September Book Wrap Up

by Natasa Djordjevic - 7:45 AM

Hey everyone! As you can probably tell from the title, today I’m talking about all the books I read in September.

So, without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?

1. The Lost Army of Cambyses by Paul Sussman(✬✬✬)

Paul Sussman’s Lost Army of Cambyses is an action-packed archaeology adventure thriller that reads like an Indiana Jones movie. I found the first half of the book rather slow and boring. I came close to giving up and not finishing it. However, I am glad that I pushed on for the story proved to be an entertaining read.

2. A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff (✬✬✬)

I felt the author missed the opportunity to delve more into the history, people and stories connected to the vintage clothing in Phoebe’s shop; the same way she did for the story of Mrs. Bell’s “blue coat.” I found Mrs. Bell’s story far more interesting than anything going on in the lead character Phoebe’s love life.

3. The Rose of York: Love & War by Sandra Worth (✬✬✬✬)

I liked this book because of the different points of view it was told. Mainly, it was from Richards, but it had several other perspectives, which made it easier for you to like or dislike the characters, and get to know them and their personalities better. The writing has been done well, and it was easy to pick up from where I left off reading, and the visualization was good as well. I am one who does not believe he was a hunchback as Shakespeare portrays him. The Tudors wanted to destroy any good feelings for the Yorks after they became rulers.

4. Love Letters by Debbie Macomber (✬✬)

This book is a huge disappointment. I disliked all the characters and found I couldn’t care about what happened to any of them. I forced myself to finish the book, skimming through several of the pages. The conversations between the couples were so generic and dull, as were the characters.

5. Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett (✬✬✬✬)

Vanora Bennett’s “Portrait of an Unknown Woman” is a fascinating, well researched historical novel about two 16th century men, Sir Thomas More and artist Hans Holbein. Central to the storyline is a young woman who meant much to both of them. The history of the tumultuous times in which these people lived is larger than all the characters put together and makes for a dramatic story.

6. The Day We Met by Rowan Coleman (✬✬✬✬✬)

I loved the way this novel takes a heavy topic — a woman’s struggle against early onset Alzheimer’s — and makes it something other than completely depressing. The book explores the relationships between Alzheimer’s victim Claire and her mother, husband, and two daughters. All the relationships take on more depth as the story moves between the present and flashbacks to the past. By celebrating life’s little moments, Cowan strike lovely little notes of hope — not that Claire will escape the disease, but through the idea that what we love, we never truly lose.

7. The Comedian: A dark and humourous, novelette by Sean-Paul Thomas (✬✬✬✬✬)

This is entirely brilliant! The character Bill is so easy to connect with, to fall in love with. It is a perfect mix of humor, sadness, and hope. This book is a treat for readers who enjoy an unusual, intelligent and beautifully composed story.

8. The Boleyn Bride by Brandy Purdy (✬✬✬)

This book is an account of the life of Elizabeth Boleyn, who was the mother of George, Mary, and Anne Boleyn. It was interesting reading a story from her perspective. So little is known about Elizabeth since she was such a minor role in the story. It disappointed me at how shallow and indifferent she seemed. It was hard, if not impossible, to feel any sympathy for her character, and she seemed to have no redeeming qualities. That being said, it was still a somewhat enjoyable book.

9. When I'm Gone by Emily Bleeker (✬✬)

I thought this was a poorly written book. I read the first five chapters and had to start again because the story took such big leaps and assumptions that I was certain I had missed something. But no, that was just how it was written. I was interested in the premise that the newly widowed man was receiving letters from his late wife but it was a very unsatisfying resolution when it was revealed how this was happening. There was very little character development such that I wasn’t invested in the characters.