Lazy Weekend

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell


Rainbow Rowell does it again with an entertaining and truthful coming of age story of love and life. Eleanor meets Park on her first day at her new high school when Park reluctantly gives up his open seat on the bus.  Over time, her quirkiness starts to intrigue Park as they become friends and more. Meanwhile, both kids battle challenges at home and overcome them with each other's loyalty, support, and understanding.  This is a great young adult story, easy to read on a quiet evening.

Skip This

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

I had high hopes for this book because of the mystery hidden in what seems like an ordinary bookstore.  Secret societies, collecting clues to unravel the codes using modern technologies, and a little romance sounded like a good combination.  Unfortunately, what started out strong just fizzled for me.

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll



 I am frustrated because I picked up this book based on an Instagram recommendation by Reese Witherspoon, so I shouldn't be surprised when I found out she has the rights to turn it into a movie. Of course she's going to recommend it!  I also should have raised a red flag after seeing it compared to Gillian Flynn because of my minority position of hating "Gone Girl."  As a described psychological thriller...spoiler, it's not.  As a story of a woman reliving a childhood tragedy, actually two tragedies, in a boring way (shooting a documentary film)...it's just a lazy narrative about closure. Nonetheless, I read it.  And, I don't recommend it at all.  Flip through some reviews on Goodreads, and I know you will find a lot more people, like me, who feel duped.