much into it. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: March 2021

So, I do not like science fiction or dystopian fiction. I think I might have mentioned that a time or two on this blog. But alas, my book club chose Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, and I powered through it. At the time I'm writing this review, I realized that it was the only book I actually completed in June. It is not a terribly long book, but it took me a long time to get through it. I would begin reading and find any excuse to stop. This was my first read by Ishiguro. 

I think the story had lots of potential to focus on themes of love and forgiveness, but it got kind of weird and then fell flat at the end for me. Having said that, the author does have a beautiful writing style. I think I would be open to reading another selection; however, this one just didn't do it for me. The synopsis and the content of the book is very vague leaving a lot up to the reader's imagination. This could probably be enjoyable for some, but I like a little more concrete plot. For example, the reader is never even told where the story takes place. 

‘Yes. Until recently, I didn’t think that humans could choose loneliness. That there were sometimes forces more powerful than the wish to avoid loneliness.’

‘The heart you speak of,’ I said. ‘It might indeed be the hardest part of Josie to learn. It might be like a house with many rooms. Even so, a devoted AF, given time, could walk through each of those rooms, studying them carefully in turn, until they became like her own home.’

‘Perhaps all humans are lonely. At least potentially.’

There was something very special, but it wasn’t inside Josie. It was inside those who loved her.

Basically, the book is about an artificial intelligence companion that is purchase for a sickly preteen? (again, not sure about the age because ... vagueness) and follows their relationship as well as the people in her circle. There are some deep elements to ponder while reading like how we treat people and things once they are of no use to us, how people believe in the powers of a higher being, socioeconomic status and how that can affect close relationships. I don't know if any of this is what the author was going for, but it did make for an engaging book club discussion. So, there's that. 

Recommendation: If you're more of a free spirit reader, this book may work for you. Most of the books I read are based in logic and things that could possible happen, so this book was not a favorite of mine. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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