Books I Read in February 2014

Originally posted on 3/6/14 here.



The Last Letter from your Lover by Jojo Moyes

This novel isn't on the same level as Me Before You - nevertheless, it's a fast and enjoyable read. A sort of a formulaic amnesia romance storyline is mashed up with a Titanic vibe. I kept waiting for the romantic male lead to yell: They've got you trapped Rose! Even though her name is Jennifer and the bulk of the story is set in the 1960s, rather than 1912. But hey, who doesn't love Titanic? Especially since this one has a happier ending.




Longbourn by Jo Baker

It took me a little while to get into this book. I'm admittedly not an Austen fanatic, so that could have something to do with it; I had to really think to remember the details of Pride and Prejudice to get the most from this book, as the main characters are the servants of the Bennett family. Once it took off for me, though, I couldn't put it down. It's just a lovely romance, with lots of great soap opera-like twists and turns, while being written with subtlety and grace.




Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

It's been awhile since I've read a coming of age novel and I wanted to catch up on some Printz award winners.  Where Things Come Back is a gritty, hypnotic read with two seemingly unrelated narratives that come together in a rather shocking way.  I was sucked in, and really loved that the book is told from each character's perspective; my favorite being the central character Cullen Witter, who uses the term 'ass-hat' in such an endearing way almost every other sentence.



The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This book was just delightful!  I loved how it read like a romantic comedy.  Funny enough, after reading the Q&A at the end with Graeme Simsion, this story started out as a screenplay.  Although, the most captivating aspect of it is listening to the inner dialogue of our protagonist with aspergers and I can't imagine how that would translate to the screen...  Don, our unlikely hero, is trying to find a wife in a very organized, pragmatic fashion and ends up falling in love with someone that defies all of his logic.  It's hilarious, endearing and enlightening.

Linking up with The Modern Mrs. Darcy's awesome 'Twitterature' book posts roundup!