Book Review: Thank You for Listening

Publisher’s Description for Thank You For Listening, by Julia Whelan.

“From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.”

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For me, this description doesn’t do this book justice at all.

When I requested Thank You For Listening on NetGalley, I never expected to be approved for an advance review copy. I was DELIGHTED when it went through. I was also nervous. I really enjoyed Julia Whelan’s first novel, My Oxford Year, until I didn’t. I thought it would be a Royal We (one of my favorite books, as you know if you’ve been around here at all), and it was to start but turned out to be in what I think of as the JoJo Moyes genre. And that’s fine, but it’s not for me.

Well, I needn’t have worried. Because man, I just enjoyed this so much! It was so fun, well done, and interesting to see inside the audiobook industry, particularly as I am a rabid audiobook fan. And, I think it can be really tricky to pull off writing a fictionalized version of your own industry. Or maybe perhaps more accurately stated: I usually find nods-within-the-book at writing and/or the genre to be annoying—but she does SUCH a nice job with it here.

If you’re a book lover, audiobook lover, fan of Julia Whelan, or just really enjoy a good book, I think you’ll really enjoy this insider look at the industry, wrapped up in a great story.

I will definitely buy it and read it again on audio when it comes out. Julia Whelan narrating her own book about narrating books—what’s more fun than that?!

My one quibble: the injury/accident is the same as something that happened to a real person and was in the news ten years ago. Not sure if that was intentional. I’m also not super comfortable with someone writing about a disability they don’t have. Both those things did at times take me out of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review!

Book Review: Last Summer at the Golden Hotel

Publisher’s Description for Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Alissa Friedland

A family reunion for the ages when two clans convene for the summer at their beloved getaway in the Catskills.

In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than sixty years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for well-heeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late?

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You know how some books just grab you? I loved this one so much and couldn’t put it down. A perfect distracting summer read. Multi-generational families and lifelong friendships coalesce around a hotel-resort in upstate New York. Intrigue! Secrets! A looming decision! Long intertwined histories! Nostalgia! This is a perfect summer read.

It took me a little bit to figure out who all the characters are (there are a TON of characters) but once I did I was IN. I couldn’t read this book fast enough.

Book Review: Malibu Rising

Photo from goodreads

Publisher’s description for Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid:

“Malibu: August 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over—especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come rising to the surface.”

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3.8/5 stars

I will read anything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes. Have you heard of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, or Daisy Jones & The Six? There’s a reason they’ve gotten so much buzz. She is a stellar writer who can craft a compelling story in a world you want to sink into full of characters you feel like you know.

So I was super excited to see her new book, Malibu Rising, pop up on Netgalley. I requested it with a QUICKness and was astonished and delighted to get a copy in exchange for review. Thank you Random House Ballantine and NetGalley!

This was, as all of her work is, juicy and riveting and fun and sad. It’s full of families and rich histories and a setting you never really thought about but now can’t stop thinking about—in this case, Malibu in the 80s. There is LOTS of beach time and lots of beautiful people and seafood and I think this will be a perfect beach read for your summer. There was also a LOT of cheating and affairs and emotionally stunted people. But, lots of redemption, too.

As I said, I love her writing and sense of place. In this book, there were a LOT of characters to keep straight. I found it a little distracting at times. I didn’t love the flashbacks—it’s just not my favorite kind of storytelling and can quickly grow old for me—and I’m not sure the payoff was quite there for me. But I couldn’t put it down and that about says it all.

Taylor Jenkins Reid, you get me every time.