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If you missed last month’s book review round-up, let me give you a little rundown. I have decided to switch up my seasonal book reviews to monthly. This way you get recommendations more frequently, and my thoughts and opinions are fresh. In February my book selections ranged from romance to historical. From reimagining a classic tale to retelling of a couple’s life together. All touching in their own ways. So here is everything I read this past February.
James is a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim the slave. After hearing word that Miss Watson is going to sell him to a man in New Orleans, Jim runs away to the nearby Jackson Island. Meanwhile. Huck Finn has faked his death to escape his abusive father. The two then go on the famous journey up the Mississippi river; a runaway slave and a young boy. James is a tale of adventure, bravery, and the brutality of history.
5/5 stars
Review
This book was part heartbreaking, part heartwarming. I enjoyed going down memory lane of Huck’s adventures while also reading a new perspective. While I do believe you do not necessarily need to have read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to enjoy or understand James, it does help to complete the overall picture. It gives you the nostalgia of reading Huck and Tom’s adventures as a kid. Jim’s story is unfortunately like so many slaves of that time period. The cruelty they faced, the horrors they endured. The book doesn’t shy away from telling the truth about American history. While I was on the edge of my seat rooting for Jim’s escape, there are still many tender moments. Moments of laughter, moments of human decency. This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story.
Jane is dying from cancer. While she slowly passes away, her husband Abe tells her the tale of their lives together. Jane an artist, Abe a writer, for 50 years they spent their lives together living in the Upper West Side. Daily walks in Central Park, their fascinating creative careers, the highs and lows of raising their son Max, their marriage troubles, and more. He tells her to remember their life together. This is a Love Story is a tale of two people who chose each other through thick and thin.
3/5 stars
Review
I really wanted to like this book. The story is beautiful, however the writing was too choppy for me. I hate to say it, I disliked the writing style. I know some people who really enjoyed the book, and some who feel the same way I do. ‘Tis to their own I guess. It’s told from the characters point of view, with no dialogue. The first 50 pages I had to start skimming through because it felt repetitive. However, I did enjoy the characters sections and loved the parts about Central Park. It reminds you just how beautiful the park is and the people that frequent. The ending is beautiful, thought it was the best part. Life is so fleeting. We make mistakes, we say or do things that may hurt others without evening know– or knowingly. But life overall is beautiful. While I didn’t like the writing, I understood and liked the story.
Aiden is the host of Baltimore’s late night romance radio show Heartstrings. The problem is that Aiden no longer believes in love. When a young girl calls in asking for advice for her single mom, it’s thrust Aiden and the show into the hearts of all of Baltimore. Lucie is content with not dating; she loves her job and has a wonderful daughter and friends. After the infamous debacle with the late night radio show, all of Baltimore is rooting for her happy ending. Even the grumpy, yet handsome Aiden. When sparks fly between them, Lucie must choose between the sponsored radio show happily ever after or the man sitting next to her in the booth. If you like the movie Sleepless in Seattle you will enjoy reading First Time Caller.
5/5 stars
Review
Sleepless in Seattle is one of my favorite movies, so I was very excited to read this. And it didn’t disappoint! I loved following along Lucie’s journey in finding love. What I enjoyed most about this book is that I really related to both Aiden and Lucie and their views on love. Wanting that passionate, best friend type of love but also afraid of getting hurt and being vulnerable. It’s a vicious cycle. Anyway, the book had me giggling, kicking my legs in the air excited for what comes next.