Book Report: Quick Reviews of What I’ve Been Reading

My 2019 New Year’s resolution is to read more. I’m keeping track of the books I read on this Pinterest board and on Goodreads. Following the lead of Modern Mrs. Darcy, here are my quick reviews of what I’ve read lately.

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Faithful Place by Tana French

Dublin detective Frank Mackey is called back to the old neighborhood to investigate a development in the disappearance of his girlfriend 22 years prior. What is at least as interesting as the murder mystery that unfolds is Frank’s (reluctantly) renewed relationship with his flawed and dysfunctional family, who he left behind when his girlfriend disappeared. This is the fourth book I’ve read by Irish mystery writer Tana French, and it’s my favorite so far. The Kindle version of Faithful Place is currently an Amazon Kindle Deal.

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg

Recent widower Arthur meets 18-year-old Maddy in the cemetery where he visits his wife’s grave each day and an unlikely friendship develops. As events unfold, Arthur’s neighbor Lucille becomes part of their lives and the three grow to support each other through the different losses in their lives. This book is a quick read (241 pages) and it’s also very, very sweet. I was soothed by the simple descriptions of these characters’ days and how their small, quiet lives meshed together.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia and her younger brother Jamie run away to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they hide away for a few days and find themselves in the middle of an art mystery. This was my favorite book from childhood and I’m just back from a trip to New York where I visited The Met so I re-read this book before I left. The book was written in 1967 but it holds up well and it’s just as fun as I remember. Re-reading this book and visiting The Met were on my Places to Go and Things to Do List.

DARE: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks by Barry McDonagh

I have had anxiety my entire life, but the last year and a half have been a real doozy to put it mildly. As you might expect, I’ve read many books on anxiety, but this one was the most helpful by far. It describes itself as the new way to end anxiety, but as I read it I recognized many of the techniques taught to me by my therapist. The difference is that DARE (which is an acronym) gives me a way of recalling all that information easily, and so I’m putting it into practice more. DARE also made me feel less alone with my anxiety and gave me hope that I could feel better.

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Kindle Deals

Here are a few of Amazon’s Kindle Deals that caught my eye. They’re all at great prices as I write this, but that is subject to change.

The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand

The queen of the summer beach read’s first novel.

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarity

Great characters, a mystery, a little bit dark…in other words, classic Liane Moriarity.

The Dry by Jane Harper

I’m hearing such good things about this mystery. It’s one of my book club’s books this year so I grabbed it at this price.

What have you been reading lately? Anything good?

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.