In the bookbag: vol. 2

If You Were Here, Jen Lancaster

Let me preface this review by saying this: I adore Jen Lancaster & gobble up her books as soon as they come out. Whereas I'd give most of her other works a shining 5 million out of 5 stars, this one only gets 4. (If I were giving stars, which I'm not. But just go with my analogy :)) Jen's classic snark and awesome voice that is always present in her nonfiction memoirs is absolutely there in this novel, her first fiction about a couple moving into a fixer-upper in the Chicago suburbs (which just so happens to be Jake Ryan's house from 16 Candles. I'm thinking she had fun with the creative liberties that come with fiction :)) If you were a first-time reader of Jen's, I think you'd enjoy it wholeheartedly. But her characters so closely mirrored herself & her husband & other friends that her readers have come to know, it was hard to see this as entirely fiction. Some of her best, most identifiable literary vehicles (footnotes, etc.) that work so well in her nonfiction simply fall a little flatter here. In her memoirs, we understand that these notes are her own cognitions/hindsight into her own life, but in fiction, what are they supposed to be? Jen's thoughts? Or the main character, Mia's? Anyways, I certainly enjoyed this, but it wasn't my favorite, and I can only hope that her next novel is back on-par. 

The Help, Kathryn Stockett

Add this to the list of popular books that I am reading super-late compared to everyone else, but I knew I'd want to see the movie, and being the read-o-holic I am, I knew I wouldn't see it before I read it first. Luckily, due to partly a super short library lending period (three days?! really, library?!) and the fact that it was flat-out excellent, I devoured this book in no time. If you're not familiar with the premise, it tells the story of "the help" in various families in the south around the 60s. It was riveting, well-written, and full of characters that you quickly become invested in, regardless of whether you love or hate them. An important novel on an incredibly important topic that doesn't sacrifice the dignity of those who lives through those years and experiences for themselves. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down. READ THIS. 

Two Kisses for Maddy, Matt Logelin

Matt writes a blog that I've been reading for almost two years now, so I was kind of super pumped for his book to come out. Matt lost his wife 27 hours after she gave birth to their daughter, Madeleine, and his blog & book are equal parts heartbreaking, triumphant, and 100% real and honest. So to say that I had high expectations for his book is a wee bit of an understatement. And it absolutely, absolutely met my expectations. The story chronicles his relationship with his wife, Liz, during their pregnancy, and gives a great insight into their many years together. It continues past her death, and into his first year raising Maddy alone. For his blog readers who thought they knew his story well (ahem, me), he managed to bring an entirely new light to what had happened to him besides just what he had written on his blog. The writing felt true to his voice, honest, open, and beautifully constructed. I'm not sure how the book would read for those who weren't familiar with his blog, but I can't imagine anyone not connecting with and thoroughly enjoying it. I sped through this in under two days (the first purchase on my pretty birthday kindle!)-- and the best part is, the story continues on his blog after the book is over! One thing to note about Matt's writing is that he does drop the f-bomb quite often. It doesn't bother me (and it fits with his voice from the blog) but if it would bother you, you may find it excessive or offensive.

What are you reading right now? Any recommendations for me? (or for my birthday kindle?!) I'd love to hear if you've read any of these books and what you thought of them!