It’s been a rollercoaster since my last post, and I am so thankful that the last week is over!!
I’m a bit late posting this since I’ve needed some time to recover. Last Sunday, I headed to the airport to fly to Pittsburgh for work. I was alone, and this upcoming week would have been busy but fun. I had two customer meetings lined up, a dinner with friends planned, and, unbeknownst to me, a surprise baby shower planned by my coworkers. Well, I never made it to a single event. On that plane, I got severely sick and had to go to the ER as soon as it landed. Luckily, it was just severe food poisoning rather than appendicitis, as the doctors initially thought. That day was AWFUL, but I am all recovered now and can laugh about it!
Let’s get on to my book review…
If you missed my March Review:
Book #1:
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
Overall: 2.5/5
I hate to tip-toe about how I feel regarding a book, but I had two loved ones recommend this book to me, and I don’t want to hurt their feelings. I’m going to be gentle on the off chance they may read this review. Sigh… This one was not for me. Ok… I hated it. Ugh, I’m sorry.
Here’s the thing… I have loved every Liane Moriarty book I have read so far! She’s the author that got me back into reading a few years ago. I was obsessed with Big Little Lies and even loved the TV show. I was hoping this story would be another favorite. It was not. At the halfway point, I looked up and thought, “This book has no plot whatsoever!” Truly nothing happens until over 300 pages in. So, this is a fictional story about a group of 9 people at a wellness retreat working out different issues. Aside from the lack of plot, I found it hard to keep all the main characters straight. We were given a back story on all of them, so it was hard for me to remember what was happening. The worst of all, I thought the ending was lame. Gosh, I sound harsh. Ok, I may need to take a break from Moriarty’s books…
Book #2:
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Overall: 2.5/5
I obviously knew this book wouldn’t be light and airy because, hello, the title! But oof, it was hard to get through. I feel for Jennette. I really do, and sharing these intimate details with the world must have been hard for her. As someone who also has complicated family relationships, I understand how impactful trauma can be, but I walked away from the book feeling like something was off. I don’t know how McCurdy wants us to think about her experience. At the same time, I appreciate McCurdy’s willingness to share her personal experience of her mother’s death, acting, eating disorders, and abuse. The book felt unfinished. I didn’t get to know the author or her mother well, and the book felt very surface-level. The story felt disjointed at times and lacked her genuine emotions. I don’t know what I hoped for, but something was missing.
Book #3:
Spare by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
Overall: 3/5
Prince Harry’s life has undoubtedly been complicated and controversial. His mother’s death at eleven, journalists and paparazzi speculating on every life decision, and being unable to make decisions for himself. Many would agree they would prefer not to be born into the Royal Family and face the challenges of a predetermined life. I know I wouldn’t. However, the book felt more like airing dirty laundry and throwing his family under the bus every chance he got. While I appreciated hearing his perspective, the hatred toward others left a bitter taste in my mouth. In my opinion, Prince Harry should have shown more self-reflection and accountability for his actions. Instead, his memoir suffers from a “poor me” theme and a lack of accountability for any of his actions. Before reading this book, I just thought Harry was a good man with a complicated life. Now, all I can think of is how bitter he must be. I didn’t hate the whole book. I found his boyhood stories charming. I enjoyed his stories from the British military and his love for his wife. I get frustrated with your family, especially one as unique as his, but some things are best kept private.
Yikes! Not a great month for books. I’m hopeful for my next month’s review.
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