
It’s my favorite day of the month… Happy May Book Review! I may be biased because I was born in May, but May is one of my favorite times of the year. There’s a buzz in the air. It’s the anticipation of upcoming vacations, warmer weather, and slower work days. I digress, and here is my book review!
If you missed my April Book Review:
Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller
Overall: 5/5
Before I start this review, I want to give a warning. If you or someone you love have been a victim of sexual assault, I would proceed with caution with this memoir. This book is rated R for content, but that shouldn’t stop you from honestly considering it.
A few years ago, Chanel Miller was, unfortunately, made famous by coming out as the Stanford sexual assault victim. In this memoir, she details the entire process, from the assault to the trial. As you would expect, the assault is horrific, but the after-effect was awful in its own way. Chanel’s life was almost ruined by participating in the prosecution’s case. I often needed to take a break from reading because the story was so raw and graphic.
When the book was over, I had an entirely new perspective if I were in her shoes. Before reading the book, I thought, “Of course, I would prosecute!” After reading the book, I have much more of an understanding I would need to consider before deciding. Her story so often touches on how the victim can become the villain. Reading hard books about real life from time to time is essential. This story was unbelievably complicated and emotionally challenging to read, but I’m so glad I did.
The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm by Hilarie Burton Morgan
Overall: 5/5
I loved this one! I thought Hilarie was adorable and brave! I’ve been a fan of hers since her days on One Tree Hill. After this book, I am in awe of Hilarie and a much bigger fan overall. She shares everything from her pregnancy struggles, choosing family over Hollywood, running their farm, and the importance of their community. She spoke so highly of their community that it made me want to visit Rhinebeck, New York, especially for their lovely Sinterklaas Christmas Festival! I completely forgot that she married Jeffrey Dean Morgan until reading this. I loved getting a peak into their relationship and family dynamic. While reading this book, I felt like I was talking to an old friend. Such a down to earth enjoyable read!
Circe by Madeline Miller
Overall: 1/5
Sigh… I’m most definitely the problem here. Honestly, I don’t know why I chose to read this book. Greek mythology is lost on me. There was so much hype around this novel, and I heard that the author made it into an interesting retelling. Halfway through the book, I realized I had no idea what was happening and even restarted. I didn’t care about the story. I didn’t care for any characters. Usually, I would avoid this type of book entirely, but I’ve wanted to expand my interests. As I said, the problem is with me because everyone else seems to like it…
That’s it for May!
For all my other book reviews, click HERE!
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