July Wrap Up

Hi there Readers! Summer Reading officially wrapped up at my library on July 31st, but I don’t expect the craziness to slow down for a while still. It has been a blast seeing so many people be “Wild About Reading!” Even if some of them did only participate because of the fine waivers (lol). The Jane Austen July reading challenge also wrapped up on the 31st. I did not achieve my goal of completing Northanger Abbey in the last 1.5 weeks, but I got close and still enjoyed the event. Let’s see how I did on the rest of my TBR…

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Total Books Completed: 5 Average Rating: 3.6⭐s

📚 Baby Mine by Kellyn Roth

My Rating:⭐⭐

Genre: Recent historical fiction (uncertain decade 1900s)

This short story was easy to read in just over an hour, but I never really got into the story. Deep topics about family responsibilities, parental roles, and adoption are dealt with. It just fell flat to me. I did not agree with the outcome, but I also did not like the only other alternative discussed. It isn’t poorly written, I just didn’t like it.

📚 Finding the Edge: My Life on the Ice by Karen Chen

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Memoir/autobiography

I loved listening to this audiobook! Hearing Karen talk about her life and journey up to being the 2017 US National Champion in figure skating was interesting and fun.

📚 Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Experimental fiction/multi-genre

Yes, I finally did finish reading Cloud Atlas! That in itself is quite the accomplishment. See my review here for my thoughts. It was a fantastic journey that I am glad is done.

📚 Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Contemporary YA/Christian fiction; light Romance

I was very concerned that this novella would be sad, but I am thrilled that I finally got over that concern and just read the book. It is amazing! Yes, it has sad moments, but overall it is hopeful, heartwarming, and uplifting.

📚 The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Historical Fiction/Gothic Fiction

If you want an example of “show, don’t tell” in writing taken a bit too far, this is it. Unfortunately, this was a disappointing read. Not awful, just…disappointing.