Shomeret's Memorable to Mediocre May Reads 1/2

[Shomeret]

May started with a memorable first read, but the month varied in quality.

1)Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (historical mystery) 370 pages
Source: Library Lucky Day Shelves Started: 5/1 Finished: 5/7

Why Read: I love this sort of MC, a girl who lives in the marshes and is an outcast. There is also going to be a discussion of this book in the F2F mystery group that I attend. There was an astronomical number of holds so I didn't think I'd get it on time, but there's this library that sets aside popular books for Lucky Day shelves. If you find a book on your hold list there, you grab it and say "This is my lucky day!" That's what happened to me with Where The Crawdads Sing. Lucky Day books can't be renewed, so I started it right away.

Comments: Kya is a really great MC and the ending of this book was genuinely startling. I also loved the cat, Sunday Justice. I had to give this book a B+ because there were some stereotypical characters. It was certainly the best read of May though.

2) The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey (historical mystery) 349 pages. Source: F2F Mystery Group
Started: 5/8 Finished: 5/12

Why Read: I saw the description and seriously considered skipping this book because this isn't my sort of plotline, but everyone who knows me imagined that I'd love it because I was praising The Widows of Malabar Hill to the skies. The facilitator of the F2F mystery group handed it to me and told me to bring it back for other members because the group was going to discuss it. So what could I do? I read it. My expectations were low. At least I wouldn't be disappointed.

Comments: Although there were a couple of unexpected characters, the plot was predictable as I expected. I gave it a B.

3)A Savage Kultur by Monique Roy (contemporary/historical fiction) Source: Free copy from author Started: 5/12 Finished: 5/18

Why Read: I had reviewed a book by Monique Roy, so she requested that I review this one. It deals with art and Nazis, but in this case it's a missing Van Gogh.

Comments: The historical MC was wonderful, but the 21st century MC seemed somewhat naive. I gave it a B. See my review at https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2019...

4)Heart of Mist by Helen Scheuerer (epic fantasy) Source: Author via Book Funnel Started: 5/19 Finished: 5/22

Why Read: I generally don't read epic fantasy, but this had what sounded like good characterization. I applied for the blog tour for the third novel in the trilogy and was given the first two to read and review beforehand.

Comments: Really good characterization especially for the MC, but there's a cliffhanger ending. I gave it a B+. See my review at https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...

To Be Continued...

[Melodie]

I am still slogging through Where the Crawdads Sing. It is taking me forever. I really thought I'd sail right through it, but not so.

[Shomeret]

Melodie wrote: "I am still slogging through Where the Crawdads Sing. It is taking me forever. I really thought I'd sail right through it, but not so."

I'm sorry you're not enjoying it, Melodie. As we've discovered over time, there are always benches for books. The bench I'm sitting on is huge, but there may be other people out there who agree with you, Melodie.

[OMalleycat]

Shomeret wrote: "I saw the description (The Satapur Moonstone) and seriously considered skipping this book because this isn't my sort of plotline, but everyone who knows me imagined that I'd love it because I was praising The Widows of Malabar Hill to the skies. ”

I think I liked The Satapur Moonstone more than you did, Shomeret, but agree that it wasn’t as good as The Widows of Malabar Hill. I hope the next book charts new territory for Perveen Mistry. She’s a good character and Ikd like to see her have some more direct involvement in the Independence movement.

[Ann]

Shomeret: I enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing; I found it to be an emotional read, and hard to forget. Our lucky day shelf at the library branch near me is almost always completely empty - making me wonder if the policy is changing. I always found it nice to see new releases on that shelf. Using the book Educated as an example, a 2018 release still has over five hundred holds today. (Eek) A lucky day copy or two would be welcome.
Melodie: I listened to Crawdads Sing on audio in two days so it went fast for me, but that pace was also probably impacted by my commute time available to listen. Mood, etc. makes each of us feel differently on books.

Shomeret wrote: "May started with a memorable first read, but the month varied in quality.
1)Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (historical mystery) 370 pages
Source: Library Lucky Day Shelve..."

Melodie wrote: "I am still slogging through Where the Crawdads Sing. It is taking me forever. I really thought I'd sail right through it, but not so."