May 2021 – Brooke & Binding

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

My Rating: 4 Stars

Here’s why

After reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley last year I was definitely skeptical to pick up another one of her reads, but at the insistence of my sister, I decided to give this one a shot – and it definitely went in for the kill. 😉

Every New Year’s Eve, a group of Oxford friends have gotten together since they graduated ten years earlier to reunite and reminisce about old times. With only a few people added to the group as significant others, these friends have been through thick and thin, with secrets shared between them. This year, the gang has rented a remote hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands, where the nearest train station is over an hour away and when the snow hits, they could potentially be stuck there for weeks. When one guest turns up dead, everyone – including the staff – are a suspect, and to top it off…the snow starts to fall.

***

Like I stated previously, I was nervous to pick up another Lucy Foley, not because I didn’t like her writing but because I didn’t feel like the plot was developed well/unique in the previous one I had read. HOWEVER, this book was a game changer for me.

There are a few elements that remind me of other thrillers, but Foley has her own mystery author voice in her ability to keep WHO has died and HOW a secret for a very long time by the vagueness of the characters mentioned in different scenes, their conversations, having multiple narrators, and straight-up omission. This is something I am starting to see a pattern with in Foley’s writing, which I really enjoy, since I get to be a detective and discover clues while I read.

I am giving this book 4 (almost 5!) Stars because of the plot, the writing style, and particularly the ending. A good thriller can build up to an amazing climax, but if the conclusion of events and characters fall flat, it can taint a perfectly well-thought-out story. Luckily, Foley knew how to conclude this story in a satisfying and realistic way (which is definitely NOT how I felt with The Guest List ending – which is surprising since The Guest List is her newest novel!)

Have you read Lucy Foley? What do you need in a good thriller? A surprising twist? A satisfying ending? Good character development? or all of the above?

HAPPY READING 🙂

The Guest List review: https://brookeandbinding.wordpress.com/2020/05/01/the-guest-list-by-lucy-foley/

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Adult Fiction

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

My Rating: 5 Stars

Here’s why!

There has been quite a buzz around this book so when I saw it was a Book of the Month selection for March 2021, I knew I had to pick it!

London 1791: Like her mother before her, Nella was once a respected healer, full of knowledge of different herbs and remedies for any type of ailments; but now she dispenses deadly poisons to women who need to discreetly get rid of men in their lives – for one reason or another. One day, her life drastically changes when her latest customer, Eliza, shows up and is no older than twelve years old.

London Present Day: Caroline has just landed in London for her tenth wedding anniversary trip, but without her husband in tow. After the discovery of his infidelity, she decides to still go on the trip alone and process her next steps. But when she discovers an old apothecary vial mudlarking near the River Thames her love of British history and literature is reawakened. The more she researches, the more she wants to know who this vial belonged to, and what was kept inside.

***

Although I was really excited to get this book, I was a little apprehensive. I’ve read other historical fiction novels that have two different timelines with an artifact or item that connects the two (Sarah’s Key, The Clockmaker’s Daughter, etc.) and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. This book works!

For a debut novel, Sarah Penner has written an excellent story with a beautiful plot, likable characters with depth, and is full of emotional/touching moments. Plus, she works full-time in finance, so this is a “heart/passion project” for her – and you can tell!

I am giving this book 5 Stars because of the writing, the plot line, the characters, and the successful connection between the two timelines. The endings for both timelines were so good and I loved the mystery elements woven throughout, too!

This isn’t just a historical fiction novel, but it has touches of fantasy, mystery, and drama. If this book isn’t on your TBR yet, hopefully it is now!

Go grab your copy today!

HAPPY READING 🙂

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery/Fantasy

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

My Rating: 4 Stars

Here’s why

The first time this title stood out to me was when I heard about the Netflix movie coming out, and as we all know by now, I am an advocate for “reading before watching” so I got myself a copy!

In this touching and insightful memoir, Vance breaks down his own journey from his childhood in a rough neighborhood in Ohio to his success as a Yale Law Grad. Not only does Vance’s story show his determination, but sheds light on the struggles of the working-class as a whole, especially in Rust Belt America. Born to hillbillies from Kentucky, Vance’s whole upbringing and family is shaped by this identity, affecting their outlook on the own lives and those around them. Interspersed with research and statistics in relation to Vance’s experiences, this is a memoir that should be taken seriously as it is from the mouth of someone who knows this structure/system/culture very well.

***

On the surface, Vance’s story feels like it should fit alongside Educated or The Glass Castle as a memoir that shows life in the Appalachia Mountains/rural area of the U.S., but it doesn’t. The stories and experiences Vance describes as a young child are very intense, full of fighting (both verbal and physical), absent parents, drug abuse, neglect, CPS (Child Protective Services), the police, and more. Unfortunately, although this memoir is unlike the other two I’ve mentioned, his story might seem more “normal” or expected from its readers than it should be.

As someone who lives in the Midwest, I know these types of issues occur, especially in the Rust Belt area. However, what I didn’t know was to the extent, and more importantly, why. Vance breaks down these situations, giving explanations for him and his family’s actions, their natural quickness to defend – usually with their fists – and their “fight or flight” instincts. On the surface, Vance’s story seems like a “rags to riches” type, but it is far more personal and deeper rooted than that.

I am giving this book 4 Stars because although I did really find it interesting yet saddening, I feel like the book didn’t flow as well as it could have. I commend Vance for sharing and speaking out about what’s going on in his community and the hillbilly culture, and am very thankful I took the time to read and try to understand the deep-rooted issues affecting them. I know Vance has done a lot of public speaking about the Rust Belt and applaud him for trying to bring change.

Have you read Hillbilly Elegy or watched the movie? Were you surprised or not by some of his experiences? Why does it seem like we are normalizing some of these situations when clearly there is an issue?

Thank you J.D. for sharing and exposing some of the corrupt mindsets and polices in place so hopefully change can happen – and stick – for future generations.

HAPPY READING 🙂

Genre: Memoir/Nonfiction/Politics/Autobiography/Sociology/History

The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle #1) by Patrick Rothfuss

My Rating: 4 Stars

Here’s why

I picked up a copy of this massive novel after some of my favorite Youtubers/Podcasters recommended it – and my husband, too! – and man, oh, man is it one epic story!

“My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me…” This fantasy coming-of-age-story follows the main character Kvothe as he recounts how he became a household name. From his younger years traveling with his family to his pursuits at University and beyond, this is a story many people think they know, but everyone gets wrong. Now, a lowly innkeeper, Kvothe (going by Kote) has other issues to deal with, which he believes he has brought upon himself and the town. Is the famous Kvothe’s journey complete or is there another adventure that awaits?

***

This first book of the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy was SO daunting! The copy I received from the library was the tenth anniversary edition which had a ton of additional content along with a brand new cover design, pictures throughout, and red-edged pages. I had no clue what I was getting into besides the snippets of plot I had pieced together from the podcasters, and since I am not well-versed in the Adult Fantasy genre, seeing this book for the first time I definitely judged it by its exterior.

However, what I discovered inside was a well-rounded, intriguing, and albeit frustrating-at-times main character whose life is far from easy and has a lot of mystery surrounding it. I really enjoyed the layout of the book as well, jumping from Kvothe’s retelling of his story to these “Interludes” where we return to the present. It kind of jolts you out of the flow of the story, but in a good way!

I am giving this book 4/5 Stars for its intrigue, plot, and overall writing style/flow. I think Rothfuss has an excellent grasp on his world, how it works, and where he wants to go with the story. I am hoping to give one of the other two books a full 5 Stars, but the one thing holding me back from giving it to The Name of the Wind is the fact that there were a few stories told – or scenes early on – that felt unnecessary or slowed the plot down, but I’m sure they will have more meaning as I reflect on the series as a whole later on.

Have you read much Fantasy fiction? What series is your favorite? This one has been compared to Harry Potter, which I can see, but it really is it’s own beast!

HAPPY READING 🙂

**Shout out to Ben and J from Super Carlin Brothers/Popcorn Culture Podcast for the rec!!**

Genre: Fantasy/Fiction/Epic/Science Fiction/Adult/Adventure