books

What I’ve Been Reading

This is one of my favorite days of the month, because it makes me want to read all the books everyone’s been recommending. I actually read a few this month that had been recommended by others.


Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler – 3.5 stars
I liked this, even though I didn’t realize when I checked it out that it switched perspectives between characters. I usually have trouble staying interested when books do that. I liked most of the characters, and I enjoyed Beth’s perspective the most. It was a good book about friendships, love, and small towns.

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty – 4 stars
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I liked it. I’m not usually a fan of chick lit type literature, or whatever you would call this genre, but since it has been recommended so many times, I gave it a try. It didn’t have me riveted the whole time, but I enjoyed it enough I may try another of her books some time. It was an interesting look at characters’ stories interweaving with each other.

The Neverland Wars by Audrey Greathouse – 3 stars
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was kind of meh on this one, because it never really took off. It seemed like it would be about the wars between Neverland and the real world, but there wasn’t much of it going on and it felt like could have been a series. Instead, it was one book and I don’t think it ever got a foothold for me, because the plot was a little lacking.

The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre – 3.5 stars
This is a thriller about a girl who webcams full time from her apartment, but also is secretly hiding her urge to murder. It’s kind of like Dexter, except with lots more sexual descriptions and if Dexter had the killing skills of a bunny rabbit. She’s like a hamster that really wants to eat you, but is clearly lacking the size. The main character accidentally uncovers a crime and attempts to stop it. It wasn’t the best thriller I’ve read, but it was a quick read if you don’t mind lots of sexy cam descriptions.

You by Caroline Kepnes – 3 stars
I have heard about this book so many times, but it also wasn’t what I expected by the time I finally read it. I actually expected it to be MORE graphic from the reactions I had read of it. It was more of a slow creepy feeling. I thought the author did a good job with Joe’s personality and describing his thoughts, but at the same time I wasn’t really surprised by much in the story.

I wasn’t wow-ed by anything I read this month, but I didn’t read anything that was terrible. I’m currently reading a book that I’m really enjoying, so next month may bring some books I love.

As always, feel free to add me as a friend on Goodreads so I can see what other people are up to throughout the month!

I’m linking up with Steph and Jana today for Show Us Your Books.

29 thoughts on “What I’ve Been Reading

  1. The Husband's Secret is my favorite Liane Moriarty book, though Big Little Lies is also a decent one. Lol You by Caroline Kepnes is one of my all time favorite books, it's too bad you didn't like it but I'm guessing that's because you heard so much about it ahead of time. When I picked it up at the library I had no idea what it was even about. I've been wanting to read The Girl in 6E but I couldn't find it at the library, it sounds like a decent read though!

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  2. YOU is one of my favorite books of last year! I'm sorry you had a lukewarm reaction to it. Same with Shotgun Lovesongs. But this post is exactly why this linkup is awesome. Reading books recommended to you by other bloggers. Love it!

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  3. My favorite Liane Moriarity book was Big Little Lies. I really recommend that one…it's a step up from The Husband's Secret, in my opinion. However, it does switch perspectives a lot.
    I wasn't crazy about You.

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  4. i enjoyed beth's perspective the most in shotgun lovesongs as well. i read the husband's secret first, then big little lies and then what alice forgot – and i liked them more each time, big little lies was the most interesting but what alice forgot has a special spot in my heart. big little lies is definitely better than the husband's secret. then i read one of her older books .. the last anniversary i think.. and didn't like it anywhere near as much lol. she has a new one coming out so i am excited.
    i think i felt the same way about you. slow and creepy. i did like it though, because i thought it was written well.

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  5. Just this month I realized I don't like books with multiple narrators. Or maybe I'm just tired of them for now because it seems like that's everything I've been reading lately.
    The only one of those books I've read is The Husband's Secret which I didn't love either. I wish one of the stories had ended happily but they all seemed like downers.

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  6. All of these books, except for the Neverland one, are already on my TBR. I love getting recommendations from everyone but they sometimes make my expectations too high, which is on me, not the reviewers! I've had a couple months of okay books and want to read something that makes me hug the book, then run to Twitter to share, you know? Here's hoping next month is better!

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  7. I love Liane Moriarty and The Husband's Secret isn't my favorite of hers. Go for Big Little Lies or What Alice Forgot next time! What Alice Forgot being my favorite. I have had Shotgun Lovesongs on my TBR forever and I really just need to get to it!

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  8. I've wanted to The Girl In 6E for a while now! I haven't read Dexter, but it sounds like a really interesting concept. I'm a huge fan of Liane Moriarty and have read most of her books. The Husband's Secret is actually one of my least favorites from her, so I would recommend giving What Alice Forgot or Big Little Lies if you're interested in another book by her. Her next book comes out at the end of the book and I can't wait to read it!

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  9. I have pretty strong feelings (that are different from most) about Joe in You (and the sequel Hidden Bodies). I hated him.
    I've only read 2 Liane Moriarty books so far. I think what I enjoy is that it seems everyone has a favorite which is different to the next person. That tells me she taps into something unique with each of us.
    I liked Beth's perspective in Shotgun Lovesongs the best too.

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  10. I think that could definitely be the case sometimes. Maybe if I went in not knowing anything it would be better, but who knows. At the same time, with You, I didn't know too much about the story, just that a lot of people were reading it.

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  11. I've heard different books by her are different people's favorites, so it's interesting to see everyone has such varying responses to them. You was good, but I didn't like Joe very much. Maybe if I went in unknowing I would have had better luck.

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  12. I really loved Shotgun Lovesongs. So much so that after I finished reading my library copy I went right out and bought a copy. I think he's just a fantastic writer with a real knack for getting at what makes humans tick!

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  13. I've read most of the books on this list, and Shotgun Lovesongs is on my list! 🙂 I actually love when books switch perspectives, so I may like that one even more than you did.

    I had to laugh at your description of Deanna in The Girl in 6E. I kind of thought that too … Like why is this chick so bad at murdering people? Haha. I still liked her, though, and I thought the overall story was interesting.

    I really like Liane Moriarty, though I've only read The Husband's Secret and Big Little Lies. I preferred the latter, though both were solid reads. (And, like you, I'm not typically a huge fan of “chick lit” books.)

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  14. I liked The Husband's Secret, but I liked What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies even more. I also liked You. And I still need to read Shotgun Lovesongs.

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  15. What Alice Forgot is my favourite of Moriarty's but Big Little Lies was really intense too and I enjoyed the experience. You should definitely pick up one of those next, or her new one coming out soon!! I really want to read Shotgun Lovesongs sometime soon.

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  16. I loved Shotgun Lovesongs, but I think it's because it made me feel like I was back home in the Midwest. Also, I'm a big fan of Liane Moriarty, but I feel like I have to spread out her books a little because they are similar.

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  17. It always sucks when you end the month not totally wow-ed by anything you read =/ I think The Neverland Wars sound really good but your review is a bummer. Hmm. Maybe I'll check it out for myself… Thanks for the honest reviews, though!!

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  18. You read a lot this month! I'm reading more which makes me happy. I just finished “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero and I LOVED it! Now I am reading “The Martian” because I really liked the movie, and I'm sure I'll enjoy the book too. I think I'm on chapter 4 and so far I am liking it!

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