Wake Her Up (Marcella Hill)

Why I have this book: I think Amazon recommended it to me... but after I bought it, the author actually posted about it on a FB group of which we both are members. That was kind of a surprise to me, and it made me more excited to read it.

I gave this book three stars on Goodreads. I really liked some parts and highlighted quite a few of her thoughts. The writing could have used a bit of editing, and overall I didn't relate much to her lifestyle or interests, but some of her ideas were noteworthy.

I think it was clean. There may have been a swear word or two, but I'm writing this at least a couple of weeks after I finished it (and am backdating it), so I don't remember.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

*** Might have too many spoilers. *** 

Why I have this book: I kept seeing it online as being super amazing, and a friend rated it five stars on Goodreads, so I borrowed it from the ebook library.

Argh. Okay. So many conflicting feelings about this book.

The storyline kept me interested because the author planted the seed of something big coming up... and it was a great plot twist, no doubt. Other reviewers felt like it was predictable, but I didn't really see it coming... at least, not like that. (The great reveal was also one of the least believable parts of the story. I just don't see anyone getting away with that. Seems a simple investigation would have shined a lot of doubt on what appeared to have happened. Plus too many people (doctors, police, coroner, etc.) would have had to be involved in the coverup.)

One complaint many reviewers had was that there was no indication that this was really an LGBTQ+ love story. Why would we assume so with the title the book has? I wasn't bothered by the love story itself, but I didn't find it believable or compelling. As I've thought about it, I think that has more to do with the poor character development than the fact that they were in a lesbian relationship.

I really didn't get invested in any of the characters except maybe one: Harry. He was the most likable character in the book, and he was the one I was rooting for the most. Even though he was a side character, he was the most believable and the one who invoked the most compassion in me. When I finished the book, I honestly wasn't that moved in general... and I figured out that it's because there wasn't that much depth to the other characters or their relationships.

And the main character (Evelyn) comes across as so cold and selfish in general. Maybe that's why the love story isn't believable. She switches from being pretty unemotional to having this great passion for her "one true love" even though she's never attracted to any other woman. Calling her "bisexual" just doesn't feel realistic. I also didn't see the reason for their amazing attraction. Again, there's not much depth to the characters or their love story.

It did make me wonder how much of what was portrayed in the book does go on in Hollywood. All the game-playing, the using of people, etc. I mean, we all know it happens, but is it that blatant within the inner circles?

The writing is pretty good. I did enjoy it enough to stick through it, but at the end, it left me feeling indifferent and kind of annoyed.

There is some profanity, including the F-word. Obviously deals with all kinds of sexual relationships, and it does have some descriptive love scenes, although not as graphic as it could be. It was more than I wanted to read, though. It also deals with death and suicide.

May B. (Caroline Starr Rose)

Why I have this book: My friend recommended it, so I borrowed it from the ebook library. It was available to borrow right away and was a quick read, so that was nice.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads. I probably would have gone for about 3.75 if that were an option, but I rounded up. 

The story tells a whole lot with relatively few words. It kept my interest even though I'd guess it's written for mid to upper elementary students.

Clean. There is a death that occurs, but it's mentioned briefly and isn't the focus of the story. 

Catherine, Called Birdy (Karen Cushman)

Why I have this book: I decided to read it after seeing there was a show based on the book. I don't remember if it's a movie or a series, and I actually haven't watched it yet. In any case, I borrowed the book from the ebook library.

Such a fun book. I gave this a solid 4 stars on Goodreads. Very clever, humorous, and enlightening about the medieval times. I'm going to look for other books by this author.

Mostly clean, although sexual relations are mentioned very casually and matter-of-factly. Violence is part of the story in passing (hangings, fights, death), and there may have been some mild swearing... but I can't say for sure. Maybe not.

Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots (Deborah Feldman)

Why I have this book: I believe I saw it recommended on Instagram, so I borrowed the ebook version from the library.

I gave this book four stars on Goodreads. It's hard to believe that women still live such controlled and extreme religious lifestyles in this day and age. It's also crazy that this is happening in America.

While most of the religious customs and regulations are far beyond anything I've ever been required to do, I could certainly relate to some of the feelings the author described in relation to how she fit in with her cultural and religious community.

I'm impressed with the author for finding a way to leave and for managing to bring her son with her. I think it's admirable how she is keeping some parts of her Jewish heritage intact so her son can stay connected to his heritage and to his father. 

There's a lot of discussion about sexuality and how the religious influence contributed to the problems the author had early in her marriage. There's also some parts that refer to sexual assault (including against children) and murder. I don't recall any swearing.