Last month was kind of a blur, so I actually was pretty surprised to see that I managed to finish four books – and they all were great! So let’s just get right into what I read in July 2020 and my reviews.
What I read in July 2020
IF I NEVER MET YOU by Mhairi McFarlane
My rating & review: 4 stars. Like most Mhairi McFarlane books I’ve read, I felt like this started really slow and didn’t pick up until 30% in. But, after that I was all in! Even though I was heartbroken for Laurie, I enjoyed her character development and all the people in her life. It all was ridiculously British, which I’ll take any day. Was it predictable? Absolutely yes. Did that make me love it any less? Nope!
NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney
My rating & review: 5 stars. I loved this weird, twisted, polarizing novel. Connell and Marianne have stayed with me for weeks. All their dark secrets and quirks that drew them together captivated me in a way a story hasn’t in a long time. That said, it’s definitely not for everyone.
HEAD OVER HEELS by Hannah Orenstein
My rating & review: 5 stars. What a refreshing, fantastic read of a rom-com. Based on the cover, I thought it was going to solely be light-hearted and sweet – maybe a little sexy. Well, it was all that (with very little sexy if that’s not your thing) and then some! I loved that this was more a story of self-discovery and redemption with a romance subplot. Tons of character background and development and dealings with some heavy issues. It was the perfect escape into the world of competitive gymnastics while missing the 2020 Olympics!
WHAT YOU WISH FOR by Katherine Center
My rating & review: 4 stars. I adored Sam and Duncan. Their struggles, their individuality, their grief, their backgrounds – they’re such realistic and relatable characters that it’s impossible not to root for them. I laughed, I got teary-eyed. The whale scene was a bit much – seemed far-fetched? – and I also was hoping for more details on Sam’s medical condition. It was explained just fine for it to fit into the overall story line, but I also found it random … like, Sam had to have something wrong with her. You know? Not a deal-breaker, though. Oh, and we get a cameo from Helen and Jake from Happiness For Beginners – yay!
Currently reading: Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
What are you reading?
Let’s connect on Goodreads! You also can keep up with all my reading in the archives.
Normal People sounds good to me. I enjoyed Head Over Heels 🙂 And I’m on the waiting list for my first Katherine Center book through the library. Sounds like we read some similar stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Hope you enjoy your first Katherine Center – she’s one of my favorite authors!
The whale scene was ridiculous – I think I even mentioned that in my review, too. But I enjoy Katherine Center’s books so much, I let it go.
Same!!
I really enjoyed Head over Heels. It was a fast read and I love that it was centered around gymnastics (which I follow and definitely can’t do)! I’ll have to check out these others. Right now I am (finally) reading The Heir Affair.
Jealous, I need to get to the Heir Affair myself!
Nice reading month! I am a bit curious about What You Wish For.
-lauren
It’s a solid read – a good escape from reality right now!
if I never met you is next to be read. Glad you liked it!
It’s so cute, enjoy!
I really liked What You Wish For. I’ve been on the fence about reading Normal People. Glad you enjoyed it.
Normal People definitely isn’t for everyone, but I LOVED it. If you have an open mind, it’s worth trying.
That whale scene had me like…hmm. LOL
Haha. That sums it up.
OMG i think you hit the nail on the head … the whale scene in what you wish for was pretty far fetched and wayyyyy too out there lol. I still loved the book but not as much as some of Centers other books.
Couldn’t agree with you more!
I have NO idea where July went but also know it felt like two months. I love that you can kind of keep track of the month by what you read!
It’s a good (and productive!) way to pass the time, that’s for sure.
Always interesting to see what you’re reading!
Thanks!
I’m currently reading Where The Crawdads Sing and everyone said it takes a while to get into…. page 100+ and still waiting. Need to carve out more time to read and put the phone away because when I do it feels great and I apparently am a fast reader! Might pick up Head Over Heels, sounds like something different than what I usually read.
xo Jessica
My Style Vita
I absolutely loved Crawdads, but 100% agree that it takes a while to get into. Also, I know we already discussed this, but I’m glad you didn’t find Head Over Heels a total waste!
Have you seen Normal People on Hulu, I think it’s what the show is based on – the book that is! Head Over Heels is being immediately added to my list!! I read 5 books in July which is the most for me in a long time! xo, Biana BlovedBoston
Yes, I actually watched the show before I read the book! I think that helped me know what I was getting into before starting the book. I loved both the book and the show!