Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
Generally speaking, I know what I’m getting into when I pick up a book. But sometimes, I’m surprised. Mostly pleasantly, but sometimes, not. There are always going to be a few stinkers out there, right?
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. The characters and their diverse backstories were fantastic. She has a way of bringing you right into the story and making you feel like you lived during the time. I also loved how she managed to seamlessly weave the stories of so many characters together into one cohesive narrative.
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier. This is the only one on the list that disappointed me in a big way. Rebecca, by the same author, is highly regarded as a classic, so I thought this would be as well. I was wrong – I was bored and annoyed through the whole story.
Meet Me on the Bridge by Sarah J. Harris. I was wary of this one at first because any sort of time travel story has the potential to go off the rails in a big way. However, this author is a master plotter in the way that she mapped out each alternate reality and fit them together perfectly.
When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi. I adore John Scalzi – he’s hilarious and has a way of finding the most inconceivable scenarios and bringing them to life. I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I had not expected the rollercoaster of emotions that came along with it. Shock, surprise, joy, and so much heartbreak.
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser. I grew up with the Little House books (and TV series) and had always thought I knew the truth of her life. This book has opened my eyes and gave me so much insight into what she really went through. In addition, it explores her marriage, her relationship with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, and the life of Rose as well. All things that you didn’t get in the children’s books.
Hunter’s Moon by Dana Stabenow. I was on Reddit one afternoon and accidentally spoiled myself on this series. I mean, I had no idea that the Kate Shugak series was going to pop up on r/askreddit! However, since I was aware that she was about to murder my second favorite character in the series, it still hit me in the gut. I cried and I yelled and I was overall sad for everyone involved. But the thing that surprised me was how badly I wanted to start the next book, to see what came after and to make sure everyone was (eventually) okay.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab. I had randomly picked this as a buddy read for myself and a friend. I figured it was your typical fantasy novel and was taken aback by how unlike regular fantasy it was. The two main characters, despite being complete opposites, fit together perfectly. And I love the idea of three different Londons and being able to travel between them.
Ayode on Top by Richard Ayode. My travel partner suggested this audiobook for our road trip last year. “But first,” she told me, “we have to watch this movie – View From the Top.” Because apparently, this audiobook was the author’s recap and critique of the movie itself. It sounds odd, and it really is, but man was it hilarious. His observations and commentary are top notch. Oh, and the movie’s not half bad either.
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench. I had thought this was just going to be fun little reminisces about her time performing, but it was so much more. A character study, a peek backstage, a look into her life and how Shakespeare shaped it. Bonus: it drove me to go see two different plays the same year I read it.
Murder in the Family by Cara Black. I had had this book suggested to me by a friend who’d seen it on Instagram. I love when a book mixes things like texts, emails, and news clippings in amongst the regular story, but it has to be done right for it to work. This book not only did it right, but took the mixed media approach to the next level.
What’s on your list this week? Have you read any of these and did they surprise you in the same way they did me?
I definitely agree that A Darker Shade of Magic surprised me by not being a typical fantasy story!
Right? I seriously need to finish the series soon.
A Darker Shade of Magic is so good. I loved the three different London’s too. I picked it up early in my blogging years because I saw it everywhere and I had no idea what it was about! haha
I love high/epic fantasy, but a friend isn’t too keen on it. I thought this would be a nice middle ground and we both loved it. But I feel ya – I often pick up books without knowing anything about them.
Agree on the Scalzi, I wasn’t expecting the depth at all! Thanks for checking out my post!
I love him, but this book took the cake in so many ways.
Annoying–that’s what my cousin Rachel [the character] was for sure. I wasn’t as dissapointed as you but I get it. Also I was suprised when I read the truth about the Ingalls family, too!
So glad to know it wasn’t just me! Seriously about Laura Ingalls Wilder – there was so much I had no idea about, but it makes so much sense, too.
Great list. I haven’t read Prairie Fires yet, but I own it. It’s a bummer about My Cousin Rachel. I haven’t read either, but it’s so disappointing when you go into a book thinking it will be as amazing as another book by that author, and it falls flat. Thanks for sharing.
I know, especially since it’s been held up as a classic for so many years. Hope you enjoy Prairie Fires when you get to it – it’s very informative.
When the Moon Hits Your Eye was a fun one!
I love John Scalzi and this book had so much ridiculousness as well as emotional depth.
Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder sounds fascinating!
It really was an eye opening read for sure!
I started to read Rebecca once upon a time (I think before the Netflix adaptation) but didn’t finish it. To my surprise, I was enjoying it so I’m hoping to return to reading it… someday! It’s funny how one book sometimes stands out for an author (in this case, Rebecca) and after that, I tend to forget they wrote anything else. 😉 Thanks for visiting my list today.
I have that problem with certain authors myself! I had tried and failed to read Rebecca, really should try and finish it one day to see if it’s any better than My Cousin Rachel!
The Kate Shugak series is a favorite of mine as well — and while I wasn’t spoiled in advance, I still had about the same reaction as you did to Hunter’s Moon. Tears, yelling, so much upset! I loved When the Moon Hits Your Eye too — loving a book about the moon turning to cheese was definitely surprising!
Man, I cried so hard! And I was SO angry, too. Broke my dang heart. But yes, John Scalzi knows just how to take the most insane idea and make it work.
Hmm, I have both Rachel and Rebecca on my list, so that should be interesting. Glad to know you enjoyed Scalzi’s latest. He’s been hit and miss for me.
I hope you enjoy both Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel! If you do choose to read it, I hope that When the Moon Hits Your Eye is a winner for you, too.
An interesting list. I haven’t read any Daphne Du Maurier. Rebecca is on my list!
I like Judi Dench and Richard Ayode.
Have a great week!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy them all if you decide to read them.
Someone else mentioned the Judi Dench book today as well, I have now added it to my Audible wishlist!
It’s so good in audio, too. Honestly, the best part is at the end, there’s a clip of her and the interviewer talking and she is a RIOT. The whole thing is good though. I learned so much about Shakespeare, his plays, and the characters.
Ooh nice list! These are all new to me reads! Glad you found some good surprises!
Thanks for visiting my TTT!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them if you decide to read any of them!
Great list! I haven’t read that Scalzi book yet, but I’ve loved the ones of his that I have read.
Thanks for stopping by my TTT earlier!
Thank you! And I agree, I’ve loved everything I’ve read of John Scalzi’s so far.
I have not read any of these. Thanks for visiting my blog this week 🙂
Hope you found something interesting then.
I had never heard of The Briar Club, but I had to add this one to my TBR. I am so intrigued by Ayode on Top – it sounds like a completely unique book.
The Briar Club was so good, I hope you love it! Ayode on Top is fantastic, but be sure you watch the movie View From the Top first! It’s worth it.