Big Books I’ve Read and Loved this Year

TL;DR

April discusses her favorite long books of 2018, including "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep," "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," "The Hearts Invisible Furies," "The Woman in the Window," "Hum if You Don't Know the Words," "Memoirs of a Geisha," and "Rebecca."

Transcript

hey guys it is April from getting who go with it today I wanted to talk to you about the long books that I have been absolutely loving this year it's funny because this year 2018 I decided not to read a lot of long books and to read shorter books and that was kind of my goal however I did find myself reaching for books that were long and my definit... Read More

Key Insights

• 📔 April initially planned to read shorter books in 2018 but found herself gravitating towards long books over 400 pages.
• 🫠 "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" combines elements of a coming-of-age story and mystery, making it an engaging and beautifully written read.
• ❓ "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" captivates readers with its addictive storytelling and complex, yet relatable characters.
• ✍️ "The Hearts Invisible Furies" explores personal and romantic journeys in Ireland during a challenging time, with powerful writing and emotional depth.
• 💍 "The Woman in the Window" is a well-crafted and enjoyable thriller that keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot.
• 🇿🇦 "Hum if You Don't Know the Words" impresses with its powerful storytelling and exploration of apartheid in South Africa.
• 🌍 "Memoirs of a Geisha" transports readers to a magical and captivating world, telling a story of resilience and personal growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" about?

"The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" by Joanna Canon is a beautifully written novel about two ten-year-old girls who set out to find their missing neighbor, Mrs. Creasy. It combines elements of a coming-of-age story with a compelling mystery narrative.

Q: What makes "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" addictive?

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is addictive due to its complex and compelling main character, Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood icon. The book follows the story of Evelyn sharing her life experiences with a reporter, delving into her seven marriages and the challenges faced by women in the 1950s.

Q: Why does "The Hearts Invisible Furies" stand out?

"The Hearts Invisible Furies" by John Wayne is a standout novel due to its beautiful writing and exploration of personal and romantic journeys in Ireland during a time when being gay was illegal. Despite the presence of unlikable characters, the book evokes strong emotions and deep empathy from readers.

Q: How would you describe "The Woman in the Window"?

"The Woman in the Window" by AJ Finn is a fun and well-written thriller about an agoraphobic woman who witnesses something disturbing from her window. The book keeps readers engaged with its gripping plot, and the author's skillful writing style is commendable.

Q: Why is "Hum if You Don't Know the Words" a recommended read?

"Hum if You Don't Know the Words" by Bianca Marais is a highly recommended book set during apartheid in South Africa. It skillfully presents two perspectives - a young white girl and a black woman - highlighting the challenges and resilience of the characters. The powerful storytelling and emotional connection between readers and the characters make it a must-read.

Q: What makes "Memoirs of a Geisha" worth reading?

"Memoirs of a Geisha" is a captivating story about a young girl in Japan who goes on a journey to become a geisha. This book stands out due to its magical and immersive storytelling, transporting readers to a completely different time and showcasing the resilience of its main character.

Q: What is the main premise of "Rebecca"?

"Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier is a page-turner that follows a woman who marries a wealthy man named Mr. de Winter and moves to his grand estate, Manderley. As she settles in, she becomes haunted by the presence and memory of Mr. de Winter's first wife, Rebecca. The book expertly combines suspense and vivid setting to create a memorable reading experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• April shares her love for long books, despite her initial goal of reading shorter books in 2018.

• She praises "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" by Joanna Canon for its beautiful writing and the combination of a coming-of-age story and mystery.

• April highly recommends "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, describing it as an addictive read with a complex and compelling main character.

• She praises "The Hearts Invisible Furies" by John Wayne for its beautiful writing and exploration of personal and romantic journeys in Ireland during a time of adversity.

• April enjoyed "The Woman in the Window" by AJ Finn, describing it as a fun and well-written thriller.

• She highly recommends "Hum if You Don't Know the Words" by Bianca Marais, praising its powerful storytelling set during apartheid in South Africa.

• April suggests reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" for its magical and captivating story of a young girl's journey to becoming a geisha in Japan.

• She finally recommends "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier, highlighting its page-turning suspense and vivid setting.