Book Review: The Yellow Winged Stranger

Author: Imran Usman

Summary from Goodreads: An intellectual thriller with murder mystery twist, this book follows the details related to a killing spree. The author uses a variety of writing styles throughout the book to offer insights and perspectives about the lives of those impacted by the serial killer. A quick read with significant symbolism embedded throughout.  Disclaimer: I was contacted by this author directly on Good Reads. He provided me a copy of the book for my review.

Personal Review:
This book was not my typical read. I don’t read a lot of mystery thrillers. However, I am trying to expand what I am exposed to, so when the author asked if I would read it, I said sure.   

You can tell that the author is a deep thinker, very intellectual. There are quotes and phrases throughout the book that makes me believe that his thought processes are very involved. This is a positive for the book! For example, page 135 of the book discusses how 'every person has a story to tell.' This is great insight and really helps you to know the characters thoughts.   

The one part that was hard for me is the back and forth of the various stories. I liked that it was included, but the flow sometimes made me feel a little lost. Since it was often about different people, the switch confused me a couple of times. In the end, it all became a lot clearer. I did appreciate that I got to know the story from multiple perspectives.  I thought it was a good read that I would have probably not tried out otherwise. Thanks for giving me the chance to try it!  

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Miss Mayhem

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Summary from Goodreads:

Harper, a Southern Belle, is back. This time she is learning more about her new role as a Paladin or at least what it takes to become ‘official’. Even though that part is not clear to her as she must undergo a series of trials, she quickly learns that the Ephors are back and are wanting to train David. Throughout the book is an adventure of balancing life outside of her new world, while helping David to do the right thing.

Personal Review:

This is the second book in the series. (Click here for my review of the first book in a series) I enjoyed the book, but still did not get a clear picture of the new roles and what they were trying to accomplish. It is becoming a little bit clearer in each book, but I hope that in the next all will be revealed. 

Similar to before, I enjoyed the build up to the big event, but then felt it was over rather quickly. The imagery that is playing in my head was vivid as the author describes the scenes throughout the book. I think the writing style is easy to read and digest.

The main point of this review is to say that I enjoyed the book. I will wait to see what happens in the next one. Until then!

Happy Reading!

Top Ten Books that I Plan to Have in my Beach Bags this Summer

Hi Everyone! I know that I have used my blog up until this point as a place for book reviews. However, this week I have decided to link up with ‘The Broke and the Bookish’ for their ‘Top Ten Tuesday’ list. I am not only looking forward to many books this summer, but especially some down time!

Top Ten Books that I Plan to Have in my Beach Bags this Summer 

1.      The Rumour by Elin Hilderbrand- She is one of my favorite authors and I am anticipating her new book coming out in June!

2.      The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer-Her books are ‘light’ and fun, perfect for the beach!

   3.  Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews-I enjoy reading about other spending time at the beach, so this one is right up my alley.

  

4.      In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume-A new adult novel from Judy Blume? Yes, please!

5.  The Nurses A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital by Alexandra Robbins-Another author that I thoroughly enjoy. Her books make me think and give me good insight on topics I have little knowledge about.

  6.   The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler- Another new to me, but the book looks like a good one!

   7. Still Alice by Lisa Genova-I first heard about this from a friend who said she really enjoyed it. Now that it is a movie, I wouldn’t mind reading it and then seeing the movie.

8.  The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty-I read ‘Big Little Lies’ recently and really enjoyed it. I thought I would try another one by her.

  9. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes,-The second one is coming out in September, so I need to get reading on the first!

   10.  Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison-I don’t know much about this book but the cover looks fun and it was one of the books that Good Reads recommended to me.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Almost Somewhere: 28 Days on the John Muir Trail

Author: Suzanne Roberts

Summary from Goodreads:
The year is 1993 and Suzanne Roberts has set off on an adventure with two friends, Erika and Dionne to hike the John Muir Trail. The JMT stretches through three National Parks, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. The book captures Suzanne’s perspective of the hike as she escapes from the reality ‘of the real world.’ Throughout the book she discusses both the story of her life unfolding in front of her, as well as the nature around her.

I highly recommend this book.

Personal Review:
I loved this book! In the words of Suzanne quoting John Muir, “The Mountains are calling and I must go.” No truer words can be spoken for me. I loved the way that she captured the hard times, the good times, and the adventure of being a thu-hiker. I love hearing about the people she met on the trail and how slowly as they move along, she starts to discover more about herself. I love the infusion of nature and what she is seeing around her on the adventure.

This would be a must read book that is good for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

Happy Reading!