February was a slower month in my reading challenge, so I’m combining it with March. Below are my ratings and thoughts on each.
MALIBU RISING
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
My Rating: 4 stars
Synopsis…
Set mainly in 1983 Malibu, this book revolves around the Riva family, specifically the Riva siblings and their estranged relationship with their famous rock-star father. Written over the course of 24-hours (with flash backs intertwined), the story is anchored by the Riva annual summer “blow-out” party hosted by Nina Riva, the oldest of the siblings. Each Chapter is a building block to the anticipated party that evening, where we learn about each of the Riva siblings – their secrets, their motivations, and ultimately their hopes for themselves and their family. Although fraught with family disfunction and a backdrop of sex, drugs, and rock and roll – the story is still heartfelt and redemptive.
My thoughts…
This was one of those books where I think the hype made me set the bar too high. I found the 80’s Malibu setting, and the whole surfer world enticing. (I would have enjoyed reading this by pool in the dead of summer – as opposed to dreary February.) But, I didn’t really feel connected to the storyline, and the crazy party atmosphere on the back end of the book did not suck me in. Maybe it was a bit too unbelievable for me? In my opinion, the relationships between the siblings is what made this story, and the ending did not disappoint.
THE SOULMATE EQUATION
Author: Christina Lauren
My Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis…
Single Mom, Jess Davis, is convinced by her best friend to partake in GeneticAlly, a matchmaking service that uses your DNA to find your perfect mate. To her surprise, she is a 98% match with founder of the DNA test, Dr. River Pena. What comes next is a series of dates and interactions between Jess and Dr. Pena, while simultaneously coming to know Jess’ Grandparents whom she adores, her witty daughter-Juno, and her best friend – Fizzy, the instigator of the matchmaking. All seems to be going well, until a discrepancy with the DNA test is discovered. Jess and River must come to terms on whether their relationship can go the distance despite what they have uncovered.
My thoughts…
This book did not meet my expectations. I felt it was too fluffy and unbelievable. Moving past the premise, I did enjoy getting to know the characters. Each of them brought something unique to the story. I particularly enjoyed the budding relationship between River and Jess’ daughter, Juno. Overall, not my favorite, but worth a read if you’re looking for a breezy rom-com.
THE TOBACCO WIVES
Author: Adele Myers
My Rating: 4.5
Synopsis…
The year is 1946, and the book opens with 15-year old Maddie Sykes trying to make sense of her mother’s erratic behavior. As they drive off from their home in Western North Carolina, Maddie questions her mother on where they are going. We soon find out her mother’s intention – to leave Maddie with her Aunt Etta in Bright Leaf North Carolina, while she goes off in search of a new husband. (Maddie’s father died in the War.) While coming to grips with her mother’s abandonment, Maddie is tasked with assisting her Aunt Etta with sewing the gowns of Bright Leaf’s elite women – coined the “Tobacco Wives”. Through a series of events and encounters with the people of Bright Leaf, Maddie uncovers some suspicious activity among the tycoons of Bright Leaf Tobacco company. With this discovery, we find Maddie grappling with what she knows and who to trust. Overall, this is a story that highlights many themes during that era – the tension between high society and the working class, the juxtaposition of a cash crop that is potentially dangerous, and women stepping outside their traditional roles in the home to find their role and voice in society.
My thoughts…
I really enjoyed this book, but I may have some bias given its setting. I used to work on the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, North Carolina – which is a revitalized mixed used development that turned the old tobacco warehouses into office space, restaurants, and ultimately a place for people to gather. So, as I read through this book, I was often picturing in my mind American Tobacco and the surrounding area of Durham. I also grew up in a town that was widely known for its tobacco farming – another reason this book caught my eye. I thought the author did an excellent job painting the picture of big tobacco and the influence it had on American society. I was surprised by how the story resolves, as it wasn’t what I was expecting. But, overall this book was right up my alley.
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