It’s getting busy here with all the fun fall activities, but I’m still trying to make time for a cup of coffee and a good book. This book review volume IV is an eclectic mix from thriller to finance to romance. If you want to know what I’m reading in real-time, let’s be friends on Goodreads!
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
I’m late to the party because it seems like everyone who likes mysteries has read this one, but now I get why — it lives up to the hype (it was a Goodreads Choice 2020 winner). Guests gather on a remote island off the coast of Ireland to celebrate the union of the bride and groom. And then someone turns up dead. Told from alternating points of view, everyone has jealousies, resentments, and secrets; everybody has a motive so that anybody could be guilty of the crime. It’s more character-focused than plot-driven, with the story spanning only a few days. Usually, I’m impatient and like to dive straight into the action, but I was engrossed in each character’s story that I didn’t mind. I read that it’s similar to her other book, The Hunting Party, so I’ll have to add that to my to-read list.
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley
This book was fascinating, albeit a little outdated (a million dollars in 1998 is not equivalent to a million dollars today); however, much of the authors’ advice still stands. Many believe a high income and expensive lifestyle translates to wealth, especially on social media these days. But the people who often look the wealthiest aren’t rich because they’re buying material goods and not increasing their net worth, while prodigious accumulators become wealthy by living well below their means. As I’ve said before, I believe in the importance of researching and making the best financial decisions for you. For me, it’s about balancing saving for the future and splurging, and I’m known to splurge on a designer handbag occasionally.
The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter
What a dark, disturbing thriller this one is. The protagonist, Delta Dawn, is a talented photographer the Straubs hired for their daughter’s 11th birthday party. She becomes obsessed with the elite family, and at the end of the party, Delta isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to them. Soon she finds ways to insert herself into their lives, like babysitting their daughter, and realizes photos aren’t all she can manipulate. Delta is a deeply disturbed woman beneath the facade of kindness and normalcy she presents. There are no big plot twists; instead, it’s a suspenseful character study of Delta. It’s not the best thriller I’ve ever read, but it kept me entertained with its slow burn.
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
I had high hopes for this one, but it fell flat. It’s probably the only one I’d skip in this book review. Shay Goldstein has been a producer at a public radio station for almost a decade, but recently, she’s clashing with her newest coworker, Dominic Yun. When the station needs a new show, Shay comes up with The Ex Talk, where exes will deliver relationship advice on air. Their boss has Shay and Dominic cohost together, given how much they already act like exes, and while neither love deceiving listeners, it’s that or being jobless. But what if Shay starts to fall for her fake ex? In an industry that values truth, deception could end their careers. It had a promising plot, but neither main character ever swooned me. There was a lack of chemistry between Shay and Dominic, and I didn’t feel invested in their relationship.
Older, but Better, but Older by Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas
After reading How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, I was excited to see the authors reunite to publish another book. I loved their first one so much, and while this one is similar in structure, I didn’t relate to it as much (understandingly so, since I’m not hurtling towards 40 anytime soon). It was still a quick, easy read — in short segments, two Parisian women talk about their views on beauty, love, and much more. They’re unabashedly frank and outspoken as they capture the different stages of aging, like when a 30-year-old guy doesn’t even glance at you at a party or when you wake up feeling great, but people tell you how tired you’re looking or when you’re just excited to go home. Their books aren’t for everyone, but I still enjoyed them despite not relating.
What have you recently read that I should add to my to-read list? Please leave your suggestions in the comments! To read my other book review(s), click here. xo
The photographer sounds really good – adding it to my list now!
I enjoyed reading through these different mini-reviews. I have always heard good things about The Guest List so I guess it is time to finally give it a read!
These sound really good. I’m adding them to my GoodReads to-read list.
You choose one of my all time favorite books! The millionaire next door is the best. It is starting to get outdated, but the ideas and mindsets that people have are still totally relevant! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Did you read The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley? I am in the minority but I liked that more than this one!
I’m adding some new books to my TBR list. Thanks!
I really appreciated your honesty and insights into each book. I hadn’t really considered reading any of these but am definitely interested in “The Guest List” now!
Your Guest List summary really caught my attention. I love getting drawn into the lives of interesting characters. I’m adding this one to my Must Read list. Thanks for sharing!
Great reviews! I bought The Guest List for a friend as a gift and heard raving reviews about it. I’m not typically into mysteries but I’m going to give that one a shot! I’ve recently read Malibu Rising. I highly recommend if you haven’t read it yet.
Enjoyed reading your reviews. I, too, must be late to the party because I haven’t read Guest List either. I am going to suggest this for my next bookclub meeting!
Older, but Better, but Older sounds fun! I loved How to Be Parisian 🙂
I absolutely love boook reviews! I love to read, and I want to read as many good books as possible. Thank you for sharing this! I can’t wait to add these to my ever-growing TBR list.
The ex talk sounds promising. Thanks for the review!
uuhhhh, definitely going to put these on my reading list! thank you for sharing
These all sound like very thrilling books! I might have to add The Photographer to my re-read list. Thanks for your view points!
The Guest List sounds like a good pick..I love anything with alternating perspectives…and I often enjoy Reese’s Book Club so that is an added endorsement…
The photographer is probably the one I would read, buy and possibly gift to a school. You’re probably right about the Ex Talk being the weakest link of all the books, but the Photographer is definitely the one I would read. That one is the most interesting to me. The others, I could take it or leave it.
I’ve been trying to find a good book to read. I love thriller so The Photographer sounds really interesting. I’m going to have to check it out!!
Thanks for your review on these. Some of these sounded so good, but after reading what you said, I’ll pass on a few.
I loved The Guest List. I didn’t LOVE The Hunting Party, but I still liked it – worth reading. I’m ready for whatever she comes out with next. If you like mysteries, I recommend Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeny. It just came out and it’s soooo good.
Lauren
I am so happy I found your blog! I am always looking for amazing new books to read.
I really loved your suggestions! I was actually interesting in reading “The Ex Talk” and I’m glad you reviewed it!
I want to read The Guest List, it’s next up on my list of books to read.
I have The Millionaire Next Door standing in my bookshelf. I haven’t read it, because I thought it would be outdated. But I think I might read it after reading your review 😊