What I Read in August
What a month! I didn’t read as much as I would’ve liked to, although I still got through quite a few books - I find it so hard to put a series down once I start it, but because I spend so much time in certain literary worlds, I don’t feel like I end up reading as much as I do (if that makes sense). This month I picked up two Kindle Unlimited thriller series, which are always hit or miss for me. I love a good series, but sometimes I feel like those on Kindle Unlimited can go on for too long (the last one I attempted to start is now on book 33 I think?). I added in a few memoirs for good measure, so it was overall a good month, but I’m ready to expand my horizons in September - if you have any recommendations, let me know!
what i read in august
the taken ones: steinbeck and reed series by jess lourey
5/5 stars
I read the full series (The Taken Ones, The Reaping, The Laughing Dead) and I absolutely LOVED them - what an incredible series.
The “cold case tied to new case” plot is familiar, but there are unique aspects (no spoilers) that really make this engaging for the reader and worth reading. You can tell the author is well-researched, and as someone that reads a lot of thrillers, I genuinely appreciated this.
The cult aspect is believable and well-done, and I love the way the author explored the characters’ backstories throughout the series.
The second book was unfortunately such a slog for me; I just found it too bizarre to connect with. However, the third book is the best of the series. The plot points come together in a believable yet rewarding fashion, and I really loved the character development.
If you like investigative thrillers but want something different from the typical relationship/ cheating storylines, I highly recommend this one.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
horror stories: a memoir by liz phair
3/5 stars
I bought this on Barnes and Noble years ago as a random purchase, and decided now was the time to read it as I’m trying to read everything I have before buying anything new.
This is a collection of essays, rather than a chronological memoir. It always feels wrong to rate someone’s life story or personal anecdotes, but I have to say that this was really pessimistic and kind of a downer to read.
I know it’s called “Horror Stories, but” it unironically seemed like the author almost focused on her negative memories or things to complain about. Whereas I find most memoirs to be impactful in some way, this was very “blah.”
A handful of the stories didn’t even feel like hers to tell, which was uncomfortable for me as a reader. For example, while the characters’ anonymity were protected and the readers won’t be able to figure out, it still felt wrong and intrusive to read about a helpless girl passed out in the bathroom, or a grocery store employee’s death.
Favorite quotes:
“Conquer the challenge, and you may savor your own dissatisfaction. What is meant for you comes easily, so improve yourself if you're dissatisfied with your circumstances. Once you are great, then the great things will naturally be nearby.” (p. 139)
“I need to gain a new perspective, to feel like the world is unknown and surprising again. My mood suffers when I get too comfortable, too familiar with my own opinions. I can’t see how my limited perspective blinds me.” (p. 162)
“Living with complexity is as simple as finding the proper altitude. If you don’t change where you’re flying, you’ll never reach the smoother air.” (p. 175)
Read it here.
who we used to be by caitlin weaver
4/5 stars
Caitlin Weaver is one of my favorite Kindle Unlimited authors, and I look forward to all of her books. This new release is similar to the rest of her bibliography in that it makes you turn inward to question what you’d do if the situation happened to you. This book tackles a medical emergency with money attached, so there’s a lot to ponder and it would be great for a book club discussion, too.
This was an emotional and moral roller coaster, but not heavy. A true page-turner, I couldn’t put it down and finished it in two days.
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a contemporary fiction novel with depth that makes you think, but doesn’t feel like assigned reading, if you know what I mean.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
the ghostwriter by julie clark
4.5/5 stars
I saw a few friends rave about this book and had to pick it up, even though the synopsis didn’t fully grab me. I wanted a truly exciting thriller, and the “mystery from 1975” seemed like it’d be a little boring.
I’m so glad I read this - it was atmospheric, haunting, and eerie, reminding me of movies like The Strangers or Secret Window. A slow burn with emotional depth, this is for readers who prefer a thought-provoking thriller over quick jump scares.
The pacing is a little disjointed, but it was still hard for me to put this down. The clever, multilayered plot keeps you guessing, and I wasn’t entirely correct in my suspicions, which I appreciated.
Read it here.
semi-well adjusted despite literally everything: a memoir by alyson stoner
5/5 stars
This is a must-read for people pleasers, perfectionists, and those considering a big life change, especially if you’re in your 20s or 30s. It’ll be a little nostalgic as Alyson Stoner was a part of so many Disney projects that we grew up with, but there’s depth to it, so it’s not just about reminiscing.
It’s a raw yet empathetic memoir that sheds light on the pitfalls of children working in the entertainment industry. It’s grounded but philosophical at times without being “woo-woo” and feels extremely genuine and authentic to the author. I didn’t love the title at first, but it makes sense by the end.
Your 30s may seem a little young to write a memoir, but I love that this concretely showed how pain can be reshaped into purpose, turning struggles into catalysts for growth.
Favorite quotes:
“I was raised so that I did not know how to survive outside of the dome. I believed I was pursuing my own dream, but there were puppet masters dictating my fate.” (p. 239)
“I’d always thought of myself as forward-focused, but suddenly I realized how much my past was still controlling my present. Many of my daily decisions and aspirations were veiled attempts to course-correct something I felt had gone astray long ago; I was driving forward with my eyes on the rearview mirror. Even in my race to succeed, I'd been trying to make up for lost time, based on a path that was never mine.” (p. 252)
“My deepest fear is my greatest opportunity: to embrace life as a has-been and give myself the radical permission to change, heal, and experiment, even - and especially - if that renders me unrecognizable.” (p. 298)
Read it here.
trust me on this: a novel by lauren parvizi
4/5 stars
This was a cute, heartwarming read that made me wish I had a sister. Despite all the high reviews, I found it a little predictable but really enjoyed the culinary references.
Favorite quotes:
“We don't always get to choose what we inherit. Or what we pass down." (p. 129)
“Part of what it meant to have a sibling was to share the burden of loving a parent you could never entirely know, of attempting to understand a person who would always be just out of reach, more conjecture than fact.” (p. 330-331)
“We both know bad things happen, things you don't expect and don't deserve. But we also know the world doesn't end if the worst happens. You keep going, you make a new normal, and then, if you're lucky, something good shows up again and you're wise enough not to turn your back on it when it does just because you've learned to be more comfortable with the bad.” (p. 340)
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
shadow of grace by anya mora
4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this; you can read it as a standalone, but it also sets up for an engaging story.
The chapters are short and even with a multi-POV narrative, it’s still easy to follow. I really like how the author incorporated the cult aspect; it seemed believable and well-researched.
If I had to nitpick, I will admit that some situations are unrealistic (the police/ FBI overshares in this book way more than they’ll be allowed to in real life), and there are quite a few typos.
Read it here (free through Kindle Unlimited).
This is a series, and I also read the rest of what’s available (book 7 comes out in November). No major spoilers, but here are mini reviews for the rest of the series:
Condition of Grace (4/5 stars): This was a little less engaging, and I was bummed Megan wasn’t included, although it made sense and was realistic to exclude her. This was a little less entertaining, so I ’d say to either commit to the series, or stop after the first book.
Hunt for Grace (3/5 stars): I still liked this, but the impracticality kind of grows. It’s hard to imagine a socially awkward recluse has so many love interests (especially within professional settings). You also have to suspend disbelief to accept how involved Willow is in crime fighting, but I’ve committed to the series at this point, and they’re thankfully short books.
Time for Grace (4/5 stars): The premise of this was interesting and reminded me of a Criminal Minds episode, but at under 200 pages, it definitely tells more than it shows. This thriller is simpler because there’s not enough time to create a convoluted web or build suspense. You know how this particular book will end, but I did appreciate the character growth (although it’s also direct rather than implied).
Piece of Grace (3/5 stars): I like that this gave us more information on the characters’ backstories, and the cult aspect was a bit stronger in this one. Not for the faint of heart, but not too graphic compared to some of the other books I’ve read.
Flight of Grace (3.5/5 stars): The premise of this one was interesting, and it again tied into a bigger story than just the initial crime. However, I’m hoping there’s only 2-3 more books and that this doesn’t turn into another 30-book KU saga.
This month I also read…
The Perfect Family by Anya Mora - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
This initially seemed cheesy, but really captured my attention. I love when a thriller has a little heart and depth to it, and this was no exception.
The author excelled at characterization; I felt a connection to Bets and her death was harder to accept as the story continued. I also thought the dual timeline was well-done. If you want a singular POV thriller, this is a good one!
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play by Kobe Bryant - 5/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
Loved this. It’s to the point, a quick read, and anyone could benefit from it. I didn’t understand all of the basketball terminology, but really appreciated the principles shared. There’s also a lot of photos, so this would probably be better as a hardcover/ paperback than Kindle book, but would make a great gift.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover - 4/5 stars, free to read with Kindle Unlimited.
I know so many people rave about Colleen Hoover, but I find her writing to be a little bland and juvenile. She has great plot ideas, but tells more than shows, so you don’t really connect to the story as deeply as you do with others.
This had more heart than I expected, but it was a little too perfect at times. You knew how the story would end, and one of the main characters was written to make certain circumstances work out perfectly. Real life is messier, and that would have benefitted this book more.
That being said, I really did feel for the main character, Kenna, and if you want a serious romance book that isn’t too heavy, this is a good one.
