It's Raining!
After a massive drought, this melancholy rainy week is my favorite type of reading weather.
Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s a rainy week here, which makes for perfect reading weather. I haven’t been able to read quite as much as desired since there are two tiny humans relying on me almost every minute of the day, but it has made for some really great memories. Over the weekend, we took them to visit the ducks in our downtown not realizing it was about to rain (we thought we were in a dry pocket). Needless to say, we got soaked. They loved it though as evidenced by the running and giggling through the rain shower.
Just this week alone, I just finished two books (one review coming at you today!), and started a new one. My newest read is The Examiner by Janice Hallett (out in September 2024 from Atria Books — thanks to the publisher and Snail on the Wall for a copy to read in advance!). It’s an epistolary novel, which can be hit or miss for me personally. However, I decided to give it a go because I really enjoyed one of her previous novels in the same format immensely (curious? More here!). So far I am intrigued, and a little confused as some parts from the description are not as clear in the beginning. Hopefully all my questions get answered!
REVIEW: The Same Bright Stars
Jack Schmidt’s family has been in the restaurant business for three generations. He views his staff as family, and when several things happen to cause him to question what he’s doing with his life, it shakes the restaurant to its core. Will Jack be able to find the answers he’s looking for before everything falls apart?
This was my first book by Ethan Joella, and I absolutely loved the setting. It had such a strong sense of place, and I really got a feel for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. In learning more about the author, this makes sense considering he lives there. One would hope he knows his own hometown like the back of his hand. This book really made me want to plan a trip up there and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Summer beach. As a main character, Jack was likable. There were definitely some times I wanted to knock some sense into him, but I do feel like he grew as a person — especially from the flashbacks we are given of his younger self. I appreciated how Joella gave us a glimpse into what it means for our lives and choices to shape us as individuals.
Overall I’d say this was an enjoyable read (though not my favorite), and I might recommend it if you want a drama filled beach themed read.
Content Warnings: abortion, abuse, drugs, violence
Special thanks to Scribner Books for a gifted copy to read through my independent bookstore, Snail on the Wall!