I squeezed in a good amount of reading, despite this being a busier month. My social life is slowly picking up, but I still cherish the precious time I have on the corner of the couch reading by a window. It continues to center me. The mixed bag of stories accompanied me on some long car rides, a camping trip, and a couple of flights. They held my hand during some of life’s recent high high’s and low low’s.
For the foodies: A devoted restaurant owner is doing her best to keep her French Cafe alive, while an English food critic is trying to make a name for himself in a new city. Their worlds collide on a chance encounter. They decide to go with it under one condition: they don’t discuss work. But one bad review changes everything.
The charming and funny tale of a budding new romance with a secret is also an unexpected love letter to Milwaukee. The author talks so affectionately of the underdog city (and to the art of cooking). Whether the details are coming directly from experience or from incredibly knowledgeable sources, she’s done her research. I believed and hung onto every word.
I instantly connected to the characters. Lou, the creative and hopeful chef who loves her people fiercely. Al, the honest writer who beyond his rough around the edges exterior, has a heart of gold. The way their friendship unraveled organically overtime was worth rooting for. The pair also had the most original “meet-cute” of all romance novels and 90’s comedies.
I’d love to share a cheese centered meal and beer with Lou and Al in a city I now see in a new light.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake was my most enjoyable book of the year, and probably top five of all time. The author’s writing style has captured my heart and my stomach.
5/5 mugs
For the nail biters: After a random traumatizing attack, Brienne Dougray is left with some memory loss, headaches, and a general fear of leaving home. As she deals with her loss of safety and loss of self, she realizes she doesn’t have friends or family to turn to except for a kind tenant, Niall who offers her some companionship.
Once she comes across a piece of mail sent to the wrong address, she uncovers a case of stolen identity. Someone has an apartment in her name, shares the same haircut, the same car and lives in the same city leaving her to question the little memory she has left. The more she searches for answers, the more questions she’s faced with.
Halfway through the novel, the plot takes a major turn becoming something entirely different. For me, the “reveal” presented itself too early and everything following it was way too far-fetched.
The story became disjointed, and it lost steam in the last half. So did my interest. It’s not a book for me, but considering it was a free selection on my Kindle, I’m not too disappointed.
2/5 mugs
For the connoisseur of psychologic thrillers: The Sunday Times best seller is about a widow accused of killing her husband who suddenly stops speaking after the crime. After years of media attention, she eventually fades into obscurity at a Mental Health Facility until a Criminal Psychotherapist takes a personal interest in her. He’s determined to help her find her voice again and get the answers he’s so desperate for.
As he uncovers more about his mute patient and the relationship she had with her husband, he gets himself deeply entwined in the spider web of her complicated life.
I can see why there was so much buzz around this twisted and original book as it sold over a million copies since it’s 2019 release. Because I was slightly clued in that The Silent Patient fell under the “thriller” genre I was hesitant to pick it up right away. I love when a book is gripping and steals all your attention, and this definitely fit the bill. But for material so dark, you should be in the right headspace before ingesting it. It’s not for the faint hearted.
A five hour flight feel like no time had passed at all with this novel in hand. It’s the perfect kind of travel buddy. Even after the plane touched the tarmac, I had trouble putting it down.
The narrative was a slow-burn with clues and red herrings that had me guessing up a handful of wrong outcomes. It was a wild ride. One I’m glad I went on but I’m glad to exit from.
Trigger warning: the subject matter includes mental illness, childhood trauma and violent homicide.
4.5/5 mugs
For the seventies child: I somehow forgot to add this to last month’s book report but I promise it is not a forgettable read.
Another NY Times Best Seller, Daisy Jones and the Six follows the iconic fictional rise and fall to rock n’ roll fame. Told in an interview style with each of her bandmates, Daisy is the center of the story. She is an enigmatic beautiful creature who despite her cushy and charmed lifestyle is also very broken and deeply lonely. She tries to fill the void with partying, drugs, and sex until she is discovered for her talent. Her sultry voice quickly turns her from roadie to a star who’s excessive lifestyle only intensifies as the band gains popularity.
With heavy Almost Famous vibes, there was so much grit and tension, I could almost smell the alcohol, cigarettes and loud guitar riffs emanating from the pages. Word on the street is a miniseries adaptation of Daisy Jones and The Six will be streaming in the near future. Stay tuned.
4/5 mugs
The Wobbly Table Blog 