All of Her Things

The last few months have flown by because I’ve been busy with my German classes, so it’s actually taken me longer than usual to finish a book. I’m hoping to finish out the year strong. Anyway, here’s what I’ve read, along with ratings and quick reviews.

July

None of This is True

Lisa Jewell

9/10

Thriller / Mystery

Quick Review: A story I couldn’t put down. I enjoyed the writing style, but especially the Netflix Documentary sections. This story has you questioning what is true, and just when you think everything has come together, it leaves you questioning everything again.

Will I continue reading from this author? Yes.

Is this a reread? Yes

Sunrise on the Reaping

Suzanne Collins

9/10

Dystopian Fiction

Quick Review: Any story that makes me cry automatically gets a high rating. Years before the Hunger Games trilogy, this story follows Haymitch Abernathy (Katniss’s mentor) during the Quarter Quell. We meet him as a drunk in the Hunger Games, and Sunrise on the Reaping would be his backstory. It’s sad because he was a sweetheart, and we learn how his heart became so hardened. The description of the games is well-written, but the ending, as he becomes haunted by all the loss, made me cry.

Will I continue reading from this author? Yes.

Will I continue with the series? This makes me want to reread The Hunger Games and watch all the movies.

Is this a reread? I see myself rereading this and then going right into The Hunger Games series. I like this one way more than Songbirds and Snakes.

August

Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

8/10

Contemporary Fiction

Quick Review: This is a book many people have told me I need to read over the years, and I tried twice already, but I wasn’t interested in the plot. I think I’m a “better reader” now and can finally appreciate something like this. It’s a coming-of-age story of a Nigerian woman with criticisms of race in Nigeria and America. It’s also a love story. This isn’t a quick read, and I felt that the ending dragged a bit, but overall, I enjoyed the detail in the writing. 

Will I continue reading from this author? Yes

Is this a reread? Yes, but it’s a little long, so it’ll be a while.

September

The Unmaking of June Farrow

Suzanne Collins

7/10

Science Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Quick Review: This is a time-travel story between 2023 and 1951. I enjoyed it much more than I expected. It centers on the mystery of the protagonist’s mother and breaking a family “curse.” I loved the dynamics among the women in this story. The story is well-paced, with each chapter dropping a small clue about the overall mystery.

Will I continue reading from this author? Yes

Is this a reread? Yes.