Here are my thoughts regarding the books I read November and December:
I'm Glad My Mom Died
by Jennette McCurdy
Genre: Non-fiction, memoir
Rating: 5.9/10
Thoughts: First off: WHAT A TITLE - so many people questioned me on my reading - (especially my own mother).
If you were planning to read this, I still encourage you. I hope your emotions are lighter than mine were when reading this. I expected comedy towards her upbringing - yet, the entire journey through this book was sad and dark, and little comedy was found. I didn't feel like the reflection of her life tragedies was motivating or uplifting, just... well, sad. There was little hope, little relief.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59364173-i-m-glad-my-mom-died?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Jy8n7PgATN&rank=1
Ugly Love
By Colleen Hoover
Genre: Fiction Romance
Rating: 9.7/10
Thoughts: So I am not sure if it was that time of the month or if this book really just gave me a ton of emotion. The plot faced tragedy turn into triumph and love. It was a page-turner and made me take a day or two before starting another book so I could really soak in this story!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17788401-ugly-love?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9
Greenlights
by Matthew McConaughey
Genre: Non-fiction, memoir
Rating: 9.0/10
Thoughts: Whether it is because he is a fellow Longhorn or as dreamy as can be, I loved this book! It was easy to read, with quick stories that took you on Matthew's own adventures. When asked why I liked this book so much, I couldn't really put my finger on it. Not until I was on Mr. McConaughey's Instagram and listening to him speak about his book of him. He described it as "A love story about life". And that's exactly what it is - positivity with all of life's adventures. (bonus points if you listen to the audio book cause he actually narrates it)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5 2838315-greenlights?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jec86QWon4&rank=1
The Santa Suit
by Mary Kay Andrews
Genre: Christmas Romance
Rating: 7.5/10
Thoughts: It was short, sweet, and just what you want for a Christmas read. The best thing about this book: it was short; the worst thing about this book: it was short. The shortness didn't allow for elaboration, however, the ending I thought was charming!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56693416-the-santa-suit?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14
City of Girls
by Elizabeth Gilbert
Genre: Historical fiction
Thoughts: Taking black in the 1940s in New York City, the book is everything you can expect from that era: drinking, partying, sex, and theatre. The story is displayed in a letter format which was a creative touch. It's a woman explaining her relationship with her emotional lover to his daughter. Takes you through an entire woman's life- the ups and the downs!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42135029-city-of-girls?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_13
Wish You Were Here
by Jodi Picoult
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 6.91/0
Thoughts: Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, so I was very excited to read her fiction book about COVID. However, the first 100 or so pages made me angry and I did want to continue reading. I will say there is a pleasant surprise with the book that I encourage you to stay for. The entirety of the book is good, especially a look into how COVID affected health care workers. Yet, I don't think it was some of Picoult's best work.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57701764-wish-you-were-here?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_18