June 2019: Reading Challenge Reviews

Happy summer everyone!

I can smell someone grilling BBQ outside of my window, and I am so ready for nice weather and sunny days spent by the lake (with a good book of course!) We’re off on a few getaways this summer so I am excitedly loading up my Kobo with new books. I’m not sure why I didn’t get onto the e-reader train earlier, because my suitcase has never been lighter!

And as always, here are a few book reviews from this past month. This is part of my 2019 Reading Challenge and while we’re now HALFWAY through (where did the time go?) you’re more than welcome to jump in! If you’re not part of the Facebook group, be sure to join us there too.

A Book Suggested By Someone Else In The Challenge
(Week 23: June 4 – 10, 2019) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society — Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

1946, London: Juliet is looking for the subject for her newest book when she strikes up an unlikely correspondence with a man from the island of Guernsey. As they continue to write back and forth, Juliet learns of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and is quickly intrigued by this quirky and loveable set of penpals. Juliet soon sets sail for Guernsey and finds that this decision will forever alter the way she lives and loves.

Having watched the movie, I had a fair idea of what to expect with this book. What I didn’t foresee, though, was the fact that this book is written entirely as a collection of letters. While this isn’t my favourite method of storytelling, the narrative is sweet and heart-warming. If you’re looking for a historical, WWII book, this is not it — but if you find yourself in need of something cute, look no further.

I honestly think I enjoyed the movie more than the book (which is rare for me!) but I’ll still leave this with 3.9 stars out of 5.

Suggestions for books suggested by someone else in the challenge: **Join the Facebook Reading Group for a TON of great suggestions. Otherwise, check out some of my favourite reads from last year — I gladly suggest any of those!** 

A Graphic Novel
(Week 24: June 11 – 17, 2019) The Hardy Boys: Sea You, Sean Me — Scott Lobdell & Daniel Rendon

The graphic novel section at the nearby library is pretty small. And while I could have gone to another branch, I decided to go easy on this category. I’ve never read a graphic novel before and a Hardy Boys story seemed like a soft entry.

Unfortunately, I probably should have taken my husband’s advice. (I arrived home with said graphic novel in hand, to which he promptly responded, “NO! You should have let me pick something for you!”)

I honestly have nothing to compare this book to but I’m guessing there are better graphic novels out there. The plot was weak and I had to flip back and forth a lot to try and figure out what exactly was going on. But, on the plus side, it was like a ten-minute read.

Long story short. Would I read a graphic novel again? Meh, maybe. Would I pick it out myself? Probably not.

2.5 stars out of 5

Set In A Post-Apocalyptic World
(Week 25: June 18 – 24, 2019) Divergent — Veronica Roth

This is the fun part of the challenge — reading books that you might not otherwise grab off the library shelf. Dystopian novels have never been my thing but over the past few years, I have found myself surprisingly enjoying quite a few of them.

Divergent was one of those reads. This YA novel is fast-paced and well written. Set in a futuristic Chicago, in which society is divided into five different factions, every sixteen-year-old must decide which faction they want to live in. But for Beatrice, the choice isn’t as easy as it seems. During a cutthroat initiation process, Tris must not only learn to overcome her fears but also learn who to trust with a secret that is as deadly as it is powerful.

This was a quick read for me. (Mostly because it was so difficult to put down!) I give Divergent, 4 stars out of 5.

Suggestions for books set in a post-apocalyptic world: **The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ** Wool by Hugh Howey ** Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel ** Red Rising by Pierce Brown ** The Giver by Lois Lowry ** The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood **

Book Published in 2019
(Week 26: June 25 – July 1, 2019) Outbreak — Davis Bunn

This new novel from Davis Bunn, “Outbreak” promises page-turning adventure as characters seek to find answers to a deadly viral outbreak. As someone who enjoys a good action book every once in a while, I was immediately hooked by the plot and eager to dive in.

But as intriguing as the premise was, I’m not sure that I was 100% sold by the characters. To see what rating I gave this book, be sure to check out my FULL REVIEW for Outbreak, here!

What book on YOUR summer reading list are you most excited to start?
Let me know in the comments!