December 2020 Book Reviews

I read some great books this month.  I definitely did not meet my goal of reading 50 books in 2020 but I guess I will try again next year!

The Grace Year by Kim Leggett

I saw this book recommended on Instagram from another teacher that I follow.  I don’t typically read young adult dystopian fiction but I put it on hold at the library and when it became available I read it.

I have to say that I am so glad that I did!  This was an awesome story that I really enjoyed.

In the place where Tierney is from, it is believed that women have evil powers.  In order for them to be members of society they are banished for one year when they are sixteen.  During this time they are expected to rid themselves of their magic so that they can come back to town and live a normal life.  Many girls do not make it back from this trip but no one knows what happens because the girls who come back do not talk about it.

This book reminded me of a female Lord of the Flies.  It was all around a very engaging story that I read quickly and enjoyed reading.  I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

When we Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal

This is the story of a woman named Kit.  Kit’s sister Josie died in a train accident 15 years prior.  When Kit and her mother see a woman who they are convinced is Josie on the news, they are adamant that they have to find her.  Kit goes to New Zealand to seek out this woman from the news story.

This story was a great story about finding who you are and growing from your past.  I really liked this book, even though I expected it to be cheesy.  I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

I have read almost every book that Elin Hilderbrand has written.  They are usually light and easy reads that are perfect for a trip to the beach or a day at the pool.  This book was no different.  28 Summers is the story of a girl who inherits a house on Nantucket.  One summer her and her brother spend a weekend at the house with a few of his friends for a bachelor party.  During this weekend she begins a secret affair with her brother’s best friend that will weave it’s way through the rest of her life.  They make a deal, three days over labor day weekend every summer.  They are not allowed to contact each other the other 362 days of the year.

The topic was a little taboo but I found the story so heart-wrenching and engaging that I loved this book. I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Also, check out:

November Book Reviews

The Best Books I Read in 2019