3 New Summer Reads

Summer is great for the nicer weather and no school aspect, but what I really love is all the new luanches--and not just makeup. Along with amazing movies (I'm looking at you, Inside Out), some awesome new books have launched. I unfortunately don't have as much time to read during the week as I would like, but I still make time to read at least three books. Here are some mini-reviews on three that I've recently loved.

 The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes. For most people, summer reading = beach reads = lighter novels. If you know me, you know I prefer darker, mystery novels, but I changed it up with this lighter read. Think of it as a Devil Wears Prada for the modern age. Imogen returns to her beloved magazine Glossy, only to find that her former assistant has completely re-vamped it and turned it digital. Being older, Imogen struggles to "keep up with the times", not to mention deal with the complete bitch her former assistant Eve has become. It's quite humorous and a satire of the digital age and our dependence on modern technology. Although I'm a part of Eve's generation, I found myself rooting for Imogen as she struggles to navigate technology while maintaining what she loves about fashion. It's a quick read that keeps you captivated, and is still a bit deeper than the typical beach fluff.

Second Life by SJ Watson. I loved Watson's first novel, Before I Go To Sleep, so I had high hopes for this one. Julia's sister Kate has been murdered (not really a spoiler as you find out early on) and discovers that Kate led a secret online-sex life. Julia decides to start her own profile, hoping to find Kate's killer, and then becomes intimately involved with a man named Luke. Let's not forget that she's married, and I won't go any further than there. I have to say, I was kind of bored in the first half and didn't quite see where the novel was going. Before I Go To Sleep had a captivating storyline throughout that just kept going forward until the main twist, which I didn't see coming. Watson tries to maintain that style, but the twists just weren't as intriguing and were more predictable. Julia isn't even as likeable a character as I had hoped, but overall, if you like psychological thrillers, this is still worth a go. I just wouldn't put it at the top of my list.

 

Hyacinth Girls by Lauren Frankel. A novel told in two parts, this delves into the topic of "Do you know what your child is thinking?" (I do not have children but can only imagine how a parent must feel). The first half is told from the perspective of Rebecca, thirteen-year-old Callie's guardian, who tries her best to be loving and supporting. Callie has been accused of bullying and acting out on numerous instances at school. Things escalate to the point where the girl Callie has been accused of bullying may attempt suicide, and Rebecca tries her best to make peace with this. The second half focuses on Callie, where we see things from her perspective and learn that all may not be as it seems. Things escalate quickly, and what made this so touching was how perfectly Frankel can capture a thirteen-year-old's emotions and struggles. It starts off a bit slow, but stick through it for Callie's part, I promise you'll be rewarded. It ends on a bittersweet note that may especially appeal to parents, but just as easily resonates with someone younger.

What books have you been reading? I always love suggestions, so comment below!