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June Reading Wrap-up

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

june stack @milelongtbr

June ended up being a pretty good reading month for me, especially because when the month started I’d been in a bit of a slump.

I ended up reading 9 books, though I included Jane Eyre on my wrap-up stack because I’ll be finishing it soon and it’s my classic book pick for the month.

Of the 9 books I finished, so many of them I absolutely loved, and while a few of them I struggled to give some of them a starred rating, they were all four and five star reads for me.

My June reading goals took a dramatic shift, because while I initially thought this would be the month of the thriller for me, I didn’t finish a single one. Instead, I reassessed my reading, prioritized books by BIPOC authors, LGBTQ perspectives, and I unexpectedly fell in love with YA again. It had been a year since I’ve read a YA book, and I read three this month!

Despite my reading plans changing, I’m very happy with everything I’ve read and several of the titles have the potential to change ratings and earn my “all the stars” rating.

June Five-Star Reads

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

This book spoke to my heart more than I could ever have anticipated and also helped rekindle my love for the YA genre.

You can’t help but love Felix and root for him as he tries to navigate high school, his future, and figuring out who he is. And as a trans-boy none of that comes easily.

This is my first time reading a book from a trans perspective and as much as I loved the character, voice, and story, this book will forever stand out to me for the insight it provides about identity, marginalization, and how much the same we all are, despite our differences.

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown


I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness is a powerful book that explores author  Austin Channing Brown’s experiences with racial inequality.
⁣
⁣ From her upbringing in a white neighborhood in Ohio to her career working in predominantly white offices she’s dealt with it all; microaggressions from “nice” white people, discrimination, being the target of racial slurs, and looks of disbelief that she is, in fact, the person in charge.
⁣
⁣While I classify the book as a memoir, this isn’t merely a personal account of one Black woman. That’s not to say that all Black stories are the same, but rather that  Brown has done a phenomenal job of discussing the broader scope of how these experiences are shared in the Black community, and examining why these problems exist & why they’re harmful.
⁣
⁣This book reaffirms so much of what we’ve been hearing over the past month about structural racism,  white fragility, & social justice. ⁣It’s a must-read for these times and those working to be a better antiracist ally. Check out my full review of I’m Still Here.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown was one of those books I knew I was going to love, but put off actually reading for way too long.

Well, luckily I recommended it to a friend, which gave me the motivation to finally take it off my TBR.

Leave it to Fredrick Backman to give us characters that take up your heart, and a story that utterly destroys it.

This small hockey town will never be the same after what happens, and neither will I. Backman’s simple prose cuts right to the core and the book made me feel the full spectrum of emotions in such a visceral way. I look forward to reading more in this series.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Despite reading nothing but rave reviews about On The Come Up, I didn’t think it would be a book that interested me. I haven’t been reading much YA, I’m not especially a fan of rap music… blah, blah.

Well, I’m happy to say I could not have been more wrong. I absolutely adored this book, especially listening to the rap parts on audiobook.

On The Come Up has so much to say, and the message is especially relevant to the conversations about white privilege as Bri is profiled and mistreated by the security officers at her school.

This book is funny and full of heart as much as it is hard truths. I loved the characters Thomas gave us and especially that Bri is more focused on pursuing her passion than she is on boys. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.


⁣

The Last Train to Key West

I am a huge fan of Chanel Cleeton, so it should come as little surprise that I loved The Last Train to Key West and binged it in under 12 hours.


Cleeton has quickly become one of my favorite writers in the historical fiction genre, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Last Train to Key West and see what her latest adventure has in store for us.


As a Florida girl, I loved that Cleeton explored a little-known part of our state’s- and country’s history in the book. She brings us to the Great Depression Era and the Labor Day Hurricane that devastated the Keys in 1935, while the three women are under pressure from both natural and other destructive forces in their lives.

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones

“It’s funny what we thought the other one had.”

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones is a gripping domestic suspense novel perfect for fans of her earlier books and those who enjoy fast-paced novels exploring the dark secrets and inner workings of families.

Kate and Lauren have never been the closest sisters, but the months after their fathers’ death has only brought them further apart. Then one day a young woman shows up with the news that they share the same father, something confirmed by an online DNA test, and these four women; Lauren, Kate, their mother Rose, and half-sister Jess try to make sense of the man they knew and find the truth.

But with each of them guarding secrets from one another, will they ever find out what really happened? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press; Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

June Four-Star Reads

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochan

A strong lead, supportive female friendships, and plenty of steam… what more could you ask for from a contemporary romance?

Not only is the book a fun read, it also explores some important and relevant themes like the discrimination faced by black women in the workplace and the pressure society places on women to be with a man.

This book had great character development! I loved seeing Samiah and Daniel come together and look forward to reading the next books in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advance copy. Check out my full review of The Boyfriend Project here.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is a fun, flirty romance about Luc, a man finding himself in a bit of a mess. Though only peripherally famous- his parents were rock stars decades ago- the paparazzi still to catch him at his worst moments, much to the dismay of his job at a charity where he’s expected to appear to have it together for the donors he’s courting. To improve his image and keep his job, Luc needs the right man on his arm- so he sets out to find someone to be photographed with and take to his work fundraising event as his “boyfriend.”

The only person he can find is Oliver- the last person on earth he wants to spend time with. The complete opposite of Luc, Oliver has it all together. A rising career as a lawyer, a perfect body, a socially conscious world-view. They reluctantly begin “dating” but realize they may enjoy spending time with each other more than either of them realized.

While this book initially appears light and fun, there is some great character development here as Luc and Oliver both come to realize things about themselves that’s more than you’d expect from the average romance novel. There’s also the discussion of the homophobia and mistreatment the men are subject to in their personal and professional lives, making this a book.

While you’ll enjoy the fake-dating trope, British humor, and witty banter, this book has a lot more substance and is definitely one to read and think about.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the advance copy.

By the Book by Amanda Sellet

By the Book by Amanda Sellet is a charming modern retelling of Persuasion, and the YA book is sure to be enjoyed by teen and adult readers alike.

Mary Porter-Malcolm lives her life by the book, always looking to classic literature to find answers about life. While this is something many bookworms can relate to, she finds that her books don’t all translate well to public high school, and when she finds herself after a career at a smaller school. She’s got a lot to learn if she’s going to make it through high school in one piece. and with the new group of friends she sets out to learn about normal teenage experiences while introducing the girls to the lessons she’s learned from her beloved books. Some things, though, you just have to experience for yourself. The book is filled with quirky characters, myriad literary references, and plenty of moments that will make you laugh.

Many thanks to HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Well, there you have it: my June Reading Wrap-up! I loved each of these books, and if any of the titles sound interesting to you definitely add it to your summer TBR!

Go check me out on Instagram to hear more about what I’m reading!

Book Review: I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

I'm Still Here Review

I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness is a powerful book that explores author  Austin Channing Brown’s experiences with racial inequality. From her upbringing in a white neighborhood in Ohio to her career working in predominantly white offices, she’s dealt with it all; microaggressions from well-meaning “nice” white people, discrimination, being the target of racial slurs and looks of disbelief that she is, in fact, the person in charge. 

Hell, she’s even met with looks of disbelief that her name is, in fact, Austin Channing Brown.

Now, I’m all for androgynous names for girls. But the fact that her parents christened their baby Austin because it’s a white man’s name, so that later in life she, as a black woman, could get a seat at the table because she hadn’t already been discriminated against by someone who only read her name on a job application should speak multitudes about just how far we are from eradicating racism in this country.  

If you can’t believe people have to worry about such a thing-YOU NEED THIS BOOK. 

If you think that racism is a thing of the past -YOU NEED THIS BOOK. 

If you think that racists are only the overt white supremacists -YOU NEED THIS BOOK. 

If you are working to become a better antiracist ally -YOU NEED THIS BOOK. 

If you ARE NOT working to become a better antiracist ally- YOU REALLY NEED THIS BOOK!

While I primarily classify I’m Still Here as a memoir, (some chapters read more like essays) this is not merely a personal account of one Black woman.

That’s not to say that all Black stories are the same, but rather that  Brown does a phenomenal job of discussing the broader scope of how these experiences are shared in the Black community, and examining why these problems exist and why they’re so harmful. 

And that the racial inequality ingrained in our society creates a similar set of challenges for marginalized individuals, regardless of whether they live across the street or across the country from each other.

To say this is a powerful read is an understatement.

It’s even more powerful listening to it as an audiobook, where Austin Channing Brown tells her story in her own voice. I love listening to self-narrating memoirs and I’m Still Here is a fantastic one to experience this way. She brings emotion and rawness to her story and it only makes what she has to say pack that much more of a punch.

Brown discusses her earliest encounters with racism and how it’s impacted her education, career, and family life.

The chapters that stood out most to me were the ones that followed her experience in education, from early school days through college. Particularly, the whitewashed history that was taught and Brown frequently called out and how from a young age Brown had to actively seek out and be her own advocate for finding representation in literature.

While I think it’s commendable that Brown took her education into her own hands, this is yet another failing of our system. This should not be the case and diversity in school reading lists should be the norm rather than the exception.

The one thing that concerned me going into this book is the fact that I have a strong preference to not read books that have religious overtones.

While it’s evident that the author’s faith is important to her, the religious discussion did not dominate the conversation or come off as if she were trying to preach to anyone.

If this is something you tend to avoid as well, I’d still recommend going in with an open mind and giving it a read. I’ve seen this book categorized with religious nonfiction, and while Brown certainly discusses her experiences with religion, I’m Still Here is an antiracism book. The religious aspect is examined through the lens of racial inequality and I feel could be useful and appreciated regardless of your personal affiliation as a reader.

Takeaway:

I’m so glad that Reese Witherspoon selected it as one of June’s RBC books. Without her recommendation, I (and I’m sure many other readers) would likely not have chosen or even discovered it. If you’re looking for another summer read, go check out my review of her other June Book Club pick, Lucy Foley’s The Guest List.

I’m Still Here reaffirms so much of what we’ve been hearing over the past month about structural racism,  white fragility, & social justice. 

But let’s be real. 

This book was published two years ago.

These messages are not new. The need for change did not arise when George Floyd was murdered a month ago. 

Those with privilege have been complicit too long & it’s beyond time to listen up to Black stories and speak out against social injustice.

“Doing nothing is no longer an option for me.”

 

Luckily for us, Austin Channing Brown is still here, and so is her book. 

I’m Still Here is without a doubt a five-star book. Whether you’re just starting to do the work or looking for more books to add to your antiracist TBR, this is bound to be one of the most important books you’ll read this year.

Go order your own copy of I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made For Whiteness from your favorite Black-owned book store or consider an audiobook to hear Brown tell her story in her own voice.

Review: The Guest List by Lucy Foley

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

The Guest List Review

I love a good locked-door mystery, and Lucy Foley’s latest, The Guest List is one of the best ones I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing lately. 

The Guest List, published June 2nd,  is one of June’s Reese’s Book Club pick, so if you don’t have an early copy of this one through another book club, go ahead and order your copy and read along with Reese.

Also, check out Reese’s other pick for June,  I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown.

Keep reading the full review to see why this may be the perfect suspenseful thriller to add to your TBR this summer.

Synopsis:

It’s going to be the wedding of the season. Jules Keegan planned and perfected every detail to be certain of it.

She’s marrying Will Slater, reality TV golden boy; the perfect man.

The charming destination venue; a private island off the coast of Ireland will be enough to make her the envy of all the important guests on her list. 

Then the tides start to turn. On the eve of the wedding, when the wedding party is gathered on the island tension arises.

A storm is brewing outside, and once the wedding guest arrive there’s no getting off the island with the high tides and stormy seas. For better or for worse, they are stuck on the island until the storm passes.

The bride. The best Man. The plus-one.The Wedding Planner. The Bridesmaid. 

These are the key players in the story, which is told from their alternating perspectives and from alternating timelines until the story catches up to the night of the wedding… when a blood-curdling scream interrupts the night’s festivities. 

Someone on the island won’t make it off alive.

But who will it be? 

Everyone among them seems to be lying, trying to conceal some secret from the past. 

Though on the outside their lives appear shiny and perfect, each of the guest also seem to have reason to hate each other, though the past may keep them bound together. 

But who has reason enough to kill? When the lights go out and chaos breaks loose, will the answers be brought to light, or will they take their secrets to the grave?

Analysis:

I’ll be the first to admit that The Guest List has interesting premise, but we’ll get there.

First I’ve got to talk about these characters.

About halfway through this novel, I came to the conclusion that out of an entire wedding party there is one person so far I’m not convinced is hiding something sinister. One! And after completing the book I stand by that assessment. Things only got more twisted as the story progressed.

I don’t mind unlikeable characters in a book as long as they are complex and interesting, and the ones in The Guest List are both. They are largely privileged, entitled, and don’t care who they step on as long as they come out on top. They’re full of lies and hiding secrets that could destroy each other. The key is that despite the characters being unlikeable, the tension and history between them kept me eager to keep reading and find out more about what’s happening.

The mood of the book was suspenseful and eerie. I could feel the Agatha Christie vibes that were mentioned in early reviews, and love how Foley paid homage to the Dame.

That said, there is one caveat for avid thriller readers.


Given the focus on the drama unfolding between the characters and has elements of classic, gothic mystery, it’s understandably more slow-paced than your typical thriller.

This is not meant as a criticism. I do feel, however that knowing the book will help readers choose one they’ll enjoy better at the time. As a murder noir the book excels at feeling modern while having that classic vibe and keeps readers engaged. Just don’t expect quite as much action as the average thriller. The Guest List has a slower build, and a much more nuanced tension woven throughout.

Now, back to the plot. The book opens with the discovery of a body, so there is little surprise that someone won’t make it off the island. I like Foley’s decision to conceal who the victim is and take us back and forth in time on the day leading up to the wedding.

The alternating points of view within the novel also worked well. The short POV chapters kept the pace of the novel moving steadily, and Foley made it flow well.

This helps make the book a compelling read, and balance the slowness that is characteristic of a locked-door mystery. This is not to say the plot isn’t interesting. It is, but it takes a back seat to these twisted and dark characters and the drama between them.

And, with an ensemble this twisted I don’t mind it at all.

Takeaway:

Overall, The Guest List is a tense and gripping thriller, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and contemporary suspense alike.

While I was able to guess “whodunnit” as well as the murder victim, I was questioning myself and suspecting each of the key characters as I was reading. It was an enjoyable ride to the end, watching it all unfold.

I give Foley’s The Guest List four stars. It’s a great book to add to your TBR when you’re looking for a fast and entertaining read. Go order your copy today and get reading!

Content Warning:

gaslighting; self harm; suicide attempt; past suicide loss; substance abuse; infidelity, brutal murder

Review: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

The Henna Artist

Reese’s Book Club pick from May, The Henna Artist, is a beautiful work of historical fiction that transports readers to 1950s India, when the nation was still coming into its own after Independence. This book was one of my favorites reads of the month, and I adored everything from the setting to the recipes included in the book. 

Keep reading my review of The Henna Artist to see why this amazing book is one you should add to your TBR.

Synopsis: 

“Independence changed everything. Independence changed nothing.”

― Alka Joshi, The Henna Artist

The Henna Artist takes place in Jaipur, a colorful city in northern India where the nation as a whole and the story’s protagonist Lakshmi are struggling to come into their own after gaining independence. Lakshmi has come to Jaipur after running away from an abusive arranged marriage, in a time and place where women were not socially allowed to leave and be on their own.

Still, Lakshmi leaves and tried to reinvent herself. She learns the art of henna and uses what her mother-in-law taught her about herbal remedies to offer additional services to the women she meets. After years of hard work, Lakshmi has built a thriving business for herself, painting henna on Jaipur’s most elite women.

She’s building a house with the money she’s earned, in hopes that when it is completed her parents will be proud enough of her success to come live with her and forgive her for not being a dutiful wife and daughter.

But before the house is complete, Lakshmi’s husband appears in Jaipur. He arrives with Lakshmi’s sister, who she never knew exsisted, and the news that their parents were both dead.

If this news isn’t enough to disrupt the life Lakshmi has worked so hard to build, the difficulties of caring for her sister Radha, a free-spirited 13-year-old are sure to complicate things.

Eventually the lives of Lakshmi and Radha become too entwined with the upper-caste families for whom they work. Can she save the business she’s worked so hard to build in Jaipur?

Or will her life be uprooted to the point she’s forced to start over yet again?

Analysis:

With vivid, captivating writing, Alka Joshi brings us into the world of post-independence India from the very beginning. There’s so much imagery that it’s hard to not be drawn in by all the smells, sights, and tastes of Jaipur. The city comes to life in The Henna Artist in a beautiful way, as readers are transported to another time and place.

As beautiful as the setting is, the unfortunate truth is that women were not treated well in 1950’s society. Joshi discusses these issues with care, acknowledging how difficult it was to go against what was culturally accepted in this era.

In interviews, Alka Joshi says that her inspiration for the story and Lakshmi’s character came from her own mother. It’ as beautiful tribute as a reimagination of the life Joshi’s mother could have had if she’d had the freedom to choose her own path and embrace her passions and creativity.

And Lakshmi’s character is truly endearing. She is strong and willful, and you can’t help cheering her on as she makes her own way in a world that does not support going against the grain. I adore her artistic nature and desire to help people, and as someone into holistic wellness I appreciate her use of traditional herbal remedies.

All of the characters had nuance and depth to them, which was lovely to explore. I especially loved Lakshmi’s sister Rhada and Amir, a boy who helps Lakshmi with her henna business.

Alka Joishi delivers a beautiful and inspiring narrative, with the history and culture of her native India beautifully woven into the story. It’s beautifully done on all levels, and shows her skill at storytelling in a way that’s both informative and engaging. The element of social commentary around women’s issues really takes this book a step above typical historical fiction and makes it an important feminist read.

Takeaway: 

If you can’t tell from my review of The Henna Artist, Alka Joshi’s debut novel is my favorite of Reese’s picks in quite a while, and I have nothing but good things to say about this five-star read.

Whether you’re looking for an empowering story, want to travel through the pages of a novel, or want to learn more about a different culture, it will be hard to find a title that hits all these notes more beautifully than The Henna Artist.

Content Warning:

physical abuse, loss of pregnancy, abortion, underage nonconsensual marriage, suicide, sexual abuse

Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

     milelongtbr      5 Comments

This is one that I feel that the majority of people here have read, but it’s one of my absolute favorites and I felt it was timely to post a review of it up here since May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The book talks about a number of mental health issues and does so in a manner that is sensitive, realistic, and destigmatizing.

I first read Eleanor Oliphant in 2017 when Reese Witherspoon picked it as her inaugural book club title, and after I finished it I started rereading immediately. At the time of writing this in 2020, I believe I’ve read the book five times. 

That itself should speak volumes about how much I love this book, but check out the full review for more information about why this is one to prioritize on your own TBR. And if you have read it, tell me your take on whether Eleanor is completely fine or not and what that means to you!! 

Synopsis: 

Meet Eleanor.

She’s a 29-year-old office worker in Glasgow who loves routine and loathes small talk.

She doesn’t have many friends, but that doesn’t bother her in the least. She’s perfectly fine with her predictable schedule; weekend pizza and wine night, weekly calls with Mummy, and daily lunches doing the crossword by herself.

“But, by careful observation from the sidelines, I’d worked out that social success is often built on pretending just a little. Popular people sometimes have to laugh at things they don’t find very funny, do things they don’t particularly want to, with people whose company they don’t particularly enjoy. Not me. I had decided, years ago, that if the choice was between that or flying solo, then I’d fly solo. It was safer that way.”

— Gail Honeyman (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine)

Eleanor is not especially interested in expanding her social circle until she sees a musician and instantly knows: This is the man she’s meant to spend her life with.

Her attempts at turning herself into the type of woman the musician would date provide good comedy, but if you’re expecting a love story don’t hold your breath.

While Eleanor struggles to get the attention of the musician, her coworker Raymond decides to insert himself into her life.

He’s the embodiment of all the qualities she can’t stand. He smokes, his appearance is always somewhat disheveled, he uses “text speak” abbreviations in email.

But, he’s a good person. He’s an optimist and he has decided that Eleanor is worth getting to know.

Her life expands as she starts to spend time with him, and the reclusive and awkward Eleanor learns that coming out of her shell a little might bring bigger, better things than she’d realized into her life.

And, when the bad days come, like they always do, Raymond is a supportive and encouraging friend, helping see her through the dark times and come out better on the other side.

Analysis:

Eleanor Oliphant instantly became one of my all-time favorite books, and largely because of the characters; quirky yet relatable Eleanor, Raymond the impossibly kind IT guy from her office, and Eleanor’s sinister Mummy.

The characters are all very well developed, but witnessing the scarred and reclusive Eleanor step outside of her comfort zone to become the kind of person who goes to weddings, visits friends in the hospital, and helps care for people who need it is inspiring.

I love that she retains her quirks even as she leaves behind the unhealthy coping mechanisms she’s used to deal with things for so long.

Also, I think Raymond is one the most ‘good’ characters in all of literature. He’s such a kind and caring person and brings so much heart to the novel.

He also brings humor. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in the book, from Eleanor’s observations to  Raymond’s goofy demeanor and the rapport between the two of them. The humor may be sardonic at times, but it works well. You’ll likely relate to Elenor’s commentary even if you’d never say those thoughts aloud and in public.

The comedy is needed to balance the difficult themes and topics that are discussed in the book. It discusses things such as isolation, depression, abuse, and suicide, but is handled in a respectful manner and does not stay too dark for too long thanks to that balance.

Two things particularly stand out to me about this book; that Gail Honeyman avoids cliche by not following the formula of Eleanor’s physical transformation from awkward and unfashionable to beautiful, and that Eleanor’s relationship with Raymond stayed a friendship.

Yes, she does go through a number of physical changes but they are without a doubt secondary to the changes that are taking place within her. Eleanor’s attempts at changing her appearance are misguided, but the deeper changes are not suggested to be a result of introspection, brutal self-honesty, and hard work.

Another thing that I appreciate is that Eleanor and Raymond are friends. He is loyal and accepting while encouraging her to be honest with herself, which are invaluable qualities in a friend. But, even when Eleanor is shiny, he doesn’t make any advances on her or take advantage of her in any way. Having him become a love interest to her would have cheapened the story and I’m so glad Honeyman didn’t take it in that direction.

Considering this is Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, it’s especially impressive. She’s set the bar high for future works, but I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

Takeaway: 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I will never stop recommending or rereading.

This book is one that makes you think, laugh, cry, question things… It’s hard to find a book that achieves this, especially with such grace. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a truly touching work of contemporary fiction that I see being regarded as a modern classic in the years to come. It’s one of the two books I feel should be required reading for practically everyone which is why this five-star read also earned my “all the stars” rating.

If you’ve not already read it take my word for it and give this book a chance.

Content Warning:

childhood abuse and trauma, suicide, physical abuse, death, alcoholism, mental health issues, adult language

Review: The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward

     milelongtbr      2 Comments

I’m a huge fan of Reese’s Book Club and usually love her picks, even when they’re from a genre a bit out of my comfort zone.


Unfortunately, The Jetsetters, March’s pick fell a bit flat for me. The story was cute enough and the writing was okay, but I didn’t especially connect with any of the characters, and that made it hard to love this slow-paced character-driven novel.

Charlotte, a 70-year-old widow wins a Jetsetter contest and is off on a European dream vacation with her three adult children. They’re not close and each has secrets they’re trying to conceal from the others, but 10 days touring the Mediterranean together is sure to put the fun in this dysfunctional family’s vacation.

Is a getaway of a lifetime a chance to get over a lifetime’s worth of differences?

Will coming together as a family help each member cope with the struggles they’re facing individually?

These are some of the questions Amanda Eyre Ward’s novel explores, but the answers just fell a little short for me. Initially, I thought this was an unpopular opinion of the book, but I’ve since seen a number of people who were similarly disappointed.

Also, the setting of the Mediterranean gave the opportunity to really explore and bring to life all the coastal cities mentioned and could have really made the book. Ward missed the boat there, and I didn’t feel the places were brought to life any more than the characters. for a novel that features travel so prominently this was a significant letdown.

The Jettsetters got three stars from me. Truthfully, I think I would have given up if it weren’t a RBC book. I found it rather unmemorable. My favorite stories are those that stay with me and leave me thinking about them long after I’ve finished them, and this is definitely not one that will.

Of course, your mileage may vary, and if you love family dramas may enjoy this one more than I did.

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