August was a weird month for me. I was finally able to wind down client projects and realized just how many of my own projects had been placed on the back burner, which made me more than a little anxious. When I get stressed or overwhelmed, I always turn to books.
The best way to get out of my own head is to dive, bookmark first, into someone else’s. The more ridiculous the plot lines and characters, the better. Which is definitely reflected in August’s reading list!
Some quick stats a glance: I finished 6 books total in August, completed a series that I absolutely adored, and read four new to me authors. I really enjoyed what I read, even the book that left me with some mixed feelings.
Let’s jump into the list!
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: When I saw that this was being adapted into a film, I decided to pick it up. The book is about a dystopian society where, around the time they hit adolescence, children either die or are found to have supernatural abilities (or “Psi” abilities). The premise was super interesting and the plot kept me invested in the story. I liked the characters, but I wasn’t invested enough to continue on with the series anytime soon.
13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl
Rating: 4/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: I wrote a full review for this book here! Overall, I liked that it was an honest and unexpected account of the experiences of someone living in a fat body.
The Assistants
Rating: 3/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: What’s not to like about a group of underpaid millennials banning together to scam their bosses and steal some cash to pay off those dreaded student loans?! Was this book a literary masterpiece? No. But it was fun and light and made me laugh and want to send lines and paragraphs to my friend’s group chat. And sometimes, that just what I need from a book. Solid vacation read, if you’re looking for one!
China Rich Girlfriend
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: This was my favorite book of the series! I love the way returning characters developed and really loved almost every new character that was introduced. Some of the new characters I loved to hate, which is just as fun. These books are long, and tend to drag a bit in the 3 quarter, but always make up for it with the endings. This one is also being adapted into a film, which I cannot wait to see!
Aftercare Instructions
Rating: 4/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: This book totally took me by surprise, and is one of my favorite books of the year! I love the characters, and as a Jersey girl, I appreciated the setting. I thought the author did a great job of tackling heavy topics without making the book too heavy. I instantly recommended to my friends who work in public health! Trigger warnings for abortion, drug abuse and suicide.
Rich People Problems
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
What I liked/disliked: Again, I am so in love with this series and the film. This book was just as good and a perfect ending to this series (I hope they continue the film adaptations!!). I can’t wait to see these characters again on the big screen.
Should I do a full Crazy Rich Asians series review on my YouTube channel? There would (of course) be spoilers, but I’d love discuss my thoughts on the books!
What did you read last month that you loved? What’s up next on your reading list?