In another life, I would have liked to have been a librarian. Or… whatever you’d call a professional book pusher. But as Kazuo Ishiguro said, “There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.”
And in this one, I’m reading a lot of books. 😀
I don’t know if you got around to reading last week’s “Dear Creators” newsletter, but today’s is a continuation of a list of all the books I’ve read so far in 2021.
Here are the next 10 of the now-43 books I’ve read so far this year, in the order I read them, and my thoughts on each:
11, 12, & 13. The Haunting of Sunshine Girl, The Awakening of Sunshine Girl, and The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie — I try to never be embarrassed of anything I read because I believe every book is worthwhile and unique in its own way. I picked up the first book in this trilogy after I saw it was an adaptation of a YouTube miniseries, and a haunted house book, both of which interested me. The first book was a fun YA horror novel, but the next two were pale imitations, devolving into what felt like Twilight-lite. Not every book is for everyone!
- The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware — By another burst of coincidence, I picked this one up shortly after watching The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix, which happens to be another retelling of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. It was interesting to see the story echoed in so many different variations, and this version had not only Ruth Ware’s gripping writing to anchor it but her classic shocking twist as well.
15. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager — I don’t know if I’m getting extra critical in my old age, or if haunted house stories are just inevitably all extremely similar, but this book felt like it borrowed heavily from Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House. Like heeeeeavily. A young woman returns to the haunted estate where she grew up (and which her father wrote a book about). So basically, it’s missing the sibling dynamic from Hill House… and doesn’t really offer anything more.
- The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco — Imagine if the TV-climbing ghost girl from The Ring (or The Grudge?) was able to tell her own story from her point of view in a YA horror novel. I loved this premise, and the book was enjoyable, even if the character development felt a little clunky and the “rules” for Okiku (the vengeful spirit) weren’t always clear.
- The Midnight Library — This novel was It’s A Wonderful Life mashed up with the self-help book you didn’t know you needed. I enjoyed passages like: “there is no life where you can be in a state of sheer happiness forever. And imagining there is just breeds more unhappiness in the life you’re in.” I would recommend it to people who spend a lot of time dwelling on regrets and need a reminder that they’re doing okay.
- Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland — I picked this up when I was struggling with the story for season 2 of Girl In Space, and it gave me some great perspective on story beats and how to keep readers (or listeners, in my case) engaged.
- The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware — This is my favorite book of 2021 so far. Just a great mystery all around, set in a rambling old mansion with intricate family relationships and a case(s) of mistaken identity. I think most of all, I identified with the main character, who seemed driven to settle whether she was a good person deserving of a good life. Highly recommended.
- In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware — This one didn’t resonate with me as much as Mrs. Westaway, but it was still a good, fun mystery. Not what I expected, but that’s generally for the best.
- The Girls In The Garden by Lisa Jewell — I would have appreciated some trigger warnings with this one (assault of children), and there was a cynicism to the book that didn’t resonate with me (but might appeal to you!). Again, not every book is right for every reader, and that’s okay!
- The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware — Back to Ruth Ware, this time with one of her more well-known mysteries. I’m a sucker for missing persons stories, and this one was both bizarre and Agatha Christie-ish enough that it kept me speeding through the pages.
- The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley — Another “snowed in” mystery where someone is killing off guests at a remote hunting lodge. The author is slightly cruel to her fabulously wealthy, party-loving guests, but I really enjoyed the character development of the two lodge caretakers.
- Take Care of Your Type: An Enneagram Guide to Self-Care by Christina S. Wilcox — I’m a sucker for pop psychology personality tests, and the Enneagram is no exception. As an Enneagram 3 (with a 2-wing), I was curious as to what I could be more specifically doing for self-care, especially with my tendency to lose sight of my own wants and needs as I prioritize others’. This was one of those books where you read the chapter(s) that apply to you… and then move on. Was it helpful? Well, it was interesting to read and journal along with, but self-help books are only generally helpful if you act on the advice they give, and build it into your life and routines.
All right! Stay tuned for part 3, where I wrap up this list. 🙂 In the meantime, what about you? What are you reading lately/this week?
Words & warmth,
Sarah