thetrendyreader

BOOK: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

“We’d been trying to touch the sky from the bottom of the ocean.  I realized that if we boosted one another, maybe we’d get a little closer.”

Where my Ruta fans at?!  Salt to the Sea is one of my all-time favorite books, but I haven’t read anything else by Ruta Sepetys until now.  I don’t know why I waited so long…perhaps because my TBR stack is eight thousand titles long. The struggle is real.  Anyway, Between Shades of Gray is set during the terror of Stalin’s reign and its effects on the country of LIthuania.  When they are forced from their homes and taken to a Siberian labor camp, Lina and her family must fight for their lives in unfathomable ways.  Desperate to communicate with her father–who was taken to another, unknown location–Lina uses her artistic gifts to slip hidden messages into the mail.  New horrors await Lina’s family–and the family they’ve made for themselves at the camp–at every turn. Hope for survival is slim, but Lina hopes her strength, determination, and cleverness will be enough to outlast the terror that encompassed her life.

Like most historical fiction I read, this novel taught me a lot about an unthinkable time in history.  I’ve read a lot of war novels over the years, but never any about the terror and devastation faced by Lithuanians during the time of Stalin’s rule.  I couldn’t believe some of the things that happened to Lina and her family in this novel. Her resilience amidst the destruction, sadness, and cruelty going on around her is astounding.  Her story will stick with you long after you put this one down; it’s still on my mind so many days later. Any fans of historical fiction will find this one to be worth the read. [[RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars]]  I liked Salt to the Sea better, but this one was still very moving heart-wrenching.  

LOOK: Dress – Old Navy

This dress is perfect piece for transitioning to spring.  I love the long sleeves and the simple tie at the waist. Old Navy can be so hit-or-miss sometimes, but they have some super cute new arrivals that are worth checking out, including lots of on-sale items!  

Happy Reading!  xo, Amy

BOOK: When You Read This by Mary Adkins

“In the end it’s not only everything we remember but what we don’t, too.  The moments that passed unobserved, not celebrated or noted, just lived.”

When You Read This by Mary Adkins is surprisingly light-hearted for it being a novel about death.  It’s a cleverly put together book that pieces together the aftermath of Iris Massey’s death from lung cancer at the age of only 33.  Iris has left behind a series of blog posts that she wants her work bestie–Smith–to publish as a book. But Iris’s cynical sister, Jade, has other plans and is not always the most friendly and/or cooperative player in the game.  Both Smith and Jade have their own demons to battle and although they are at odds in terms of what to make of Iris’s last wish, there is something beneath the surface drawing them closer together than they realize. Iris’s humor and positivity in the face of a devastating diagnosis is admirable, and is no doubt a big reason why it’s so hard for her family and friends to fill the void she has left behind.

I loved this novel so much.  It is so organizationally unique, which kept me intrigued the whole time.  The characters were so lovable and well-developed–I think we all have a Carl in our lives (the guy who is way too much, but somehow also the kind of great to have around).  I have to give Mary Adkins so much credit for her creativity of her writing and organization.  I admire any author that can put together such a coherent novel through blog posts, text messages, emails, etc., and Adkins made it look (and read) so easily.  Each exchange, correspondence, and entry fit seamlessly into its place in the novel. The sprinkles of wit and humor were perfect and made this book such a delight to read.  Also any book that makes reference to the Domino’s pizza tracker is pretty much made for me. I’m in the process of compiling a summer reading recommendation list, and this one will definitely be on it. RATING: [4 out of 5 stars]

LOOK: Shorts – Sugar Love Boutique

Okay, can we please talk about how cute these shorts are?!  So light and flowy for summer–I’m dying for warmer weather so I can wear them more and more!  Thank you to the fabulous team of women at SugarLove for sending these shorts my way. I am in love with all the details–the stripes, the material, the tie-front, and (of course) the elastic waistband!  Perfect for a summer full of street-fest food and cocktails. These babies will be a staple in my summer wardrobe for sure. Head over to the Sugar Love site to snag a pair of your own, and to check out some of their other adorable new arrivals!

BOOK: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

“Stories,” she says, “are the only thing in this world that are real. Everything else is just a dream.”

Okay, everyone.  Why did you let me wait so long to read this one?!  I am DYING over how good it was. I’ve been less-than-thrilled with the thrillers I’ve picked up lately, but Then She Was Gone really turned the tide for me!  It’s the story of Ellie Mack, a teenage girl who mysteriously goes missing right before her GCSEs, and her mother Laurel’s attempts to piece together exactly what happened to her daughter that fateful afternoon.  When a charming new man darts into Laurel’s life, she is overcome with feelings of love and security, but Ellie’s disappearance is never far from her mind. Told in several perspectives, Then She Was Gone will keep you guessing and leave you in disbelief.  

Holy smokes.  This one was good.  So good. I haven’t read anything by Lisa Jewell before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but dang that girl can write.  While there were some parts of the story that you could totally see coming, there were even more holy shit moments that made it an easily devourable book.  Some super weird and psychotic stuff goes down, and I found myself whispering aloud “No way” at several points during the novel’s peak.  Every twist was something new to love/be terrified by (if you can be both of those at the same time). Best thriller I’ve read since The Break Down.  I think I even liked it better–and I loved The Break Down.

[[RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars]] – Psychological thrillers can seem like a dime-a-dozen, and you’re never quite sure if they’re going to be great or if they’re going to be meh.  This one is great. I’ll be recommending it to anyone who asks for a suspense/mystery/thriller novel.

LOOK: Swimsuit – Venus

How cute is this little black one-piece?!  I’ve always wanted to try a suit like this and our island vacation was the perfect excuse to add it to my shopping cart.  I’ve shopped at Venus off and on since I was in high school. They always have unique, affordable pieces that are fun to wear on a vacation or for a romantic, somewhat-fancy date night.  There are lots of sexy options for clothing and swimsuits, but there are also so many casual dresses and more up-my-alley swimsuits. I like this suit because it fits me well–I don’t feel like I am falling out of it–and it is not too over the top.  The cut is super flattering and it is actually super comfortable given all the strings and such (once I figured out how to put it on).  🙂 Definitely loving it for vacation, but not sure I would wear it to the pool back home…but maybe! Comes in lots of colors, too!

Trying to get up a few blog posts while we’re here on the Canary Islands, so stay tuned for more vacay reading!

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: The Furnace Girl by Kraig Moreland and Toby Jones

The Furnace Girlis a fictionalized account of a crime that really happened in the small town ofLake Bluff, Illinois.  In 1928, a youngwoman, Elfrieda Knaak, was discovered—naked and severely burned—in the basementof Lake Bluff’s Village Hall.  The crime,still unsolved even all these years later, shook the small town and hadeveryone looking over their shoulders. In this novel, which is Moreland’s theoretical account of what actually took place that night, Griff Morgan, a young boy who becomes an accidental witness to the crime, and who becomes privy to the skeletons hiding in Lake Bluff’s closet.  Equal parts disturbing and intriguing, The Furnace Girl is a local crime story that may leave you with more questions than answers. 

Admittedly, this is not usually the genre that I go for, but I still found it gripping (and also horrifying).  I was really drawn to the photographs, maps, and other primary sources that were included. There’s something about old photographs…especially when they are crime-related and a little spooky.  This book also seemed to encompass a little bit of YA and a little bit of thrill(and eeriness), which I really enjoyed.  Thestory was definitely plausible and well developed, and I just loved Griff!  The whole premise of the story made me want to do some crime research of my own because even though it happened not far from where I live, I had never heard Elfrieda’s story.  If you like true crime documentaries and/or are intrigued by murder mysteries, give The Furnace Girl a try!

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald

LOOK: Jeans – Madewell; Booties – TOMS

“Sometimes the rest of your life arrived simply by saying goodbye.”

I was introduced to this book by my Insta-friend, Kailey (@kmc_reads), who listed it as one of her favorite thrillers of the year.  Kailey has pretty similar reading interests to mine, so I always know I can count on her for a good recommendation.  The Night Olivia Fell is about a teenage girl (Olivia) who is found amidst the wet and rock of the river after she fell from the bridge above.  Brain dead in the hospital, her medical team quickly realizes that not only is Olivia brain dead, but she is also pregnant—a secret she had seemingly kept to herself.  As questions begin to arise and new information is brought to light, Olivia’s mother, Abi, tries to piece together what really happened to her daughter.  Did she really just fall?  Perhaps there is more to the story.  Spoiler Alert:  There is WAY more to the story.

This novel has a darkness that lurks over each page that really sets the tone and gets you in the thriller mood.  There are some surprises and twists that you won’t see coming, and I thought the ending was satisfying, which is always (to me) a telltale sign of a good thriller.  Fans of Into the Water and Big Little Lies will devour this novel!  [[RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars]]

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

LOOK: Leggings – SPANX; Sneakers – Nike

“Never let your obstacles become more important than your goal.”

Fall is in full swing around here, which for me means cozy clothing and good books to read while snuggling up on the couch. Today I am bringing you another true story—I can read nonfiction you guys! The 57 Bus is about a 2013 incident on a bus in Oakland, California, wherein two very different lives are drastically changed. Gender-nonconforming Sasha (preferred pronoun: they) is asleep on the 57 bus—her regular way home after school—when Richard, encouraged by his friends, uses a lighter to singe Sasha’s skirt just enough to brown the fabric. When Sasha’s body ends up engulfed in flames, it’s a tragedy neither they nor Richard wanted. The book follows Sasha through their eventual recovery and Richard as a young, smart, well-behaved black boy who made a mistake and is now tangled in the the American “justice” system. The 57 Bus is not your average crime and punishment saga, but rather a true-crime story that will teach you a thing or two about empathy and forgiveness.

Before reading this book, I had never heard of this crime event that happened just a few years ago. While reading, I not only learned about the events of that life-altering bus ride, but I also learned a lot about the diversity of the Bay Area and even more about gender, sex, and sexuality, and the challenges faced by people who don’t fit perfectly into what society deems to be “normal.” This story is a powerful tale of restorative justice and a much-needed reminder of the need for us all to get to know one another before passing judgments. [[RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars]] It’s a quick read that will definitely teach you a lot. Worth the read if you like true-crime stories.  Also this excerpt from Sasha’s tumblr is my life:  “Do you ever just get rly tired when u have a lot of shit to do and u just start crying for no reason?”  Yes, Sasha, I do.

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

 

BOOK: Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce

LOOK: Sweater – LOFT

“Just do what you can, as well as you can. I promise you one day it will be worthwhile.”

Fall is in the air, people! And that means cozying up in chunky sweaters and under the blankets with a good book! My new favorite sweater is this twist-back little number from Loft; I’ll be wearing it for every fall outing I attend. And not only do I adore this sweater, but I absolutely, completely adored this new novel! Dear Mrs. Bird had so many things that I love. First, I love historical fiction, but it has admittedly been a while since I have read any. Dear Mrs. Bird was such a great return to the genre for me; it is the perfect blend of charm and whimsy set during the uncertainty and danger of World War II. The novel follows Emmeline Lake as she unexpectedly yet excitedly finds herself with a job working for Mrs. Henrietta Bird at the failing Woman’s Friend magazine. It is Emmy’s job to sift through the small amount of letters that come through to Mrs. Bird’s self-help column, weeding out those that the wretched columnist deems too unpleasant or unworthy of her time. Basically anything dealing with any topic of importance is a no-go. So Emmy secretly takes matters into her own hands, knowing she is putting herself, her friends, and her family at risk. When things don’t turn out quite the way she planned, Emmy finds herself lost amid the devastation of the war and the mess she has gotten herself into. Dear Mrs. Bird is an uplifting story of courage, friendship, and the power of standing up for yourself and others during trying times. The story would make such a good movie; I wonder if it will be on the big screen someday! [[RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars]] Shop the sweater and grab the book using the links above. Support your local bookstore(s) if you can!

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

LOOK: Skirt – LOFT

“We’re all citizens of no country now, all orphans of circumstance.”

Hey trendy readers! I’m certain you’re going to love Next Year in Havana—it’s a good one! The story follows Marisol, a young freelance writer, as she travels to Havana following her grandmother Elisa’s death. Marisol longs to put faces and places to the names and stories she has grown up hearing, and she believes that visiting Havana is will bring her the kind of closure she is seeking. What she does not expect, however, is the disconnect between her grandmother’s romantic stories set amongst Cuba’s beautiful backdrop and the unsettling political unrest of the present day. There are secrets lurking in the stories she has heard, and she desperately wants to uncover the reality behind her grandmother’s seemingly glorious life as one of Cuba’s elite. Alternating between Havana in 1958 and Havana in 2017, Cleeton’s writing unearths the stories of both Elisa and Marisol as each seeks her truth and finds her place in the family and in Havana.  You’ll feel like your living and breathing in Cuba while reading Cleeton’s vivid descriptions of Havana, past and present. [[RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars]] P.S. This skirt is on sale at LOFT for under $20! And it has pockets, people!

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

“The best revenge is straight As and a cute outfit.”

BOOK: She Was the Quiet One by Michele Campbell

LOOK: Jumpsuit– Nordstrom

YOU GUYS. I am so excited to review this book. She Was the Quiet One is about two twin sisters, Rose and Bel, who enroll in a swanky, prestigious boarding school. It would seemingly be the opportunity of a lifetime, however when Bel takes up with some not-so-good friends, Rose is on the receiving end of her sister’s apparent instability. Both sisters try to find solace in Mr. and Mrs. Donovan, house parents and faculty members at the school, but their guidance proves to be just as complicated as the girls’ relationship with one another. One sister does not make it out alive in this thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. You won’t be able to put it down!

This boarding-school novel pulled me out of my summer reading slump. I have heard some people didn’t like the fact that, although billed as an adult novel, the characters were in high school. I didn’t mind that at all, maybe because I love YA Lit so much, but I also thought that all of the characters were really well developed and realistic. It’s definitely a story that is chilling and dark, but that is also not so far-fetched that you think it could never happen. I enjoyed it, and if you are a thriller fanatic, I think you will too! Thank you to my friends at St. Martin’s Press for sending a copy my way! [[RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars]]

I’ve paired this shades-of-blue book with a chambray jumpsuit with the cutest ruffle sleeves. I feel a bit handmaid-y when I wear it, but I still think it is super cute and comfortable! Planning on throwing a sweater over it as the weather turns cooler, so it might still work as a fall outfit. Maybe.

Happy Reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

LOOK: COASTAL T-Shirt – Sub_Urban Riot; Shorts – Madewell

“I wondered how it was that you could spend weeks, months—years, even—just chugging on, nothing really changing, and then, in the space of a few hours, the script of your life could be completely rewritten.”

One of the many reasons I love vacation is the increased amount of reading time. Between plane and train rides, days by the beach/pool, and relaxing hotel downtime, our trip to Europe was filled with so many opportunities to read in beautiful places. One of my favorite stops on our trip was Positano, where I also happened to read one of my favorite books of vacation, Ghosted by Rosie Walsh. This novel intrigued me just by its title alone, and—let me tell ya—it was a page-turner. The premise is that Sarah meets an unbelievable guy, Eddie, with whom she shares an instant, romantic week. The two are inseparable and mutually believe they are soul mates, destined to be together. When Eddie leaves for a quick vacation, Rosie is certain she’ll hear from him again soon. But he never calls. He never texts. He never shows any signs of life or gives any inkling that what he shared with Sarah meant anything at all. Sarah is devastated but cannot bring herself to believe that Eddie would just ghost her. The majority of the novel is her trying to figure out exactly what happened—did anything happen? You’ll have to read to find out! I loved this book and I am hoping for more from Rosie Walsh very soon! If you like Big Little Lies or other detective-y kind of stories, you’re sure to enjoy Ghosted.

Happy Reading! xo, Amy