Hi friends, it’s been a minute since my last review, but I’m back with book review volume IX. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t prioritized reading, opting for playing on my phone in my downtime because I don’t particularly have to focus much. I’m sharing five books that I recently read, and then hopefully, you’ll share some great recs with me in the comments to get me out of my current reading slump.
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
Years ago, I discovered Esther Perel, a Belgian psychotherapist, and I will devour anything of hers. This one explores the clash between our search for secure love and the pursuit of passion — accompanied by numerous anecdotes about her clients from her 20 years of clinical experience that I found intriguing. However, the analysis parts are dull, and it took me quite a bit to get through the whole book. Furthermore, some of her progressive views come from her European background, and her insights into American culture sometimes come off condescending. For example, it’s great that some couples allow cheating within a specific context, but what about the people who value monogamy as a non-negotiable? Overall it was an okay read, but I prefer her other book, The State of Affairs.
No Exit by Taylor Adams
If you read a book review of mine, you know I love thrillers — there’s always at least one! But this one ramped up my anxiety (not in a good way). I had to set the book down multiple times and return because of the gore. College student, Darby Thorne, is going to Utah to see her dying mother when she gets caught in a blizzard. She ends up stranded at a highway rest stop in Colorado with four other strangers. Then she makes a horrifying discovery in the back of a van: a little girl is in an animal crate. Without phone reception and the roads impassable, there’s no help for miles. Darby doesn’t know who’s the kidnapper, but she’s determined to unmask the kidnapper and break the girl out and escape. It had a promising premise, but I’ll probably stick to psychological thrillers.
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
After seeing an Instagram friend mention this book, I decided to pick it up. One of my life goals is to have a lovely productive morning routine. Ideally, I’d have time to work out, sit for coffee and breakfast, and meticulously do my hair and makeup. But in reality, I’m rushing out the door to work or just too lazy to get ready when I’m working from home. While I enjoyed reading this book and loved his ideas, I have to admit I implemented his practice for a few weeks before I slipped into my usual routine again. Elrod does provide a simplified version that takes only 6 minutes, so it’s certainly doable (clearly, I need to reread Atomic Habits). In the end, I found it a motivating read, but I think he could’ve condensed the book a little to be without so much fluff and so many testimonials.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
I’m not sure what sparked the idea, but I decided to read through all my library’s Nicholas Sparks books, starting with The Notebook. After World War II, Noah Calhoun returned home to North Carolina and continued to be tormented by the girl who got away more than a decade ago. Now Allie Nelson is a socialite and engaged to a wealthy lawyer, but she can’t forget about the summer she spent with Noah. Forced to face her hopes and dreams of the future with her impending marriage, she unexpectedly turns up on his doorstep again. It’s a story about the enduring power of love. Truthfully The Notebook isn’t my favorite (please don’t come after me), but in this case, I prefer the film — the execution was better, and I, as the audience, felt more connected to the characters.
The Perfect Girlfriend by Karen Hamilton
Juliette will stop at nothing to be the perfect girlfriend for Nate. He broke up with her six months ago, but Juliette knows they belong together. She follows him, going as far as becoming a flight attendant for his airline, where he’s a pilot, to keep tabs on him. Her antics and ferocity were chilling, and it was a riveting read. I found the airline setting original and refreshing; the author herself is a former flight attendant. This book was more my type of psychological thriller, with the over-the-top obsession and determination to ensure nothing stops her from getting what she wants without so much gruesomeness. My only complaint is the anticlimactic conclusion which was disappointing.
What have you recently read that I should add to my to-read list for a future book review? Please leave your suggestions in the comments! To read my other book reviews, click here. xo
Oh I love re-reading an old favorite series or author too.
Love that you are reading through Nicholas Sparks books! I remember reading Dear John ages ago and crying like a baby LOL
This is legit right up my alley! I want to check out no exit so I def will be adding that to my tbr list
Thanks! I really appreciated the info that you posted about No Exit. I’m not much into gore, so I know I wouldn’t like it. I’ll just skip it this time around.
The Perfect Girlfriend sounds interesting – bummer about the anticlimactic conclusion though
I thought No Exit was just blah.
I thought No Exit was an okay read. They made it into a movie (airing on Hulu) but I haven’t watched it yet. I liked The MIracle Morning. There are a lot of great ideas, just need to implement them! LOL!
I am an avid reader so was interested to read your recommendations. I’ve also read the Miracle Morning and it definitely starts my day with a positive tone, though I don’t get up anywhere near as early as some examples in the book!
Love the summary you have for each book! Really great to be able to read a little about each one. I read The Notebook a long time ago and loved it. Dear John is another one that I liked by Sparks.
Not sure if you have read The Time Traveler’s Wife before or not, but your posting of The Notebook reminded me of that novel for some reason. Definitely a good one to add to your list if you need something else to read!
I have enjoyed most of Nicholas Sparks books. They aren’t deep but are a good read. I really enjoyed the movie version of the Notebook, I’m not sure if I actually did read the book?
Adding the perfect girlfriend to my list ASAP – sounds so good!
Great reviews. I’ve only read one book by Sparks and that was A Walk to Remember, which I did love. I remember finishing it the morning I went to see the movie!
I remember really liking that movie (and Mandy Moore soundtrack) too. I think it would be too sad if I watched it now.
I’m always always looking for more books to read so thanks for your thoughts on these! I’m currently reading The War on Women which is an absolute shocker of a read. I’m also reading The Hate U Give which is exceptional x
I love seeing what another thinks of a book especially when I’m looking for a new one. Great info!