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We have now made it to the finally part of what books I read this past summer. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the books that I read. From romances to travel to mysteries and war, each book took me on an adventure. These next 4 books did exactly that and more. They taught me lessons of love and the importance of enjoying life…… and also how to rob someone, haha! Here is part 3 of what books I read this past summer
Stella is an introvert. She enjoys books, structure, routine, and the quiet. When her estranged mother passes away, Stella receives an unusual inheritance- a one-way ticket to Paris. Not one for being adventurous, Stella reluctantly honors her mother’s wishes. While in Paris she sees the most beautiful Dior dress in a tiny vintage store. Reluctantly buying it, little did she know that the dress will be the beginning of a wonderful adventure in Paris. Stella not only becomes privilege to the local Paris life of art, literature, and culinary worlds, she also discovers herself and secrets of her mother’s past. The Paris Novel is about stepping out of your comfort zone and really living life.
5/5 stars
Review
Oh this book had me looking up apartments in Paris. I loved how Ruth Reichl described the city and all its beauty. I would have loved to have stepped in Stella shoes; discovering Paris like a local. Being immersed in the tumbleweed scene and a confidant of Jules. Being wined and dined all over the city. What a dream! I also loved how the book teaches you to live your life and enjoy every moment. As an American we tend to rush through things. Since reading this I have tried to enjoy every meal, every moment as is. I thought the book was full of nuances; from discovering artifacts to her mother’s secret past to blossoming into her own. Very much enjoyed this book!
It’s 1939 and the Nazis have invaded France; something no one thought would happen. In a little village in France called Carriveau, Vianne is saying goodbye to her husband Antoine as he heads off to war. When the Nazis arrive in the village, a German solider is stationed to live with her and her young daughter. Meanwhile her rebellious little sister, Isabelle, is fighting with the Resistance. Risking her life everyday to help the allies win the war. Neither sister knows what horrors they will see and do, but they do what they must to survive this awful war. The Nightingale is about love of family and country, and the lengths we will go to to protect the ones we care about.
5/5 stars
Review
As someone who loves historical fiction, especially centered around women, this book is now one of my all-time favorites. It takes you through all the emotions; the horror of war, the love for family, the unthinkable to survive. Each story, both Vianne’s and Isabelle’s, were captivating. It shows you what women actually had to go through during the war. There is so much history in this book that we really never learned about. I loved that it was from two completely different radical prospectives, yet the underlining is the same: survival. While women may not have been in the trenches, they were fighting their own war at-home. One sentence of the book that I love (and will always think about) is how women were never honored for their courage during WWII. While the men rightfully deserve all the honors and recognition, there were so many brave, incredible women during the time that did their part to help win the war. Even though the book was heartbreaking, it showed that love always prevails. It’s a beautiful story and I highly suggest reading this.
Annie Bot was created to be the ideal girlfriend for Doug. She cleans, cooks, and is ready for sex anytime he wants it. She was made specifically for him to make sure he is comfortable and satisfied. Annie is trying her best, and learning a lot too. She may be a robot but she has feelings and thoughts; and as the months and years go on she is becoming more humanlike. However, becoming more like a human means Annie becomes more flawed. Annie Bot is about how society views and treats women.
5/5 stars
Review
This book was creepy but also interesting. I feel we are not that far off from people having robots to clean, cook, babysit, and yes, even to be our partners (rolling my eyes at you Elon). It’s a dangerous slope in my opinion. The story may be about a robot, but it’s a metaphor for what society thinks of women. How women are placed into certain categories; the wife, the sex object, the caretaker. I felt for Annie. While she may be a robot, she endured what a lot of women go through; physical and emotional abuse. The whole thing was fascinating.
Evie Porter was written on the orders from her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith. To become Evie she must learn about the town and her mark, Ryan Sumner. Evie knows this particular job needs to go well, especially after the last one was botched. Yet it already feels different, Ryan has gotten under her skin. When she starts to envision a new life for herself, she knows she must do this job right or everything she has worked for–her true identity staying clean- will be ruined. First Lie Wins is a fun tale of deceit, brilliance, and always being one step ahead of others.
5/5 stars
Review
I was instantly hooked on this one. I needed to know what was going to happen. I had a few theories on who Mr. Smith was, but there were so many twist and turns. This book kept me on my toes! When you think it’s going one way it ends up in another direction. I could never do the line of work Evie does. I am a terrible liar. Although she is a criminal, I was rooting for her. I admired her brilliance and capabilities. This was a fun, mysterious read.