What I Read Lately

Hi guys! I’m back with another round of what I read lately! This was a super great lineup and I’m so excited to share my thoughts on these books with you, so let’s dive right in.

THE ALICE NETWORK

SUMMARY: This story spans two generations of women, Charlie and Eve, and how their lives become intertwined by Charlie’s cousin Rose. In her prime, Eve befriends Lili, the “Queen of Spies”, during her training and gets into a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy’s nose. 30 years after the war and haunted by the events that dismantled the Alice Network, Eve becomes a drunk recluse. Charlie seeks out to find out what happened to Rose, and Eve falls into Charlie’s lap. Their connection launches them both on a mission that will change their lives.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: This is one of my favorite reads of the year for sure. The characters are so complex and intriguing and you want to turn every single page to find out what happens next. The ending gutted me and I just couldn’t have enjoyed this more. If you loved The Nightingale [as I did], definitely give this a go.

THE SUMMER OF SUNSHINE & MARGOT

SUMMARY: Sisters Sunshine and Margot have always been unlucky in love. During the course of one summer, both sisters find themselves in situations with men that they shouldn’t be drawn to, but of course, are. Margot gets entwined with her employers son and Sunshine starts to fall for the father of the child she is nannying for. Will their past failures pave the way for their future happiness? Or will everything fall apart yet again?

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: I give my full review in this post, but the short answer is yes! It’s a quick read that is equal parts juicy and sweet and I loved it!

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW

SUMMARY: This is the story of Annika and Johnathon, who meet at the chess club at the University of Illinois [my alma mater!] and how their story spans the course of 10 years. Annika is a bit quirky and therefore has had limited personal relationships in her life. Her roommate Janice becomes her friend and confidant, and then enters Johnathon, who will change her life forever. Time and circumstance take them apart, and a change reunion puts them back on the map for each other. Will their reunion be in vain, or does time bring back together things that were always meant to be?

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: I enjoyed this story so much and fell in love with Annika. This story is reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant, in my opinion, and it is such a sweet story of love, determination, and resilience. I had read On The Island by TGG prior, and while that was more juicy and intense, this was sweet and enthralling.

BEHIND HER EYES

SUMMARY: Louise meets David at a bar and they share a kiss. That’s before she realizes he’s married to Adele, and about to be her new boss. As the story unfolds, Adele befriends Louise and she starts to get a peek into their marriage. Adele has her own tattered past, including a choice character named Rob, who seems to control everything that has and will be. Louise gets tangled up with David and as he tries to get away from Adele, she gets closer to Louise. What actually happened between David and Adele is something you may have seen coming, but what will happen to the three of them will blow your mind.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS: If you like psychological thrillers, then definitely give this a go. It’s one of those books that as you read it you think you can predict what has/will happen, but then the ending just totally throws you for a loop. This is definitely one of the most unique stories I’ve ever read and I never saw the ending coming. The writing is super compelling and just when you think you know, you don’t.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX

SUMMARY: This story is told in an interview-style and spans the years of the 1970s when Daisy Jones & The Six were the hottest band there was. Secrets, partying, love, and personal failures mold these seven individuals and you get a peek into how their lives were shaped by the adventures of this music group. The star, Daisy, has her own demons and develops deep relationships with a few members that will change the course of her life.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: oh my gosh, YES! I adored this book so much. Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite bands of all-time and this transported me to that time and I was immediately immersed into that world. I had previously read Seven Husbands and One True Loves by TJR and I had loved both so much, but this may be my favorite of hers!

THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ

SUMMARY: Lale is a Slovak-born Jewish man who is suddenly taken to Auschwitz in the spring of 1942. There, he rises again and again and survives through becoming the Tätowierer. He meets a young woman named Gita and they fall in love under the most miserable of conditions. Will they survive? Will they come out the other side together?

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: 100% yes, especially if you love historical fiction from WWII. The best part is this is based on a true story! The author was actually able to sit down with the real Lale and get his story directly before his death in 2006. It’s a tremendous story of love, resilience, hope, and determination. I absolutely adored this story and fell in love with the characters, despite the most depressing of circumstances. Definitely give this one a go.

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