July Wrap Up

I fell very far behind on my reviews for July since my life has kind of turned upside down...so I'm going to do one long post on everything I read with brief reviews on everything I read during the month, with the exception of My Dark Vanessa which is reviewed in my previous post.

Camp by L.C. Rosen gave me all the feels. I grew up going to a Jewish summer camp (Tamarack for life), but this camp was special in it's own way. It was a place where LGBTQ+ kids could go to find solace from the evils of the outside world. A place where they could go, be themselves, and be happy. The author did a good job making the reader feel for the characters. My only complaint about this book was that it was a book categorized as Young Adult, and there were some graphic depictions of anal penetration. No problem with it, but I don't think it should've been a YA novel... I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 2, 2021 - July 3, 2021

The next book I read was Camino Island by John Grisham. This book was recommended by a friend, and I'm so happy it was! This book is the perfect book for book lovers! (Yes, I just used the word 'book' lots of times, but no regrets). This novel helped open my eyes to different kinds of book, and different levels of appreciation for them. When an expensive piece of literature goes missing, chaos ensues. This book was a wild ride, and I was so happy to have taken it! I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 3, 2021 - July 4, 2021

Survive the Night by Riley Sager was a journey had I waited a while to take! Having read a few of Sager's other books, I just knew I was in for a wild ride. However, I did not expect the crazy twist at the end, and believe me when I say that it was one that left me completely speechless! A great story, with a slightly slow build. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 4, 2021 - July 5, 2021

Katherine Center did it again with How to Walk Away. This is my 3rd book by Center, and again, another smash hit. Katherine Center sure knows how to tell a story that will tug at your heart strings, and develops her characters to the fullest. I started this book one afternoon and refused to put it down. This was a half day read for me, and a definite 5 out of 5 star rating with no doubt!

Date Read: July 5, 2021

Having loved Camino Island by John Grisham, I had high hopes for the sequel, Camino Winds. This one fell flat for me though. I didn't find the story as enthralling, and found myself just waiting for it to be over. I did like how he tied in the first story with this one, carrying over some characters I had loved from the first, but I didn't feel the magic. This book was 3 out of 5 stars for me.

Dates Read: July 5, 2021 - July 7, 2021

For months, my mom had been telling me to read One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus, so to say that I was let down is an understatement. I found the book to be extremely drawn out and boring. The story had an element of intrigue with the historical component, and one that I don't normally read, but I think it could've been done so much better. Even my local librarian agreed with me. I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 6, 2021 - July 13, 2021

And thus began a string of disappointing books. Next up with The Other Sister by Sarah Zettel. I had never read a book by this author before, but the Michigan setting and intriguing storyline seemed promising. I found my mind wandering way too often, feeling no connection to any of the characters, and just begging for the story to end. It started off strong, but somewhere in the middle, completely lost steam and lost my interest. I gave this book another 3 out of 5 star rating.

Dates Read: July 7, 2021 - July 16, 2021

Okay, so to say that I was excited to read The Therapist by B.A. Paris wouldn't do my excitement justice. I absolutely loved her other books, with only one other exception, but now I can add this one to my list of disappointments. I felt very confused throughout the story, and felt no connection to any of the characters. I honestly couldn't tell you what the book was about. All I can do is say that the twist at the end was the only saving grace, giving this book another 3 out of 5 star rating.

Dates Read: July 13, 2021 - July 18, 2021

The Deep by Alma Katsu was a book that was somewhat of an impulse purchase when I was in Chicago. I saw it, noticed it was about The Titanic, and just had to buy it. It was definitely an interesting story. There was a mixture of historical fiction and the supernatural. I loved the language used in the story, and it gave me a whole different perspective on The Titanic (despite how untrue this account was). I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 15, 2021 - July 18, 2021

Another John Grisham recommendation by my friend brought me to The Firm. I fully understand why this book was one of his most popular for sure. This book had the right amount of legality, thrills, and romance. I loved the story, and do plan to watch both the movie and the series someday soon! I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 18, 2021 - July 23, 2021

Without a doubt, my favorite book from July was Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover! I was loving this story. It was funny, SEXY, and smart. Then, it completely ripped my heart out and stomped on it. I cried while reading this book, and the worst part: I was in the pool as I was reading and crying. Colleen Hoover is really a force to be reckoned with, and I am so lucky to have found her books. This book, without a shadow of a doubt, was a 5 out of 5 star read!

Dates Read: July 24, 2021 - July 25, 2021

For book club, we read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I love WW2 Historical Fiction. Some of my favorite books are that specific genre. This book didn't quite do it for me. It was long, drawn out, and very choppy. If it wasn't for book club, I may not have finished it. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Dates Read: July 18, 2021 - July 27, 2021

I closed out July with The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon. Having read and loved Everything, Everything, I knew I was in for a wild ride. This book made me feel love, made me cry, and made me smile. I loved the story, the characters, and the writing style. I cannot wait to read her newest book either! I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Dates Read: July 27, 2021 - July 30, 2021

My overall count for July was 14 books. My favorite, as mentioned above, was Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. Now, onto August! Here we go!