thetrendyreader

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

BOOK: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

LOOK: Black Maxi Knit Dress – Outer Grace Boutique

“After all, what can a first impression tell us about someone we’ve just met for a minute in the lobby of a hotel?  For that matter, what can a first impression tell us about anyone?  Why, no more that a chord can tell us about Beethoven, or a brushstroke about Botticelli.  By their very nature human beings are so capricious, so complex, so delightfully contradictory, that they deserve not only our consideration, but our reconsideration—and our unwavering determination to withhold our opinion until we have engaged with them in every possible setting at every possible hour.”

Buongiorno from Italy!  We are halfway through our Italian/French adventure and I am happy to have enough Wi-Fi to get some blogging done!  There’s been a lot of eating (like, a LOT), drinking (like a lot a lot), and so much time to relax and read!  First up was a looonnnng novel that I started before vacay but did not finish so I had to pack it and I am mad at myself because it took up more than its fair share of space in my suitcase. Ugh.  At least the ending was worth it.

ABOUT THE BOOK:  It seems like literally EVERYONE in the bookstagram world was/is posting about A Gentleman in Moscow, so I had to see what all the hype was about.  I finally it up and it admittedly took me a really long time to finish, but I am glad I read it.  The book centers around Alexander Rostov, who, at the very beginning, is sentenced to live inside the walls of the Metropol Hotel for the rest of his life, lest he be killed.  Throughout the story Rostov meets, befriends, works for, outsmarts, and loves the people who come into his secluded life.  When he is unexpectedly entrusted with the care of a young girl, Rostov’s contained life expands a little bit wider.  Glimpses into the past and small snippets of the future make this novel an intriguing read.  It sort of reminded me a little of a grown-up version of The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, but like I’m pretty sure that’s just me.  If you’re not intimidated by lengthy novels (which I usually am), this would be a good one to add to your list.

ABOUT THE LOOK:  My mom and I went boutique hopping in Fort Wayne a few weeks ago and I came away with some cuuuuute stuff, including this maxi dress from Outer Grace Boutique.  It’s been perfect for throwing on for the beach, pool, or train during our trip.  If you live in Northeast Indiana (or are ever passing through), downtown Fort Wayne has a lot to offer!

Happy reading! xo, Amy

BOOK: The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

LOOK: Dress – Pink Lily Boutique; Necklace – Kendra Scott; Sandals – Tory Burch

When five successful, competitive women sign on for a new season of Goal Diggers, there is guaranteed to be plenty of drama. The drama turns dark, however, when one castmate, Brett, ends up dead. The Favorite Sister follows Brett, her sister Kelly, and the three other women, alternating between past and present transgressions as you, the reader, try to figure out just what went so horribly wrong. With characters straight out of a Bravo series, this novel is a sweet treat to indulge in this summer.

The Favorite Sister has some twists and turns that kept me reading, but the suspense and thrill was only mediocre; there were not really any edge-of-your-seat moments (at least I didn’t think so). I also at some points forgot there was even a murder to be solved because all of the cattiness between the women sort of shone brighter than the actual (main?) plot of the story. BUT, if you are looking for a quick, quirky, fun book that doesn’t require a lot of thinking, this book would be a good one to pick up—especially if you are a Real Housewives fanatic. Speaking of…I’ve got New York and OC waiting for me! Have a great week, trendy readers!

RATING for The Favorite Sister: 2 out of 5 Stars

Also by Jessica Knoll: Luckiest Girl Alive

BOOK: Laura & Emma by Kate Greathead

LOOK: Dress – Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx (linked similar); Shoes – Sam Edelman; Necklace – Target

“Life hadn’t required Laura to navigate unknown territory on her own.”

Laura & Emma is not your typical mother-and-daughter-are-besties story. The novel follows Laura (mother) and Emma (daughter) as they navigate an upper-class New York City life together—and then separately—throughout the 80s and 90s. Tied to her ever-so-proper family, Laura often struggles with wanting to be independent without giving up the comforts that her lush upbringing have afforded her. Emma is independent and original from the very start, and her relationship with her mother is loving, yet turbulent. Not a lot happens in the story, but I think that contributes a bit to its charm. The characters were all well-developed and interesting, especially Dr. Brown—I wanted to know more about him and his story. Can we get a book on that!?!? The book is a fast read, even without any big plot events, but the ending??? Like WTF.  I was not a fan; I needed something more to cap off the whole story.  All in all, Laura & Emma is a lovely little novel and Laura and Emma (the characters) are both very real and relatable. Also, if you’ve seen Ladybird (I have not), I heard this book is a lot like that movie.  So there’s that!  Thank you to Elizabeth at Simon & Schuster for sending this novel my way! [[RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars]]  

Happy reading! xo, Amy