HomeFeaturesTBRs/Wrap-UpsNovember 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

November 2020 Reading Wrap-Up

Well, it’s been established before that I’m a picky reader. We’ve talked about it, we’ve been there, so let’s get on with this stack here (and don’t be surprised most are 3 and 2 stars … mmmkay?)

5 Stars:

Legendborn

Legendborn book coverWritten by Tracy Deonn

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

I almost didn’t read this (and didn’t actually finish it until December 1, but I’m including it anyway … my house, my rules) but Tracy Deonn not only restored my faith in reading in general, but my faith in YA. I loved this story and you can read why HERE!

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

4 Stars:

Anxious People

Anxious People book coverWritten by Fredrik Backman

Published by Atria Books

While this exceptionally tough subject matter – deep conversations on mental health, depression and suicide – can make for a dark read, but Backman brings his signature hope and laughter to each page to provide us with some levity. This will likely be enjoyed by his fans.

Full review HERE.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

The Binding

The Binding book coverWritten by Bridget Collins

Published by William Morrow

Straight up, not for everyone – and I truly wish this story could have continued as it began (a story about learning the craft of binding memories into books) – but I really enjoyed Collins’ writing. It is uncaringly slow, unflinchingly stark, and incredibly moody. If you’re looking for an atmospheric gothic historical fiction, and enjoy languidly descriptive and slowly built stories … this is a great one.

Full review HERE.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

The Midnight Bargain

The Midnight Bargain book coverWritten by C.L. Polk

Published by Erewhon

(3.5*) Still humming and hawing over the rating here – because while I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion of women’s reproductive rights wrapped up in an alt-regency era, magical world … I found the middle to drag under the weight of a repetitive narrative. But I thoroughly enjoyed the ideas explored here and the conflicts surrounding Beatrice and Ysbeta’s difficult choices and lack of options available to live independent, free lives.

Full review HERE.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

In a Holidaze

In a Holidaze book coverWritten by Christina Lauren

Published by Gallery Books

(3.5*) A really solid, entertaining holiday romance. Funny, smart, and a bit steamy – it was fun, escapist reading.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

 

 

3 Stars:

Maybe in Another Life

Maybe in Another Life book coverWritten by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published by Washington Square Press

Not my favourite by TJR, but by going into this great author’s back catalogue I can see how her talents have only honed with each book. This story explores the whole scary concept of entering into your 30s without knowing where or who you’re supposed to be. Hannah has a choice: go home with her friend Abby or with her high school boyfriend Ethan. What follows is alternating chapters in how her life would play out if she made each choice. While the concept was interesting I did find myself getting exhausted with the constant flipping back and forth between the parallel lives and while I definitely enjoyed one story arc immensely over the other, it is the unshakeable friendship between Abby and Hannah that is the heartbeat of this story.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

The Girl and the Ghost

The Girl and the Ghost book coverWritten by Hanna Alkaf

Published by HarperCollins

Holding such glowing reviews, my daughter and I were incredibly excited to read this own-voices, Malaysian ghost story. But this one just failed to coalesce for us, finding much of the subject matter to be excessively violent and grotesque – from the bullying the main character experiences, to the extreme, violent acts of jealousy her ghost familiar imparts on the main character and her best friend. The characters themselves are heartfelt and that ending is quite emotionally wrought, but, for those with weak stomachs this one is surprisingly morbid for middle grade.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

2 Stars:

The City We Became

The City We Became book coverWritten by N.K. Jemisin

Published by Orbit Books

(2.5*) An incredible, shocking disappointment to me – which you can read about here. So many points of view competing for space, with very little time given to developing those voices and too much time given over to swirling, looping scenes of science fiction action. Loved the intention of this story to cast a racially charged take on Lovecraftian ideas, but I found this to be one tiresome read.

Full review HERE.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

The Secrets of Winterhouse

The Secrets of Winterhouse book coverWritten by Ben Guterson

Published by Henry Holt & Co.

A completely disappointing sequel that achieved absolutely no forward momentum within the series or character progression, other than to poorly reconfigure all the elements, heroes and villains of book one into a new and less pleasing configuration. Brutally slow pacing combined with turning the main character into a moody, judgemental snoot … Yeah, daughter and I didn’t like this one.

You can find a copy here: Bookshop.org

Any purchases made via retailer links provided in this article may result in this site receiving a share of that sale.

Cheryl
Cherylhttps://www.aotales.com
Welcome to And other tales. The little corner of the interweb where we don’t count cups of coffee, believe cancelling plans to stay home & read is just good life advice, refuse to acknowledge the calories in baked goods and will never judge you on the number of marshmallows in your hot chocolate or the size of your TBR piles. Curl up, get comfy and click through for book reviews, life chats, playlists, vegan & gluten free baking recipes, gift guides and more.
RELATED ARTICLES

Newest Articles