September Book Round-Up
It’s already the end of September, can you believe that?? It is hard to believe, I feel like the month just started! The weather here has turned more fall-like and it has both of us curling up inside with a good book when we can. This month we were only able to get through three books, but we enjoyed the majority of them! Let us know if you’ve read any of these - or if there’s one you think we need to add to our TBR list!
Men Have Called Her Crazy
I was really excited to read Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler as I had heard a lot of people talking about it. I felt it was marketed as a John Mulaney exposé (or maybe thats just the context in which I heard about it), but found that that is not what this book was at all! This book explores the complexities of mental health, identity, and the messy reality of relationships. To be 100% completely honest, this is my least favorite book I’ve read all year.
I like the idea of a book that explores how society views women, particularly those who struggle with mental illness, but I don’t think this book did it in a way that will spark conversation around the topic. Obviously this is a review of the book and not Tendler’s life, so by saying that I mean the book wasn’t constructed or written in a way that I think got the point across. I think that Anna Marie Tendler was very brave in being so open and vulnerable with her story and struggles. I think anytime someone shares their story with the world, there is value added to the world.
11. Count Your Lucky Stars
Alexandria Bellefleur’s Count Your Lucky Stars is such a gem! If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good romance, this book is perfect. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the charming characters and the witty banter that just flows throughout the story. Bellefleur does an amazing job of capturing the awkwardness and excitement of falling in love, making it feel super genuine. On top of that, she weaves in themes of friendship and self discovery that add so much depth to the book. The friendships in this story are just as heartwarming as the romance which I love!
And let’s talk about the setting! The backdrop to Margot and Olive’s story is so cozy, it makes me want to curl up on a rainy afternoon and read the day away. Overall, Count Your Lucky Stars is a delightful escape that will leave you smiling. If you’re looking for a fun, uplifting read that celebrates love and friendship, definitely check this one out!
III. The Duke and I
If you love historical romance with a dash of wit and a whole lot of charm, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn book is totally for you. Quinn has a way of making the Regency era feel both glamorous and relatable while maintaining the historical feel of the setting. The main characters, Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, have a chemistry that’s impossible to ignore and their banter is sharp and funny, making their interactions feel super lively and entertaining! While the store is about Daphne and Simon, I loved the way she weaves in the Bridgerton family dynamics. The family feels so warm and lively, and the siblings add a great layer of humor and chaos to the story. If you’re looking for a fun escape into the world of Regency romance, definitely give this one a read!
I feel like I can’t make a review of this book without comparing it to the Netflix series Bridgerton. Honestly, I feel like the show did the book justice! While the book allows for a slower buildup of feelings, the show is faster paced, filled with more action and romantic tension (which I liked in the show). The show also brings a more diverse cast, which I think adds a fresh perspective to the story and makes it feel more modern. Overall, both offer wonderful explorations of love and society.