July Reading

I'll be honest, I've really struggled to read this month so I've gone back to Graphic novels as I like to when I'm not focusing well on reading. Just too much going on and my head is all over the place. 

I read the 2 Snowpiercer prequels. I actually found them interesting and I do hope the last one comes out. It's that look at human nature when facing unavoidable destruction (and what people do to survive, and the ego at play with power).

I'm now working my way through the Snowpiercer series, which is what inspired the movie (and later very loosely the tv series). I thought I would like them more, though the first one has an interesting take at the end. About to start the second book.

We watched the movie because of Mads Mikkelsen and the whole vibe screamed Comic, but when the eye patch got involved, I know it was - what is it with eye patches in GN? Anyway, they're ok. A little sexist to me but still curious enough to get to the end - helped by the fact they are free on Hoopla (borrowing app) so I can read them fro free and on my phone, while waiting around.

This is a book club pick. I've never read a Reilly but I've seen his rise. He's an Australian author and I remember when his first book came out. He is now a prolific, best selling global author and writes for adults and kids. Most importantly for the self published authors, he self published his first book with a run of 1000 and has since sold 7.5 million books in his career.

I like the story in this title (the historic setting - the end of WW1 and the rise of the Nazi's and WWII but mirrored with what went on in America with the prohibition, market crash and rise of the Klan).

It's a female view point which is interesting though not always believable. I think a lot of the characters talk in cliches but then there are moments that fully suprise me or in one incident, poigniant and devastating. 

I don't know if it's a must read, and it's not great literature but I'm finding the interesting history and the story engaging enough to enjoy it.

The Coconut Children was a book club pick. I just couldn't get into it but to be fair I suspect that was more me than anything, as I can't really explain why. Looking forward to hearing the group's thoughts.

Before we say goodbye I read this straight after the first one and that was a mistake as it just felt too formulaic and a 'sameness' in each story. So I'm giving them a break and will return with the next book soon. I feel that was an unfair reflection and I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I had read a few other things in between, as this book focuses on loss and memory, two themes that I love to explore.

What have you read this month?

Linking with #TrafficJamReboot #AnythingGoes #MonthlyWrapUp #MonthlyBookworms #ShareYourShelf