November Reads

 

Here's a look, and quick review, of the 5 books I read in November!

Educated, by: Tara Westover

Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

I bought this at my local thrift shop, and was glad to finally read this much hyped memoir. It was really interesting to learn about the challenges a person might have based on their upbringing. A life so very different from my own really helps to open my mind.

Troubles in Paradise, by: Elin Hilderbrand

I rented this from the library, and was anxious to read the third and final book in the Paradise series. This trilogy was set in on the island of St. John, and per usual Elin makes her readers fall in love with the location and characters. I enjoyed the wrap up of the lives/relationships, complete with misunderstandings, secrets revealed, and a hurricane.

Nine Perfect Strangers, by: Liane Moriarty

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

I always enjoy Liane's books, and this was no exception. It started out a little slow but then took some surprising turns. I am happy to see this is set to be made into a TV show (just like her Big Little Lies book AND also starring Nicole Kidman again)!

The Paris Model, by: Alexandra Joel

I received a copy of this book from the publisher - Harper Perennial - thank you! This story follows Grace who was born and raised on a sheep farm in Australia. She sets out post war to become a model for Christian Dior in Paris, and adapts well into her new lifestyle. As she lets herself fall in love, she is haunted by the abusive husband she left behind, and in a unique twist even gets involved in some spy activity. I knew I would like this book based on the fashion aspect alone, but loved all of the other themes within it.

Of Women and Salt, by: Gabriela Garcia

In present-day Miami, Jeanette is battling addiction. Daughter of Carmen, a Cuban immigrant, she is determined to learn more about her family history from her reticent mother and makes the snap decision to take in the daughter of a neighbor detained by ICE. Carmen, still wrestling with the trauma of displacement, must process her difficult relationship with her own mother while trying to raise a wayward Jeanette. Steadfast in her quest for understanding, Jeanette travels to Cuba to see her grandmother and reckon with secrets from the past destined to erupt.

This book is set to release April 6, 2021. Thank you to Flatiron Books for an advance copy. I loved the complexity of the different generations of women here, and an insight to the mysterious Cuba.