April Book Review

One of my New Year's resolutions this year was to do more reading and less scrolling on my phone at night. This month I read four excellent books that were outside of the genres I typically reach for. Normally I love a little "chick lit," but this month I read three thrillers, and one novel that kept me thinking. Here's April's book review.

Book #1: "Wish You Were Here" by Jodi Picoult 

I don't typically love a Jodi Picoult novel. I think the last book I read written by her was "Nineteen Minutes," and I probably read it over 10 years ago. The very first page of this book starts with the date "March 13, 2020." I think we can all remember what a pivotal date that was for us! I equate 3/20/2020 with the "start" of the Covid-19 pandemic, and was instantly transported to days of disinfecting groceries, making Dustin strip his clothes in the garage and immediately showering after work, and staying home (indefinitely) from teaching second grade. This book details a trip taken by a woman in a relationship, while her boyfriend (a NYC surgeon) stays behind to help in the hospital at the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. This book had two storylines, and I honestly couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. While I don't wish to relive the early months of the pandemic, it was very cathartic to read about. This book had many twists and turns, but it was easy to keep up with! So far, this has been my FAVORITE book of the year. Definitely read this one!

Book #2: "The Younger Wife" by Sally Hepworth 

This was my very first book I read written by Sally Hepworth. Sally writes "household thrillers" with super relatable characters and they are quick, enjoyable reads. This is her newest book, and I devoured it. I think I read it in less than 24 hours. Haha! The storyline details a family with two daughters, a mother suffering from dementia, and a father who starts dating a woman the same age as his two daughters. Both daughters have a character trait that they work through during the book and it's gratifying to read of their progress. After I finished this book I immediately downloaded...

Book #3: "The Mother-In-Law" by Sally Hepworth 

While I enjoyed this book it was the least favorite of the three Sally Hepworth books I read this month. This book had more characters and it was just a bit more difficult to follow. The story mainly outlines a mother-in-law and her relationship with her daughter and daughter-in-law. The MIL in the story is wealthy, but seemed cold hearted. She believed that her children should have to work for their lifestyles, regardless of what financial or personal distress they are in. The daughter-in-law, whose mother died when she was young, yearned for a close relationship with her MIL. If you want a book that will make you think about relationships and priorities in your family - this book is for you! 

Book #4: "The Good Sister" by Sally Hepworth 

I really went deep into the Sally Hepworth books this month! While I generally don't like a thriller, Sally has a way of softening her characters and making them real. Even though they are thrillers, they aren't terribly scary. I'm able to read them and have no problem going to sleep right afterwards. Haha! "The Good Sister" is a story about two sisters who are twins: one who has intellectual disabilities, and one who does not. They had an interesting family dynamic growing up and their mother is in assisted care. The story alternates between journal entries written by one sister, and the other sister's story is written as a narrative. The "twist" in the story is one that I did not suspect even a little bit! This was my second favorite book written by Sally Hepworth this month. 

Whew - four books read and reviewed for the month of April! I really enjoyed these ones!