Best Day Ever; Kaira Rouda
Graydon House - 2017
As the couple travels by car to their destination, the tension builds and the reader begins to realize that lies and other secrets within this marriage are certain to ruin any other plans Paul had for the weekend.
The story is narrated by Paul, who is really a self-absorbed liar. The tension builds as you turn each page, making for a quick, absorbing read. There were a few twists along the read and a surprise ending as well which made me happy I decided to try this one.
Rating - 4.5/5 stars
Lucky Us; Amy Bloom
Random House - 2015
Lucky Us was our book group selection for March and while the most of the group liked this book to some degree, we really got to appreciate it more after our open, lively discussion. Some of the members then wanted to reread it after our discussion.
The opening quote, hooked me and made me chuckle as well - “My father’s wife died. My mother said we should drive down to his place and see what might be in it for us.”
A coming of age story with half-sisters Eva and Iris at the heart of the novel. These half-siblings have been disappointed by their family and the two couldn't be more different. The story takes around WWII and many of the characters have been dealt some bad breaks in life, but despite their struggles, I wanted to know them better. Many of the characters are quite eccentric which made for some humorous moments. There were quite a few characters introduced along the way, most were well drawn, some so memorable, and others I despised. A story about luck and about what constitutes a family.
Rating - 4/5 stars
I really liked Best Day Ever :)
ReplyDeleteGlad u liked this one Mary; I liked the pace!
DeleteBest Day Ever wasn't all that realistic but it was FUN to read. Sometimes that's okay.
ReplyDeleteTrue, about the realistic part but, none the less, it hooked me immediately.
DeleteI loved Lucky Us! Actually I love Amy Bloom. Your review captures the book well. Amy Bloom has a new novel out called White Houses, about the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and her female lover. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteGlad u are an Amy Bloom fan. I read White Houses and liked it but, I preferred the NF, Eleanor and Hick by Susan Quinn, which gives you a better feel for the women.
DeleteI have heard some really good reports about BEST DAY EVER. Still need to read it. Looks like you thought it was a good choice, Diane.
ReplyDeleteKay, I loved the fast pace of Best Day Ever.
DeleteI loved The Best Day Ever too. I'll have to look into Lucky Us.
ReplyDeleteBest Day Ever seems to have been popular among bloggers and most were pleased with it as well. Lucky Us was well written - a few too many characters but, still good.
DeleteThese both sound really good. That happens in my book group a lot - people like the book more or rethink their initial opinion after discussing it. I love that!
ReplyDeleteSue
Book By Book
Sue, I like when a lively discussion makes you rethink your initial impression of a book.
DeleteGlad u enjoyed Best Day Ever. I liked the writing a lot in Lucky Ones. One reader told me they enjoyed Amy Bloom's "Away" even more.
ReplyDeleteThose both sound good and everyone can use a best day!
ReplyDeleteThese both look good, have a great reading week.
ReplyDeleteI want to read both of these but certainly that opening in the Amy Bloom novel is something else!
ReplyDelete