The last month was quite hectic with our move to Germany, but I was able to fit in quite a bit of reading time, especially when we were living in a hotel for ten days.
Reading has been a little more challenging since arriving to Germany because there has been so much to do! I am finally getting into a reading groove, though, and can’t wait to see what this month has in store for my reading life.
Here’s the low-down on the books I read in July…
Girl A by Abigail Dean
I received Girl A in a Book of the Month box, although I cannot remember if it was a monthly pick or an add-on for me. What I do know is that this book completely captured my attention and was exactly the escape I needed when I read it.
This story centers around Lex Grace, Girl A, who was the oldest daughter who escaped from the House of Horrors she and her five siblings lived in, allowing them to be rescued as well. After her mother dies in prison, leaving Lex and her siblings the family home, she has to face her horrendous past. She has plans to turn the former House of Horrors into a force for good, but she first has to come to terms with her siblings and the childhood they shared.
The content in Girl A is hard to take in. It is emotional, dark, intense and breathtaking, but if that isn’t an obstacle for you, it is an enthralling read.
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
In all honestly, I thought I read this in June, but it was listed in my Goodreads as finishing it in July, so I’m going to go with that. I am a fan of Fiona Davis’ writing and have read several of her books. I will continue to read everything she writes.
The Dollhouse was actually Fiona Davis’ debut novel and I am so glad I received it as a gift to add to my Fiona Davis collection. There are two timelines in this book that centers around New York city’s glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women. In the 1950’s a generation of aspiring models, secretaries and editors lived side by side while attempting to reach success. In the present day timeline this is also where a journalist becomes consumed with uncovering a dark secret buried within the Barbizon’s past.
I loved the stories that The Dollhouse old of Darby McLaughlin (in the past timeline) and Rose Lewin (in the present) and how they intertwined. I also loved the very satisfying end to this historical novel.
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
This is one of the few books I rated five-stars this year. It was a summer read for the Modern Mrs. Darcy book club and I am so glad I found it!!
This novel begins with the setting of Kabul, Afghanistan in 1978. Sitara Zamani lives a very privileged life as the daughter in a prominent family, close to the country’s president. Ten-year-old Sitara’s world is shattered when communists within the government and military stage a coup, assassinating the president and Sitara’s entire family. She is the only survivor and escapes, eventually becoming adopted by an American diplomat.
In her new country of America, Sitara takes on a new name and identity. She struggles to make sense of her tragic past and eventually becomes a renowned surgeon. Her world is rocked when she encounters a patient who brings back her past in a way that cannot be ignored and Sitara goes searching for answers.
I became completely engrossed in this book, reading it every chance I had in our hotel room. It reminded me of all the reasons I love to read–to get lost and escape in a mesmerizing story and to learn about other cultures and humanity. I love when I book makes me want to go back and read other titles by the author and that’s exactly what Sparks Like Stars did.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
This was a Book of the Month pick for me. I loved The Silent Patient by this same author, so it was a must read when I saw it as a selection.
The Maidens centers around some murders that have taken place at Cambridge University and the former student and therapist, Mariana, who is seeking to solve them. She is convinced that Edward Fosca, an adored Greek Tragedy professor is the murderer, but has has an alibi. As more murders occur, Mariana spirals out of control as she obsesses over proving Fosca’s guilt.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was a fun, escapist read. I really loved seeing how the author tied it to his previous work. I wonder if he’ll continue to do that in future books.
Crying in H Mart by Michele Zimmer
I read this book on audio and it was so touching and vulnerable. I could feel Michele’s visceral grief over her mother’s death as she processed their history together, especially their love of Korean food.
This memoir is a story of love, food, grief, and endurance. It is both stirring and heartwarming. I fought back tears as I listened to Michele’s words on the bus during our first weeks here in Germany.