February was another good reading month for me. I read five books and liked all of them. I own three of the books I read, so I’m thrilled my owned books outranked my library books this time around. Yay for reading goal progress!
Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Spoken from the Heart is a memoir by the former first lady about her childhood in Texas, her early career as a teacher and librarian, her husband’s early political aspirations, and the eight years she spent in the White House.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT
THIS BOOK?
Last month I read and loved Michelle Obama’s Becoming, and what I liked so much about that book is here, too. All of the political stuff is wonderfully interesting, but I also enjoyed learning about Bush’s life growing up. I certainly relate to her passion for literature and libraries and admire her journey from someone who was promised she’d never have to give a speech to someone speaking out on the world stage on behalf of women and girls around the world.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
People who are interested in politics will be the best audience for this book.
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
A freshman girl falls asleep in her bed and doesn’t wake up. And then it happens to another girl in her dorm. And then it happens to another one. Soon there’s an epidemic and doctors can’t figure it out. The patients aren’t dead; they’re breathing and dreaming, but nothing can wake them up. Chaos and panic soon run amok in the small, idyllic Southern California town where sleep is to be feared.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT
THIS BOOK?
The Dreamers is a page-turner. The plot is fascinating, the characters are well-developed, and I never knew what was going to happen next. In addition to all that, the writing is quite lovely.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
I’d recommend this to literary fiction fans who appreciate unique tales.
The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race
edited by Jesmyn Ward
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
The Fire This Time is a nod to James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, a classic examination of race. Using that as inspiration, Ward has put together a collection of essays and poems about what life is like for people of color in modern America.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT
THIS BOOK?
Ward recruited some wonderful writers for this collection, such as Claudia Rankine, Natasha Tretheway, and Kiese Laymon. As with most essay collections, some pieces are better than others. That’s true with this book, but the good essays easily outnumber ones I thought were mediocre.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
People interested in race and social justice will be inspired by this book.
The Lost Man by Jane Harper
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Nathan is the oldest of three brothers. Right before Christmas, his middle brother Cameron is found dead. Like Nathan, Cam had spent his entire life in the Australian outback, so he knew the risks and how to survive the oppressive heat. The family questions the circumstances of his death and eventually face a disturbing rumor about Cam’s past. Meanwhile, Nathan is forced to confront his grieving mother, the widowed sister-in-law he always avoids, and the terrible memory of his abusive father.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT
THIS BOOK?
Jane Harper might be the queen of settings. When I read her work, I feel like I’m actually in the outback, thirsty and covered in dust. Her descriptions of the landscape pull you even further into her expertly crafted mystery and family drama.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Fans of Harper’s first two books (The Dry and Force of Nature) will love The Lost Man. Mystery and suspense fans will undoubtedly be satisfied with Harper’s first standalone novel.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
Rating: 4/5
WHAT’S THIS BOOK ABOUT?
A group of friends from Oxford always spend New Year’s Eve together, and 2018 is no exception. This year, Emma, the newest member of the group, has planned a getaway to a remote lodge and cabins nestled into the snowy woods. Thanks to a snowstorm, there’s no way in and no way out, so when a member of the group is found murdered, everyone knows the killer is in their midst.
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT
THIS BOOK?
The Hunting Party has a delightfully creepy atmosphere and setting. The pacing is fantastic, and the twists are a fun surprise. This book is a highly enjoyable murder mystery.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Mystery fans who want a perfect winter read will enjoy this one.
What did you read in February? Leave a comment below and share!
Andrea Is Reading 