READS | August 2022
A stack of three books on a wooden surface. A plant behind them. Over lay on the image ‘Reads August 2022 - byamygrace’.
Water for Elephants | Susan Gruen
Years ago, I saw the film adaption of this novel. Enough time passed, and I thought I would read the book and re-watch the film. Thus far, reading this novel proves Sara to be an author with an incredible talent for crafting the main character and giving you varying degrees of perspective and depth on him and the world around him. I have not yet re-watched the film, but I am delighted with the writing and how she paints the characters and the world they inhabit.
The School for Good and Evil | Soman Chainani
A magical tale woven for upper middle-grade readers of two girls, a tall tale and the truth revealed in fairytales. I love to find new twists on fairytales, good vs. evil and complicated friendships. The School for Good and Evil provides an entertaining read and dynamic read. Young Amy would have sped through this series.
My Darling Husband | Kimberly Belle
This read quickly became fast-paced suspense. I loved how Kimberly was able to give us present-day reflections through the eyes of a reporter/interviewee, along with brief descriptions of a past happening. Kimberly kept the pace high without compromising details, character development and atmosphere. She set the stage and let the drama run its course brilliantly.
Lucky | Marissa Stapley
Picked up for its Reese Witherspoon recommendation and was not disappointed. Read this over a weekend, and it was a treat. Marissa gave us a story about a woman on the run with a past. Fun, sassy, reflective and redemptive. All packed in under 250 pages. Quite the feat.
TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE
That Darn Cat - Summer nostalgia with a Haley Mills classic.
Gangster Squad - For the brilliant gangster storytelling. Loosely based on Mickey Cohen’s takedown.
Turning Red - Domee Shi brings everyone a true depiction of what it means to be a Canadian girl, especially those who are Asian.
The Shrink Next Door - Showing manipulation at its finest. Originally a podcast series.
Only Murders in the Building S02 - Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selna Gomez deliver another riveting and comedic mystery.
Physical S02 - Another great example of a woman working to make her way. No complaints about the 80’s hair and music.
Three books in a line. My Darling Husband, The School for Good and Evil, Water for Elephants.
Lucky by Marissa Stapley atop a glass coffee table. A mug of almost gone coffee sits beside it along with a plant.